Home Canning and Drying of Vegetables and Fruits

World War I

The War Department finds much satisfaction in the creation of War Gardens at Various army camps by the Conservation and Reclamation Division of the Quartermaster General's office. Food production at these camps has been the subject of some concern with the department. The large areas of tillable land within many of the military reservations have been regarded as offering potential food production on a large scale, and I feel that the army is to be congratulated that the utilization of this space has now taken concrete form.

Camp War Gardens will serve more than one useful purpose. The production of food at the mess door is of great importance in that it not only lessens the army's demand on the usual sources of supply but eliminates transportation as well.

To the National War Garden Commission I extend the thanks of the Department for its quick response to the appeal of the Quartermaster General's office for co-operation. Not confining itself to mere compliance with the letter of the request, the Commission entered fully into its spirit. At a time when funds were not available through Government channels the Commission voluntarily provided seed, fertilizers and equipment which made possible the establishment of a War Garden of 300 acres or more at Camp Dix. • For this generous contribution and for swift action to overcome the handicap of a late start I take pleasure in making this acknowledgment and in expressing the hope that the Camp Dix War Garden of the National War Garden Commission will prove an unqualified success.

National War Garden Commission

Library of Congress

1919