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f j I I I ■ : • i ; SARATOGA A BEAUTY SPOT; R. T. Wilson Says Spa Course Is "Most Beautiful Racing Plant in the World." P.r C. J. FITZGERALD. NEW YORK. N. Y., Juno 17.— It is a question whether R. T. Wilson lakes a keener pride in his fine three-year-old Pillory, winner of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, or the Saratoga race course, which he pronounced after a recetu inspection "The most beautiful racing plant in the world." Nature has done a lot for tlv Saratoga course, but since the formation of the Saratoga Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses, of which Mr. Wilson is president, the art of the landscape gardener lias been employed in marftng it a region of rare beauty. "The public will find our property improved even over last year." said Mr. Wilson yesterday. "At that time visitors praised its beauty and completeness. They will find new attractions this year, now that the work has been practically finished. We have spent a lot of money, but there will be a i j return for every dollar in the appreciation j i of the efforts we are making to furnish high-class j snort in an unusual setting. It Is two | ! years since Wadley and Smyth* began the! work of tree moving and planting. In that period hundreds of fine elms have been transplanted. Some dot the infield, Others are in the region of tiie clubhouse and paddock, as well as along the new road from I Union avenue to the clubhouse. This latter improvement has been inaugurated since last year and must be seen to be appreciated. Last year when Lincoln avenue was closed! j and the trolley diverted to Union avenue ; there wasnt sufficient time to obliterate the old thoroughfare. Now it Is impossible to | tell whether a street had ever intersected I tiie property. It is all one solid stretch cf j greensward from the clubhouse to Union avenue, and whether viewed from the in-closure, grandstand or paddock the effect i3 one of rare loveliness. Many fine trees, shrubs and flowers have been installed in transforming v. hat was a barren space when we acquired it into one of the most attractive parts of our property. The space between the sidewalk on Union avenue and the trolley has also been beautified and now harmonizes with the surroundings. "It is gratifying to see the interest Sara-togans are taking in the course, which they regard as a show place. They have in it a lovely park maintained in the highest state of development and open to visitors except during the month of August. The public is only barred during the afternoons of that period. "We look for a big meeting this year — one of the best we have ever had. The number and quality of our stake entries warrant us in this belief. Applications for stabling are coming in constantly and that is a guide to prosperity also. The sickness which prevailed during the early spring and which, has kept many of the best horses, especially in the two and three-year-old division, away from the post will work to our advantage. The epidemic has about spent itself, and the afflicted ones should be ready to fill their engagements with us. This will make for greater interest in the sport. Saratoga is the natural meeting place for East and West. It is common ground and the rivalries engen-: dered there while keen are sportsmanlike. "The yearling sales, which are a feature at Saratoga," said Mr. Wilson in concluding, "are educational and breeders from every part of the United States and Canada find lasting benefits in the opportunities they afford to study family and type."
