12 KEXNEBEC UNION SOCIETY. 



creased attention is given to planting and caring for trees, and 

 procuring choice varieties. The cultivation of small garden fruits 

 is rapidly extending, and at the present rate of advance every 

 owner of a few rods of land will soon be able to supply his table 

 with these wholesome luxuries from his own soil. 



There was a lamentable deficiency of agricultural implements 

 and other mechanical pi'oducts. Taking into the account our loca- 

 tion and the amount and variety of manufacturing carried on in the 

 immediate vicinity, it might be expected that this Society would 

 take the lead in the State. Our mechanics excuse themselves for 

 failing to contribute even their usual amount of the produce of 

 their labor, for the reason that there has been so great a demand 

 for them that they had "nothing on hand to contribute." 



The display of vegetables and seeds was an important feature of 

 the Show, though not exceeding, in amount, former occasions, the 

 variety was great, and the quality superior. 



The ladies were not backward in sending in their contributions. 

 The many substantial articles of household manufacture, the rich 

 specimens of needle work, painting, drawing, cone and shell work, 

 &c., was creditable to them, and gratifying to the members of the 

 Society and spectators, — minus the flowers and plants. 



I venture so far frona the beaten track as in this communication 

 to notice some of the obstacles to the success of this Society, and 

 which may be in a greater or less degree the experience of others, 

 which if removed, would give increased interest and value to agri- 

 cultural associations, and give an impetus to agricultural improve- 

 ment throughout the State. ^ 



The failure of farmers to give fall and explicit acc»unts of the 

 processes by which they have arrived at the results which they 

 exhibit at our Shows, and the benefits or disadvantages, profits or 

 losses attendant, is so common, that, in many instances, the state- 

 ments required by law do not contain a single valuable hint. 

 There are honorable exceptions — they are exceptions rather than 

 the rule. 



The failure of committees to notice in their reports other deserv- 

 ing objects than those on which they bestow premiums often sub- 

 jects them to the charge of partiality, and the Society to reproach. 

 If adjudging committees would bestow the premiums (without 

 favoritism) on the best articles, commend what is commendable in 

 others, and give reasons for their conclusions, their course would 



