FRUITS AND FLOWERS. 411 



Having no funds to give as premiums, the small amount allowed 

 for gratuities was apportioned to the several contributors. 



What earthly employment is better calculated to gratify and 

 give zest to exertion than floral culture, so cheap and easy in 

 pursuit, and so healthful and beautiful in its results ? What 

 attraction would it give to the country to see the farm residences 

 decorated with nature's beautiful flowers, where now may be 

 mere waste and desolation ! How beautifully would this arrange- 

 ment harmonize with the peace and industry found within doors, 

 nor would it in any perceptible degree infringe on other duties. 

 With little attention and expense our town residences may be 

 ornamented with nature's beauties, and every home, by the most 

 natural associations, be made genial and happy. Nature, ever 

 bountiful, is ready to assist in carrying out any improvements that 

 may be suggested. Your Committee have only to repeat and 

 confirm the suggestions made in reports for the last few years, 

 to those who may be in need of information, to procure their 

 plants and seeds from those known to have the best varieties. 

 Who that reflects on the many evils consequent on man's mis- 

 employment, does not at times almost blush to be a man ; but 

 then again, who, viewing the high attainments to which he may 

 aspire, would be an oyster ? Cultivate, then, a tree or raise a 

 flower. 



William Ashley, Chairman. 



HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND HAMPDEN. 



Report of the Committee on Fruits. 



Your committee were much gratified with the exhibition of 

 the various fruits presented for public examination, more par- 

 ticularly with the fine display of apples. As one views such an 

 exhibition, he wonders why these fruits are not far more exten- 

 sively cultivated in our community. Where few individuals are 

 able to present many varieties of the choicest fruits, why may 

 not, and why should not, the number be increased ten, or even 

 a hundred fold ? For instance, why should so many of our 

 farmers remain contented with the growth on their farms, of so 

 poor apples, when, with a little industry, pains-taking, and 

 patience, they can raise apples of a superior size, and of the 



