284 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Ill cacli of 1:1336 several groupings we likewise observe a 

 great diversity, not only in form, but in size and coloring: thus 

 in the gourd or squash family are presented the small egg bquas-h, 

 of light color, resembling very much a largo egg, and weighing 

 only a few ounces, and the mammoth specimens, wliich weigh 

 some one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds ; some are 

 round, otliers oval; eome are crook-necked, and others are 

 long and slender, not unlike a snake. The tomatoes also differ 

 much, not only in color, but in form and size. The same may 

 be observed in ail tlie other groups, but not perhaps to the same 

 extent as noticed in the above. 



The object of these exhibitions is not merely to gratify the 

 eye, and to get up a pretty show to look at and to admire, but 

 to afibrd an opportunity for all, especially the agricultural por- 

 tion of the community, to observe what has been accomplished 

 by others, that they may be induced to go and do likewise, so 

 far as it may be expedient. 



No one can witness an exhibition of this character without 

 reflecting upon the infinite variety of means which has been 

 furnished by a kind and beneHcent Providence to administer to 

 our wants and comforts. 



The attention given to tliis culture is confined principally to 

 a few market gardeners in the immediate vicinity of the lai-ger 

 towns, and to amateurs who devote only a portion of the time 

 which is snatched from other occupations. By this latter class 

 it is considered as an amusement or relaxation from more ar- 

 duous duties, and at the same time conducive to health. 



The farmer does not look with much favor upon this employ- 

 ment. He considers that his attention must be given mainly 

 to the cultivation of what he calls the standard crops, and that 

 his time ought not to be frittered away in looking after a kitch- 

 en garden and such trivial pursuits. Little does he consider 

 how much profit he can make ; how many luxuries and comforts 

 he may contribute to his family ; how much he may improve 

 the grounds about his dwelling — not only to please the eye, but 

 greatly to increase the purse — by devoting a small portion of 

 time and labor in converting the waste, and perhaps worse than 

 useless land about the home:-tcad, long encumbered with scat- 

 tered logs of wood, old sleds, wagons, and the like, into a gar- 

 den, where can be grown varieties of vegetables and fruits, also 



