FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. 411 



pericarp or receptacle of the seed, some the leaf, some the 

 bleached leaf stalk, some the matured bud, and others the root ; 

 nearly every part of the plant is represented, in one or the 

 other of the above-named varieties, and is used for culinary 

 purposes. Various modes of treatment are requisite, to bring 

 to a high state of perfection the development of that particu- 

 lar part, for which the respective variety is cultivated. It is 

 incumbent upon all societies, having for their object the im- 

 provement of the soil, to diffuse the necessary information, and 

 to excite a spirit of research and inquiry in the community, 

 more especially the agricultural portion, respecting this impor- 

 tant subject. 



The number of contributors to this department was fifty- 

 two, as follows : From Lawrence, nineteen ; Methuen, twelve ; 

 Andover, eleven ; Danvers, t'WO ; Haverhill, Topsfield, Middle- 

 ton, Lynn, Lynnfield, Beverly, Marblehead, and Salem, one 

 each. 



It will be perceived from the above, that the greatest num- 

 ber of the contributors were from Lawrence, or its immediate 

 vicinity — very few from the other sections of the county. The 

 unpleasant condition of the weather during the first day of the 

 exhibition, undoubtedly, prevented many, more especially those 

 residing at a distance, from sending contributions. 



Your committee were highly gratified with the fine accom- 

 modations furnished for the display of the various specimens. 

 The additional amount placed at their disposal to be awarded 

 in gratuities, exerted a favorable influence towards increasing 

 an interest in this department of the exhibition. They recom- 

 mend that an additional amount be appropriated the- next sea. 

 son, and that the society in future encourage, with a high degree 

 of liberality, this branch of agriculture, so important to the 

 interests of this county. They sincerely trust, that in future, 

 contributions will be received from all sections of the county,, 

 and not be confined, as it frequently happens, to the immediate 

 vicinity of the place where the exhibition is held. They re- 

 spectfully request all cultivators of the county, to visit the 

 exhibition the next season, to bring specimens of all their pro- 

 ducts, and those who cannot attend personally, to send the 

 same by one of their neighbors. It is not necessary to bring 



