VEGETABLE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. 61 



does not show any superiority for productiveness, and to the taste is more 

 acid. It has an unattractive, dull-green stalk, and does not, in the opinion 

 of your Committee, merit extended cultivation in this section of the country. 



The variety exhibited by Messrs. Barnes & Washburn, called the " Early 

 Prince Imperial," is, in all respects, the best flavored we have ever tested. 

 It invariably turns red in cooking, which makes it preferable for the table 

 as a sauce. The stalks are of medium size. We fully commend it for 

 extensive cultivation, as particularly adapted to the wants of the family, 

 if not to the wishes of the market gardener, to whom size and productive- 

 ness are more than flavor. 



As an esculent, the cultivation of Sea kale is very limited, though, when 

 well grown, it is considered one of the best, and, on good authority, one 

 of the most valuable additions to the list of culinary vegetables. In our 

 opinion it is one of the most delicious, for an early production ; and we 

 wish to see it oftener placed on our tables, and its cultivation for market 

 receive the attention it deserves. 



The Annual Exhibition must still be fresh in the minds of all who visited 

 the Music Hall, where there has rarely been seen a more magnificent dis- 

 play. The varieties were many, and the greatest perfection was noticed 

 among the root crops, that are now claiming so much attention in all parts 

 of the country. Comparing this with other seasons, we doubt if the quantity 

 and quality presented for examination have ever been exceeded. Taking 

 this into consideration, with the zeal manifested by contributors, it may be 

 considered one of the main features of the exhibition — for in this depart- 

 ment all felt at home, and familiar with most of the specimens contributed. 

 In the examination of fruits, there is much that attracts the eye by brilliant 

 coloring and size of specimens, and the names of varieties and their quali- 

 ties are so little studied and known, that they are little commented upon ; 

 but to the vegetable department all come with familiarity, and all delight 

 to discuss the merits of potatoes, squashes, carrots, beets, melons, &c. 



The collection of potatoes, exhibited by C. W. Gleason, received much 

 attention. Among the seedlings, some, by form and texture, claimed our 

 special notice, and from them we may expect additions of superior quality, 

 especially as Mr. Gleason has given much time and careful attention to 

 this department of agriculture. 



Since the introduction of the " Hubbard squash," by James J. H. Gregory, 

 it has been extensively cultivated in most of tlie States, and in every loca- 

 tion has become a favorite. It is well known in our markets, receiving the 

 highest praise from all that desire a fine squash for the table. We there- 

 fore recommend a special premium or gratuity to Mr. Gregory for this 

 valuable introduction. 



In taking leave of this subject, we wish to return our thanks to those 

 who have contributed so largely to our mutual benefit during the past 

 season, and to express the hope that the coming year will see the gardener's 

 labor crowned with equal success. The occupation is a noble one, and in 

 the highest degree worthy of the notice and the pursuit of the gentleman 

 and the farmer. It becomes us not to neglect these treasures of the vege- 



