16 Report of Committees. 



early vegetables was put in good condition and second crops were 

 nearly ready for use. It is really surprising how large an amount 

 of vegetables can be obtained from a small of area of land, properly 

 cultivated. 



Each flower garden contained a good variety of seedlings and 

 house-plants, many of the latter being choice. This might very 

 properly be termed "Geranium Year," as these plants afforded a 

 perfect blaze of brilliant hues and a profusion of blossoms. We 

 would urge an increase in flower gardens, because of acknowledged 

 sanitary effects as well as for aesthetic purposes. That "a thing of 

 beauty is a joy forever," is proven in the cultivation of flowers. Also 

 is evinced a certain refinement and elevated nature in the cultiva- 

 tor. A love of the beautiful leads on and on to higher aspira- 

 tions and attainments. Wondrous truths are written in the bright 

 flowerets, which revealed to us yield softeniug influences and mould 

 our thoughts, our lives to nobler forms and purposes. 



"In all places, then, and in all seasons, 

 Flowers expand their light and soul-like wings, 



Teaching us, by most persuasive reasons, 

 How akin they are to human things." 



•'And with child-like credulous affection, 



We behold the tender bud expand ; 

 Emblems of our own great resurrection, 



Emblems of the bright and better land. " 



After careful consideration and comparison we make the following 

 awards : 



For best Vegetable Garden by professional or hired gardener, M. L. Whitlock. 



Great Bai-rington, $5 



2nd do.. Master Harry Quackenboss. Great Barrington, 4 



3d do., J. M. Mackie, Great Barrington, 3 



For best Vegetable Garden by competitor, not professional, F« O.Andrus. 



Sheffield, 5 



2d do., E. Manville, Great Barrington, 4 



3d do., Elisha Collins, Great Barrington, 3 



4th do., Mrs. D. S. Busby, Monterey, 2 



5th do., H. T. Candee, Sheffield. 1 



DISCRETION ART . 



Ralph Little, Sheffield, 1 



T. G. Ramsdell, Housatonic, 1 



For best Flower Garden by professional or hired gardener, M. W. Strong, 



Egremont, 4 



2d do., H. T. Bobbins, Great Barrington, 2 



For best Flower Garden cared for entirely by competitor, not professional, 



Mrs. Isaac H. Rice. Great Barrington, 5 



2d do., Mrs. F. G. Prindle, Alford, 4 



3d do., Master Harry Quackenboss, Great Barrington, • 3 



4th do., Mrs. H. Tripp, Sheffield, 2 



5th do., Mrs. G. W. Lester, Great Barring ton, 1 



DISCRETIONARY. 



Mrs. FredDellert, Great Barrington, 1 



Committee.— W. W. Norton, Mrs. Mary E. Cowles, Miss Cora A. Potts. 



