466 Exhibitions of Horticultural Societies. 



gether more excellent and abundant than could have been anticipated, 

 considering the unt'avorableness of the season for some weeks previous. 

 The weather during njost of the week was very unpropitious, yet the 

 result of the exhibition and sales may be considered as highly encour- 

 aging, and should induce a more vigorous and energetic course of ac- 

 tion on the part of the Society, that the skill and industry of the culti- 

 vator may receive the merited reward. The spirit of emulation which 

 has been excited by the efforts of the Society, and which has before been 

 principally confined to the city, has now become extended, and in active 

 operation in the neighboring towns; and a rivalry which promises a mu- 

 tual benefit both to the producer and the consumer, ought not to be per- 

 mitted to languish for the want of a proper stimulant. 



The funds of the Society, although upon the increase, are not yet 

 sufficient to be distributed with that liberality which would be desirable, 

 but it will be seen that a much larger sum has been appropriated this 

 year, than at any former period, for premiums, amounting to nearly 

 double the sum offered. The expediency of offering premiums on sev- 

 eral of the best cultivated gardens, for the next season, has also been 

 suggested, and is here mentioned for consideration merely. 



Every thing presented, worthy of notice, is believed to be embraced 

 in the proceedings of the committee as given below, which will certain- 

 ly be pronounced sufficient in quantity: but if any thing has been inad- 

 vertently omitted, it may be a sufficient apology to state, that the inten- 

 tions of the Society have, from the beginning, been somewhat paralyzed 

 by a plentiful lacking of that individual and personal assistance which 

 can never be obtained for hire. The recent accession of members to the 

 Society will probably remedy the evil for the future. 



To the ladies, whose very efficient and tasteful assistance was so 

 successfully and untiringly manifested through the protracted term of 

 the Fair, the Managers respectfully tender their thanks in behalf of the 

 Society — and beg leave to add the hope, that with others whose gene- 

 rous contributions aided so materially in the decoration of the Hall, 

 they will strengthen their hands and increase their numbers preparato- 

 ry to the operations of another season. To any one who has reflected 

 upon the subject, it must be apparent that the success of the Society 

 has hitherto, and must, in a great degree, continue to depend upon the 

 favor with which these fairs are received by the public; and the floral de- 

 ])artment opens a field peculiarly appropriate for the exertion of female 

 taste and talent, and richly merits the attention of every cultivated mind 

 as a source of rational enjo^'ment. 



Flowers and fruits: — The contributions of flowers and fruits were as 

 follows: — 



A beautiful varietv of green-house plants from Miss E. L. Gerry, 

 and Mr. C. U. Shepherd. ' 



The seedling pears which were presented by Gov. Edwards, are wor- 

 thy of note; of these the Emily is one of the best pears we have met 

 wirh, nearly equal to the Vergouleuse, but a much larger pear. The 

 John is inferior to the Emily, although a good pear and fine flavor. 

 The cantelope, another, is inferior to both these, but well worthy of 

 cultivation. These pears, wc think, are sufficient inducement to others 

 to follow the example of Gov. Edwards, in raising new varieties from 

 sec<ls. The Punderson jtear, presented by Dr. Ives, a seedling from 

 the Jonah pear, is worthy of cultivation, being much earlier and supe- 

 rior. 



The quality of peaches grown in our vicinity is rather inferior. The 

 finest exhibited, were from the srarden of Prof. Slie];hcrd. The epi- 

 demic disease, that has for years past destroyed the trees and discourag- 

 ed the cultivators, we are inclined to think has, in a measure, passed by, 



