Ill 



substances, as hay, leaves, straw, chips, siiavlngs, sawdust, and even 

 shells. The vast benefit of this operation will instantly be seen, when 

 we reflect that the food of plants is ahcays liquid; that their nutri- 

 ment is sucked up by the mouths of the little spongioles at the end 

 of the radicles or little roots, in the form of water that has absorbed 

 the nutritious elements of the soil ; and that when — as is apt to be 

 the case in our periodical New England droughts — the ground he- 

 comes parched, the trees not merely become dry, but are absolutely 

 starved ; — and thus mulching, by preventing the evaporation of the 

 moisture in which the food of plants is held in solution, keeps them 

 always well fed, prevents the fruit from being checked in its growth, 

 and so becoming stinted and knarly in its appearance, or falling 

 prematurely ; and, by affording a constant flow of sap, gives the 

 rejoicing cultivator an abundance of fair, large, and juicy fruit from 

 stalk, and bush, and vine, and tree. 



All which is respectfully submitted, by 



JAMES RICHARDSON, Jr., Chairman. 

 Bedham, Nov. 17, 1853. 



REPORT ON FLOWERS. 



The Coniuiittee notice, with satisfaction, the interest felt by this 

 community in the cultivation of flowers, attested by the present ex- 

 hibition. It indicates the growth of a pure taste, and of a delight in 

 simple pleasures. The culture of garden and house plants is a 

 healthy occupation, and a cheap enjoyment ; while the variety of 

 their forms, and the gradual development of their colors, the 

 mysteries of their birth and growth, offer instructive topics of con- 

 templation to the most cultivated understanding. 



We are gratified to know that so many of the flowers presented 

 for our inspection, have been trained by the hands of women ; for 

 there is no amusement more adapted to the position and character of 

 our wives, sisters, and daughters. It interferes little, if at all, with 

 their domestic pursuits, while it adds new charms and attractions to 

 their homes. 



