104 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



graceful and airy-like bouquets, not in the balmy days of 

 summer, but when the northern blast is howling in its might, 

 — to such a degree of success has this art been carried. That 

 it is a widely extending, a most worthy, most fascinating, and 

 a fairly profitable pursuit, is evidenced by the rapid advance 

 which is seen in the vicinity of our large towns. And as 

 furnishing healthful and delightful employment for the leisure 

 winter months, it is worthy of all commendation. Hence- 

 forth, in addition to the stimulating air of our northern 

 latitude, we may have the luxurious beauty and fruitfulness 

 of the tropics. 



Col. Wilder. I have no doubt that the large audience 

 have been interested in the lecture by Mr. Strong, especially 

 that portion of them who have had any experience in the use 

 of glass for forwarding our crops in this rigorous climate. 

 For one, I feel extremely obliged to Mr. Strong, not only for 

 the service he has rendered, but for the faithful, practical 

 attention which he has given during a long course of years to 

 this subject ; and his suggestions, I may say, are the result of 

 the most careful examination. His method of heating in the 

 most economical way is one worthy of examination. His 

 structure of glass on the side of a hill, as some of us have 

 witnessed, and as any one can witness, is a wonder in our 

 northern climate, giving us summer in winter, and producing 

 any crop that is desired, either for the gratification of the 

 sight, or of the palate. I rise merely to commend the subject 

 to the attention of our farmers, not only for the gratifica- 

 tion that will arise from this work, but for the profit which 

 will result, managed as he has told you it can be managed. 



I notice an ex-President of the Horticultural Society here, 

 who is familiar with this subject, and I hope that Mr. Hyde, 

 and some other gentlemen, will give us their views in regard 

 to it. 



Hon. J. F. C. Hyde, of Newton. I would not venture to 

 speak upon this subject at all, except that Mr. Strong has 

 made mention of the house of Mr. Morse. I have visited his 

 house several times. It is principally devoted to the growing 

 of lettuce for the Boston and New York markets. It may not 

 be known to all of you that Boston supplies New York with 



