APPENDIX. v 



gardening districts. The exhibition of fruits, flowers and vegetables 

 was not only the best we have ever seen in the State, but some of 

 the single specimens we have never seen surpassed. There was 

 evidence of great results already reached, and of continued efforts for 

 improvement. We shall always remember the immense cauliflowers ex- 

 hibited by our friend Moore ; and the collection of vegetables b} r Presi- 

 dent Cummings was superb, both as to size and perfection of form. 



It was pleasant to see our old friend Bull moving around among 

 the grapes, growing enthusiastic again over the possibilities of new 

 seedlfeigs, descendants of his famous " Concord." The display of 

 flowers, ferns and other ornamental plants, was a source of delight 

 to every lover of the beautiful. Here, it was plain, that our friend 

 Moore labors to charm the eye as well as to gratify the palate. We 

 were also glad to see that our native plants had an honored place 

 among the more showy exotics. "What flowers can ever take the 

 place, to a real lover of nature, of those simple " wildlings " that 

 adorn our road-sides, meadows and woodlands, from the time the 

 Hepatica rejoices us in spring till the Witch-hazel mingles its falling 

 petals with the early snows ! 



We noticed a large number of those pieces of work that are 

 curious, — some that fairly made the eyes and hands ache at the 

 thought of the patient labor they must have required. We are a 

 great stickler for " utilization " of labor, and we hold that the really 

 beautiful object is useful in the highest sense. But when it comes 

 to writing the Lord's prayer on a three-cent piece, or making a bed- 

 cover of 3,000 pieces, no better than one made of two pieces, cutting 

 a chain of many links out of a pine stick, or making imitations of 

 flowers by cutting beets and carrots into the form of dahlias and 

 roses, — we doubt the utility of such work, and can only commend it 

 in the case of invalids, who find in it a relief from suffering ; or in 

 the case of unfortunate prisoners, who have nothing else to do. 



The second day was more propitious, so that the grounds could 

 be examined. The show of milch cows was fair. 



At noon, there was a grand rail}' in the dining-hall ; and after the 

 ample dinner was discussed, your delegate was called upon, without 

 previous notice, for a speech ! He spoke just long enough to enable 

 Senator Boutwell and Secretary Flint to arrange their thoughts, so 

 that we had two good speeches from them. 



But no speaker can draw against a trotting horse ! So the meet- 

 ing was adjourned to the " course " ; and your delegate was compelled 

 to leave, satisfied that the exhibition answered the end for which it 

 was established, and gratified with his cordial welcome there. 



P. A. ClIADBOURNE. 



