ESSEX SOCIETY. 101 



The originators of this novel and interesting exhibition de- 

 serve the thanks of the community, for a beautiful show of the 

 various kinds of fowls. The public, generally, were surprised 

 at the variety of birds exhibited, and the manifest improvement 

 which has, within a few years past, taken place in their breed- 

 ing. We trust that there will be a similar exhibition, the next, 

 and each succeeding year ; it awakens and keeps alive an in- 

 terest in the subject, stimulates a laudable ambition, and pro- 

 duces a competition, which will be productive of highly bene- 

 ficial results. 



In conclusion, the committee beg leave again to express their 

 gratification, at the fine exhibition of poultry, at the meeting 

 of the society, this year, and to hope that, in future, a still 

 deeper interest may be maniffested in the subject. The study 

 of animated nature is one of intense interest, to an inquiring 

 mind ; and although the rearing of a few hens and chickens 

 may, to some persons, seem a trifling occupation, yet when it 

 is considered that, in the United States, more than twelve mil- 

 lions of dollars are invested in poultry alone, the subject as- 

 sumes an importance, deserving the attention of the whole 

 agricultural community. 



JOHN PICKERING, Chairman, 



On Essays. 



The committee have received but two. Notice of two oth- 

 ers was given to the Secretary, but they did not come to hand 

 in season to be examined. Those received, relate to maize, or 

 Indian Corn; one to its origin and history, the other to its 

 culture. Unlike entirely in character, both have been perused 

 with interest. In our opinion, both will be found worthy of 

 publication ; and the payment of the premium of ten dollars, 

 to each of the authors, is recommended. 



The essay on the origin and history of maize, is prepared 

 with much care and ability, and presents a well digested argu- 

 ment in favor of the American origin of this plant. We read 

 this paper with astonishment and delight. The authorities 



