56 TRANSACTIONS. &.c. 



costly petunias and verbenas, and a few other (lowers, not easily to 

 be procured, the flowers were of the kinds cultivated with difficulty 

 and great cost, by artificial heat. The space occupied by the de- 

 partment of fruit and vegetables in this extent of 1300 feet of tent, 

 was not, in my opinion, larger than one of the tables of this hall, 

 not more than seventy feet. I am glad to say, this estimate is con- 

 firmed by the judgment of a friend and townsman, now present, who 

 was with me at Cheltenham. There was but one "plate of peaches, 

 which were large and beautiful, raised by artificial heat, such as in 

 the month of May were sold in the London market at 10s sterling, 

 or about $'2.50 for each peach. And in July the price was reduced 

 to 40s sterlmg, or about $10.00, per dozen. The peaches of Eng- 

 land are magnificent in size and color, but they have not the rich- 

 ness and flavor of the New England peach. I do not remember any 

 pears at that show, and I saw few in England. The season was said 

 to be unproductive for that crop. The apples were few and inferior. 

 Without attempting a full enumeration, I will say a word of the 

 Strawberries, Grapes, Nectarines, and Pine Apples, which are the best 

 fruits of the country. The Strawberries were of astonishing size, and 

 the best kinds were more richly flavored than ours, and they are ex- 

 pensive. The Grapes were large and good, and raised under glass. 

 The Nectarines were large and delicious, and were sold in July for 

 40s sterling, or about $10.00, per dozen. '1 he Pine Apples were 

 very superior in size and flavor, to those imported into this country, 

 and such as were soltl in July, in London Market, at 8s sterling, or 

 about S*2.00 per pound. There was but one plate of tomatoes, and 

 this, in midsummer, though an excellent specimen, was not better 

 than the box which our Vice President. John C. Whitin, Esq., of 

 Northbridge, sent to me, and I exhibited extensively to the members 

 of this Society, in February last. The result of the proposed com- 

 parison may thus be distinctly stated. The English Exhibition was a 

 display of rare luxuries, wliich like the privileges of the favored 

 classes in England, are not within the reach of the great body of the 

 people. While the articles of our collection, like the civil and social 

 advantages of our country, are withheld by no artificial impediment or 

 disability, from any citizen who will make the necessary effort to ob- 

 tain them. 



The Society then voted that the Address of the President should 

 be printed with the Transactions. 



