1863.] REPORT ON VEGETABLES. 71 



Tomatoes. — For the best twelve, to G. L. Hartshorn, of Worcester, for 



the variety "Lester," 1 00 



In regacd to the special premium for the largest and best colUection of Veg- 

 etables, entirely raised by boys not over sixteen years of age, the Committee 

 had, as in other cases, a difficult duty. They recommend a division of the 

 premium, and award to E. F. Champney, of Grafton, $5.00 ; to Charles 

 Hadwen, Jr., of Worcester, $5.00 ; to Charles Washburn, of Millbury, aged 

 six years, they recommend for his sixteen varieties a gratuity of $1.00. 



The Committee were surprised to find our friend Anthony Chase, of Worces- 

 ter, consenting to be recorded on our books as of secession proclivities. He 

 exhibited some Corn i-aised from seed from the farm of Ex-Governor Henry A. 

 Wise, of Virginia, planted on the first of June, and measuring twelve feet and 

 four inches. A rebellious growth so astonishing, in a Northern clime and under 

 the fostering care of such a man, can perhaps be justified by Mr. Chase, on 

 the score of independence of private opinion ; but this Society must keep its 

 skirts clear, and can by no possibility be responsible for him. We looked 

 anxiously for Deputy Provost Marshal Stone, but he was otherwise employed. 



Several other gentlemen exhibited nearly as tall Corn as Mr. Chase's, of 

 broom, sugar and edible varieties, hailing from various localities, in one 

 instance from the far Dacotah, but the Committee could find nothing rebellious 

 in it, though prompted to vigilance by Mr. Chase's wicked example. 



"Thus ever did rfebellion find rebuke." 



Had Mr. Chase known that Shakspeare was in close communion with the 

 Committee, possibly he would not have hazarded twelve feet and four inches of 

 a sin that " looks so giant-like." 



The collection of James T. Pike, of Worcester, seventeen years old, con- 

 sisting of eighteen varieties of Potatoes and twenty varieties of Beans, raised 

 by himself; and that of Silas Clapp, of Worcester, of twenty -three varieties, 

 are entitled to honoraVjle mention, but in their general merits were so nearly 

 alike, that the Committee did not decide between them, and the premiums they 

 were authorized to give were otherwise awarded. 



Charles Richardson, Charles Nash and Thomas H. Rice, all of Worcester, 

 and L. F. Smith, of Northbridge, exhibited valuable varieties, and other gen- 

 tlemen with a less number of articles. A volunteer friend, Mr. Gerry Valen- 

 tine, of Hammonton, N. J., produced two varieties, large Reds and White 

 Sweet Potatoes. 



In conclusion, the Committee remark, that in the necessary absence of some 

 of their number, the work has been performed by two of them, with the valu- 

 able aid of a gentleman impressed — Mr. Alexander Marsh, of Worcester ; and 

 that there is no dissentient opinion among them. 



Respectfully submitted, in behalf of the Committee, 



EDWIN CONANT, Chairman. 



WoRCE.STER, September 23, 1863. 



