1867.] REPORT ON PEARS. 17 



Before proceeding to the more important duty committed to tbeir charge, that 

 of awarding premiums, your Committee take occasion to congratulate the So- 

 ciety upon the undiminished interest manifested by those engaged in the cul- 

 ture of Pears, in its annual exhibitions. 



When we take into consideration the very un propitious weather for fruit 

 growing for which the past season has been so remarkable, and the fears which 

 at one time were entertained by many, that the pear crop would prove a failure, 

 it is with peculiar satisfaction that your Committee are able formally to declare 

 what must have already come under the observation of those who have inspected 

 the tables ; that in variety, extent and excellence of fruit, the display of pears 

 this year would compare favorably with the exhibitions of former years. 



The whole number of contributors is sixty three, and the number of speci- 

 mens six hundred and fourteen. This is an increase over last year, of eleven 

 in the number of coutributors,'aud of one hundred and sixty-nine in the num- 

 ber of specimens. 



In the opinion of your Committee, the increased interest in the exhibition of 

 the present year, indicated by the above comparison is largely due to the influ- 

 ence of the weekly meetings of the members, keeping alive that spirit of emula- 

 tion, local pride, and public enterprise, so essential to the permanent success of 

 the important work in which your^society is engaged. 



The untiring efforts and self-sacrificing labors of your faithful Secretary, have 

 done much to encourage and sustain these meetings. 



It would be but a repetition of what has often been urged upon your attention 

 if we should in this connection speak of the great importance and value of the 

 pear culture. That it is a source of luxury ; none will deny, that it is also a 

 source of pecuniary profit, when pursued with care and skill, is also susceptible 

 of the clearest demonstration. 



It is to be hoped that all the Members of the Society will be stimulated by 

 the example of their associates, whose contributions to this department have 

 done so much to give character and interest to the present fair, and that the 

 return of another Anniversary will show a large increase in the number of Con- 

 tributors to this important feature of our Horticultural Exhibition. 



Your Committee recommend the award of the following premiums : 



For the largest and best collection, of not less than three specimens 



of each variety, the first premium to D.Waldo Lincoln, SlO 00 



For the best twenty varieties of twelve specimens each, to Benjamin 



Butman, 10 00 



For the second best, to Stephen S. Foster, 9 00 



For the best fifteen varieties of twelve specimens each, to J. C. 



Ripley, 8 00 



For the second best, to Samuel V.Stone, 6 00 



For the best ten varieties of twelve specimens each, to CTCorge T. 



Rice, 6 00 



For the second best, to Geo. Jaques, 4 00 



