310 MASSACHUSETTS HOET [CULTURAL SOCIETY. 



variety. At the Clirysauthemum show the first prize for celery 

 was won by George Hill, with the Arliugtou. So numerous and so 

 excellent, and in some cases so closely matched in size, beauty, 

 and quality, have been the specimens exhibited in competition for 

 the prizes, that more than once the Committee have been some- 

 what embarrassed in deciding on the awards. They have, how- 

 ever, strenuously endeavored in all cases to do the most exact 

 justice to the different competitors ; and if they have failed in this 

 respect it has been through error of judgment. 



One of the leading attractions at the Annual Exhibition was a 

 new Seedling Potato, grown and exhibited by Albert Bresee of 

 Hubbardton, Vermont, the originator of the Early Rose and other 

 valuable varieties. This was the first time he has ever shown it, 

 and it has not yet been named. There were fifty-two dishes of 

 potatoes on exhibition, but this seedling of Mr. Bresee exceeded 

 them all in beauty and general appearance, and was much admired. 

 The Committee, with others, — among them Hon. Marshall P. 

 .Wilder, — had an opportunity of testing its quality, and Mr. 

 AVilder's verdict was, " good enough" : — in which all the members 

 of the Committee coincide. As an example of the interest mani- 

 fested by the visiting public with regard to this new seedling, and 

 to show the confidence with which its value was inferred from its 

 appearance, it may be of interest to state that an offer of fifty dollars 

 was made to Mr. Bresee (in the presence of the Chan-man), for the 

 twelve specimens on exhibition, which was increased to one hundred 

 dollars after a test of their quality. The offer was not accepted. 

 This variety will be on exhibition agarii next season, when a more 

 extended report will be in order, if upon further trial it shall be 

 found up to the standard which its originator expects it to reach. 

 Mr. Bresee will enter it for the Prospective Prize, if it fills the bill. 



The annexed list shows the amount awarded in prizes and 

 gratuities for the past season to be $750, leaving an unexpended 

 balance of 880. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



For the Committee, 



C. N. BRACKETT, Chairman. 



