REPOET OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS. " 341 



The island contains one hundred and fifty acres, of which one 

 hundred are under cultivation, a large part of the work being done 

 by the boys, who thus acquire a practical knowledge of husbandry. 

 In the school the studies taught are reading, spelling, writing, 

 written and mental arithmetic, geography, grammar, history, etc. 

 Vocal and instrumental music are also taught, and carpenters' 

 tools, a small forge, and a printing press with the necessary out- 

 fit, have ])een provided, and everything is done to make the 

 boys a credit to the institution and themselves when they go out 

 into the world. 



The evidence of thorough training and good care of the boys 

 is found in the fact that the Superintendent says, "Wherever we 

 send our boys others are wanted, and the demand in late years 

 has been greater than the supply." In justice to the institution, 

 one thing should be mentioned : — it is not a penal or pauper 

 establishment. 



Thompson's Island, on which it is placed, is four miles down 

 the harbor, and has proved a very healthy spot. We were 

 surprised to see such an excellent growth of evergreen and decidu- 

 ous trees, as well as a very fine orchard of pears and apples. 

 We are greatly indebted to the excellent and justly respected 

 Superintendent, Mr. William A. Morse, for his invitation to visit 

 the Farm and School, and for the kind attentions which made the 

 visit so pleasant. We take great pleasure in calling the attention 

 of all to the good work done there, and sincerely wish that all the 

 members of the Society may take the opportunity when offered 

 to go and see for themselves. 



In closing this Report, the Committee desire to call attention to 

 the changes in the Schedule of Prizes, which they find it necessary 

 to recommend in view of another season ; and they sincerely hope 

 for the cooperation of the members of the vSociety in encouraging 

 those who they know are adopting specialties in the lines for which 

 the prizes are offered, to compete for the same. They will be 

 glad to visit any place, or to note any object of horticultural 

 interest, whether coming within the scope of the prizes or not. 

 They also ask attention to the Hunnewell Triennial Premiums, and 

 hope that competitors for them may soon appear. The Committee 

 would be grateful for any suggestions that may tend to advance 

 the ol)jects for which it is appointed. 



