REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLES. 113 



May 27. — To John B. Moore, for four bunches of superb aspara- 

 gus, weighing upwards of two pounds per bunch (of twelve stalks), 

 Mr. Moore still keeps the lead in asparagus-growing, and continues 

 to e.Yhibit this fine vegetable in unsurpassed excellence. 



The contributions from all the above-named persons contained 

 very choice specimens of the different varieties of vegetables usu- 

 ally grown under glass at this season, and which we rarely see 

 equalled. At the opening exhibition (which occurred June 3), 

 this department was fully represented by all the various vegetable 

 productions incident to the season. The weekly exhibitions dur- 

 ing the year have been good : the quality of the different collec- 

 tions offered for competition has, in the oj)inion of your Commit- 

 tee, never been excelled. 



Among the chief objects of interest at these exhibitions were the 

 neatly-arranged cases of insects injurious to vegetables, contributed 

 by Mr. Philip S. Sprague of Boston. 



It must be apparent to every observing cultivator, that insects 

 which are injurious to vegetation are rapidly on the increase. 

 Their depredations are becoming so numerous, that, unless efficient 

 remedies are soon discovered, the cultivation of some of our most 

 valued garden-vegetables will have to be abandoned. A more fa- 

 miliar acquaintance with them in all their various changes and dis- 

 guises will afford us much assistance, and enable us to know how 

 to apply the proper remedies for their destruction. The facilities 

 afforded those interested to study the character and habits of the 

 cabbage-worm (" Pieris rapoe SchranJc-JEurope ") by this exhibi- 

 tion of Mr. S Prague's were of vital interest to many of the mem- 

 bers of this Society, as it enabled them, at a glance, to become 

 familiar with this pest, note its peculiar habits, and view in detail 

 all its various changes and transformations, from the tiny e<^^ to 

 the perfect insect. Each case contained a written description of 

 its contents, together with the most efficient means (so far as 

 known) for checking their ravages. We understand it to be the 

 intention of Mr. Sprague, the coming season, to continue his inter- 

 esting labors on this subject, and collect and arrange, for the bene- 

 fit of the Society, other insect enemies which are known to prey 

 upon the various crops of the fruit and vegetable garden ; with such 

 notes on the character and peculiarities of each as will render their 

 study one of interest and instruction to the horticulturist. 



This is an enterprise particularly important to all who are inter- 

 ested in horticultural pursuits ; and, in the opinion of your Com- 

 mittee, should receive the encouragement of the Society. 



