REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLES. 287 



drained. He becomes in a degree independent of extremes ; to 

 him all seasons are good, the adverse season often proving the 

 most profitable because of the enhanced price he is able to obtain 

 for his crops. 



In the field or garden it is possible by draining and deep culti- 

 vation, to modify the injurious effects resulting either from excess 

 or deficiency of water. By its withdrawal at certain seasons and 

 freer application at others, we can induce ditterent developments, 

 and hasten or retard the maturity of crops at will. 



Seeing that water is not only a most important agent in vegeta- 

 tion, but one more under subjection than any other, it is evident 

 that by its skilful application in times of drought, we can in a 

 great measure control and regulate the growth of plants. Light, 

 heat, and air, it is true, are also essential agents, and their 

 cooperation is indispensable ; but over the first of these we have 

 no control, and the other two are under subjection only in artificial 

 atmospheres under glass. 



In seasons like the past the possession of this controlling infiu- 

 ence given by the command of an abundant water supply is 

 practically of great importance to the market gardener, some of 

 the more enterprising of whom are so well aware of this fact, that 

 they have provided themselves with it at considerable expense ; 

 and are satisfied that they are well paid for the trouble. 



We noticed among our contributors at the weekly exhibitions, a 

 few who have availed themselves of this agent, who were therel)y 

 enabled to place on exhibition during the dry season, specimens of 

 different varieties of vegetables, which for size, beauty, and fresh- 

 ness of appearance, could not be surpassed in the most favorable 

 season. It is hardly necessary to add that they also captured 

 most of the first prizes. 



Although the past year was so unfavorable, the displa3-s seen 

 on our tables have been good, doing even more credit to the skil- 

 ful grower than in seasons much more propitious foi' the produc- 

 tion of good vegetables. It is when adverse influences are 

 encountered, that the real merits of the skilful cultivator are seen. 



The show of forced vegetables has been an improvement over 

 the previous year, both as regards the number of competitors and 

 the quality of exhibits. The raising of vegetables under glass 

 appears to be, year by year, becoming more and more an object 

 of interest and profit to the market gardener. New contributors 



