iv REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



wMcli is dry and well lighted. A handsome tower and a convenient 

 balcon}' on the second floor are a great addition to the appearance of 

 the building, and furnish a view of the entire grounds, near which 

 flow the placid waters of the Concord River. 



The officers of the Societ}', under the leadership of President John 

 Cummings, of Woburn, evidently intend to provide every conven- 

 ience and every suitable attraction for the use and enjoyment of the 

 people when they come up to their annual festival. A plan has 

 alread}^ been made for planting a large number of evergreen and 

 other ornamental trees, in such a manner as to produce the most 

 pleasing efl'ect to the e3'e, and at the same time furnish desirable 

 shade. The ground also is being continually^ improved and enriched, 

 so as to secure a smooth surface well covered with a vigorous 

 growth of grass, one of the most indispensable elements of a fine, 

 rural landscape. 



The weather was ver}' unfavorable until about noon on the 

 second da3', and this, of course, largely reduced the attendance and 

 the receipts. Nevertheless, several thousand spectators were assem- 

 bled to witness the trotting, and a large number were present at the 

 dinner which was served in the upper hall. The arrangements for 

 this very important feature of the fair were most admirable. The 

 tables were laid with an evident regard to appearance, and the food 

 was well selected and well served. The quietness and order were 

 such as would be expected in a private house, and are rarel}' ob- 

 served on public occasions. After dinner, interesting addresses 

 were made by President Cummings, Professor Agassiz, Ex-Governor 

 Claflin, Hon. E. R. Hoar and others. 



The articles in the lower hall were numerous, in nearly all depart- 

 ments, and were arranged in such a manner as to be convenient for 

 inspection, and at the same time present a pleasing and effective 

 appearance. 



The vegetables were remarkable both for the excellence of the 

 specimens and the distinctness of the varieties shown. The fruit 

 was good, especially' the pears and the grapes. Hon. E. W. Bull, 

 the originator of the most valuable variety yet produced in this 

 country- — the Concord — exhibited a large number of seedlings, which 

 he believes to be well worth}' of cultivation. Captain J. B. Moore 

 also was a large contributor of seedling-grapes, many of which cer- 

 tainly possess great merit. 



Through the liberality of President Cummings, large premiums 

 were offered for collections of wild and cultivated flowers and speci- 

 men plants in pots. The show avus beautiful, but the finest plants 

 were from the houses of the officers of the Society, showing that they 

 practice as they preach. 



