xlii EEPOETS OF DELEGATES. 



sible for our Hingham fi'iends to raise sheep, when dogs are so 

 plenty, we cannot understand. 



Fowls were shown in large numbers and of excellent qualit3^ 

 There were geese, ducks and pigeons, in addition to hens and roosters 

 of every name, size and color, showing that this department has 

 certainly not been neglected. There were some forty premiums and 

 gratuities awarded for these birds. 



In the hall the show was fine. The vegetables were generally of 

 excellent qualit}'^, an improvement on what we have ever seen here 

 before. A great improvement has taken place in the raising of 

 vegetables within the past ten or fifteen years, all over the State, 

 and we are very glad to see it. Fresh vegetables are one of the bless- 

 ings to be enjoyed in the countr}^, and should be found upon the 

 table of every person. The town of Arlington takes the lead in 

 growing fine vegetables for Boston market, and doubtless will con- 

 tinue to do so for many j^ears to come, but the members of this 

 Society have certainly shown that they are able to raise vegetables 

 good enough for market or home use. 



There were also grains and garden-seeds shown for premium. 



The children's department, a peculiar feature here, attracted much 

 attention, and many of the contributions received premiums or 

 gratuities. 



The show of apples surprised us ver}^ much, for the 3'ear was an 

 off one for this fruit. There were no less than two hundred and 

 thirty-three dishes, of sixty varieties, b}^ fort3'-three contributors. 

 The fruit was smooth, handsome and good. 



The pears were good, but not superior ; some contributors 

 showing thirtj'-five, or more, varieties. 



There were grapes, both foreign and native, with peaches, quinces, 

 cranberries and other fruits, all making up a very good horticult- 

 ural show. 



There was a profusion of flowers, with floral designs, that spoke 

 well for the taste of the contributors. 



The butter could not be excelled in appearance, but of the quality 

 we were not permitted to know, as it was "hands off"" to all but 

 the judges. 



After the butter came the cheese. After the cheese the bread, 

 both white and brown, that looked good enough to eat with or with- 

 out the butter and cheese beside it. 



Six of the prizes for bread were awarded to unmarried ladies, all 

 of whom have shown themselves fit to become the wives of sensible 

 men who want good helpmeets. 



There were man}' pickles, preserves and jellies, good enough for 

 anybody, prepared by the fair hands of wives and daughters. 



