xliv EEPORTS OF DELEGATES. 



have a tendenc}^ to stimulate tlie planting of ornamental and forest 

 trees, which is now comparatively neglected. 



The Society's hall, whose imposing appearance next meets the 

 eye, is of a most substantial character, apparently adequate for the 

 large exhibitions, which seem to combine the products of the farm 

 and the garden, as well as the products of all branches of the pro- 

 ductive industry of the county. It would be impossible to particular- 

 ize the contributions that filled this immense building. 



The contributions in the vegetable department embraced a great 

 variety. The better class of garden-vegetables and roots grown for 

 feeding stock, were of especial merit. Cereals, although shown in 

 variety, did not appear to be a leading interest. 



In the fruit department, pears were most prominent ; manjr plates 

 were especially good, and of sorts at once recognized as the best of 

 their season. 



The unusual short crop of apples in this section prevented large 

 contributions, but those on exhibition were good varieties. Good 

 fruit is positive proof of good soil and cultivation. 



The display of grapes grown under glass and in open culture, 

 was of a high degree of excellence, comprising those best adapted 

 to this climate. Perhaps no fruit is more easil}^ grown, though it 

 requires skilful care and judicious thinning to bring the quality up 

 to the highest standard. The good cultivator of the grape feels a 

 tenderness for his vines and knows they will not tolerate neglect. 



The displays of peaches and plums were small ; disease and insects 

 render these fruits uncertain and unprofitable. 



Flowers and ornamental plants were unusually fine, and their 

 arrangement would have been creditable to any horticultural exhi- 

 bition. Of the manufactured articles prominent, were the lighter 

 and ornamental parts of the locomotive, contributed b}' the president 

 of the Society, denoting skill in workmanship and elegance of finish. 



The long tables of plated ware were of exquisite designs and finish, 

 and their just merits could onl}' be appreciated b}' the mechanical mind. 



The apiar}' was well represented, and the practical workings of the 

 bees shown in ingeniously constructed hives ; and a large and fine 

 display of hone}' (the honest article) made, in glass covers ; the 

 exhibition being liberally encouraged by the Societ3^ 



The large entries of bread, butter, preserves and articles of house- 

 hold manufacture were very creditable to the ladies of the Society ; 

 in short, the hall exhibition in all its departments was the finest that 

 your delegate has ever beheld. 



The cattle comprised a large number of both pure breeds and 

 grades ; the larger number being grades, which their owners seemed 

 to think adapted to their respective wants, as thej' depend upon the 



