REPORTS OF DELEGATES. 263 



"under the industry and intelligence of her cultivators, are 

 suited to the growth of vegetables and of fruits, at least equal 

 to those of any territory of like extent which we have ever seen, 

 except in immediate proximity to the capital of the Common- 

 wealth. 



In the department of the dairy, also, the products excelled 

 in quality, much that we have elsewhere observed at similar 

 exhibitions. 



Among the few agricultural implements on exhibition we 

 observed a seed-sower, embracing some new principle in the 

 mode of distributing seed, which was the invention and con- 

 struction of a young man who has been, for many years, an 

 invalid and cripple, and was able to stand only on crutches, while 

 making this neat and useful machine. We understood that 

 this seed-sower had been successfully used ; and deem the fact of 

 its construction, under such circumstances, worthy of special 

 notice. We think it due to the young man himself, and that 

 it may encourage other unfortunate sufferers who, like him, 

 strive to keep alive the hope and purpose of usefulness, when 

 no longer able to engage in the ordinary occupations, or even 

 to share the common satisfactions of life. 



Specimens of art, ingenuity, skill and industry, in things 

 useful and ornamental, were tastefully arranged around the 

 room, and commanded much attention and admiration. Dec- 

 orations adorned the hall, which were appropriate and sig- 

 nificant in these times of civil commotion, and expressive at 

 once of the patriotism and the tender sensibilities of the 

 people. 



The principal feature of the occasion, — that most relied upon, 

 at least, — was the exhibition in the hall. The hall was lighted 

 during both evenings ; and the attractions of social intercourse 

 and of excellent music drew together the largest assemblies of the 

 people that could conveniently meet there. No formal address 

 was had, but occasional, brief speeches were interspersed with 

 music and conversation. In this way, the Nantucket Society 

 enjoys a pleasant annual meeting ; its funds are enlarged, and 

 the great interest which it aims to foster is sustained. 



We have spoken of the soil and climate of Nantucket as 

 particularly favorable to the growth of vegetables and fruits. 



