138 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



If we are to regard the opinions of eminent physicians, the 

 onion is a great corrective and alterative of the human sys- 

 tem, when freely consumed, and is a preventive, as well as 

 remedy, for some affections of the kidneys, that are becoming 

 so alarmingly frequent among our active men of middle life. 

 The same influence upon the liver is attributed to the free 

 use of the tomato. Equally effective is the celery plant upon 

 the nervous system. 



But outside of any medicinal virtues which our common 

 vegetables may have, nearly all of which have been per- 

 verted by quacks and nostrum venders to strange uses, the 

 great questions of food and economy are the ones which 

 come nearest home. It is of no use to talk of the heart 

 aud the moral sense until the stomach is right. To have 

 that right, it must be well filled. If the farmers of New 

 England, and particularly those within the limits of this soci- 

 ety, are short of money, short of beef and pork, and cannot 

 see their way clear to grow more of those articles on their 

 farms, they must eat more and better vegetables. The list is 

 large, succulent and healthy. Judging from the specimens 

 before us, they can be grown successfully, not only for 

 summer, but for winter consumption ; and let our wives and 

 daughters wear one less plaited flounce, and devote a little 

 time to preparing them for winter use in the family. It is 

 pleasant to talk about the dignity of labor. It is pleasant 

 to think of removing the drudgery of work. It is pleasant to 

 know that farmers, aud their wives aud daughters, can go to 

 the Springs ; or the sea-side. Pick out and set aside all who 

 are actually able to do so, and a large, very large number 

 cannot do so. We must stay at home and work, work or 

 starve. We have so burdened ourselves with business and 

 superfluities, that a goodly portion of our vital forces are 

 expended in taking care of things, instead of procuring food 

 and raiment. We repeat, then, we must work. We might as 

 well accept the situation and, when spring opens, begin at the 

 garden, and let our tables groan, if need be, with the ful- 

 ness thereof. 



A. P. Peck, Chairman, 



