VEGETABLES. 425 



of our vegetables may be improved in quality and quantity, and 

 made to ripen earlier, particularly those that arc raised from 

 the Beed by a proper selection of seed gathered from the 

 healthiest and most advanced plants. 



The number of contributors to this department was sixty- 

 eight, as follows: From Lawrence and Methucn eighteen each; 

 Andovcr. eleven; Haverhill, five ; Danvers, four ; Georgetown, 

 three ; Beverly, Marblehead, and Topsfield, two each ; Brad- 

 ford, Boxford, and Lynnfield, one each. It will be perceived 

 that only twelve of the thirty-two cities and towns in the coun- 

 ty were represented; and of these there were very few con- 

 tributors except from those in the immediate vicinity of the 

 place where the exhibition was held. This should not be the 

 case ; a more general interest ought to be awakened, and every 

 town be represented. Those residing at a distance, and par- 

 ticularly not on the line of a direct railroad communication, 

 are obliged to undergo some inconvenience in forwarding spe- 

 cimen-;, and also to the attending of their removal after the 

 exhibition. This may be obviated in a great measure if an ar- 

 rangement can be made by which the articles thus exhibited 

 can be sold under some prescribed regulations of the society, 

 and the proceeds accrue to the benefit of the contributor. The 

 excellence, beauty, and intrinsic value of the specimens exhib- 

 ited would attract many who would wish to buy, and thus re- 

 lieve the trouble of removing the articles by the exhibitors. 

 To secure the most efficacious plan for the subsequent display 

 of a more extended character in the vegetable department, 

 some such scheme might be adopted ; at least it is deserving 

 of consideration. Your committee trust that the above sugges- 

 tions, if deemed impracticable or inexpedient, will induce those 

 upon whom this duty may devolve to devise some other plan or 

 plans that will not only retain the present degree of interest 

 in this department, but lead to the gradual extension of its im- 

 portance and of its utility to the productive industry of our 

 county. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Henry "Wheatland, Chairman. 



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