HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 77 



As to the Pomological or Orchard Fruits, the committee re- 

 mark, that they regard their cultivation of great importance, 

 not only as ministering to the most innocent gratification, but 

 also in reference to their influence upon the moral as well as 

 physical health of the people. That the free use of choice and 

 well ripened fruit does most eminently promote physical health 

 in the warm season, is now perfectly well attested ; and we 

 believe it to be no less certain that the great cause of temper- 

 ance is most essentially aided by the furnishing of such an 

 agreeable substitute for wines and other similar beverages. 

 There are many cultivators in this vicinity who have attempted 

 much, and achieved a great deal, in the way of introducing new 

 and improved varieties of the Peach, Pear, and Plum. The 

 choicest specimens of French and Flemish Pears are becoming 

 quite common, and the best kinds of Grapes, both foreign and 

 native, are found in almost every garden. 



For the committee, 



D. M. BRYANT. 



Mechanical Productions. 



The committee, S. Sanborn, chairman, say that the mechani- 

 cal ingenuity and industry of the county ^s amply sufficient, if 

 brought out, to make this a leading and attractive feature in 

 our annual exhibitions. 



The following articles were carefully examined by the com- 

 mittee : — 



Model of Bridge, Draw, and improved Truss for Bridge, by 

 Isaac Damon, of Northampton. The principal novel feature in 

 this bridge, and a very important one, is the Inverted arch, which 

 is intended to strengthen the top chord over the piers and the 

 lower chord midway between them, — two points which have 

 been found to fail in wood bridges heretofore constructed. In 

 combination with the usual arch, it also prevents perpendicular 

 vibration. In the arrangement and proportion of the timbers, 

 the patentee has shown good judgment and a thorough know- 

 ledge of the subject. The committee are united in recommend- 



