136 



teaus of Peru, and the raising of seedlings from these, has 

 not, so far as my knowledge goes, given the satisfactory re- 

 sults anticipated. In Mexico, varieties of potatoes are grown 

 which have never suffered from the rot. Should this Sfreat 

 plague again become prevalent, this may be a good source 

 to obtain potatoes from which to raise new seedlings. 



Science suggests that the pollen of choice varieties might 

 be crossed, and thus choice seedlings be insured ; and I have 

 known of one experiment in this direction which promises 

 well, yet the sum of extensive experiments in this direction 

 may be like those of the distinguished Van Mons, of Belgi- 

 um, with the pear, — from many thousands of trials he secured 

 as result but two or three high class pears ; while another 

 cultivator, among comparatively a few chance seedlings, pro- 

 duced more and better varieties than his distinguished co-^ 

 temporary. 



REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ESSAYS. 



The Committee on Essays find it rather difficult to discrim- 

 inate, in some cases, between the merits of different essays 

 and reports. Five essays were submitted for premium. 

 Three of these did not, in the judgment of the Committee, 

 fairly come within the range of treatises for which the Society 

 contemplated the awarding of premiums. The essays entitled 

 "Reflections," "Farm Homes," and " Progress in the Art of 

 Cultivating the Soil," were all well written and creditable 

 performances, and they all contained thoughts that would be 

 no discredit in an annual address before the Society. 



The Committee were also in some doubt regarding the 

 award upon the Reports, several of those for which a premi- 

 um was not awarded, having been well written and by no 

 means destitute of merit in other respects. 



