REPORTS. 21 



pleasure to ourselves and ©tiiers. It is best that we teach the; 

 rising generation to observe, love and fathom Nature's mysteries, 

 and their minds will become purified, refined and elevated. 



■'iii oAiii ion bir> <i-f(ilof^rft ,«"T"tn9 

 • Uirr w^ih^ os\\ 

 STATISTICAL 'REPORT, i.O^.j iljiv. 



A.t the Hampshire Agricultural'Society in 18G2, there were 17 

 entries of flowers and wild flowers. The collection was good in 

 consideration of the lateness of the season. We were fortunate 

 enough to secure ladies possessed of a high appreciation of the 

 beautiful and of a thorough knowledge of flowers, and capable of 

 judging justly of the merits of specimens offered for inspection, — ■ 

 ■who made up a full committee. A full committee is ever desir- 

 able at our Fairs, in all departments. Members appointed on 

 Committee's ought to feel a responsibility in meeting their a^- 

 •pointments 2:>unctuall>/ if possible for them. 



It was a matter of discussion as to which collection deservedly 

 stood first in point of beautiful arrangement. In consideration 

 of the largest collection, the first premium was awarded to No's. 

 8 and 12, which was furnished by Mrs. S. W. Boutwell, of Lev- 

 erett. She stated that she had raised 70 different varieties of 

 onfii species of flower represented in lier bouquet, and had 7 va- 

 rieties of Coxcomb in her larger bouquet. We would take the 

 liberty to suggest it to be objectionable to have seperate bouquets 

 ofl"ered with the intention of having them considered as one 

 "Entree." They should be entered singly. It should be a law 

 like that of the Medes and Persians, that not one of the Commit- 

 tee should know to whom they are awarding premiums, and then 

 let those who receive premiums be satisfied. The second premi- 

 um was awarded to Dr. Bonney, of Hadley, for a Floral Harp. 

 It was exquisitely arranged, and exhibited rare taste, and the 

 premium awarded him was considered equal in value to the first 



