6 ANNALS OF XUE SOCIErY. 



that a more favorable season next year will give our ladies great- 

 er scope in competition in this department. 



The ladies contributed quite largely to the department of Fan- 

 cy articles, all of which were so meritorious that comparisons 

 would be invidious. 



Of Domestic Manufactures there was as large display as usual, 

 demonstrating that the use of the loom, spinning-wheel and knit- 

 ting needles had not become obsolete. 



The display of Fruit was much larger and finer than had been 

 anticipated. The ravages of the Canker Worm, and the scorch- 

 ing drought, hiad led us to anticipate a meagre show, but we 

 were joyfully disappointed. Two Ibng tables- groaned beneath 

 the weight of luscious looking Apples, Pears, Peaches, Qtiinces 

 and Grapes. To the cultivation of the latter fruit, our farmers 

 are now paying considerable attention. One contributor alone, 

 contributed fifteen varieties.* It bids fair to becomea souree of 

 profit. 



Of Garden vegetables a fine display was mad'e, — better thaii in 

 any former years. Within a few years our farmers have been 

 turning their attention to this branch of agriculture, and this re- 

 gion of the Connecticut valley sends annually to the city markets 

 vast quantities of v&getables, which yield a remunerative compen- 

 sation to the producer. 



The Fine Arts were well represented by artists of acknowl- 

 edged merit, and amateurs of coneid'erablc skill.- 



Out of doors the show of Stock was creditable to the Society.- 

 Working oxen fit for the shambles, Cows, Heifers, Calves and 

 Steers, made up an imposing collection of Stock. The choicer 

 breeds of Swine were also well represented by a score of comj)et- 

 itors. 



The Poultry department also presented quite an attractive ap- 

 pearance,, many choice breeds of fowls being represented. 



