78 



feeling, as it would seem, that the Society and the public have 

 claims upon them which they must recognize. This feeling, it 

 is to be hoped, will become more and more prevalent, not only 

 among individuals, but towns and communities." That report 

 also recommended, as Mr. Wheatland had thirteen years pre- 

 viously, that premiums be awarded for a given number of 

 certain varieties. That same year premiums of 115 were 

 awarded for vegetables raised by boys, of which committee, 

 George B. Loring was chairman. 



In 1869, with the able and instructive report of that year, 

 which was such as to entitle the same to the first premium of 

 the Society for best report of committees, the details giving 

 name, residence and award to exhibitors was not printed in 

 the Society's transactions of that year, thus making a break 

 in the records of this department. The amount awarded in 

 premiums and gratuities that year was 160.50. 



In 1870, at Ipswich, $46 was awarded in 22 premiums with 

 125.50 in gratuities, this being the first year separate varieties 

 are reported as awarded premiums. There were 54 exhibitors 

 and the awards went to 14 different towns or cities. In 1871 

 at same place, the number of exhibitors increased to 89, 

 showing the wisdom of the recommendations of the committees 

 of 1852 and 1868. Prom that time the quality of the vegeta- 

 bles exhibited show marked improvement. 



That those interested may have a table of reference in this 

 department, the following tabulated statement is made of it, 

 from its beginning, awards of books not being included in the 

 amount of awards, and blanks left for years which the writer 

 was unable to obtain the report to refer to, which blanks can 

 be filled by those having them. 



