76 



ter. Dried apples have not been entered for many years 

 and might be omitted from the list. I suggest that these 

 three departments be united and given to one set of judges. 



Under Vegetables, Class 1, we this year had no second 

 premiums. Many asked me the reason but I could give none. 



The departments of Fancy Work, Art and Decorated 

 China have grown of late, and some valuable exhibits have 

 been received. Many are of such value that owners hesi- 

 tate to risk the sending and exhibiting for such small pre- 

 miums as are offered. I endorse the recommendation of 

 the judges that the premiums be rearranged so as to offer a 

 larger sum as first premium in each of these three depart- 

 ments. This change will not require a larger gross sum 

 and will, I think, encourage parties to bring in more ex- 

 tensive and valuable exhibits. 



Finally I wish to call your attention to the loose way in 

 which vacancies in judges have had to be filled. When 

 the time comes for judges to take their books, not half of 

 them report. In some cases not a member of the commit- 

 tee can be found. I am expected to put these committees 

 at work and have their work done before 2 o'clock. It is 

 the most unsatisfactory duty possible. Practically I must 

 furnish more than half the judges at a moment's notice and 

 at an hour when very few people are in the hall. 



I suggest, Firsts — That more care be used in making up 

 the committees to select parties that will serve ; Second^ — 

 That any party who does not accept in writing ten days be- 

 fore the fair, be considered a vacancy and that suitable 

 means be taken to fill the vacancies before the day of the 

 fair. 



Thanking you for the honor of the position I have held, 

 and apologizing for the length of this " brief " report, I am 

 Very truly yours, 



Charles H. Goulding, 



Superintendent of Hall. 

 Peabody, Nov. 9, 1898. 



