34 



church ; for festive and funeral occasions — in times of gladness 

 and of grief. In almost every family, also, vre find an undi- 

 minished interest in their cultivation. If, as has been said, 

 they flourish well only in the gardens of those who love them, 

 they must have many devoted friends within the limits of 

 this Society, whose homes are made more attractive by their 

 presence. 



The endless variety of graceful forms, the gorgeous beauty, 

 and the delicate tints of flowers are independent of utility — 

 merely for ornament, and for the delight which that imparts. 

 Nature abounds with objects that are beautiful, either for their 

 own sake, because they " enjoy the air they breathe," or for the 

 gratification of our taste. To us they are " living preachers, 

 each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book," discoursing of the 

 Divine wisdom and love. When, like Eve, we make our flow- 

 ers " our earliest visitation and our last at even, and breed 

 them up with tender hand," we connect them with our 

 thoughts of Him who makes the lilies his care, " whose breath 

 perfumes them, and whose pencil paints." 



We would respectfully urge upon the members of this Society, 

 and upon others interested in its prosperity, that at future 

 fairs they should furnish liberal contributions from their gar- 

 dens and conservatories. They will gratify thousands of 

 visitors, and cause our j festival to be happily remembered. 



The Committee award the following premiums : — 



Zinnias. — 1st premium, $2, Mrs. George Vos^, Milton. 2d, 

 Mrs. S. N. Stewart, Fairmount. 



Gladiolas. — 1st premium, George Craft, Brookline, $4. 

 Best collection of new seedling Gladiolas, George Craft, 

 Brookline, $3. 

 Best single specimen of Gladiolus, George Craft, $1. 



Cut Floivers. — 1st premium, Mrs. S. M. Stewart. 2d, Mrs. 

 George Vose, |3. 3d, George Craft, |2. Miss Lizzie Watt, 

 gratuity, $1. 



Basket of Flowers. — Mrs. S. M. Stewart, gratuity, $2 ; 

 Charles Mackintosh, Needhara, gratuity, $1 ; Mrs. S. S. Bemis, 

 gratuity, f 1. 



Bouquets. — Mrs. S. S. Bemis, 3d premium, $2 ; Miss J. W. 

 Wattles, Canton, diploma. 



Fuschia. — Mrs. Mary G. Mackintosh, Needham, gratuity, $1. 



~ For the Committee, 



ROBERT WATT, Chairman. 



West Roxbuey, September 20, 1867. 



