37 



REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 



FRUIT TREES. 



On invitation of David Shaw, Esq., of Foxboroiigh, received 

 through the Secretary, Sept. 7, the Committee proceeded to 

 Foxboroiigh, Sept. 14, for the purpose of examining the apple 

 orchard of Mr. Shaw, entei*ed for the Society's premium. 



At Foxborough the Committee were joined by Hon. Otis 

 Cary and Rev. J. M. Merrick, citizens of the town, who very 

 courteously devoted the entire day to their entertainment, 

 pointing out the orchards, graperies, hedges, and other matters 

 of interest in agriculture and horticulture everywhere visible 

 in this beautiful and thriving town. They were also favored 

 with the presence of the Secretary and one of the Vice-Presi- 

 dents of the Society, and later in the day were joined by other 

 citizens. 



An hour was spent in the examination of the Union Straw 

 Works. This establishment is vast in greatness and perfect in 

 detail. It is the life of the activities of Foxborough and vicin- 

 ity. One cannot but wonder at the system, order and neatness 

 in every department, even where the roughest work is done. 

 Another striking feature is the unmistakable intelligence of the 

 employees. The whole establishment, from the threshold to 

 the topmost room, bears the impress of one controlling mind, 

 bent on accomplishing its work in the best manner and by the 

 most approved means, with an eye ever upon the comfort and 

 welfare of the operators. 



The Committee also visited the farm of Erastus P. Carpenter, 

 the principal manager of the Straw Works, coming more 

 directly in the line of their duty ; this they found managed in 

 the same way. They can only speak of a field of eight acres, 

 reclaimed, by tile drainage, from a worthless quagmire, and 

 yielding three tons of the best hay to the acre, besides a heavy 

 aftercrop. The barn and stable are perfect, as far as skill and 

 care and money can make perfect; filled with the most approved 

 stock and managed in the most approved manner. 



The apple orchard of Mr. Shaw embraces about one hundred 

 trees, occupying two acres of land. The trees were obtained 

 from a nursery in Sherborn, Mass., Mr. Shaw thinking them 



