57 



REPORT ON KITCHEN GARDENS. 



A standing premium for " the best Kitchen Garden, embracing 

 not less than a quarter of an acre of ground," has remained upon 

 the Society's hst of premiums for several years. Hitherto it has 

 been unnoticed, or, at least, unclaimed, although the object of it 

 is one of the most useful appendages to every farm, and a posses- 

 sion more or less necessary to the subsistence and comfort of 

 every family. 



With the ancients, accustomed to use but little animal food, the 

 garden was considei-ed indispensable, as a source of subsistence ; 

 but they devoted it entirely to those trees and plants which best 

 subserved the daily uses of life. As civilization and wealth in- 

 creased, a taste for ornamental shrubs and plants became preva- 

 lent, and flower gardens common, till, at the present day, there is, 

 perhaps, no department of rural economy w^iich more signally dis- 

 plays a cultivated and refined taste, than the exhibitions of horti- 

 culture and floriculture, combined, which may be seen in almost 

 every town. 



Application having now been made for this premium by Mr. E. 

 H. Blackman, of Sharon, his garden was examined by a member 

 of the Supervisory Committee. It was found to answer the re- 

 quirements of the Society's rules, and discovered ample proof of 

 the proprietor's industry, skill and tlirift. Every part of it was 

 occupied with fruits, vegetables or fl>)wers, of different varieties 

 and of luxuriant growth. It was perfectly clear of weeds. And, 

 from the statement given to the Committee, it appears to have 

 yielded larger returns than are often afforded by many acres cul- 

 tivated at much greater outlay of cost and labor. The surround- 

 ing fences and interior arrangements of the garden are not taste- 

 ful or attractive ; but, in view of the proprietor's circumstances, 

 these things, which might, otherwise, lessen our estimation of his 

 claim to the premium, have not been taken into account. He has 

 occupied the premises but a few years. He began the enterprise 

 without capital ; has purchased his land, and built a comfortal)le 

 and convenient house. He has performed the whole labor of his 

 garden, with only the aid of a lad fifteen years old, — and that, 

 too, at those intervals of an industrious occupation, whicli are 

 usually devoted to rest or recreation. 



AYe consider the exam{>lo of Mr. ]>., in this respect, worthy of 

 imitation, and with tiie hope that others may be induced to become 

 competitors in future years, we award to him the Society's second 

 premium of five dollars. 



We recommend to the Society a change in the terms designa- 

 ting the object of these premiums. A " Kitchen Garden " prop- 



