20 



consideration the number of clififerent varieties contributed by 

 one individual, and the disadvantage of bringing large jars, 

 over that of smaller ones or tumblers. 



There were three entries of pickles ; and one of honey, and 

 we almost wished the privilege of tasting, it looked good 

 enough to eat. 



The writer of this report well remembers the wonder and 

 admiration expressed over the first jar of canned fruit exhibi- 

 ted by this Society, when it Avas a Farmers' Club, entered by a 

 lady living in the immediate neighborhood of the Fair Ground. 

 But such an art could not long remain a secret, and the next 

 year there were severel entries, and now the department of 

 canned fruits usually forms a large and attractive part of the 

 show, and we can see in this little instance the benefit of 

 exhibiting our best productions, for it might have been years 

 before many of us would have found what a valuable acquisi- 

 tion it is to the housekeejjer to have at hand fresh fruits for 

 the table, to vary the monotony of country living at certain 

 seasons of the year, and there is no farmer or mechanic, with 

 his small garden and fruit orchard, but what can avail them- 

 selves of this great luxury ; and, as we gather around the fam- 

 ily board, many families hardly meeting during the day, only at 

 the table, we can but think these things, small in themselves, 

 are one great reason that farmers' sons and daughters are 

 beginning to love the old homestead, and whatever we can do 

 to make the children love the home, so that when 



"Afar on life's billow 

 They will long for the shade 

 Of the home weeping willow," 



will not be in vain. 



Respectfully submitted, 



SUSAN M. BEOWN, 



Jot Committee. 



