56 



We regard the flower-show as an essential part of the Fair. At 

 a small expense we procure a great pleasure. Nothing attracts 

 more attention, or is more lovingly examined, or calls forth a heart- 

 ier commendation. Nor is it strange ; for nothing appeals more 

 strongly to the simple tastes of men than these natural products in 

 such unlimited variety as to form, size, color and fragrance, — to 

 say nothing of the sentimental satisfaction which some derive from 

 flowers considered as emblems of human passions. Happily we 

 have no occasion to assert their utility. No man who does not 

 measure utility by the lowest standard, doubts that the cultivation 

 of flowers in a house or garden tends to refine the taste, and to 

 purify the moral feelings, by associating them with the care and 

 training of the fairest objects in the natural world. Many an 

 otherwise idle or ill-spent hour is saved by being devoted to this 

 employment, and many a heart-ache is, at least, temporarily re- 

 lieved, many a pang of sorrow soothed, by the loving thought and 

 careful attention bestowed on these favorites. 



We are under obligations to the members of this Society, who 

 take pains in furnishing our Annual Exhibition. The costly green- 

 house plants, the ornaments of our gardens', and the no less charm- 

 ing natives of the fields and woods, receive the praises they so 

 justly deserve, and are greeted year after year with a hearty 

 welcome. 



" Not a tree, 



A plant, a leaf, but contains 

 A fplio volume. We may read, and read, 

 And read again : and still find something new. 

 Something to please, and something to instruct, 

 Even in the humble weed." 



The Committee, after repeated comparisons of the articles 

 ofiered for premium, make the following awards : — 



Best Collection Qui Flowers — First prem. to Washburn & Cur- 

 tis, Dorchester, $4. 



Second premium to Edward S. Rand, Jr., Dedham, 

 Third premium to Macey Handall, Jr., Sharon, $2. 



Bouquets — First premium to Washburn & Curtis, 

 Second premium to Edward S. Rand, Jr., $3. 



Twenty named Dahlias — First premium to Washburn & Cur- 

 tis, $3. 



Second premium to Mace}'' Randall, Jr., Sharon, ^2. 



Single Bloom — First premium to Macey Randall, Jr., $1. 

 Pot Plants — Edward S. Rand, Jr., Dedham, 12 plants, $3. 

 Single Specimen — Edward S. Rand, Jr., $1. 

 Seedling Verbenas — Best collection, John G. Barker, Ded- 

 ham, $2. 



