27 



ises. An occasional top dressing is all that has been necessary, 

 to insure an annual crop of pure English grass, the quantity 

 and quality of Avhich has been such as to satisfy the desires of the 

 owner. 



The above is only one of many examples wliich have come 

 under our observation, and which have convinced us that thorough 

 widerdraining lies at the foundation of all other improvements on 

 all soils which retain water in a stagnant state. 



The manner of constructing the drains, whether of stone or 

 tile, the distance apart, the direction in which they should 

 run, &c., are all questions which must be decided by circumstan- 

 ces, and although important in themselves, yet we care not so 

 much how the work is done, provided it be well done, and in such 

 a manner as to secure the result above indicated. 



For the Committee, 



S. W. RICHARDSON, Chairman. 

 Franklin, Dec. 5, 1864. 



REPORT ON VEGETABLE AND ROOT CULTURE. 



The Committee report twenty-two entries. The following pre- 

 miums Avere awarded : — 



First premium to John Sias, of Milton, for the best collection 

 of vegetables, consisting of seventy-nine varieties, ^10. 



Second to Charles E. C. Breck, of Milton, ^F). 

 ■ Third to Francis Marsh, of Dedham, $4. 



Fourth to A. K. Howe, of Dover, $3. 



Fifth to W. S. Ware, of Needham, $2. 



Sixth to Cyrus G. Upham, of Needham, $1. 



First premium to John Sias, of Milton, for the largest and best 

 collection of potatoes, $o. 



Second to A. B. Endicott, of Dedham, $2. 



To Owen Kennedy, of Dover, for collection of vegetables, a 

 gratuity of $1. 



To Robert Porter, Jr., of Stoughton, for seven pumpkins, the 

 produce of one vine, a gratuity of $1. 



Several other contributors deserve the thanks of the Society, 

 especially Timothy Phelps, of Dedham, for a fine display of 

 tomatoes. 



A. T. MESERVE, CJiavrman. 

 Wc8t Roxbury, Sept. 30, 1864. 



