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Even in infancy nothing is more noticeable than the love of 

 flowers ; and among children it is a ruling passion. Nor does its 

 influence cease in manhood. It is indeed a manlj thing to be 

 pleased with Nature's simplest gifts. It shows a healthy, unper- 

 verted taste ; and it shows wisdom no less. 



Enjoyment and improvement often depend on little things, 

 which turn our feelings in right directions. The humblest wild 

 floAver is, to the appreciative mind, a token of the Divine benevo- 

 lence. Amid His greater works, the sublime manifestations of 

 His power, God places this lovely emblem of His goodness and of 

 His care for human happiness. 



" Flowers, scattered unrestrained and free, 

 O'er hill and dale and woodland sod, 

 That man, where'er his walks, may see 

 In every step, the hand of God." 



It appeals to our sense of the beautiful, and by quickening that, 

 increases our satisfaction with .life and renders it more desirable. 

 Moreover the presence of cultivated flowers indicates a pure taste 

 and a disposition to be gratified with cheap and natural pleasures. 

 How attractive do flowers make home, especially in the winter, 

 and at how small an expense may some of our best feelings be 

 gratified ! We hope that each succeeding year will develop a 

 growing love for the culture of flowers in our gardens and fami- 

 lies, and that the results of this culture will be exhibited at our 

 Fair. 



The Committee, after repeated comparisons of the flowers and 

 bouquets oifered for premium, make the following awards : — 



Best collection of cut flowers, Marion and Lizzie Watt, West 

 Roxbury, first premium, ^4. 



George Craft, Brookline, second premium, ^3. 



Macey Randall, Jr., Sharon, third premium, {|2. 



George W. Palmer, Fairmount, fourth premium, $1. 



Bouquets — First premium not awarded. 



Mrs. Hannah P. Mcintosh, East Needham, second premium, |3. 



Macey Randall, Jr., Sharon, third premium, $2. 



AVilliam Dunbar, Canton, fourth premium, %\. 



Dahlias— yiacey Randall, Jr., Sharon, best twenty named, first; 

 premium, $3. 



Second not awarded. 



Macey Randall, Jr., Sharon, best single bloom, $1. 



J^ot Plants — None on exhibition. 



Seedlmg Verbenas — None on exhibition. 



Gratuities — G'eorge Craft, Brookline, for a choice collection of 

 seedling gladiolus, ^3, and the Society's diploma. 



Mrs. William Lyon, Needham, for bouquets, $1. 



