170 



are written usually by persons who are not professional au- 

 thors, they are not always "presented in a form worthy of 

 publication," as required by the rules. But the Committee 

 had little chance for criticism in this respect the present 

 year. They are gratified to be able to make this state- 

 ment, because they believe that good essays and good re- 

 ports are the most attractive features of the "Transac- 

 tions." They hope to receive more essays another year, 

 as they are confident that many members of the Society 

 could furnish, from their large experience and from their 

 thought, many facts and suggestions which would enrich 

 the Society's annual publication. 



The Committee have awarded the first premium of $15 

 to O. S. Butler, of Georgetown, for an essay entitled 

 "Poultry on the Farm." This is an excellent paper, full 

 of practical matter, and entertaining suggestions which 

 seem to be pertinent and useful. The subject is a good 

 one, and is receiving more and more attention each year. 



The second premium of $10 has been given to M. B. 

 Faxon, of Saugus, whose essay on "The Kitchen Garden" 

 will be read with interest. The ideal garden which he 

 lays out is, as we understand, substantially a description 

 of the author's own garden in Saugus. 



In the matter of reports, the Committee's attention was 

 given to an excellent report on "Ornamental Trees," by 

 Francis H. Appleton, of Peabody, and to him they award- 

 ed the first premium of $10. To some very utilitarian 

 minds this subject may seem fanciful, and they may con- 

 sider that those who assign it a place of little or no im- 

 portance are not mistaken. But those who think that 

 pleasant surroundings, agreeable prospects and grateful 

 shades have a value as real and as measurable as anything 

 else, will agree with the Committee in placing it in the 

 front rank of topics for discussion. 



