89 



the nature which surrounds them and presents itself to their 

 notice under so many and such varied forms ; — of great power 

 sometimes, and at other times, of great beauty, the study or 

 observation of which is always ennobling, and whether they 

 realize it or not, goes far towards making the agricultural class, 

 some of the most thiukiug and well balanced of our people. 



How grandly do some of our best artist depict nature in her 

 stern mood of the thunder storm, her benevolent mood of the 

 generous harvest, or her good-night salutations of a brilliant 

 sunset ! How nobly has Rosa Bonheur immortalized her name 

 and her art, by her splendid, strong and true representations of 

 fine cattle ! She had to begin once, and in this very exhibition 

 was one study of a dog's head by Mrs. A. E. Clark, which 

 Rosa Bonheur might once have been proud to have painted, it is 

 so true, so living. 



Therefore, the first consideration of the Committee was drawn 

 to Fine Art, properly so called, or the representing of the works 

 of the Creator by his loving and studious children ; after this to 

 decorative and industrial art ; he who excels in either of these 

 departments, raises the famous banner ''Excelsior" for the en- 

 couragement and guidance of his fellowmen. 



After having exhausted the fund apppropriated by the society 

 for gratuities, the Committee decided that it would be well to 

 make honorable mention of a few of the works which most de- 

 served it ; they therefore wish thus to recognize the merits of a 

 small picture in water colors, called "View from the "Willows," 

 by A. K. Abbott, which showed excellent drawing, good pro- 

 portions and much promise ; of a "Fire Screen" by Mrs. W. W. 

 Kilman, on which the brightly blooming cactics made a good 

 apology for shutting out the fire-light ; of a charcoal drawing, 

 by Arthur Streambnrg of Beverly, which had good artistic qual- 

 ities and wasveiy promising ; of a fine specimen of penmanship, 

 giving the true penman's flourishes in a very free manner, 

 around which was grouped some clever sketches in water colors 

 by Mr. Gardner ; of two bits of tree drawings with pen and ink 



