95 



Icnowing what is esteemed among more opulent and enthusi- 

 astical florists, be it the most regal begonia, or the imperial 

 *' Eugenie " of passion flowers generously contributed this year, 

 and not to be soon forgotten. Some well grown pot-plants 

 recur to us, as the century aloe, fuschias, geraniums, &c. 



A pretty wreath was the only " floral design " offered. The 

 wreath is always attractive, and can be " designed " from a 

 greater variety of flowers, berries, seeds, &c., than any other 

 mode of arranging them. Wreaths of perennial blossoms are 

 far more attractive than baskets covered with everlastings — 

 a basket of heads of burdocks would be no less homely and 

 unartistical. So, all carpentry in form of obelisks, pyramids 

 and temples, are as ungraceful and out of taste, and should be 

 discouraged — the poor drooping and fading dahlias or asters, 

 vainly striving to conceal the boards and lathes beneath. 



As a whole, the display of flowers this year was very good, 

 and though limited in number, the variety was respectable. 

 The city, as might be expected, out-vied the countiy — and 

 Newburyport sent some choice specimens. We would wel- 

 come all contributions, and all sorts of blossoms, and especially 

 would we recommend to our members the flower border as of 

 as much comparative utility on a good farm as the onion lot 

 and the potato patch, the little, nice, neat, orderly flower gar- 

 den odorous with sweet-smelling herbs and pinks and gilly 

 flowers, as the carrot drills or the ruta bagas and mangel 

 wurtzels ; each in turn contributing to make the farmer's home 

 pleasant and its members healthy, prosperous and wise, their 

 lives cheerful and old age when it comes to them, serene. 



The Committee report the following premiums and gratui- 

 ties : — 



Best pair of parlor boquets, to Mrs. Haskell of Newburyport, 

 premium, $2 



No hand boquets were entered. 

 No floral desicrns offered. 



