82 



The Committee would like to give a few more facts and hints 

 on these important subjects, but time will not permit. 



We regret that in this department so small an amount of money 

 should have been appropriated. Forty-five dollars for premiums 

 is a mere pittance. Our fruit table has ever been worthy a place 

 in any Exhibition in the country. But under the present restric- 

 tions, the premiums must inevitably be carried off by a few and 

 the same competitors, leaving a large number of worthy contribu- 

 tors without any thing but the satisfaction of doing something for 

 the credit of the Society. May we not hope that some of the 

 profits arising from the attractions of our outside circles may be ap- 

 pHed to the encouragement of the more legitimate objects of our 

 gatherings, — the improvement of agriculture and the mechanic arts. 

 All which is respectfully submitted, 



ELIPHALET STONE, Chairman. 



Dedliam^ Novemher 1, 1856. 



-*- 



REPORT ON FRUIT TREES. 



The Committee on Fruit Trees ask leave to make the following 

 report : — 



They have aw^arded to John W. Shaw of Needham, the second 

 premium on his apple orchard of $10.00. 



To Thaddeus Clapp of Dorchester, the first premium on his 

 peach orchard of $10.00. 



No other orchards have been offered for premium. 



All of which is respectfully submitted, 



EDWARD M. RICHARDS, Ohairman. 



MR. THADDEUS CLAPFS STATEMENT. 



Gentlemen : — The peach orchard offered for your inspection 

 contains 146 trees, set out, a part, in 1854, the remainder in 

 1855. They are from stocks raised on the place, and budded 



