104 [AlSEMBI.Y 



tial to what is commonly adopted by those Horticultural Societies 

 that do all their business in one day, and confine their premiums to a 

 few of the choicest specimens of such articles as mny be offered ex- 

 clusively for competition. 



And as the most essential attractions in the Horticultural depart- 

 ment are large displays of the flowers of the season, tastefully ar- 

 ranged, and renewed at least twice in each week, it was recommend- 

 ed that inducements should be offered to all horticulturists and 

 florists, professional and amateur, to furnish daily supplies of the 

 flowers of the season for the decoration of the horticultural room, 

 and thus stimulate their fellow citizens in general to pursue that 

 most healthful and enchanting of all recreations, the cultivation of 

 flowers. 



On that occasion I resolved, which resolution I have adhered to 

 ever since, " to preserve inviolate every article to the object to which 

 it was designed, by setting an example of forbearance and self-de- 

 nial to all connected with the establishment, in not allowing a par- 

 ticle of the articles exhibited to be consumed or taken away until 

 after the Fair is closed, bearing ever in mind that the least deviation 

 from pure rectitude may lead to results discreditable, if not destruct- 

 ive to the Institute." I regret, however, to add, that at the last An- 

 nual Fair, notwithstanding all our care and precaution, some of the 

 visitors took liberties with the property of their fellow-citizens. A 

 would-be gentleman was seen breaking the rind of a cheese with the 

 heel of his boot, and serving up the middle to those around him, 

 among whom, I am sorry to add, were several decently dressed fe- 

 males. May this exposure reach their consciences, and convince 

 them of their imprudence. 



In my report of 1842, I rendered to the " men of Bergen" all due 

 honor for the cultivation of that fine esculent, the cabbage, at which 

 time we saw upward of six hundred and forty thousand heads grow- 

 ing within a circle of three miles, in the southern part of Bergen 

 township. In dilating on the various kinds of vegetables exhibited 

 in 1843, the pumpkin was mcluded, so esteemed in New England 

 for a thanksgiving pie. 



The squash, an excellent substitute for the turnip, which does not 

 succeed well in our hot summers, was also noticed. Vegetable roots 

 for cattle were recommended, as proving valuable nutritious proven- 

 der for winter consumption. The productions of the American Dairy, 



