No. 129.J 33 



from 200 pounds ; but, notwithstanding their great size, the flesh 

 was fine and tender, and made capital pies, as I have abundantly 

 satisfied myself. Among other things, I must make mention of 

 specimens of three varieties of Beets, curious, but very pretty, 

 and of the most brilliant colors. They were presented by a lady 

 of Westchester county, who grows them as ornamental plants. 

 From what I saw, I should judge them to be rather fibrous than 

 tap rooted plants ; but it seemed to me that the leaf stalks, if 

 properly blanched, would make a tender and delicate table lux- 

 ury. As the lady has kindly promised to send me some seed, I 

 shall be able to satisfy myself in regard to this in the course of 

 another year. There were several other varieties of vegetables, 

 which, however, it is scarcely necessary to mention here particu- 

 larly ; but I must add a few words more in justice to exhibitors. 

 After the judges have given their decisions, there always remains 

 a large number of articles of much excellence, and some of them 

 almost, if not quite as good as those which have received their 

 appropriate award. For example : ' after the judges had selected 

 the two best lots of potatoes, there remained some twenty odd 

 samples unprovided for, at leat two-thirds of which were very 

 excellent, with little or no dilference between them. It cannot, 

 of course, be expected that all should receive premiums, and I 

 only allude to the subject to let exhibitors know that all articles 

 of excellence are duly appreciated, though all do not receive an 

 award. Wliat is here said of potatoes will apply to a great many 

 other things. 



The display oi fruit was really superb, and brought to re- 

 membrance the grand show made during the sitting of the Pomo- 

 logical Congress. It would have been considered a beautiful ex- 

 hibition even in the most favorable season, but under the cir- 

 cumstances could scarcely have been anticipated. Messrs. Mack- 

 intosh, Hovey, Bailey, Colt, and other extensive exhibitors de- 

 serve a large share of praise for the really beautiful display which 

 they made. There were many very fine specimens of apples, and 

 among them some seedlings of merit. The show of pears was 

 , uncommonly good. More beautiful specimens of Duchesse d'An- 

 goulcme, Seckel, White Doyenne, Bartlett, Bergamot, &c., have 

 iiever been seen. The display of peaches was not as large as that 



Assembly No. 129.] 3 



