Exhibition—superintendents' reports. i i 7 
well be excelled. Splendid samples of cheese, and as to butter, 
I never tasted better. The display of bread and cake, preserved 
and canned fruits, added largely to the attraction of this depart¬ 
ment, and was very creditable. The exhibition of vegetables 
might fairly challenge any state in the Union. Superb cauli¬ 
flowers, potatoes, cabbage, turnips, carrots, and all other vegeta¬ 
bles were shown in abundance and of the finest quality. 
Among the largest exhibitors in this department, perhaps I 
ought to mention Gfen. J. C. Starkweather, of Oconomowoc, whose 
collection of the varied products of the farm was very fine, and 
received high commendation. Gr. C. Haskell, of Rockford, Illi¬ 
nois, who had a beautiful display of field and garden products. 
His show entitles him to much credit. E. B. Thomas and P. 
Putnam, of Dodge’s Corners, and W. H. Plumb, of Milton, also 
made creditable exhibitions. But why particularize, where all 
made so fine a showing. I ought to thank every exhibitor for the 
magnificent display made- in this department, and in the name of 
the society I hereby do so, and say, come again ladies and gentle¬ 
men, with the products of your labor, and we will furnish you 
with all possible facilities for making this important department 
of the state fair a grand success. 
In this connection I desire to sav that the vegetable garden may 
be made the source of the greatest blessing to any family in the 
state. Nothing is, more conducive to good health in the spring 
and early summer, than fresh, succulent vegetables. Dispepsia 
and indigestion are becoming almost as prevelant throughout the 
country as scurvy among the salt-water sailors. Now it ought 
to be, if it is not, well known that this afflicting disease may be 
cured and even prevented by the free use of sweet, fresh veget¬ 
ables at all seasons, especially in spring and summer. They are as 
necessary elements of comfort and good health to man as the 
sweet grasses of the field are to the healthy condition of the do¬ 
mestic and wild animals, and yet we see farmers, and those en¬ 
gaged in all other pursuits as well, whose children would be as 
much surprised to see an egg plant as a palm tree, or asparagus 
grown for any other purpose than to decorate or ornament the 
looking glass ; who never see spinach or lettuce in May, who see 
the spring lamb cooked and eaten without either mint sauce or 
