2 ESSEX INSTITUTE. 
original Endicott pear tree in Danvers, which tradition says was planted in 
1630; some fine looking Orange pears, from a tree two hundred and ten years 
old, on the estate of Capt. William Allen, in Hardy street; also, apples from a 
tree planted by Peregrine White, the first male child born in New England, 
on the farm originally settled and subdued by him in Marshfield. The farm 
ig now owned and occupied by his direct descendants, by one of whom, Miss 
Sybil White, the apples were sent to Dr. Merriam, of Topsfield. These relics 
of past ages are yet productive, and their fruits of no little curiosity. 
The display of Fruit was very fine, especially that of Pears, which, for their 
variety, beauty, and perfection, may well challenge comparison with any simi- 
lar exhibition of this season. Two thousand dishes or baskets of fruit were pla- 
ced upon the tables, consisting, as will appear from the list, of six hundred and 
seventy varieties, viz: of Pears, two hundred and ninety with names, eight 
seedlings, and twenty-nine unknown—total, three hundred and twenty-seven ; 
of Apples, one hundred and fifty-one with names, seven seedlings, and twenty- 
three unknown—total, one hundred and eighty-one; of Peaches, forty with 
names, thirty-four seedlings, eight unknown—total, eighty-two; of Plums, nine- 
teen with names, three seedlings, one unknown—total, twenty-three ; of Grapes, 
thirty-three with names, eight native seedlings—total, forty-one ; of Quinces, 
Nectarines, Figs, and Melons, three each; of Oranges, Lemons, European Wal- 
nuts, and Cornelian Cherries, one each. 
The specimen flowers were arranged on stands which occupied the centre 
of the hall, and comprised a goodly array of Dahlias, Roses, Asters, &e. The 
Dahlias were the most prominent in their variety and the gorgeousness of the 
flowers. A stand from Lawrence, brought in on the second day, contained the 
finest specimens in the hall. The Rose, which, with its hybrid Perpetuals, 
Noisettes, and Bourbons, is beginning to extend the season of its lovely and 
fragrant blooms during the autumnal months, was well represented. ‘The As- 
ters, Stocks, and Coxcombs were also conspicuous. A stand of Pansies, and al- 
so a stand of Phloxes, Antirrhinum in varieties, @inothera, Aconitum, Gaillar- 
dia, Tradescantia, Trollius, &e., added much to the interest of the exhibition. 
A few pot plants were placed on the platform in front of the arbor, consist- 
ing of Achimenes, Gloxinias, Fuchsias, &e., whose showy and splendid flowers 
formed a striking contrast with the native denizens of our fields and meadows, 
grouped in the rear. 
The Vegetables, &c. were arranged in the anterooms. The display, al- 
though not large, was very interesting, and consisted of fine specimens of 
Squashes, Potatoes, Onions, &c. In this department were placed the Cereals— 
as varieties of Corn, Wheat, &c. The cultivation of the last named grain is 
