This section is from "The Horticulturist, And Journal Of Rural Art And Rural Taste", by P. Barry, A. J. Downing, J. Jay Smith, Peter B. Mead, F. W. Woodward, Henry T. Williams. Also available from Amazon: Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste.
It is not my purpose, neither does it come within the limits of the Horticulturist, to descant upon the merits of cattle and such kind, but he may judge somewhat correctly of the quality of his more immediate interests - fruits, vegetables and flowers; to this part these remarks are confined. With regard to the first department, there was a somewhat extensive display collectively, and a fair but not over mediocre quality. Apples, pears, and watermelons were well represented, (one collection of pears from Mr. Reid, of Elisabeth-town, which were not for competition contained 100 varieties,) but as to the rest there was certainly a deficiency, particularly in the variety of peaches. The same may be said of grapes, both native and foreign; only one collection of the latter being shown, and these, which, under the circumstances of being grown in the open air, were very creditable. Where was the produce of the many glass structures which have been erected of late years?
It may be thought that the more delicate culture of flowers does not come within the scope of an agricultural society, and consequently a fair display was not to be expected, but giving every allowance that can be justly made, so long as a list of prizes was offered, we may say that this portion was poor in the extreme.
A word about general arrangement, and we have done. It should be understood by the committees of these exhibitions that, if the various classes be placed distinct, yet approximate to each other according to the schedule, and the different competitors' produce in each division put side by side, the decision of the judges would be more correctly arrived at, and after disputes prevented; besides which, it would facilitate their work; would enable the public to see at a glance the relative quality, and intending planters to select more surely the best varieties. This want of system was much felt at this meeting; it is not mentioned here, however, for the purpose of censure, but as a gentle hint to all societies, many of which commit the same error. Altogether the exhibition seemed to go off very well, and gave much gratification to the numerous visitors.
There was also exhibited a hand-glass by Flood and Rimmington, of Brooklyn, that deserves mention, as it will supply a want long felt by propagators in particular, and gardeners generally. It is of the old-fashioned, lead-jointed construction, but with a pillar in the upper centre, which forms a support to the moveable top, and which can be lifted and made firm to any height, or lowered to the will of the operator, merely by the thumb and fore-finger; such a contrivance has long been wanted, and the wonder is how it is possible that we who "know something" have plodded along so far and none of us have seen the simplicity sooner.
The Brooklyn Horticultural Society held one of its more than usually successful meetings on the 19th and 20th September, and I have no hesitation in stating that there was here collected into one room the most select, well-grown and choice collections of plants that it has been my good fortune to see in America. Louis Menand's lot showed an advance beyond his former reputation; amongst his numerous varieties was Gongora maculata, Zygopetalum mackayii, Erica vulgaris, (the true heather bell), cerinthoides; mammosa, blanda, and mollis, Bilbergia thyrsoides, Aphelandra Leopoldii, many rare Ferns, and their allies the Lycopodiums. Mr. Ranch, of Brooklyn, had also a most splendid, extensive, and choice lot, in which was the pretty Caladium pictum; Mr. Collopy, gardener to Mr. Prentice, had Cissus discolor trained as a pillar seven feet high, and an Achimenes grandiflora from Mr. Edward Decker, gardener to J. Q. Jones, Esq., was three feet across; Mr. Poynter showed a collection of Gloxinias that were really superb in quality, amongst which were Rosamond, Torenia, Klugii, Hackeyana, coelestinum, mignon. Our native and much ne glected side-saddle flower (Sarracennia purpurea,) also looked no mean representative.
Goff & Day showed a collection of the plants of commerce which were interesting if not beautiful, but I would advise such contributors not again to make the common green curled endive into the true chicory, and recollect that if the throng passes by satisfied with such, that the scrutinizing eye of the botanist can detect the imposition. Cut flowers, both arranged and loose, were fine, particularly the former. The fruit collectively was extensive and very excellent in quality. The pears, peaches, and plums, extra; Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry displayed a fine lot of the latter. One Flemish beauty pear from Alexander Gordon, gardener to Mr. Hoyt, measured 10 1/2 inches in circumference. Native grapes were good, but the exotics only so-so, considering the very liberal encouragement given by the society; some of the best growers, however, have not the privilege of "coming out," excepting occasionally, or the case would have been different. There was a fine bunch of a white grape, named Tyrolleur, shown by Mr. Morreau, which was evidently an exotic, and said to be hardy; if so, it will be a great acquisition, but I very much doubt, from the appearance, if it had not been under a glass case of some kind.
The fifth annual exhibition of this 8ociety will be held at Elizabeth on the 2d, 3d, 4thf and 5th of October next. The Prize List is now ready for distribution. Jerseymen ought to give the managers a generous support.
This Society held its annual meeting in the State House at Trenton, January 16. The President, General N. N. Halsted, occupied the chair. His annual address was concise, pithy, and to the point. The President paid a well-deserved tribute to the State Geologist, Prof. Coock, for his valuable reports on the agricultural resources of the State.
The following is a list of officers elected for the ensuing year: officers.
President, N. N. Halsted; Vice-President, J. C. Deacon; Corresponding Secretary, R. S. Swords; Recording Secretary, W. M. Force; Treasurer, B. Haines.
The Ninth Annual Exhibition of this Society was held October 8, 9, 10, and 11, on their own grounds at Waverly, midway between Newark and Elizabeth, on the line of the N. J. R.R. Within the past two years the State Society has been reorganized, and now commences its career with bright prospects ahead. The recent fair was an entire success, and the multitude of visitors that thronged the ground during the four days were well pleased with the management. The officers spared no pains to make the exhibition interesting and instructive.
Heretofore it might be appropriately termed the Moving Society, that was annually put under the "hammer" and knocked down to the highest bidders, who were remunerated for their investment by sharing the profits from the increased trade, in consequence of holding their annual fair in a certain locality.
The officers grew heartily tired of this method of conducting business; and by the personal efforts of a few gentlemen, a charter was granted by the Legislature, enabling the Society to purchase land for a permanent location. The same parties were instrumental in getting enough money subscribed to purchase the property. The location selected is admirably suited, and all who visited the ground during the exhibition were delighted in finding the premises so beautiful and easily accessible from all parts of the State. There are at present sixty-five acres inclosed with a neat board fence, and when completed, the Society will have over 200 acres - including a lake of eighty-five acres, which will add very much in giving freshness and variety to the scenery.
The Society will make arrangements during the coming year so that they can offer such inducements to manufacturers, mechanics, and agriculturists as will insure an extensive display of goods at all future exhibitions.
The recent fair has awakened a lively interest, and, even at this early date, persons are making preparations for the next fall's exhibition.
Although ground was not broken until six weeks before the opening day - still, by the personal and constant supervision of the officers, the work was so far complete as to satisfy exhibitors, and the arrangement of goods pleased the visitors. The President, Gen. N. N. Halstead, Secretaries, Colonel R. S. Swords and William M. Force, and Treasurer and General Superintendent, Benjamin Haines, deserve the thanks of the people for their efforts in making the exhibition the most interesting ever held in the State. "Long may they live I"
The articles for competition were arranged in five different departments - each of which had a superintendent, who had full control of all articles in his department, and who appointed judges.
There was a large display of agricultural implements, labor-saving machines, etc., etc. C. G. Crane & Co., of Newark, made the most extensive display of farm tools of every description. The show of cattle was not large; of Alderneys, however, there were many choice and valuable animals on exhibition.
The second department (agricultural and horticultural) was one of the most interesting features on the ground, and attracted a great deal of attention. Although the season was unfavorable, a poor fruit year, still the tables were covered with a large display of very choice fruit, and mostly from amateurs Wm. R. Ward, of Newark, exhibited sixteen varieties of pears, which were very fine - also a branch of the Vicar of Wink-field, heavily laden with fruit.
John Crane, of Union, had on the tables twenty varieties of pears and about that number of apples; both collections were highly creditable. Wm. H. Goldsmith, of Waverly, showed some fine pears, grapes, and quinces. C. H. Earl, of Newark, exhibited twenty varieties of apples, quinces, etc. E. & J. C. Williams, of Montclair, had on exhibition a choice collection of pears, apples, quinces, and potatoes. The display of grapes from Rev. J. Knox was most creditable to the grower, and were awarded a special premium, diploma, and the thanks of the Society. A. J. Holcomb, of Flemington, N. J., exhibited twelve varieties of apples, that attracted a constant crowd of spectators, on account of the size and color of the fruit. The largest specimens of Duchesse d'Angouleme and Beurre Diel Pears on exhibition came from Thomas Grigg, Vineland.
The following account of the second department is from the New York Times:
This Society held its annual meeting at the State - House in Trenton, January 15th. The meeting was well attended by persons interested in agriculture, from different parts of the State. We will give a full account of the proceedings in our March number.
 
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