476 [Senate 



Twenty-third street and Fifth avenue, and presented some very fine 

 specimens of the stock of our country. 



The annual plowing and spading matches were held at Harlem^ 

 and attracted a crowd of spectators, vs^ho admired the right lines cut 

 by the plowmen, and the light draft of the plows, as tested by the 

 dynamometer, showing that the recently improved plows perform 

 better work, with a third less power than the old fashioned ones. 



The spading match was both novel and pleasing ; the neatness and 

 rapidity* of the digging, showed how much can be done with that in- 

 valuable instrument of cultivation. 



These exhibitions were all cheered by the fine bands of music 

 voluntarily sent by Col. Bankhead, of the U. S. Army, and by Com- 

 modore Jones, of the U. S. ship of the line North Carolina, who al- 

 ways act promptly when any public service requires it. 



The managers were provided by the Harlem Railroad Company, 

 gratuitously, with the means of transportation for all those engaged 

 in the management of the plowing and spading matches. Another 

 evidence of the growing popularity of the Institute, was the prompt- 

 ness with which the owners of the several Broadway lines of omni- 

 busses furnished the managers with free tickets during the exhibi- 

 tion. 



During the fair, the annual convention of farmers, gardeners, and 

 silk culturists was held and continued three days, at which represen- 

 tatives appeared from fifteen States. 



The proceedings of that convention being voluminous, have not 

 yet been received from the press. 



Before concluding this report^ the managers beg leave respectfully 

 to say, that the business and operations of the American Institute are 

 governed by a spirit which reflects great credit upon the patriotism of 

 those who are most active in Its management, as well as upon the 

 society at large. All have the same objects in view, which are, im- 

 provement in those arts and sciences which tend to increase the inde- 

 pendence and strength of our glorious republic. 



The routine of business, which embraces a vast amount of domes- 

 tic and foreign correspondence, is managed by a very few officers, at 

 exceedingly low compensations, and by the unpaid efforts of hundreds 

 of our fellow-citizens, who give their time and their talents to pro- 

 mote the great objects of the association. The most distinguished 



