548 [Assembly 



of the county, by efforts to increase the list of membership. In 

 this year the board, from intima ions previous!}' given by some 

 members of the American Institute, were encouraged to make 

 overtures to that society for the holding of their plowing match, 

 &c., in conjunction with that of the society. The offers made,, 

 "which embraced the condition (f furnishing suitable grounds 

 at some place near the Hudson river, were accepted, and the so- 

 ciety concluded to hold its annual fair in the immediate vicinity 

 (rfthe grounds so selected. 



The ninth annual fair was accordingly held at Nyack, on & 

 commodious lot, the center of which is very finely wooded, and 

 commonly known as the Grove, and the plowing match on land- 

 adjoining, and admirably adapted to the purposes for which it 

 was selected, which was generously placed at the disposal of the- 

 society by its owner, Mr. Peter Depew. A very general interest 

 was manifested in the success of the display on this occasion, and 

 though the weather was unfavorable, a very large attendance was 

 secured on the second day of the fair, to witness the plowing and 

 spading matches, to listen to the annual address which was deli- 

 vered by W. W. Scrugham, Esq., of Yonkers, Westchester coun- 

 ty, and the announcement of the awards of the judges, as far as 

 perfected, and to the distribution of fruit, prize vegetables, and the 

 like. 



Reference is requested to be made to the report of the Institute, 

 in regard to the success and details of the plowing and spading 

 matches, as well as the general satisfaction they gave to the socie- 

 ty and citizens present. It is hardly necessary to refer to the 

 Tcry cordial reception extended to the committee of the managers 

 of the Institute, nor to the enthusiastic speeches made by some of 

 their number. The day will be long remembered by many of our 

 farmers, and its influences will, it is confidently believed, be felt 

 fn future exhibitions. At the conclusion of the annual address 

 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 



President, Col. Isaac Sloat, Blauveltville. Vice-Presidents, 

 James Suffern, Ramapo ; John C. Blauvelt^ Orangetown; Daniel 



