REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES, 



OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. 



To the Hon. Legislature of the State of JVew York : 



The undersigned, Trustees of the American Institute, in con- 

 formity with law, beg leave to present their Annual Report for 

 the years 1861-62. 



Since the last Annual Report, the American Institute have met 

 with a severe loss in the death of their venerable associate and 

 Recording Secretary the Hon. Henry Meigs, who served the Insti- 

 tute with fidelity in that capacity for more than sixteen years. 

 The various addresses, translations and reports contained in the 

 Transactions of the Institute bear witness of his indefatigable 

 industry and devotion to the cause of Agriculture. 



The Institute also sustained a further loss in the death of Dr. 

 D. M, Reese, late one of the Yice-Presidents, and at the time of 

 his decease, a member of the committee on Manufactures, Science 

 and Arts. 



The active operations of the Institute during the past 3'ear 

 have been confined principally to the Farmers' Club, to the Poly- 

 technic Association, and to the Library. 



The Farmers' Club continues to be popular, and its meetings 

 are well attended. The subjects discussed are generally instruc- 

 tive, and always of a practical and useful character. This Club 

 commends itself to the favorable notice of all real friends of Ag- 

 riculture. 



The Polytechnic Association continues to show improvement 

 in its manner of discussing scientific subjects brought before it; 

 its organization is much more complete and efficient than ever 

 before, and it promises increased usefulness. The attendance 

 during the year has shown an increase of members, and the dis- 

 cussions, although mostly of a scientific character, were exceed- 

 ingly interesting. 



