2& 



an application to the Legislature of the United States, 

 during the late session, to erect a " National Board of 

 Agriculture." The measure is warranted by many pre- 

 cedents ; and the immense advantages attending it in 

 Great-Britain and France, induced the belief, that the U- 

 Jilted States, in their extended situation, would realize 

 extensive and permanent blessings from the establishment. 

 The proposition was favorably entertained by the late dis- 

 tinguished President and by Congress. A bill was repor- 

 ted and approved, and would have passed into a law, had 

 time permitted. The measure will be resumed, and we 

 entertain no doubt of its taking effect. 



Such a system is calculated, in its relations, to produce 

 an universal excitement. The communications which 

 must be regularly made and dispersed, will transmit to 

 every section of the nation the discoveries and improve- 

 ments of every age and country. Such an Institution 

 should be cherished with affection, and receive an undi- 

 vided support. 



Gentlemen — This year is distinguished by another 

 important occurrence, peculiar to our own Commonwealth, 

 The Legislature, though late, have listened to counsels 

 frequently offered, but never entertained with the solici- 

 tude which their immense importance demanded. Dur- 

 ing many years, the Government have been solicited to 

 *' encourage private societies and public institutions, by 

 rewards and immunities, for the promotion of agriculture 

 and manufactures." This is a duty rendered imperious 

 by our invaluable Constitution-r-yet, strange as is the 

 fact, this duty, so necessary to the welflire of the State, 

 so directly connected with its prosperity in the country, 

 and its commerce and navigation abroad, has been pro- 

 crastinated. 



At last, when embarrassments brought perplexity, and 

 unpropitious seasons depression— when our population 



