s^sr Islands, will eventually prove the first of blessinga to 

 this nation. But the rapid extension of plantations for 

 rearing the sugar cane, among- our enterpriziiig southern 

 fellow-citizens, and the success attending their exertions, 

 promise, at no distant period, to place this article of 

 common use beyond the reach of accident, or the mach- 

 inations of nations who aim to erect their own prosperity 

 and power on the depression of neighboring States. 



Gentlemen — We have finished the remarks which 

 we had prescribed, on the first duty of the Society, its 

 agriculture. The occasion, the variety and extent of the 

 objects, have only permitted me to occupy your time in 

 general view\s. We rely on the spirit of research, which 

 this meeting cannot fail to excite, to supply necessary o- 

 missions. This duty we entreat of you to .perform with 

 fidelity to yourselves and your country. 



Gentlemen — The second object of official duty re- 

 quires me to ask your attention to household manufac- 

 tures, ar.d those conducted by associations. Devotion 

 to these great interests of the country, is a corporate du- 

 ty, and constitutes a portion of our most useful and plea- 

 ding engagements. A most commendable zeal, and ex- 

 emplary liberality, have characterized the measures of 

 the Association, in the encouragement of this essential 

 R} stem of economy. This portion of national industry 

 is necessarily conriCCted with the convenience and pros- 

 j.crity of every family. On a due estimate of the advan- 

 tages, and an industrious application of the powers of 

 iamilies to tliesc o!)jccts, are we to rely for their ease and 

 independence. The subject embraces whatever relates 

 to the liealth, the moi-als and tlie useful habits of the peo- 

 ple. They tend to ensure industry, pleiity and social en- 

 joyments, which are the brightest ornaments and the dis- 

 tinction of the eitizcp.s of New- England. Mechanic 

 practices, coramenced with the settlement of the counlrji«|i 



