No. 108.] 5 



The communications marked D. are from fortunate competitors, 

 who have in their own language described the different modes and 

 processes of accomplishing their objects. The evidences of their 

 skill and industry are afforded in the articles brought to the Fair, 

 and which commanded the premium. As they are the results of the 

 experience of men who have been successful in the trial with formi- 

 dable competitors, and as their characters are known and can be re- 

 lied on, their statements are of great value, and deserve a careful 

 perusal. They are selected from returns, many of which have been 

 excluded because they were too general to be of use. Great efforts 

 have been made to obtain full reports; in addition to personal appli- 

 cations, notices were given by circulars at an early day, and lono- 

 before the Fair. The following circular was forwarded to each of 

 the successful competitors after the Fair: 



" To competitors ejititted to premiums awarded at the Fifteenth An- 

 nual Fair of the American histitute. 



Competent and disinterested judges have, after full examination 

 and comparison, reported in favor of your contributions, and the pre- 

 miums have been accordingly awarded to you. When the intensity 

 of the competition is considered, and that not less than seventeen 

 thousand articles were exhibited, you have occasion to be proud of 

 the distinction which the testimonials of merit in your several oc- 

 cupations confer. 



For the purpose of advancing the objects of this Institute through 

 improvements in agriculture and the arts, your aid is requested in 

 affording information of the best means for effecting such improve- 

 ment; and for that purpose, detailed w^ritten accounts, w^here they 

 have not already been given, are requested from you, showino- the 

 process undergone in perfecting the article which has commanded 

 the premium. And in case of machinery, your view of the princi-^ 

 pies of its operations is desired, with such facts as show^ what it has 

 actually accomplished, and all its peculiar advantages, in order to 

 enable the Institute to complete a full report of the last Fair, bene- 

 ficial to our whole community. The names of the places where the 

 premium articles are manufactured, and where sold, with the whole- 

 sale and retail prices, should likewise be supplied. 



