No. 200.1 149 



race have for long periods remained unenjoyed, because unknown but 

 to a few — the potato, which now feeds millions, and the turnip, that 

 Englishmen assert saves England, may be cited as examples. Acci- 

 dent brought the coiton plant into the plantation States, which now 

 afford materials for clothing hundreds of millions. Association will 

 be sure to produce the more speedy development and extended reali- 

 zation of multiplied human comforts, and accelerate the grand march 

 of our national improvement. The examination of specimens, the 

 unceremonious expression of thought, and the interchange of views 

 by the independent and noble lords of our soil, will enable each and 

 all to return to their farms with renewed spirit and increased know- 

 ledge. 



A full attendance is desired from that portion of our industrious 

 citizens, who seek not only to clothe our own people in silk, but afford 

 commerce a material for other countries. That it is practicable, 

 former conventions have demonstrated — the skill and the improvement 

 requisite, our ingenious fellow citizens are fast acquiring. The pro- 

 ceedings of the two last conventions are replete with facts and accu- 

 rately detailed experiments, affording the best guides extant for the 

 American silk culturist. We hope to hear from those who contributed 

 to this useful fund of knowledge again, with every experiment noted 

 down to the latest time. Those who cannot come to the convention, 

 are requested to make written communications on any and all subjects 

 appertaining to the objects of the convention. 



The premiums generally will be commensurate with our means. 

 The number awarded at the last fair, were 



• 20 Gold medals. 



29 Silver cups, 

 104 Silver medals, 

 $150 In cash, 

 444 Diplomas, 

 120 Vols, of agricultural works. 



We are enabled, by the munificence of the Hon. Myndert Van 

 Schaick, of this city, to offer this year, from his donation of $1000, 

 the following special premiums, in addition to the premiums on other 

 silk goods which will be given by the American Institute. 



