17 



imperious duty to urge my fellow- citizens to perse- 

 vere vigorously in this part of their rural employments^ 

 The merino sheep, so invaluable and requisite in all 

 fine cloth fabrics, maintain the reputation acquired, 

 and merit increasing confidence. The comparative 

 profit of these sheep is great, and although their nom- 

 inal value has declined, their present value is sufficient 

 to stimulate to the most active exertions in rearing 

 them. However much it is the interest of the coun- 

 ty to give these animals the decided preference, it is 

 proper that our native races of sheep should not be 

 forgotten. In all common and household manufac- 

 tures they deserve to be held in great estimation. — 

 Permit me to urge more care in selecting and rearing 

 of this native stock. It will amply repay the labor 

 and expence. 



And I cannot dismiss this subject v/ithout recom- 

 mending toyour notice the remarkable fine race of sheep, 

 which, for several years, have been reared by Asahel 

 Pomroy, Esq. of Northampton. For beauty, size, 

 and good quality of wool, they surpass all our native 

 sheep. Much has been said of the Virginia, Arling- 

 ton, and Smith Island sheep. They are pronoun- 

 ced by good judges as little inferior in value to the far 

 famed merino. It is hoped, that shortly we shall be 

 able to procure enough of these races to make an ex- 

 periment, that will decide their utility and fitness for 

 this climate. 



G.ENTLEMEN — The United States possess two 

 great and leading interests, those of agriculture and 

 manufactures. All other interests are subordinate 

 and dependent on these. The former was the early 

 pursuit of our venerable forefathers, their chief re- 

 source, and the last and surest reliance of posterity. 

 Manufactures became an object of patronage with iho 

 framers of the present Constitution of the United 

 States. Tiie first acts of the government recognized 

 their importance, and identified their existence and 

 prosperity with the policy adopted to suiitain the des- 

 tjjiy of a great nation. 



