zed arrangement for the execution of these duties.— 

 The honor and the prosperity of the institution re- 

 quire that there should be at least semi-annual meet- 

 ings of the members, for the express purpose of ana- 

 iitical enquiries into the subjects of the trust ; for col- 

 lecting experiments ; for receiving projects ; and fi- 

 nally, arranging them for public use. The views of 

 the Society cannot be answered short of such an ar- 

 rangement. The good Ave nim at will never be ef- 

 fected unless the fruits of these labors are placed in 

 the hands of our fellow-citizens. Through thcit me- 

 dium, information will be conveyed to all. The re- 

 sult will be a general excitement, a general enquiry, 

 and a scries of valuable experiments. Gentlemen, the 

 great object is to combine theor}'- and practice. Thro' 

 this ordeal information may be transmitted to the com- 

 jTiunity that shall merit confidence. 



The course prescribed to myself, excites a diffidence 

 for its execution, and I shall repose much on the indul- 

 gence of my respected audience. The short time since 

 it has been my duty to address you, together with al- 

 most constant professional engagements, justly awa- 

 ken solicitude, and will deprive my hearers of much 

 of that entertainment which they have a right to ex- 

 pect. Tills Society had its origin in the praise-worthy 

 project of improving the condition of agriculture, and 

 awakening our feilow-citizens to exertions for prose- 

 cuting manufactures. The agriculture of the coun- 

 ty had become stationary, and the spirit of improv e- 

 jnent nearlv extinct. Few inducements remained to 

 5:herish enterprize, or occupy industry and talents.— 

 The spirit of emigration was every where in acti\ity, 

 and the census of the county painfully admonished us, 

 that a too general disposition prevailed of seeking as- 

 s} hims in the western region of oin^ country. It was 

 at this crisis the bociety commenced the novel and 

 interesting experiment, of exciting the people of the 

 county to examine their situations, to explore the re- 

 sources' of their soils, and to commence improve- 

 pients that ensured success and profit. 



The spirit and energy of the people gloriously su5- 



