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pected from your Society and similar associations. They 

 emphatically mark the spirit of the age, as distinct from 

 that of any former period. Other nations have had their 

 festivals and their fairs. The Olympic games of Greece, 

 and the gladiatorial exhibitions of Rome characterize the 

 age and ruling passion of each of those great empires, which 

 in succession gave law to the world. But when, or where 

 has public attention been excited and directed to the inter- 

 est of agriculture and the mechanic arts ? When have men 

 of wealth, and science, and influence, taken such a deep 

 interest in the welfare of the laboring part of the commu- 

 nity ? When was information upon these subjects so widely 

 diffused and so eagerly sought ? These signs of the times 

 indicate that a better state of things is to be expected — that 

 causes are in operation which, if continued, will effect a 

 mighty revolution. The united efforts of the great mass of 

 intelligence cannot be fruitless. By repeated experiments 

 and careful observations, from year to year, something will 

 be gained. Whatever discoveries or improvements are made 

 by one, will become the property of all, and never be lost. 



Agriculture and manufactures are not insulated interests. 

 They are intimately connected with other arts and occupa- 

 tions, with the sciences, and the laws and policy of our own 

 country and of foreign nations. The prosperity of the ag- 

 riculturist depends not merely upon the quantity and quality 

 of his produce, but upon the readiness, certainty, facihty, 

 and advantage with which he can vend the surplus, or ex- 

 change it for such articles as he may need. The same 

 doctrine is true in its application to the manufacturer. It is 

 in vain that he produces the best wares, unless they can 

 find a market ; and the easier and cheaper they can be con- 

 veyed, the greater will be his profit. W^hatever, therefore, 

 tends to furnish a sure and steady market, or to diminish 

 the expenses and risk of transportation, or to reduce the 

 price of articles to be received in exchange, is to the far- 



