52 [Assembly 



and it must be admitted that this plan in many cases admits of the 

 display of much taste, and the effect produced is often highly pleas- 

 ing. In Mr. Dayton's garden, also, the committee observed fine spe- 

 cimens of vegetables, and a considerable collection' of choice fruit. 



It is the opinion of the committee that Mr. Dayton is entitled to 

 the first premium, and Mr. Steele to the second, and they accordingly 

 award the Silver Cup to the former, and the Silver Medal to the 

 latter. 



Could it- be known in early spring that premiums would be given 

 for the best cultivated Flour Gardens, the committee have reason to 

 believe that there would be no lack of competitors ; and it is much 

 to be hoped that some plan will be adopted to accomplish this object. 

 Premiums of this kind are of the greatest utility ; they not only 

 awaken and encourage a laudable emulation to excel in the cultiva- 

 tion of flowers, but they also stimulate and spread more widely the 

 taste for this most delightful of pastimes, if it be not something more. 

 It is right and proper, while the American Institute gives due en- 

 couragement to Agriculture, that it should also foster and disseminate 

 a taste for flowers, those beautiful gems, which, while they improve 

 and elevate the mind, at the same time give renewed charms to the 

 fond name of " home." If printing is " the art preservative of arts," 

 Agriculture, in its largest sense, is the art preservative of man. 

 All of which is respectfully submitted. 



PETER B. MEAD, Chairman. 



JYew-York, JYov. 10, 1848. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TESTING PLOWS AT WHITE 

 PLAINS, OCT. 5, 1848. 



There were two classes of plows presented for trial; of the first 

 class. Miner and Horton's plow, presented by Capt. Robinson, of 

 Newburgh, turning a furrow 16 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, with 

 a draught of 600 lbs., the first premium was awarded Mr. Mayher 

 presented his plow. Eagle F, work and draught the same as the first, 

 was awarded the second premium. These were the only two the 

 committee had time to try. 



