REPORT 



Of the American Institute, for the year 1846. 



The Trustees are gratified to be able to state, that the general 

 operations of the Institute for the year, both in agriculture and the 

 arts, have been crowned with signal success. 



In its regular progress the most beneficent effects have been felt 

 and acknowledged by numerous correspondents, associated and indi- 

 vidual; and by the press generally in every part of the country. 

 The plan of carrying out the objects of the Legislature, as described 

 in the last report, has been pursued, to which reference is made. 

 This will supersede the necessity of making remarks at this time. 



As the receipts are, in a degree, a true index of successful opera- 

 tion, the first reference will be to the accounts of the year. In the 

 accounts of disbursements in promoting industry and improvement in 

 the departments of agriculture and the arts, it should be borne in 

 mind that our whole revenue, with the exception of the State bounty 

 of $950, and the Van Schaick donation of $1,000, has been derived 

 from membership, added to the trifle of twenty-five cents for each 

 grown person, and twelve and a half cents for children admitted to 

 the fair. This presents an example of economy, industry, liberality 

 and devotion to the public good, that challenges a comparison with 

 any institution in this or any other country. If mercenary motives 

 had prevailed, there would have been no free library! no free lec- 

 tures! no farmers' club, with even members paying nothing! no free 

 repository where the ingenious _ inventor could show the world the 

 fruit of his genius; all demanding expenditures every day of the 

 year. Contributions would have been levied on all, and expended 

 on fat offices. 



In order that the benefits of the Annual Fair might be made 

 available to the great public, and a knowledge of improvements dif- 

 fused, delegates were invited from societies, and also citizens far and 



[Assembly, No. 151,] 1 



