No. 151.] 7 



and a science, be taught in America, but in schools? and how effec- 

 tually taught but by experience on the land, and with instruments 

 suited to the purpose? Youths must be instructed and trained and 

 then they will go forth in all directions qualified, practical cultiva- 

 tors. Like apprentices to the mechanic branches who leave their 

 masters instructed, and are entitled then to have full wages, or be 

 themselves masters at once. 



There is not a single well established school with suitable profes- 

 sors, grounds, apparatus, instruments of husbandry, breeds of ani- 

 mals and requisites for scientific and experimental teaching, in all 

 the wide domains of our State. Millions on millions are expended 

 on education, reaching all classes except the farmer. Knowing his 

 numerical strength, do those who rule, fear to add the power of 

 knowledge? Would a small appropriation by our Legislature to en- 

 sure a trial, afiford a dangerous precedent? More than fifty years 

 ago Gen. Washington recommended the application of the national 

 purse for the encouragement of agriculture, and although there was a 

 universal assent, not a dollar under any legislative act has been di- 

 rectly applied to this day. The trustees most respectfully invoke the 

 influence of the State Society for the establishment of one such 

 school in or near the city of New-York, under the charge and care 

 of the American Institute. 



Statement of premiums awarded in the agricultural department 

 for the year 1846: 



Gold Medals, 6 



Silver Cups, - - 57 



Silver Medals, 50 



Cash, - 110 



Diplomas, - 21 



Vols, of Books, 137 



The trustees feel authorized in saying that the report of the Insti- 

 tute for 1846, contains more valuable information than is to be found 

 any where condensed, on the subject of agriculture especially; for 

 which the Institute is indebted to the united contributions of many 

 practical and scientific agriculturists. The immense labors of the 

 chemists of the world in reference to agricultural ch( mistry, will be 

 here found, brought to an intelligible and practical result, so far as 

 those labors have up to this time been useful. What is here con- 

 tained relating to the knowledge of soils and to the making and ap- 

 plication of every kind of manure, is of great value; containino- much 



