REPORTS 



Of the Committee from the Board of Agric.ilture, on the 

 Plowing and Spading Matches, October, 1846. 



The committee of the Board of Agriculture of the American In- 

 stitute, in compliance with the duty assigned them, attended the plow- 

 ing and spading matches at Flushing, Long Island. 



The day was most delightful, the sun shone with its brilliant au- 

 ttimna) splendor, ?nd a gentle breeze added to the enjoyment. 



The committee left Castle Garden in the steamer furnished by 

 Capt. Peck, at the reduced charge of one shilling a passenger; this, 

 together with the other boats were crowded with both male and fe- 

 male passengers; the ladies having honored the occasion with their 

 presence. The Governor's Island band of music, furnished by the 

 politeness of Col. Bankhead, enlivened the scene, and cheered us on 

 our way. 



On arriving at Flushing an immense concourse nf persons greeted 

 the arrival of the committee, which was announced by repea'.ed peals 

 of artillery. An equipage of an unusual kind was prepared for the 

 reception of the band, consisting of a team of thirty-seven yoke of 

 oxen, which moved with perfect ease and regularity; omnibuses were 

 provided for the committee. It was really gratifying to observe the 

 immense number of persons collected to view the scene, and to re- 

 ceive the greetings of the fairest portion of creation from the balco- 

 nies and windows as the procession passed through the several streets. 

 It is presumed that upwards of four thousand persons were present. 

 The interest exhibited, affords another ample demonstration that this 

 branch of the American Institute is yielding -practical benefit to the 

 public, and that a taste for agriculture and its improvement is natural 

 to our citizens. 



