210 [Assembly 



and prosperity of our agricultural population, will be considered as 

 legitimate subjects of discussion. 



A home department of agriculture, so earnestly recommended by 

 Washington, and so long neglected, should obtain the early attention 

 of this Convention, and effective measures taken to press it upon the 

 consideration of the national legislature early at its next session. 



The addition of another great staple to our country's resources, 

 constantly in demand in all the great markets of the world, and cal-- 

 culated to produce a wholesome influence in our balances of trade 

 with other nations, may be realized in silk. The means of removing 

 the obstacles to its rapid growth, by suitable encouragement to sus- 

 tain it in its, infancy against foreign competition, and at the same 

 time promote its home manufacture, a sure and healthy mode of sti- 

 mulating its extended growth, afford subjects that demand the best 

 reflections of our wisest political economists. Nature has fitted 

 America for a great silk country. Capital, labor and skill, judi- 

 ciously directed and applied, cannot fail soon to place it high on 

 the catalogue of our richest staples. 



As friends of agriculture and horticulture, and of the silk culture 

 in particular, whether engaged directly or indirectly in these im- 

 portant branches of industry or not, we respectfully invite you to 

 come with your friends to the celebration, and we ask you to take 

 part in the deliberations of the Convention. 



We will promise you rich treats in our cattle shows, plowing ex- 

 hibitions, displays of the productions of the farm and garden in un- 

 surpassed vegetables, fruits and flowers, and the finest specimens of 

 the factory and workshop in almost numberless variety. In the va- 

 rious addresses, from time to time during the fair, from some of our 

 most distinguished scholars and statesmen, will be furnished an al- 

 most continued feast of reason for those who seek intellectual enjoy- 

 ment. Every American citizen has a most noble duty to perform on 

 this great continent where Heaven has placed us. We are to make 

 it, if possible, a greater scene of earthly happiness than has ever 

 yet been vouchsafed to mankind. Let us do every thing to beautify, 

 to enrich it, and to render it in civilization and the arts the admired 

 of all nations. 



On behalf of the Managers, 



T. B. WAKEMAN, 



Corresponding Secretary. 



