330 [Assembly 



" More general attention is demanded of our people to the preser- 

 yation, in their purity, of the best breeds of Cattle, Horses, &c., 

 especially Sheep, so that our skilful, manufacturers, to whom all 

 praise is due, may not be compelled to resort to European markets 

 for the materials of fine cloth. 



'* Wool and Woolens occupy a large space in the Commerce of 

 the world; beside, in our climate woolen fabrics are indispensable 

 to our comfortable existence. Samples are requested from different 

 States, particularly from pure bloods. The Institute will provide 

 some of the best specimens from Europe, that comparisons may be 

 made. Samples from flocks which have been longest in the country, 

 will enable us to judge whether the climate has deteriorated or im- 

 proved its fineness and value, and also indicate the most favorable 

 portion of our country for growing this great staple, 



" The establishment of Colleges and Schools in the States of the 

 Union, for teaching practical Agricultural knowledge, wjll also claim 

 the attention of the Convention. 



" Within the last forty years, by the application of Science to 

 Manufactures, the principal clothing of our people has been produced 

 by less than one half the labor which before that time was required. 

 Who can say that the severity of Agricultural labor might not have been 

 mitigated in proportion, if the farmer had appreciated the power of 

 knowledge which, unfortunately, too many have contemned and 

 derided; but an awakening spirit has gone forth, and examples of 

 bountiful crops, cultivated under the direction of science, united with 

 experience, have staggered the most incredulous. 



"The condition of the Linen Manufactures of our country; what 

 has has caused them to languish, and the practicability of their suc^ 

 cess, forms another subject of enquiry. 



" To the Silk Culturi-^ts, who will compose an important part of 

 this Convention, we shall look for the causes which seem, in some 

 measure, to have temporarily retarded the rapid progress of silk, 

 contrary to the high hopes heretofore so almost universally entertained. 

 The Institute has always believed, that with experience and a proper 

 application of skill and industry, fostered in its infancy by wise pro- 

 tecting laws, it cannot fail of becoming one of the great staples of 

 the country. 



