ADDRESS 

 During the Twentieth Annnal Fair. 



By Geoxge Gifford, Esq., of New- York. 



Ladies and Gentlemen : 



As a subject most appropriate for the occasion, 1 shall ask your 

 attention for a few moments to the American Institute and the influ- 

 ence of its fairs. 



I do not propose these topics from any apprehension that the In- 

 stitute and its exhibitions are esteemed useless, but because, so great 

 is their influence, and so numerous and various the modes in which 

 the wealth and prosperity of the country are affected thereby, that 

 without special attention thereto, none can well understand or duly 

 appreciate them. 



The great leading object of the American Institute is to ascertain, 

 expound and illustrate the laws of nature, and to produce therefrom 

 new and useful things for the practical application and use of the hu- 

 man race. This it accomplishes, by the aid of volunteers from the 

 ranks of science and art, and ail the departments of industry. Re- 

 inforced from such sources, it presses on the search for truth, demol- 

 ishing the barriers which obstruct the progress of the age, breaking 

 down the enclosures of nature's storehouse, and opening new avenues 

 to apartments hitherto bearing the inscription " no admittance," and 

 letting mankind in to the enjoyment of constant accessions of novel- 

 ties and wonders. 



Aside from the subject of religion, that part of civilized society 

 whose efforts extend beyond their own private aflfairs, and are direct- 

 ed to things which appertain to general good, may bb divided into 

 two classes, as being engaged in two great departments of public en- 

 terprise. One of these departments is civil government, or the laws 



