568 [AssEWBLT 



This bust of Gen. Taylor is the production of a lad of 17, who- 

 drew the ideas of the countenance simply from a profile portrait. 

 That boy we are proud of; he is an example of the spirit pervading 

 our country, and even this^ his first production, would do honor 

 to an artist of years and experience ; and illustrates the utility of 

 the development, by these Fairs of American genius. Look at that 

 Carriage-Harness from Philadelphia, on my right : look at it atten- 

 tively, and continue the examination until you are satisfied that Eu- 

 rope cannot surpass it. So, to, this improved Saddle 



While England is contending for wealth in the field of Commer- 

 cial enterprise, what is America doing? She is exporting Ice! The 

 East and West Indies, with the Southern portion of our own land, 

 claim a share of this pure product of Nature — and many cities in 

 the West Indies, in Europe, and some in Asia, have carts labelled 

 "American Ice." The income the present year, resulting from the 

 trade in Ice albne, is more than the Wine trade of Bordeaux ! 

 (Laughter and applause.) And considering the article without cap- 

 italy and the great number and amount of tonnage of the vessels 

 employed for its shipment, it opens to our country a better and- 

 more profitable trade than does the W^ine trade lo Europe. 



Ship-building has been often exhibited, with all the variety affor- 

 ded by exquisite skill. Having attained the vantage-ground, the 

 repetition of exhibition is omitted. This night, however, a few- 

 specimens are before you — illustrating, from the Life Boat of Fran- 

 cis, to the ship-of-war, the power of our Country to equal any oth- 

 er in the scientific and masterly conitruction of vessels ; and the 

 history of our country has hitherto recorded the story that our naval 

 meriy in peace or in war, know how to use them, when the interest 

 or the honor of their Country shall call them into service. The 

 names of Hull, Decatur, Perry, and their brave compatriots, stand 

 recorded in History as national wealth. While, on the land, a Tay- 

 lor, a Wool, and their heroic band, and a Scott, a Worth) with their 

 brave companions, march under the banners of their country, we 

 may not doubt that the rights and the honor of this Nation will be 

 defended. (Applause.) 



Returning to more peaceful topics. We have here several most 

 exquisite specimens of Silk^ one of which was manufactured by an 

 American lady — Mrs. Pierce of Vermont, that coldest region of all 



