686 [Assembly 



From Riverhead to Greenport, the cultivation is good and the pro- 

 ducts bountiful, but said to be much better at some distance both 

 sides of the road, or particularly on the north, than along the rail 

 road. 



At Greenport, where the train arrived about five o'clock P. M., 

 a convention had been called that took place in the evening in the 

 Presbyterian church, which was generously and rightly opened for 

 this occasion. 



The company were soon refreshed with bathing and dining at the 

 different public houses, of which there are several in this very beau- 

 tiful watering place, to all of which parties of the company resorted, 

 and being well suited with their entertainment, left them with senti- 

 ments of much commendation, which many have very freely expressed. 



After some pleasant excursions in different directions, by different 

 parties of the company, the bell called them into convention for the 

 evening. The Hon. Philip Schuyler, of New York, Chairman of the 

 agricultural department of the American Institute, was chosen Presi- 

 dent of the convention, and four Vice Presidents. 



Hon. Messrs. Wm. Jones and P. Willets, of Queens county; Dr. 

 T. Osborn and W. C. Smith, of Suffolk county; James Walters, of 

 Kings county; John L. Lawrence, of New York; Francis Barretto, 

 of Westchester county. 



Messrs. Albert G. Carll, of Queens county, Henry Meigs, and T. 

 B. Wakeman, of New York, were chosen Secretaries. 



The President, on taking the chair, expressed the great interest of 

 the American Institute in the promotion of agriculture, and that it 

 was desirous to gain information on the subject from all places, to 

 examine results, and to diffuse for public advantage, the knowledge 

 of whatever of excellence or improvement it discovered or acquired. 

 This convention was here in furtherance of this great and good ob- 

 ject, and was desirous to hear from the farmers of this vicinity, any 

 facts and general information on the subject, and especially whatever 

 would bear towards the great object of the present enquiry, as to the 

 character of the extensive uncultivated region of the Island, over 

 which the cars had brought most who wer€ there assembled. As 

 information was what was sought, it was hoped that all would com- 

 municate freely what was judged important, without the formality of 

 motions. 



