NINTH ANNUAL REPORT 



t)F THE TRUSTEES OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Mw-York, Dec. 31, 1850. 

 In conformity to the law passed May 5, 1841; the Trustees of 

 the American Institute, present herewith to the New-York State 

 Agricultural Society, a report of their proceedings in the depart- 

 ment of agriculture tor the year 1850; containing detailed state- 

 ments of their exhibitions of pure breed and other useful farm 

 stock, and of the agricultural, horticultural, and floral produc- 

 tions of our country, as presented at our late 23d annual fair at 

 Castle Garden in the city of New-York. 



The exhibition of agricultural implements was unusually large, 

 presenting to the examination of visitors, articles for almost 

 every conceivable use in the process of cultivation, and all of 

 the most excellent workmanship. 



Many of the plows were tested by a committee at Tarry Town, 

 and their draft, weight, width and depth of furrow, will be found 

 among the reports herewith included, and also reports of the 

 plowing and spading matches held at the same place. These 

 exhibitions were attended by a large concourse of agriculturists, 

 and were considered to be instructive, and highly satisfactory. 



The application of chemical science to agriculture, is annu- 

 ally presenting us with results of vast importance. The great 

 mass of those who are devoted to rural pursuits know very little 

 concerning these developments ; the means of acquiring the re- 

 quisite information, is not yet placed within their reach. 



