ADDRESS 



On the Progress aad Improvements of the Mechanic Arts, delivered 

 at Castle Garden, Oct. 9th, 1849. 



By Rev. John Alburtis. 



In pursuance of the plan adopted by (he Board of Managers of the 

 American Institute, for the encouragement of inventive genius and 

 practical talent, it has been deemed advisable during their annual ex- 

 hibitions, to call the attention of I hose who may be present to subjects 

 connected with the particular objects of the Association. On this 

 occasion, that which has been chosen for your consideration is the 

 Progress and the Improvements that have been made in the Mechanic 

 Arts. And than this we are fully persuaded there is none more inter- 

 esting in its nature, or of greater importance in its results — a branch 

 of which, in the days of His sojourning among men, the Great Master, 

 whom we reverence, made for a season, his regular and daily avoca- 

 tion. The Creator himself has set before mankind His own example 

 in planning and constructing the vast machinery of the natural world 

 — in becoming the Builder and Architect of the Universe — m making 

 '<the golden fretwork of the skies, and in wreathing bright garlands of 

 flowers, and in spreading a rich carpet of verdure to adorn and beau- 

 tify the earth. Exquisite taste, and consummate wisdom, and une- 

 qualled excellence are manifest in His works. And if we would attain 

 to the perfection of art, we should study in all our plans and under- 

 takings, to adhere as closely as possible to, and to copy Nature. 



AV 



Agriculture is an art, in the prosecution of which, we are necessarily 

 led to contemplate the method of the Divine procedure, and to regulate 

 our movements by the laws which are impressed upon the material 

 world. It is both a noble and delightful employment, worthy the ex- 



