AMERICAN INSTITUTE, 16 



felt secure. The city ceased to do business with the country, and 

 the country ceased to visit tlie city; and yet, amid this convul- 

 sion, too recent and severe in the memories of all to need descrip- 

 tion, the Fair continued, and closed finally not only free from loss, 

 but with a certain gain, thus demonstrating, under the severest 

 adverses, the firm hold the Fair of the Institute has on the pub- 

 lic at large. 



The managers take great pleasure in alluding to the courtesy 

 extended by the various railroad and steamboat companies, for 

 the facilities offered in bringing and returning heavy articles ex- 

 hibited at the Fair. 



The opening address was delivered by the Recording Secretary, 

 Hon. Henry Meigs; and the anniversary address was delivered in 

 the Crystal Palace on the evening of the 27th of October, by the 

 Honorable Nathaniel P. Banks, Jr., of Massachusetts, which was 

 listened to with great attention by a numerous auditory. 



During the exhibition, eighty-seven propositions were received 

 from gentlemen wishing to become members of the Institute, four 

 of whom paid for life-membership, making the receipts from this 

 source $495. There was also received from members for dues 

 $S28, making a total of 1 1,323. 



The arrangement of the Horticultural Department of the late 

 Fair, of which Mr. A. Eridgman was chairman, gave great satis- 

 faction, both to the exhibiters and visitors. Three distinct lists 

 of prizes were offered, to meet the great length of time our Fairs 

 are held; and although the premiums in this department are 

 somewhat increased, the benefit of which was amply realized by 

 the choice specimens on exhibition. 



A new feature was this year introduced, of awarding premiums 

 of increased value ii-- the cereals and standard grass seeds of our 

 country, the success^-.", competitors presenting to the Institute the 

 samples exhibited,, which will be put up in bags with the name 

 and residence of the grower; the premium awarded, to be distri- 

 buted at the Farmer's Club of the Institute. These choice speci- 



