AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 15 



Exhibitions have been held by the American Institute, in this 

 city, for 26 years, and the importance of these annual gather- 

 ings in this metropolis, the great mart of trade and commerce, 

 where producers resort in multitudes, cannot be too highly esti- 

 mated. It enables the accurate observer to compare improve- 

 ments from year to year, and note the progress of art in our 

 growing republic. The knowledge of improvements obtained by 

 examination, inquiry and conversation, is carried home by the 

 visitors, and is thus spread over the whole country. The col- 

 lection of inventors and ingenious men, their explanations, inter- 

 course, observations and suggestions, conduce to new and useful 

 improvements. To no class of men is our country so much 

 indebted for those rapid improvements, which are the admira- 

 tion of the world, as to the inventors and perfecters of labor- 

 saving machinery. From the power-loom, the skilful applica- 

 tion of steam, and the Magnetic telegraph, have proceeded im- 

 measurable power and wealth. The faculty of accomplishing 

 undertakings of this description forms a marked feature in our 

 national character. New and useful inventions will receive the 

 special attention and highest honors of the Institute. 



These annual fairs attract our most honored and distinguished 

 citizens from distant States, whose presence and approbation cheer 

 the meritorious contributors. The commendations of illustrious 

 men have always conduced to high and noble exertions. 



The exhibition being pui'ely American, brings into action the 

 noblest feelings of patriotism, and nomishes the pride of national 

 independence. 



The coming fair will present to agriculturists a great opportu- 

 nity to exhibit the productions of their farms and gardens. The 

 arrangements contemplate the exhibition of grain, flour, fruit, 

 flowers, vegetables, and dairy productions ; and it is to be hoped 

 that the fan* of this year will show a marked Improvement in this 

 important department of the exhibition. 



The managers would especially call the attention of manu- 

 facturers of steam engines to the present fair, as offering peculiar 

 facilities for exhil:)iting them in practical operation, which will, 

 doubtless, more than remiburse them for any extra trouble re- 

 quired in putting them in motion. 



The managers design to include in the present fair, specimens 

 of the various minerals of oiu* country. Persons having collec- 

 tions, or rare specimens of this interesting department, are invited 

 to exhibit the same, for the purpose of showing their variety and 



