The experience of every year enlarges the sphere of usefulness. There are brought into our halls and on our grounds, inventions so useful, fabrics so ingenious, products so worthy, that new recipients of premiums are presented, and thus there is ever coincident, the hand that rewards labor and that which furnishes it. The Fair, the history of which is here given, was eminent in the amount and variety and value of the articles presented in competition and for notice.

The reports of the various committees are herewith presented, and will exhibit in detail the constituent parts of the fair; and the Society acknowledge the obligations which they are under to the intelligent gentlemen, from our own as well as neighboring States, and the British provinces, who acted as judges. To their good sense, clear discernment, and impartiality, exercised amidst all the difficulties necessarily connected with a vast crowd and limited time, the Society owe much of the commendation bestowed. It would be gratifying if more time could be allowed for the discharge of the duties of the judges; but the laudable desire of the people to witness, during the days of the fair, the interesting variety exhibited, renders it extremely difficult to devise any material change of the system pursued.

The Society will never deem their duty fully discharged till every department of work, labor, skill, or science that interests the farmer, or that can make his labor easier and more productive, his home happier and more comfortable, has been presented to the people in such circumstances as best to draw out, sustain, and encourage its useful

ness.

The interest of the people in attendance at Floral Hull was unusually animated. This portion of the exhibition was arranged by the skill and taste of Dr. Alex. Thompson, of Aurora, to whom the Society have often been indebted for the rich attractions of this department. The hall was crowded during the entire exhibition. The farmers could turn aside from the more practical accompaniments of severe labor, to admire the beautiful flower, the superior fruit. Nor is this without its excellent and gratifying lesson, since it proves that the farmers of our land have learned that the field of Nature's beauty is peculiarly their own, and that they have, in garden and in forest, such pictures as galleries cannot furnish, and which, as it has been well said, it is the highest school of art successfully to imitate. At this hall, as well as the others, the attendance of ladies was very large, showing the interest they take in the exhibition, and they appeared among the most gratified of the assemblage.

The scene at the great tent, where the address was delivered, will not easily be effaced. The tent was crowded to its utmost capacity, and by as intelligent and attentive an audience as has been witnessed in our country on any similar occasion. The fame of the speaker, Prof. Johnston, had drawn together this large assemblage, and the result proved that their highest expectations were realized. Prof. Johnston was equal to the duties devolving upon him; and though a stranger, from a distant land, the record of his intellectual and personal worth was here before him. He was known as one who had shown to the world the bright chain which connects Agriculture with Science, and has proved the indissoluble bond that binds knowledge to power. His address is among the most valuable papers which are subiritted. Its liberal views, its clear judgment, its useful, practical, yet scholar-like characteristics, will win for it a perusal by the thousands who, in this country, are examining with avidity all the pathways which lead to a more intimate acquaintance with the principles which govern the tillage of the soil. The connection of science with practical agriculture receives a new impulse in the arrival on our shores of the distinguished professor who so ably has aided in its practical union in his own favored land. The Society has been greatly honored by his acceptance of their invitation to visit this country and address the farmers of New-York; and they are happy in being enabled to say, that in all respects have their highest anticipations been realized.

ADDRESS. The exercises at the tent were commenced by a fervent and eloquent prayer by the Rev. Mr. PINNEY, of Syracuse.

The PRESIDENT of the Society, the Hon. JOHN A. KING, of Queens, then addressed the Society as follows:

Gentlemen of the Agricultural Society of the State of New-York : In addressing a few words to you on this occasion, I but fulfil a duty assigned to me, and properly belonging to the station with which I have been honored. It is one most acceptable always, and is one rendered peculiarly agreeable to me on this occasion, by the great number of distinguished men of eminence and science, who are acquainted with the great interests of the country, and who have honored this great Fair with their presence. It has been a proud day for New-York, and a proud occasion for the farmers of this great State. When they peaceably assemble and bring together here the products of their enterprize, their labor and their skill; when all

around is full of prosperity and happiness; when our citizens are assembled here as a society sustained and maintained by the liberality of the Legislature-your own representatives, the farmers of NewYork-and offering to the competition of all who come within our borders, premiums of the greatest liberality; it was a proud day for New-York and may I add, to the citizens of Syracuse also, who have made the arrangements for this great meeting; and the ladies, too, who with their skill and taste have added to that which the intelligence and liberality of those citizens have given us. They have performed all we expected, and have nobly, an hundred times over, redeemed the pledge they gave us.

Gentlemen, I had hoped on this occasion to be able to present to you the Chief Magistrate of the country, the President of the United States, one whose heart was bent on being among you; who told me personally, that he desired to know New-York, its people, and all belonging to its great interests, and who regretted deeply that he could not carry out his purpose. The state of his health has since obliged him to return without accomplishing the purpose for which he left home; and I cannot better express the sentiments of the distinguished gentleman, than by reading to you the letter he did me the honor to address to me on this occasion.

NIAGARA FALLS, Sept. 5.

My Dear Sir,—I hope that no one in attendance upon, or in any way interested in your great Agricultural meeting at Syracuse, will suffer a disappointment proportioned to that which I experience in being compelled to relinquish the idea of being present myself.

In addition to the pleasure of meeting so vast an assemblage of my fellow citizens upon an occasion so interesting to all who appreciate the true sources of national prosperity and greatness, I have been anticipating gratification and instruction from this highly favorable opportunity of looking upon the products, implements and improvements of a pursuit in which I have ever taken a deep personal interest.

To attend this Agricultural Fair, was the prominent object of my visit to your state, and until the last moment I have encouraged the idea that I should; but the advice of my medical attendants, and the claims of business in the capital, render it advisable for me to relinquish my wishes upon the subject.

Z. TAYLOR.

I have but one word more to say in conclusion. Gentlemen, I de

sire to express the obligations of our society, its deep obligations to the distinguished gentleman who sits by me, Prof. Johnston of England, who upon the invitation of the society has thought proper to cross the broad waters of the Atlantic to come here and give us the benefits of that science and instruction which he has so well imparted to the people of his own land. His books and lectures are text books on agriculture there, and will doubtless be here. He has the skill to apply all the science belonging to it in a sound and practical manner, and that which eminently fits the people of this land. I cannot do better than now to present this gentleman to you, and I do so with great pleasure. Cheers.] Professor Johnston then rose and delivered his address, which will be found at the close of the proceedings.

Hon H. WAGER, at the conclusion of the address, moved that the thanks of the Society be returned to Prof. Johnston, for his eloquent address, and a copy be requested of him for publication.

A VOICE; Not to the Society alone, put it to the assembled people of New-York!

Cheers.]

The question was then taken, and the motion agreed to by acclamation, loud and prolonged.

Prof. JOHNSTON; I beg to return my thanks to you, as the representatives of the people of New-York, and to say that nothing will give me greater satisfaction, than to place my manuscript in the hands of your Committee, for any purpose whatever.—[Cheers.]

COL. KIRBY. It was a theme of melancholy reflection to the officers of the Society, that they missed from among their number, one, whose presence at the Fair, held in his own vicinity, and where he was recognized as among the most valuable of citizens and agriculturists, had been confidently expected. The loss of Col. Kirby, was sincerely mourned, and by none more than by those with whom he was associated in the promotion of whatever could do good to the farmer. His memory as a gallant soldier, a valuable citizen, and sagacious farmer, will be fondly cherished by the farmers of New-York.

LEWIS F. ALLEN, from the committee appointed for that purpose, submitted the following report and resolutions, which were adopted unanimously:

Mr. President. There are events which occur in the progress of all institutions, however prosperous their general career, which sadden the heart, and for a time throw the veil over the most cheering anticipations and enjoyments of their members. Such an event has fallen upon this Society.

In the midst of our preparations for the great agricultural anniversary, which is now about to close, death has entered our ranks, and taken from us one of the friends, one of the most attached supporters, and one of the most valuable and efficient officers of this Institution. On the 20th day of last month, Colonel Edmund Kirby, a distinguished officer in the army of the United States, and late Vice President of this Society, died at Avon Springs, of a lingering and painful disease, which he had contracted during the late campaign of our army in Mexico.

Col. Kirby, was born in the State of Connecticut, and entered the army at eighteen years of age, in the war of 1812, where he soon became distinguished in all the qualities, which become the soldier, and adorn the man. He was afterwards adopted into the military family of the late Major-General Jacob Brown, commander-in-chief of the army, whose daughter he subsequently married. In 1821, he became a resident with his family, of the county of Jefferson, in this State, where his surviving family still remain. Although in the discharge of one of the most responsible public duties, that of pay-master, he early attached himself to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and devoted the occasional interims which the duties of his office would permit, to the cultivation of an extensive farm, in the prosecution and improvement of which he took the greatest delight, and in the welfare of his immediate section of the State, in the promotion of all those local public works, which could most effectually develop its resources; while among the immmediate community in which he dwelt, he has ever been active in all the good offices which distinguish the kind neighbor, and the upright, and public spirited man.

As a most affectionate husband and father, charged with the cares and responsibilities of a numerous family, his death is an irreparable calamity, and to those relatives dependant upon his aid and counsel, the loss of a constant friend and benefactor, will long be deplored.

To this society, Mr. President, the death of such a man as Col. Kirby, leaves a void most painfully felt, and not readily filled. On every occasion of our public meeting, when not occupied in the discharge of his immediate official duties, he was at hand to cheer us by his presence, and aid us with his counsel. He was appointed a member of one of your important committees, on the present occasion, and to the discharge of its duties, he looked forward with his characteristic promptness and energy.