South Carolina Institute annual Fair; Southen Porcelain awarded silver medal

The Board of Directors

Report the following Awards for the seventh annual Fair of the South-Carolina Institute..

The Institute, for the purpose of rendering full justice to the contributors, called to the aid of the Committee on Premiums a number of gentlemen of character and intelligence, and well qualified to judge in the various depart­ments submitted to them. To their assistance they are principally indebted in deciding upon the merits of the ar­ticles exhibited. They would express their thanks to the judges for the admirable manner in which they discharged the duties imposed upon them, and for the elaborate re­ports submitted by them.

The Committee cannot refrain from expressing their gratification at the large number of articles on exhibition at this Fair — being greater than at any previous one. This, in the face of the fearful prostration of all business throughout our country, which paralyzed the energy of her people, was more than they could reasonably expect; in­deed at one time, the Board had it under serious conside­ration to abandon the exhibition this year. But being persuaded that such a course would tend to injure our city very much, and appeared to be a violation of good faith towards those that intended to contribute articles for exhi­bition, they determined to persevere in their efforts.

To the contributors who came forward and assisted in this undertaking, great praise is due,especially to the ladies. Their taste and industry contributed largely to the attrac­tions of our exhibition; their interest and zeal inspired the sterner sex with ardour in the cause, and their presence formed the most beautiful ornament to our Hall.

While, however, the committee believe they have so much to congratulate the Board upon, they must admit their disappointment at the slight response to the ''Special Premiums" offered; and their mortification, that but two or three apprentices contributed to the Fair, although the Board had offered large premiums in every branch of indus­try. The state of the times may have affected employers, but certainly could not apprentices.

The committee, however, must indulge the hope, that at some future day, Southern apprentices will awake to the importance of the subject. To the rising generation we must look for the development of the mechanical arts at the South.

The committee cannot dismiss the subject without expressing their conviction, that the time has arrived for this Institute to change its mode of operation somewhat from one of exhibition only, to higher ground; to influence the mind of our country; to appeal to the intellect, and thus strive to advance the arts, sciences and mechanics. Plans, we trust, will be submitted to the Institute, to effect this important object, at an early day; and we hope, ere long, it will be able to accomplish the great good designed by its founders and supporters.

DEPARTMENT NO. 1.

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DEPARTMENT NO. 8.

Southern Porcelain Manufacturing Company, near Bath, S. C.; Holman, Curtis & Co., Agents, Augusta, Geo., excellent specimen of Carolina Pottery, consisting of Pitchers, &c.,, Diploma and Silver Medal.

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