As diffusing a Zeal for this Undertaking throughout the Province, will probably be attended with the most beneficial Effects, permit us to urge you to Form a Society in your Neighbourhood, to meet as often as they conveniently can, to correspond with us, and to furnish us with useful Hints relative to what may be proper to fall under the Society's Notice ; and particularly what Branches of Husbandry ought to be encouraged ; and for what Manufactures Premiums ought to be given; and, in general, to suggest all Manner of proposals that may be for the Public Benefit in Arts, Manufactures, Agriculture and Giconomy.

You may be assured that a proper Respect will be shewn to your Schemes, Hints, and Proposals; and that they will be regularly communicated to the Society, at their monthly Conventions.

We are, Your very Humble Servants, Cus W. Apruorp. W* Smiru JR Wat? RuTHERFURD. Jx° Morin Scorr. Ja® Duane. To the Hon>le S* William Johnson Bartt at Johnson Hall.

346 PAPERS RELATING TO

SIR W. JOHNSON TO THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING ARTS &e.

Johnson Hall Jany 4th 1765. Gentlemen,

I did not receive your favour of the 10' ulto till a few days ago, neither had I a moments leisure to answer it till now. You may be assured that I shall think myself happy In any opportunity of promoting the Welfare of this Province, & of encouraging as far as in me lyes a laudable Spirit for that purpose, which can not be better effected than by the Suppression of Luxury & the promoting Husbandry and Manufactures, the former has not as yet crept in to the parts where my Interest & acquaintance chiefly lyes, to any Degree requiring a restriction, & shod rather think that a little turn for possessing more of the conveniencies of Life wo rather stir up a Spirit of Industry am'st the people here, who tho' they have Lands well Qualified for it, nevertheless neglect Husbandry as they have little relish beyond the mere necessarys of Life, & are too Indolent in Gen! to Labour for more than a bare subsistence.