C 3" ] 



loped in the midfl of fuperftition, and an almoft 

 total ignorance of the nature and attributes of a 

 Supreme and Firft Caufe, yet it alfo forcibly indi- 

 c atcd the high fenfc which mankind then formed 

 of the great advantages arifing from the arts of 

 cultivation. 



In ages of greater refinement, and more gene- 

 ral knowledge, the folly of a worfhip thus grofsly 

 mifapplied became fo evident, as to occafion it's 

 total extermination; but the wifeft governments 

 have always regarded Agriculture as an objed of 

 the firft magnitude and importance, and by various 

 means encouraged and promoted it. 



With refpedr. to ourfelves, the value of our acres 

 is the grand fource of national riches ; and this 

 value will ever bear an exact proportion to their 

 cultivation and produce. And therefore, as Agri- 

 culture is the bafis of our publick wealth, and the 

 happinefs of numberlefs individuals, I take the 

 liberty of throwing before you a brief account of 

 the origin and progrefs of this art in the different 

 ages and nations. 



The art of tilling, cultivating, and improving 

 the earth, fo as to render it fruitful, claims the pre- 

 cedency of all other arts in point of antiquity as 



X 2 nvcII 



