PREFACE. 



The materials of which the present volume is composed 

 are of unusual value, and the societies were probably 

 never in a more flourishing condition than at present, 

 all but four having published their Transactions. 



The distribution of its volume of Transactions is one 

 of the most efficient means which a County Society has of 

 awakening an interest in the subject of Agriculture. 

 One great object of such society, with the aid of the 

 bounty of the Commonwealth, should be to create an 

 interest where but little exists, and no society can attain 

 its highest usefulness, which has not vitality enough to 

 publish, and to obtain a general distribution of its pro- 

 ceedings. It is believed that the expense of publication 

 would be both judicious and economical, even if its 

 Transactions should be placed in the hands of every 

 farmer in the county, whether a member of the society 

 or not. It is wholly impossible to give any society the 

 credit and position in this volume which it may deserve, 

 unless its returns are properly made. 



My thanks are due to the State Society and to the 

 individuals who have kindly furnished me, at their own 



