* 



INTRODUCTION. I3 



pendence, and make us at once formidable and refpe<fl:able 

 in the eyes of furrounding nations. To thofe who prefide 

 at the helm of ftatc, the talk is eafy ; and to minds pofleft 

 of benevolence, like theirs, the gratification is exquifite. To 

 command armies, and direct the operations of war, requires 

 no common degree of courage and firmnefs of mind : Even 

 with thefe requifites, unforefeen events may derange the befl: 

 concerted plans, overwhelm the bell caufe, and plunge a 

 whole nation into the loweft abyfs of mifery. The mind, ca- 

 pable of drawing the attention of a numerous people to their 

 true interefts, and of reconciling an increafed induftry with 

 fimplicity of manners, and correct morals, meets wiih a no- 

 bler recompenfe. Conqueft and fuccefs confer a -name that 

 dazzles the world j but it is inferior to that acquired by thofe 

 who have turned their attention to inftrucling men in the 

 arts of peace, of directing their purfuits, and endeavouring 

 to increafe their happinefs. The name of an Alexander has, 

 no doubt, infplred many a romantic mind ; but that of any 

 of the rural deities commands a more extenfive, as well as a 

 different fulFrage. In the one we behold a conqueror, wad- 

 ing through feas of blood, and facrificing every thing to his 

 ambition ; in the other we contemplate the benevolent care 

 of an afFe6lionate parent, anxious to promote the happinefs, 

 and dire<fl the future profpecls of his family. 



Having, in this hafty and imperfeft manner, attempted a 

 fketch of the origin and progrefs of Agriculture, together 

 with the benefits that have refulted from it, we think it ne- 

 ceffary to fay fomething of the plan of the prefent Work, 

 and the motives by which thofe who take an intereft in its 

 fuccefs are aduated. 



The prefent (late of EritiQi Agriculture, and the known 

 eminence of many who prad:ife it as a profefiion, are fuch as 

 might juftly draw upon the individuals who now addrefs the 

 public, the imputation of arrogance, were they to prefume to 

 improve the fyftem by any fuperior knowledge or abilities 

 of their own. They think it neceffary, in the outfet, to 

 fay, that it is not upon their own knowledge and experience 

 they rely for carrying on the work, but upon the commu- 



nicatiuus 



