iat 3 Preface. . Vv 
operations, and not promptly influential in their effects. Indivi- 
duals are thus discouraged from forming associations, for agri- 
cultural purposes. We believe there are few of the kind, in 
activity, to the southward of Pennsylvania. We deplore this 
state of things, not as it respects ourselves ; for we presume 
on no claims to peculiar support or attention ; nor have we 
the vanity to identify ourselves with the subject of our in- 
stitution. The observations are general, and too well founded. 
We, ’tis true, have made an effort, hitherto ineffectual, to in- 
crease our numbers and our funds. Although it has not had 
its effect, we trust that, when understood and more generally 
known, it will yet be successful. The plan is in the volume, 
and submitted to our fellow citizens, for their consideration. 
It will be seen that our correspondents, however personally 
respectable, are not extensively increased. This has forced 
on some of our members, the necessity of repeated efforts, 
to add to our stock of information. They, most willingly, 
would have given place to others, had they came forward to 
afford their assistance. We mention not these circumstances 
in a style of complaint; but as facts, in support of our asser- 
tions; and with the hope, that more desirable prospects will 
soon open, to gratify our wishes. 
We shall patiently wait for convictions of its importance, 
and. essential use to all their prosperity, to impress the sub 
ject of our endeavours on the minds of our fellow citizens. 
If our efforts produce no immediate effects; we shall be 
content, that, with the best intentions, we “cast our bread 
upon the waters” to be “found,” by those for whose ser- 
vice we disinterestedly exert ourselves, “aiter many days.” 
We, however, flatter ourselves, that our humble efforts have 
not been entirely vain and unproductive. On the contrary, 
we are persuaded, that important benefits have accrued. But 
the extent of them cannot be otherwise than limited, and not 
generally influential; while they flow from the endeavours 
a 
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