Agricultural Inquiries, &c. 
To GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the 
United States. | 
Sir, 
THE following collection, on the subject of the agricul- 
tural properties and uses of the gypsum, having been under- 
taken by me at your desire, I have thought there was a pro- 
priety in presenting it to you. However unimportant other 
parts may be, those which contain practical results, I flatter 
myself will be useful. 
I have had frequent occasions of knowing, that the en- 
couragement of agricultural improvement and information, 
is among the favourite wishes of your heart. It is on this ac- 
count, and not with a design to give it an undue importance, 
by placing it under your notice, that I have been induced 
to inscribe to you this publication. 
It is peculiary consolatory, when we can draw any portion 
of our comfort from our misfortunes. Your retirement from 
public life will afford you leisure and opportunities, by your 
patronage and example, to promote the interests of agricul- 
ture. Some compensation will be thereby afforded us for the 
loss we shall sustain, by your resigning the helm at which 
you have so long, so wisely, and so safely, steered our poli- 
tical barque. 
B 
