Preface. xiii 
when the public mind here will be turned to this 
subject. Nothing will then be wanting towards 
the accomplishment of every thing wished for, 
by the friends to this important and. invaluable 
art. They have received the highest gratification, 
and must conceive the strongest hopes, by observy- 
ing this subject. recommended to the attention of 
Congress by the President, who has constantly 
mingled with his other patriotic solicitudes, an 
unabating desire to forward agricultural inquiry 
and improvement. 
I began this collection of facts, &c, on plaister 
of Paris, with no intention to make it public. I 
found, in the course of my inquiries, much agree- 
ment as to general results, among my agricultural 
acquaintances and friends, I now think the collec- 
tion I have made, will be so beneficial, that I 
cannot resist the desire I feel to make an effort, 
towards rendering the knowledge of this valuable 
substance, more generally diffused. I hazard the 
disapprobation of the gentlemen (to whom I return 
my sincere thanks) who have favoured me with 
their communications; as I have not asked their 
permission to lay them before the public. But I 
trust they will pardon me, from the motive induc- 
ing me to take the liberty I have used. I have 
also a wish to see, whether agricultural publications 
will meet with a favourable reception. 
