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On Plaster of Pari. 
the gypsum is so. nay eftteiene an auxiliary. Tlament 
that circumstances have not permitted the insertion of 
their letters. I perceive some of them express, though 
not to me new, yet, very: unnecessary apprehensions 
of exposing themselves to critical animadversions. But 
the diffusion of agricultural publications is so deplo- — 
rably limited, that either censure or praise, must be 
confined to a small circle. 7/ey would not suffer by can-— 
_ did scrutiny ; and all other is mischievous and déspica- 
ble. Our thanks are due to those who rectify errors ; 
criticisms with this view being grateful and laudable. 
Our disinterested motives, in giving the best informa- 
tion in our power, must be a shield against, or consola- 
tion under, unmerited censure. I regret that my so 
~ frequently meeting with this excuse for withholding 
communications, compels a repetition of such observa- 
tions. “he difficulties attending the collection and. dif- 
fusion of agricultural information, are only equalled by 
the arduous, and often fruitless, task, of prevailing on 
those for whose benefit it is calculated, either to read, 
beli ve in, or practice upon, such information, ‘Those 
who profit by the lessons we endeavour to afford, 
bestow on us the most grateful eulogy, in the advanta- 
ges they derive from our desires to serve them, And 
this is the best, and only, praise we covet. 
Whatever apprehensions may be felt, by individuals 
who do-not give themselves the trouble of assisting in 
the diffusion of agricultural knowledge, and the. facts 
on which it is grounded, I have every reason to believe, 
hat those who do exert themselves, receive the appro- 
bation of all real friends to their country. 
v 
