ii Preface' 



and the same wretched system pursued. A natural meadow, 

 or one artificially watered, supplied more or less of hay ; but 

 M-^here these resources were wanting, the purchase of winter 

 fodder was made from the hard earnings and savings in other' 

 products ; or the poor animals fed on straw, and the scanty 

 pickings in the fields. — Since the introduction of red clover ^ 

 and other artificial grasses^ a great and obvious change hasr 

 taken place ; and the most beneficial consequences have fol- 

 lowed. The comforts of the farmer are greatly increased, 

 and abundant supplies of summer and winter food for all do- 

 mestic animals, are furnished. Thus, by the manure obtain- 

 ed, ample means are afforded, of renewing the original strength 

 of the soil. Among other measures tending to produce this 

 happy alteration, the general use of gypsum may be men- 

 tioned, as one of the most important : for although this sub- 

 stance had been introduced many years before the date of 

 our institution, yet its use was chiefly confined to the vicinity 

 of Philadelphia. The society reflect with patriotic pleasure, 

 upon their agency in diffusing more extensively the knowledge 

 of its effects upon land; and in assisting to dispel the preju- 

 dices which unfortunately prevailed against it, by the publi- 

 cation of the communications of practical men, containing the 

 result of their experience with that valuable substance.* 



Proniums were also proposed and conferred, for the eluci- 

 dation of subjects upon which information was required, for 

 the adoption of approved systems and modes of European 

 culture, and practices, and lor the improvement of certain ar- 

 ticles of domestic manufacture. Among the latter, cheese may 

 be mentioned ; for the best sample of which, and greatest quan- 

 tity, a gold medal was presented to Mr. Mathexvson of Rhode 

 Island^ in the year ir90; the consequence of this distinction 



* The reader is referred to the concise and useful publication of our now 

 President, in 1797, upon the subject of gypsum, for a full accoujit of its use 

 as a manure ; and a refutation of tlie various prcjxidicea formerly urg'ed 

 aeainst it- 



