xxviii Outlines of a Plan^ for establishing 



of promising abilities, were sent thither, to be instructed in 

 the arts of husbandry, the breeding of cattle, &c. and to 

 gain a practical knowledge on all subjects connected with 

 this interesting, delightful and important business, on which 

 the existence, wealth and permanent prospcrit}' of our coun- 

 try so materially depend. 



9. Although it would seem that a great portion of this 

 plan has reference to the older settlements of the state, yet 

 in fact, man}' of its most useful arrangements will apply to 

 new settlements, in an eminent degree. These settlements 

 are, for the most part, first established by people little ac- 

 quainted with a good style of husbandry. The earth, in its 

 prime, throws up abundant vegetation, and for a short period 

 rewards the most careless husbandman. Fertilitj'^ is ante- 

 cedent to his efforts ; and he has it not to re-create by ar- 

 tificial means. But he is ignorant of the most beneficial 

 modes whereby he can take advantage of tliis youthful vi- 

 ■gour, with which his soil is blessed. He wastes its strength, 

 and suffers its riches to flee away. A bad st^le of cropping, 

 increases the tendency of fresh lands to throw up weeds, and 

 other noxious herbage ; and that luxuriance, which with care 

 and system might be perpetuated, is indulged in its own de- 

 struction. It is discovered, when it is too late, that what 

 was the foundation of the support and wealth of the impro- 

 vident possessor, has been, by his igr^orance and neglect, like 

 the patrimony of a spendthrift, permitted, and even stimu- 

 lated, rapidly to pass from him in wild extravagance. 



The products of nature, in our new countries, seldom 

 have been turned to account. The timber is deemed an in- 

 cumbrance, and at present is perhaps too much so. The la- 

 bour and expence of preparing for tillage are enormous ; and, 

 when the sole object is that of cultivation, very discourag- 

 ing.* European books give us no lessons in these operations. 



*At the present time (1808) the expence of clearing land is much les- 

 sened, owing to the great influx of population in our new counti'ies ; for 

 five dollars per acre, land may be completely cleared of timber. 



