164 On Gypsum, 



perfectly agrees with their limed lands; contrary to an 

 opinion entertained in England. 



With all this prejudice, among some of this indus- 

 trious people, who are practically employed in the la- 

 bours of the field, the literary characters among the 

 Germans^ here and in Europe, are of a very different 

 cast. Some of the best treatises on husbandry and 

 rural oeconomy, and topics connected therewith, are to 

 be found in the German language. Several of my Ger- 

 man friends have, from time to time, obligingly gratified 

 me, by sending for my perusal, agricultural books in 

 this language. I have read in them, some of the best 

 discussions, both practical, philosophical, chymical, 

 and oeconomical, I have met with on the subject of agri- 



In my letter in which I offered the present of the young 

 ram, I mentioned, as an inducement to attention to the breed, 

 that any sum not exceeding 200 dollars ; could have been had 

 for the ram I sent to Lancaster count}' ; and that for young 

 ram lambs, half and three quarters blooded from 12 to 20 

 dollars, could be obtained. I hoped expectation of profit 

 would induce care ; and excite emulation. But it had the 

 effect of repulsion and refusal ; under the idea that some such 

 charges would be made. This shews that it requires address 

 to prevail on some of our people, to receive benefits. I am 

 happy to declare, that this is the only instance of such vm- 

 %vorthy m.isapprehension, I met with. It is here noticed, 

 not because I deem it important, as it relates to myself; but 

 to impress the necessity of taking some measures, if any are 

 practicable, to promote a general disposition among our agri- 

 cultural citizens, to improve the breeds of every species of 

 animals, comprisinr^ the stock on their farms. 



