104 The Agricultural Papers of George Washington 



ground is not too stiff and binding, it succeeds very well on 

 wheat. Sown on a light snow in February, or the beginning 

 of March, it sinks with the snow and takes good root. And 

 orchard grass, of all others, is in my opinion the best mixture 

 with clover; it blooms precisely at the same time, rises quick 

 again after cutting, stands thick, yields well, and both horses 

 and cattle are fond of it, green or in hay. Alone, unless it 

 is sown very thick, it is apt to form tussocks. If of this, or 

 any other seeds I can procure, you should be in want, I 

 shall have great pleasure in furnishing them. 



I should have been very happy in forming an acquaintance 

 with the gentleman, of whom you speak so highly (Mr. Smith 

 of Ross Hall) ; but, unless he has been introduced on a public 

 day and among strangers, unaccompanied by any expression 

 to catch the attention, I have not yet had the pleasure to 

 see him; nor have I heard more of Mr. Parsons, than what 

 is mentioned of him in your letter. Your sentiments of these 

 gentlemen, or others, on giving letters of introduction to 

 any of your acquaintance, require no apology, as I shall al 

 ways be happy in showing civility to whomsoever you may 

 recommend. 



For the detailed account of your observations on the 

 husbandry of these United States, and your reflections 

 thereon, I feel myself much obliged, and shall at all times be 

 thankful for any suggestions on agricultural subjects, which 

 you may find leisure and inclination to favor me with, as 

 the remainder of my life, which, in the common course of 

 things, now in my sixty-sixth year, cannot be of long con 

 tinuance, will be devoted wholly to rural and agricultural 

 pursuits. 



For the trouble you took in going to Hull, to see if any 

 of the emigrants, who were on the point of saib ng from 

 thence to America, would answer my purposes as tenants ; and 



