ii PREFACE. 



Other books of less comprehensive character have appeared from time to time, and they 

 are all more or less valuable and instructive, but it is some years since they appeared, while 

 changes have taken place in the condition of many parts of the country, owing to the rapid 

 growth of the means of transportation, and the consequent modifications in the systems of 

 farming. The farmer, like the merchant, is under the necessity of keeping up with the times, 

 in order not to be left behind in the close competition which he has to meet. Principles may 

 not change, but practice must be flexible enough to adapt itself to the present condition of 

 things and the wants of the market in which the infinite variety of the products of the farm 

 are to be sold. 



This volume is committed to the press in the confident hope and belief that it will prove 

 to be of permanent value and helpfulness to every farmer into whose hands it may fall. 



CHARLES L. FLINT. 



BOSTON, MASS., January, 1882. 



