XXVl PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



pursuits of rural industry, would, in the end, become a far richer and happier 

 man than nine out of ten of those who, under a burning sun, in a climate full 

 of danger to life, among a population of the most heterogeneous character, and 

 all burning with unmixed avarice, and entirely out of the protection of law, with 

 the hardest toil, and amidst the most severe privations, seek for riches and happi 

 ness in the sands of San Francisco. 



My work will be found in this edition considerably enlarged, and all pains 

 have been taken to insure accuracy. There is some miscellaneous matter, but 

 not wholly irrelevant to the subject ; and as it has been my constant aim to make 

 it so, the work will, I trust, be found of an eminently practical character ; and as 

 full and as exact details are given in regard to every agricultural operation or 

 subject as the nature of the case seemed to demand. 



In regard to the plates of animals some distrust has been expressed as to their 

 accuracy. This, in a measure, grows out of an incredulity as to the extraordi 

 nary improvements which the British farmers have made in this matter. I have 

 only to say that the drawings have been made from life by some of the best 

 artists which the country affords ; that every pains has been taken to render 

 them correct likenesses ; that I have seen several of the animals of which cuts are 

 given, and, as far as my judgment goes, know them to be exact ; and in respect 

 to those cases in which I have not seen the originals, having seen many animals 

 of the same breeds and families, have not a doubt of their accuracy. 



BOSTON, MASS. Feb. 1849. 



