PREFACE. XV 



admirably adapted to sustain the weight of an increas- 

 ing population, and to counteract the baneful effects of a 

 free trade in corn. 



In the perusal of my book the critical reader will 

 doubtless discover many defects ; but the originality and 

 utility of the work will hide a multitude of faults. 



Some of my directions may be considered unneces- 

 sarily minute ; but it should be remembered that I am 

 answerable for the success of measures I so strongly 

 recommend: nor do I arrogate to myself the merit of 

 discoveries that admit of no improvement; on the con- 

 trary, my plans are open to investigation; and should 

 they prove only forerunners of better things, I shall re- 

 joice in having laid a foundation upon which others may 

 build a more perfect system. 



