Entrohtction. 



DID hesitate at first in responding to the invitation of the 

 publishers of this work, when asked to make up the agri- 

 cultural part thereof, because I had never done any com- 

 piling, and particularly did not care for that kind of work, 

 but I never doubted the importance of the materials, and 

 feeling how much we want a succinct and full manual of 

 agriculture in these days, and willing to help in any sound 

 education, have much pleasure in introducing this to the 

 Canadian farmer. I can do so quite freely, for the simple 

 reason that as the greater part of these pages is not mine, my opinion 

 cannot be charged with egotism, nor with mercenary motives, having no 

 business interest in its sale. 



Where can I get a first-class work on farming up to date in everything ? 

 is the question asked of me by many every year, and my reply has al way- 

 been, I do not know. I am aware that it is in view to meet this want 

 shortly, by the issue of a series of Text Books, each to be confined to a 

 special subject, under titles somewhat similar to those used by me in these 

 ;>ters. Until this is done, I do not think that our young men, farmers, 

 and the public will be satisfied. How well pleased Ontario would be v 

 she to lead the world in this matter ! 



It is not claimed that this manual is either an exhaust or an Encyclope- 

 dia. The space allowed precluded this, and made, as most writers know, 

 the boiling down much more difficult than actual original matt-rial. 



But it is a sound manual on agriculture, scientific and practical. There 



) spurious matter in it, and it is right up to date. The 1883 ranche, 



-ilo, ami tin- n-lation of tn-.-s to tanning, for example, arc, brought 



umlcr review. There is also reference to sonic other modern phases of 



Homy. The remarkable changes by present day transportation, 



the ke-.-n chemical enquiry an<l practical experiments on foot ; implement 



alutions and educational work; the flow of wealth and learning into 



: pro'lu< i particularly the live stock inteivM | a good 



re of the all :cc. 



