ii Preface, 



uurselves amply repaid for all our toils and anxieties, viewing 

 with delight the existing practical results. 



We have no reason to complain of the want of circulation of 

 our former volumes, whereof a copy is now rarelv to be pur- 

 chased, though some have passed through two edi lions. We 

 perceive occasionally, that many things are brought forward as 

 novelties, which will be found in our Memoirs; either in full 

 description, or incipient suggestions. We do not mention this 

 boastingly, but regretfully, in proof of the want of attention in 

 those who should devote some of their time to the perusal of 

 every work on the important subject ; so interesting to every 

 proprietor of our soil, as well as to those to whom it furnishes 

 not only tiieir daily sustenance, but the materials for manufac- 

 tures, and the objects of commercial pursuits. 



We have reason to know that our volumes are, not only 

 in our own country, but in Europe^ in flattering estimation 

 among those whose opinions we value. We shall continue our 

 intercourse with the other hemisphere, and thus benefit our own 

 country, receiving and promulgating agricultural information, 

 scientific and practical, in addition to that furnished by our own 

 citizens, whose exertions we shall continue to assist and en- 

 courage. 



Tiie farmers in the vicinity of our cities, and particularly of 

 Philadelphia, will find ere long, that they must change their 

 present modes, and substitute other products in place of those now 

 commonly cultivated ; which can be brought from great distan- 

 ces, and furnished at a cheaper rate than can be afforded by those 

 who inhabit the neighbourhood of the city. Time will shew 

 what this change, and the objects of it, should b^. Our farming 

 must be accommodated to circumstances produced by the exten- 

 sive public improvements, now in contemplation, for facilitating 

 the communications of the distant parts of our country with the 

 city, which will become a great manufacturing, as well as com- 

 mercial Emporium; and thus increase in its population, and 

 create demands for every product which farmers, both far and 

 near, brino;to market. It will be the duty, as it is the inclination, 

 of this and all other agricultural associations, to advise, from 

 time to time, our farmers on this subject. Experience will prove 

 here, as it has indisputably done in Europe^ that all appre- 

 hensions of lessening the value of lands, or of deteriorating the 

 products of those in the neighbourhood of our city, occasioned 



