16 AGRICULTURE. 



as regards the matter of agriculture, is almost 

 neglected. 



The cause of this neglect is obvious : In 

 the neighbourhood of New York, in Long 

 Island, and also in Staten Island, the land 

 is occupied chiefly by mercantile people. Com 

 merce engrosses their time and attention, and 

 agriculture is with them of secondary conside 

 ration, seemingly as little understood as cared 

 for. Much, therefore, might be done here by 

 enterprising men, capable of introducing and 

 keeping up a proper breed of stock, and re 

 solved as well as qualified to follow a British 

 system of agriculture. Or, as these Islands 

 command the New York market, much of the 

 land might be turned to great account by con 

 verting it into market gardens for the supply 

 of that city. But in this case, and perhaps 

 in both, it would be necessary to bring from 

 Britain skilful hands and suitable implements. 

 In both Islands there is an ample supply of 

 stone and timber. 



In quitting New York, I feel it incumbent 

 on me to observe, that in every family I visit- 



