PREFACE. 



THE following work on American Agriculture is intended 

 as one of the first in the series of lessons for the American 

 Farmer. The size precludes its embracing any thing be- 

 yond the shortest summary of the principles and practice 

 by which he should be guided, in the honorable career he 

 has selected. As a primary work, it is not desirable it 

 should comprise so much as to alarm the tyro in agriculture 

 with the magnitude of his subject. A concise and popular 

 exposition of the principal topics to which his attention will 

 necessarily be directed, will, it is believed, in connection with 

 his own observation and practice, give him a taste for fur- 

 ther research, which will lead him to the fullest attainment 

 in agricultural knowledge that could be expected from his 

 capacity and opportunities. 



Much of what is detailed in the present volume, has been 

 tested by the writer's own experience and observation. For 

 the remainder, he is indebted to various oral and written in- 

 formation, derived from the best agriculturists, and especially 

 from the valuable foreign and domestic agricultural periodi- 

 cals of the present day. 



Whenever original authority could be known or recollect 

 ed, it has been credited ; but many even of the most recent 

 discoveries, have already passed through such numerous 

 hands, and received so many shades of alteration or improve- 

 ment, that their authors would hardly recognize their own 



