Vm PREFACE. 



upon this as upon other topics, provided their ten- 

 dency be the patriotic one of exalting the greatness 

 of their country. 



I trust, however, that even where my observations 

 do not wholly coincide with those of my American 

 readers, they will at least acquit me of picking out 

 deficiencies even in their agriculture, for the mere 

 sake of finding fault, or of exposing them in a cen- 

 sorious spirit. I have spoken of the soil, and its 

 treatment, as I would if I were describing a district 

 of Great Britain ; and where I have pointed out 

 defects in past or present practice, it has been for 

 the purpose of mentioning along with them the 

 remedies for past mismanagement, and the improve- 

 ments of which existing methods are susceptible. 



If I may rely upon the testimony of my nume- 

 rous Transatlantic friends, my temporary residence 

 in New Brunswick, New England, and the State of 

 New York, has not been without beneficial results 

 to the agriculture of those countries. I trust that, 

 while these volumes make my own countrymen better 

 acquainted with these interesting regions, they will 

 be found to contain not a few hints which may still 

 further benefit and encourage the rural industry, both 

 of Great Britain and of North America. I hope, also, 

 that the general spirit which pervades them will tend 

 to draw still closer the numerous bonds by which 

 our kindred nations are already so intimately allied. 



Durham, February 1851. 



