Vih INTRODUCTION. 



rather than speedily enlighten, the mind having only a short season of 

 leisure at command. 



In addition to the definitions and illustrations of subjects and terms 

 particularly connected with and having reference to agriculture, there are 

 also a few others having reference to the more common occasions for a 

 knowledge of general literature and science. These, in a volume for 

 e very-day use, will render the subjects to which they relate far more 

 familiar than though found only in large works. Such is the present 

 state of education, that every individual is presumed to have some general 

 acquaintance with the popular elements of classical learning, and without it 

 one is deemed lacking in ordinary intelligence. Limited as are the means 

 here introduced to meet such an exigency, it is imagined that they will 

 be found of material value for the department of society, now particularly 

 in view, and not of detriment to any other interest, whether social or 

 monetary. 



In every family there should be a code of household literature, embra- 

 cing such topics as are constantly presenting themselves in the diversified 

 developments of domestic economy, as well as in the sterner business opera- 

 tions of life. To have no acquaintance with the history and physiology 

 of articles used for human apparel, or ornament, or health, or dietetics ; 

 or, with the arts and processes required in their production, denotes a defi- 

 ciency of mental culture inconsistent with the age in which we live. And, 

 in the country where facilities for acquiring such knowledge are less abun- 

 dant than in cities, it is especially needful, that there should be within 

 the reach of all. not supplied with more elaborate productions, a literary 

 compend like the one now offered to the public. A familiarity with such 

 subjects readily presents in the family circle, both at the fireside and about 

 the festive board, the elements of intellectual and enlivened conversation. 

 Home is thus made cheerful ; and, all mutually assist in rendering it a 

 school of improvement, as well as a centre of social attraction. Hence, 

 without other aids to literary progress, they will severally become respect- 

 able for intelligence, and rarely will one of the number go abroad in search 

 of pleasure or means of contentment. 



