Pradel 201 



the great parent of French agriculture, and who was undoubtedly 

 one of the first writers on the subject that had then appeared in 

 the world, with that sort of veneration which those only can 

 feel who have addicted themselves strongly to some predominant 

 pursuit,and find it in such moments indulged in its most exquisite 

 feelings. Two hundred years after his exertions, let me do 

 honour to his memory; he was an excellent farmer and a true 

 patriot, and would not have been fixed on by Henry IV. as his 

 chief agent in the great project of introducing the culture of silk 

 in France if he had not possessed a considerable reputation ; a 

 reputation well earned, since posterity has confirmed it. The 

 period of, his practice is too remote to gain anything more than 

 a general outline of what may now be supposed to have been his 

 farm. The basis of it is limestone; there is a great oak wood 

 near the chateau, and many vines, with plenty of mulberries, 

 some apparently old enough to have been planted by the hand 

 of the venerable genius that has rendered the ground classic. 

 The estate of Pradel, which is about 5000 livres (£218 15s.) a 

 year, belongs at present to the Marquis of Mirabel, who inherits 

 it in right of his wife, as the descendant of De Serres. I hope it 

 is exempted for ever from all taxes ; he whose writings laid the 

 foundation for the improvement of a kingdom should leave to 

 his posterity some marks of his countrymen's gratitude. When 

 the present Bishop of Sisteron was shown, like me, the farm of 

 De Serres, he remarked, that the nation ought to erect a statue to 

 his memory. The sentiment is not without merit, though no more 

 than common snuff-box chat; but if this bishop has a well culti- 

 vated farm in his hands it does him honour. Supped with 

 Monsieur and Madame de Boissiere, etc., and had the pleasure 

 of an agreeable and interesting conversation. — 21 miles. 



2\st. Monsieur de Boissiere, wishing to take my advice in 

 the improvement of a farm, which he has taken into his hands, 

 six or seven miles from Berg, in my road to Viviers, accompanied 

 me thither. I advised him to form one well executed and well 

 improved enclosure every year — to finish as he advances, and to 

 do well what he attempts to do at all; and I cautioned him 

 against the common abuse of that excellent husbandry, paring 

 and burning. I suspect, however, that his homme d'affahe will 

 be too potent for the English traveller. — I hope he has received 

 the turnip-seed I sent him. Dine at Viviers, and pass the Rhone. 

 After the wretched inns of the Vivarais, dirt, filth, bugs, and 

 starving, to arrive at the hotel de Monsieur, at Montilimart, a 

 great and excellent inn, was something like the arrival in France 



