TO THE 



PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE MASSACHU- 

 SETTS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



GENTLEMEN 



JL RESUMING upon your acquiescence, I introduce to your no- 

 tice this little practical treatise upon one of the most interesting 

 and pleasing branches pertaining to the science of agriculture. 

 The utility of a cheap publication of this kind, for the information 

 and encouragement of our farmers, is unquestionable. If this 

 humble attempt should meet your approbation, and be found to 

 possess a degree of merit calculated to co-operate with your zea- 

 lous efforts to promote agricultural pursuits and improvements in 

 our country, a knowledge of your character is an ample pledge 

 that you will not withhold your patronage and favour. If, how- 

 ever, it shall appear that I have subjected myself to the accusa- 

 tion of having stepped beyond the limits, within which rny ac- 

 tual knowledge should be confined, then will a consciousness of 

 laudable motives, of assiduity and fidelity in the collection of ex- 

 perimental facts, remain as my only consolation. I am not unap- 

 prized of the almost invincible prejudice, which prevails among 

 our farmers, against what they term " book-farming," " book- 

 knowledge/* &c. &c. ; and the anecdote is fresh in my memory, 

 of an honest farmer, who, on being inquired of Why his neigh- 



667819 



