DEDICATION. V 



of inactivity and idleness. I have devoted some of my leisure 

 hours to the subject of this treatise, and have derived from the 

 employment both recreation and improvement. Should the 

 book share the fate of many others, aud pass into neglect and 

 oblivion, it will not be a cause of chagrin ; but if it should be so 

 fortunate as to rise into popularity, and arrest the attention of 

 our farmers, who may be assured that a little "book-knowledge'* 

 will do them no harm, it will be a source of the highest grati- 

 fication. 



The Massachusetts Agricultural Society, through your agen- 

 cy, gentlemeD, has already exerted a happy influence, tending 

 to eradicate former prejudices, and greatly to ameliorate the 

 condition of our husbandry in its various branches. 



With the view of encouraging a familiarity with agricultural 

 books among our farmers, permit me tn suggest the expediency 

 of supplying- our several county societies with the Massachusetts 

 Agricultural Repository, on the most favourable terms for dis- 

 tribution ; and also of paying, in certain proportions, your annu- 

 al premiums in cheap books on agricultural subjects. 



That you may long continue to enjoy the satisfaction to be 

 derived from your patriotick labours, is the fervent desire of 



Your humble and obedient servant, 



JAMES THACHER 

 PLYMOUTH, JULY, 1821, 



