CHAPTER II. 



The most 

 striking 

 features of 

 recent 

 agricul- 

 tural pro- 

 gress. 



The reap- 

 ing and 

 mowing 

 machine?. 



CHANGES AND PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURE 

 IN RECENT YEARS. 



Before entering on a more detailed descrip- 

 tion of the principles which regulate the 

 agriculture and general management of landed 

 property in this country, it may be useful 

 shortly to notice its more recent progress, and 

 those changes of practice which science or art, 

 or the circumstances of his position in regard 

 to competition or labour, have forced on the 

 British farmer. With a few exceptions the 

 change will be found rather in the more general 

 diffusion of a knowledge of good principles 

 and practice than in any considerable advance 

 upon either. 



The most striking feature of agricultural pro- 

 gress within the last twenty years has been 

 the general introduction of reaping-machines, 



