Preface. iii 



wandering abroad. Those who dwell in cities would be-, 

 beyond all others, the most helpless and forlorn, should the 

 fields on which they depend for supplies be ill cultivated, or 

 finally deserted by the tillers of the soil. Of what avail, in 

 that deplorable predicament, would be their pecuniary wealth, 

 gained by commerce, manufactures, and the arts which con- 

 tribute to luxury, refinement, comfort, and tranquil enjoy- 

 ment? As well might their coin be reduced to its original 

 ore, and returned to the mines from which it had been drawn : 

 or, if it could be farther used for accumulation, it must be 

 transported to other, and perhaps precarious, scenes of spe- 

 culation. Their property, now styled real, would sink into 

 unsubstantial nothingness. Let them, then, of all others, be 

 the most forward in promoting Agricultural Improve- 

 ment, by contributing liberally to the facilities of roads, in- 

 ternal navigation, and other means by which it is encoura- 

 ged and supported. 



Our Society, however inadequate their efforts may have 

 been, have at least set an example worthy of imitation. It 

 is composed of members engaged in almost every occupation. 

 Although all are not practical farmers, they well know that 

 every citizen is, either immediately or indirectly, interested 

 in the prosperity of Agriculture; and that science, as well 

 as mechanical operation, is essential to its welfare. They 

 have, therefore, through along course of years, endeavoured 

 to bring forward conviction in the public mind, that this im- 

 portant art should not be left, unaided, merely to those who 

 pursue the labours of husbandry. The minds of the tillers 

 of the soil must be enlightened, by information flowing from 

 every appropriate source ; as their corporeal powers are invi- 

 gorated by the employment to which they are devoted. We 

 flatter ourselves, that the information we have collected and 

 disseminated, has greatly contributed to the pleasing pros- 

 pect, although it be even now only in its early dawn, which 

 presents itself in various quarters of our country. Many 

 societies for the promotion of Agriculture are formed, and 



