ii Preface. ' 



should not neglect the art of war, however greatly it is to be 

 deprecated, in order that we may be able to repel invaders : 

 but our leading propensities and pursuits should be those which 

 enable us to cherish and perfect the arts of peace. Among these, 

 Agriculture is indubitably the most useful, it being the 

 foundation and source of nutriment to all the rest. By this 

 the solid strength of our nation, which mainly consists in 

 a hardy, thriving, and independent yeomanry, is insured 

 and extended. Territory without an industrious popula- 

 tion is as unprofitable as a barren waste; and, whatever may 

 be its fertility, all its powers are torpid, until agricultural ex- 

 ertion, and intelligence in applying ijt, give to them activity 

 and value. Nor will the most fertile regions be either produc- 

 tive or safe, if intelligent husbandry be not practised, to ena- 

 ble those who inhabit them to support themselves in conden- 

 sed society ; and gain, in plenty and security, both subsist- 

 ence and reasonable wealth, on limited and proportionably 

 small allotments, in almost boundless wilds. As well might 

 our new countries be still the haunts of roaming savages, 

 as be possessed by semi-barbarous and roving hunters, or 

 even scattered husbandmen, ignorant in their art, and expo- 

 sed to every attack of ferocious beasts, and equally savage 

 men. In our old and first settled districts, the advantages ac- 

 cruing from this invaluable art, are still more necessary and 

 indispensable. The natural fertility of those countries has 

 been hard pressed ; and, in many portions of them, it has 

 passed away : their population rapidly diminishes, and the 

 value of property therein is lamentably, yet not irrecoverably, 

 decreased. Double diligence and exertion are therefore neces- 

 sary to counteract the temptations, which new countries, often 

 deceptively, hold out to fickle or enterprising occupants of 

 worn lands. It, then, most impressively behooves the citi- 

 zens of our seaboard countries to patronize every plan cal- 

 culated to prevent unnecessary emigration. The sure mode 

 is that which teaches our husbandmen to be easy and happy 

 at home ; and, of course, supersedes the necessity of their 



