PREFACE. 



A KNOWLEDGE of the principles of agriculture, 

 which simply means a knowledge of the natural 

 laws and principles which' underlie rural life and rural 

 pursuits, is not only important for those who are ac- 

 tually engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, but may 

 in general be regarded as an important element in the 

 education of the young. 



For the large number of pupils who are unable to pur- 

 sue an extended academic course of study, the natural 

 sciences should not, as is too often the case, be wholly 

 neglected. 



Although the time of the school course may not admit 

 of a thorough mastery of any one of these sciences, a 

 selection of the fundamental and elementary principles 

 of each may be consistently and profitably presented. 



Education of this kind, impressing upon the young the 

 mysteries and the beauties of nature, tends to increase 

 the fondness for our native soil, and to develop a spirit 

 of genuine patriotism. 



This book is designed primarily for use in the public 

 schools, and contains no difficulties too great for ordi- 

 nary pupils of twelve or fourteen years. 



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