APPENDIX. 129 



after all, possesses a stability unknown to any other 

 kind of property. 



But, it is in our own power, to increase the value of 

 our lands by an improved state of Agriculture. Much 

 has been done, but much more remains to be done. 

 Though not at the bottom of the hill, we have not 

 yet ascended half its height. It maybe encouraging 

 however to stop for a moment, and take a glance at 

 the progress we have made. Before the war of the 

 revolution, little of science w^as blended with the art 

 of agriculture — things had gone on in their natural 

 course. The counties first settled, now known by the 

 names of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgom- 

 ery and Bucks, though not rich (except the meadows) 

 were sufficient to yield good crops at first, and tolera- 

 ble ones for a number of years. But the soil near 

 the surface composed of vegetable substances accumu- 

 lated during the lapse of ages, became at length ex- 

 hausted by repeated tillage without refreshment. Red 

 clover was introduced before the war, but it was pro- 

 duced in small quantities, and almost solely for the 

 purpose of hay. The system of melioration by a 

 rotation of crops, in which grass took its turn, was 

 not understood. Natural meadow was in great de- 

 maud, and not much hay being produced on the up- 

 lands, it was impossible to support during winter, 



17 



