Preface. 



Vll 



more Avortby of the citizens of a country, the basis of whose 

 strength and prosperity is Agrictjlture. 



Those who feel the importance of generally diifusing agri- 

 cultural information, and creating a spirit of emulation and 

 improvement ; yet believe us (as is too truly the case) in- 

 competent fully to accomplish the task; we cordially in- 

 vite, to — come and help us. — They may easily bring along 

 with them superior talents ; and we earnestly wish they ma\ 

 be accompanied with equally well intentioned zeal, and as 

 persevering endeavours. We have the satisfaction to know, 

 that such endeavours have not been unsuccessfully em- 

 ployed. 



Those who look for wonder- Avorking nostrums, by which 

 poor and ill attended grounds can be, at once, made to pro- 

 duce good crops; will be utterly disappointed. Nor will they 

 be gratified, who expect lessons, teaching modes of bringing 

 forth salutary and profitable avails, even from fertile soils, 

 without industry, system, and good management. With 

 these, poor lands may be made rich ; and rich soils doubly 

 productive. 



On tliose who are so occupied with their own performan- 

 ces, that they turn a deaf ear to all advice not falling in with 

 their own ideas; and who, instead of listening, candidly and 

 patiently, to the experience of others, tested by undeniable 

 principles, and practical facts ; fondly descant upon what 

 thcij do, have done, and intend to accomplish, (a propensity 

 too common,) — we can only observe, — non canemus surdis : 

 —we do not address those who will not hear. 



Ours is not a receptacle of controversy. If we or our 

 correspondents are mistaken, (a predicament from which 

 neither we nor they have any pretensions to deem ourselves 

 exempt) we thankfully receive decent and well intended cor- 

 rection. But with those who captiously endeavour to shake, 

 by disputation and misplaced criticism, the influence of useful 

 opinions, without establishing any better in their stead, — 

 we enter not the lists. — It is only for the encouragement of 



