Preface. v 



'■■..'■ ■ ' , . ■ 



the experience of many is concentrated. It were to be ear- 

 nestly desired, that our farmers were more generally sensi- 

 ble of this important truth. We have endeavoured to pro- 

 mulgate information, (and should rejoice in additions to it,) 

 highly useful to those, whose lots are cast , either in old or 

 new settlements. 



If a continuance of the contest in which we are, unhappilyv 

 engaged, should turn the attention and industry of many of 

 our citizens who have heretofore been employed in other 

 pursuits, to the choice or necessity of becoming cultivators 

 of our soil ; they will profit by, and should encourage, agri- 

 cultural publications. They know, precedently, the enjoy- 

 ments of good habitations; and to those they too often sa- 

 crifice their means. They should patiently endure priva- 

 tions of their accustomed comfortable dwellings ; and yield, 

 in the beginning, a portion of their ease, to the primary ob- 

 ject of fertilizing their lands, and cultivating them with 

 judgment. Erecting and ornamenting their buildings and 

 rural accommodations, should be a secondary consideration. 

 Yet mistakes are too frequently made, in this regard. It 

 is, however, indubitably proved, in repeated and encouraging 

 instances, that citizens who have no agricultural prejudices 

 to encounter, and have had intelligence and industry, in busi- 

 ness very dilferent from the pursuits of husbandry, have far 

 exceeded old farmers, in their own art. If to them wc can 

 furnish any useful lessons, we shall deem our labours well 

 rewarded. 



Those who are engaged in the professions and employ- 

 ments requiring a permanent residence in our city, should 

 be more convinced than they have heretofore been, of the 

 obligations they owe to Agriculture. Their daily sub- 

 sistence, and their necessary comforts, and even luxuries, 

 depend, either directly or consequentially, on this first of 

 ARTS. The better the style of husbandry, the more benefits 

 they derive from it. It is no reasonable excuse for with- 

 holding their assistance, or their patronage, that they ara 



