102 Observations on Agriculture^ ^c, 



our older settlements, the prices of lands are high, 

 and the fertility of the soil has been so much exhaust- 

 ed by the pioneers, or first settlers of the country, that 

 much labour, and very considerable expense, will be 

 found necessary to restore the grounds to their origin- 

 al state of fertility. But when the agriculturist encoun- 

 ters the forest, he commences on a fresh soil, which 

 has been accumulating the riches of decaying vegeta- 

 tion for ages, and under a proper system of manage- 

 ment, and with but very little comparative labour and 

 expense, will continue its original fertility for ages yet 

 to come ; a circumstance that cannot fail of insuring 

 independence to well conducted enterprize, although 

 accompanied with but moderate capital, and to those 

 who are wealthy and equally enterprising, noble estates, 

 and to the intermediate grades of capital, proportionate 

 success, provided the plans and expenditures of the 

 cultivator are governed by the true principles of rural 

 economy, a proper system of agriculture is pursued, 

 and a rich soil has been selected. This v/ill not be 

 found a difficult task to the practical, observing, and 

 reflecting farmer, if he does not suffer his judgment 

 to be led astray by the various and erroneous opinions 

 of the inhabitants, on the comparative value of soils, — 

 on which I expect hereafter to make some observa- 

 tions, which, I flatter myself, will not be entirely un- 

 interesting to you. 



I am, yours, respectfully, 



John Lorain. 

 Dr. James Mease. 



