PREFACE. 



Deferring to the opinion that the end of all writing ought to be instruction, 

 the following pages have been produced with this end constantly in view : 

 but as instruction may belong to the past, without, as well as within, the 

 limits of existence allotted to man, the object in Rural Life has been to 

 approximate as nearly as possible to the present, in order that, while we arc 

 in the land of the living, we may be participators in the enjoyment of the 

 knowledge which, not only in Rural Life, but in every other condition, is 

 daily developing itself around us. Thus, then, this Work has been produced 

 in accordance with the approved principles of the most experienced, intel- 

 ligent, scientific, and practical men of the present day, engaged in the 

 pursuits of which its pages are the record ; and the information it contains 

 is brought down to the time of its i^ublicatlon. 



Another end which has been kept in view in the production of Rural 

 Life, is simplicity and clearness in the arrangement. This, It is believed, 

 has been obtained, not only by laying the Work out in divisions, as a 

 horticulturist does his ground, but in subdividing these into chapters, and 

 these, again, into paragraphs, with, in many instances, separate or inde- 

 pendent *' headings." This, it is thought, has greatly tended to simplify its 

 arrangement ; to lighten any heaviness which might otherwise have 

 appeared in some of its pages ; to facilitate the desire of reference ; and, 

 altogether, to render Rural Life less wearisome in the perusal. As aU 

 pleasure consists In variety, the subjects have been disposed in such a 

 manner as, it is hoped, will secure the reader, whilst seeking for information, 

 from being baffled by confusion, or disgusted with dulness. 



The veterinary portions may, by some, be considered of the first, and 

 by others of the last, importance. But however tins may be, they have been 



