C 25 3 



any practice, of the utility of which he is fully con- 

 vinced, because it has been founded upon these prin- 

 ciples. The manner can trust to the compass, 

 though he may be wholly unacquainted with the dis- 

 coveries of Gilbert on magnetism, or the refined prin- 

 ciples of that science developed by the genius of 

 yEpinus. The dyer will use his bleaching liquor, 

 even though he is perhaps ignorant not only of the 

 constitution, but even of the name of the substance 

 on which its powers depend. The great purpose of 

 chemical investigation in Agriculture, ought undoubt- 

 edly to be the discovery of improved methods of cul- 

 tivation. But to this end, general scientific principles 

 and practical knowledge, are alike necessary. The 

 germs of discovery are often found in rational specu- 

 lations ; and industry is never so efficacious as when 

 assisted by science* 



It is from the higher classes of the community, 

 from the proprietors of land ; those who are fitted by 

 their education to form enlightened plans, and by their 

 fortunes to carry such plans into execution ; it is from 

 these that the principles of improvement must flow to 

 the labouring classes of the community ; and in all 

 cases the benefit is mutual ; for the interest of the 

 tenantry must be always likewise the interest of the 

 proprietors of the soil. The attention of the labourer 

 will be more minute, and he will exert himself more 

 for improvement when he is certain he cannot deceive 

 his employer, and has a conviction of the extent of 

 his knowledge. Ignorance in the possessor of an 

 estate of the manner in which it ought to be treated, 



