- 



INTRODUCTION. 



THIS work is offered to the public with entire confidence in 

 its merit, and in the importance of such a publication to the 

 American farmer. The necessity which calls for it is manifest 

 from the avidity with which information is sought on the 

 subject from various sources, and which has originated agri- 

 cultural societies, periodical publications, &c., all of which 

 answer a very excellent purpose in stirring up the spirit of 

 improvement. 



But all these sources, while they have furnished means for, 

 have not answered the design of this work. This is intended 

 to be a standard a complete text-book; embracing, in as con- 

 densed a form as possible, all that is most valuable in relation 

 to the science of agriculture. It is designed to be a practical 

 instructor, whereby the farmer may make himself acquainted 

 with the principles and operations of his business. 



Its advantages will be apparent, from the consideration that 

 it will teach the nature of soils, properties of manures for 

 enriching them, their adaptation to the various grains, 

 grasses, plants, &c. the influences of successive crops, best 

 method of cultivation; and the rearing and feeding of all kinds 

 of animals, as the horse, ass, mule, ox, cow, sheep, hog, &c. 

 And by a copious index appended, reference may be had, as 

 occasion requires, to any particular subject on which informa- 

 tion is wanted. This will save the labour of turning over 

 volumes of periodical publications. 



The author was well qualified for the task of furnishing such 

 a work to the community. He was, until the time of his 

 decease, well known as the Editor of the Farmers' Cabinet, 



M60776 



