xii INTRODUCTION. 



But still, these important hand-maids to this indispensable 

 calling have only just begun to exercise an influence over 

 old modes and old practices. But two great obstacles to the 

 introduction of rational methods in agriculture are being rap- 

 idjy removed ; that is, prejudice in favor of the old methods 

 pursued by the fathers, and prejudice against innovation. 

 Whatever is good in the old methods will be retained ; and 

 ultimately, what is erroneous and worthless will be rejected. 

 Improvements, however, in agriculture, are necessarily slow 

 in getting a foothold ; much more so than in the mechanic 

 arts \ for there are stronger prejudices to be overcome, and 

 in the former it seems there is a ready appreciation of value 

 in every improvement which is made, while in the latter, a 

 prejudice is to be first overcome by ample experience. But 

 we ma}^ be assured that, sooner, or later, the benefits of a 

 change will appear, as the improvements address themselves 

 to men's pockets^ which is one of the most influential of mo- 

 tives in common life. 



The principles which control industrial pursuits are per- 

 fectly simple ; and being simple, have been and still will be 

 liable to be overlooked. Who among the merchants of a 

 village, acquires most rapidly, ease and independence for 

 himself? It is the one who, from a more extensive acquaint- 

 ance with his occupation, a more attentive observation of the 

 markets^ and a more careful application of his judgment, un- 

 tiring energy and prudent industry, buys the best article and 

 sells it the cheapest. 



Who, among the mechanics of the town, commands the 

 business in his special line of production? It is that one who 

 has been thoroughly instructed in the principles of his handi- 

 craft, applies his mind and judgment to his labor, and by that 

 means improves the articles he makes, or the modes of its 

 manufacture, and can thereby outstrip his competitors by 

 manufacturing more, as well as better, and selling cheaper, 

 ft is a natural result a simple law of trade and commerce. 



But who among the agriculturists of the land are the most 

 prosperous? It is he who is not content to follow the beaten 

 track of his forefathers, or pursue olie course which they have 

 pursued, and because they pursued and beat it, but he who 



