4 PREFACE. 



I make no pretension to scientific or literary attainments, 

 other than such as men acquire in the active business of 

 life. I write as I think and practise ; and have endeavored 

 to adapt my style to the capacities of common readers. In 

 detailing the operations of the farm, I have endeavored to 

 explain the principles on which these operations are founded. 

 Indeed, so far as my ability would permit, I have endeavor- 

 ed to unite science and art, as I think they ever ought to be 

 united, in all the business of farming of which I have treated. 



The great objects of the iarmer should be, io obtain the 

 greatest returns for his labor, without deteriorating the fertility 

 of the soil ; and to 7'estore fetiility , m the most economical ivay, 

 where it has been impaired, or destroyed, by bad husbandry. 

 It has been my aim to give instruction upon these points, and 

 to explain the principles upon which my recommendations 

 are based, and upon which my individual practice has been 

 founded. J. Buel. 



Albany, September, 1839. 



