VIII PREFACE 



by which the farmer will be enabled, not only to collect 

 his own seeds, but also to determine on the quality of 

 the seeds he may want to buy. 



The mechanical part of this work is principally direct- 

 . ed to the construction and use of such implements as I have 

 employed in facilitating the destruction of weeds, both on 

 arable and pasture land. 



For, if the total extirpation of weeds cannot be accom- 

 plished; yet their propagation, at least, ought to be checked. 



Whether we view mankind in a natural or in a civilized 

 state ; we shall find, that not only the necessaries, but also 

 the far greater part of the elegancies of life, are drawn 

 from the vegetable kingdom. Every endeavour, therefore, 

 to point out the most effectual means of accelerating the 

 destruction of weeds, and of bringing to perfection the 

 cultivation of the soil of Britain, must carry with it its 

 own recommendation. 



I cannot conclude this Preface, without acknowledging my 

 obligations to several preceding authors, from whose labours 

 I have, in many respects, derived considerable benefit. . 



I shall not here make any apology for offering this my 

 second essay to the public. The favourable reception given 

 to my first essay (on the Theory and Practice of Drill-Hus- 

 bandry) will excuse me for offering this as a supplement to it. 



