Preface. ix 



so as to produce incalculable and permanent advanta- 

 ges. Although much benefit has been, and will continue 

 to be derived from European models, and examples in hus- 

 bandry ; it is with pleasure we observe, that iVom our own 

 resources, we grow more and more independent of foreign 

 aid. The knowledge of both principles and practice in agri- 

 culture^ is daily increasing ; and the general mass of agri- 

 cultural improvements is evidently advancing throughout our 

 countr}^ Nothing will more conduce to the attainment of 

 the great object oi those, who desire to promote this most 

 essential of all arts, than associations to receive and commu- 

 nicate information, on this important subject. Let these be 

 devoted entirely to agricultural enquiries and pursuits ; and 

 avoid all topics which are productive of dissension, and calcu- 

 lated to withdraw their attention from the objects of common 

 concern. A small collection of Books and Models^ are attain- 

 able at little expence, w ith some judicious attention in the 

 choice of them. These will be sources of information and 

 useful amusement, as well as cements of union, and means 

 of gaining and diffusing knowledge, auxiliary to practice. 

 A community of interests, may be thus established ; mutual- 

 ly supporting and supported, informing and informed ; and 

 nothing contribute ly to the benefit of the whole, will be omit- 

 ted or lost. Public aid has been so often sought in vain, that 

 private exertions must be redoubled. To this end, a zeal for 

 agricultural knowledge, and practical improvements, must 

 be rendered fashionable, that it may become general and cha- 

 racteristic. Those who seek for personal distinction in our 

 government, and those who from disinterested and virtuous 

 inclinations, pertorm duties the most honourable to them- 

 selves, and beneficial to society ; will find the most solid 

 popularity and durable fame^ in measures promotive of the 

 interests (always inseparable from those of commerce and 

 the arts) of agriculturists ; w^ho compose the great body of 

 the people. This will shew itselt in public improvement ^ 



b 



