viii Preface. 



or interest. Should this attempt be favourably received, and 

 our exertions adequately supported ; we have strong hopes, 

 that the usefulness of our association will be extensively ex- 

 perienced. We cannot be disappointed in the satisfaction we 

 feel in having made an effort, to attain a desirable object, 

 however feeble, it may be found, as it respects us in its means, 

 or result. It will at least set an example ; and invite men of 

 talents and practical experience, to add to our scanty stock of 

 knowledge, on the important subject of our institution. Those 

 who have enabled us, by their communications, to fulfil our 

 wishes, in the objects we endeavour to attain, merit and re- 

 ceive our sincere acknowledgments ; and we are persuaded, 

 have entitled themselves to the grateful attention of those, 

 whose interests they are calculated to promote. It is equal- 

 ly usef^J to us, to be supplied with information, either new or 

 not generally known here ; whether it be obtained by those 

 who impart it, from reading, travel, or original thoughts or 

 practice. As other countries receive the benefits of our la- 

 bours, in the products supplied to them, through the chan- 

 nels of an extensive and prosperous commerce, it is fit that 

 we should profit by their experience in the arts of cul- 

 tivation ; by which those products will be brought forth 

 more advantageously to us, and beneficially to them, both 

 in quality and abundance. Those who introduce among 

 us, the improvements of foreign countries in agriculture, 

 and the arts and sciences with which it is intimately con- 

 nected, effect a reciprocity of accommodation. It de- 

 pends on the good sense and practical attention of our far- 

 mers, to adapt them to our climates, soils, habits, and actual 

 circumstances. All foreign practice or improvement, will not 

 suit our situation. We cannot furnish labour, or afford ex- 

 pence, beyond a certain point ; but the principles will apply 

 in all countries, and when they are developed, in a plain and 

 intelligible manner, they may, in a greater or less degree, be 

 practiced upon, and fitted to the actual state of things here, 



