iv 



That because of this there is a lack of good special literature, I 

 am far from pretending ; indeed, I doubt not that I could derive 

 benefit from much of it, were I to read and digest it. But I 

 nevertheless maintain that the books on agriculture, while not above 

 your intellect or intelligence, are, as a rule, written in a style beyond 

 the plane of your scientific education. 



Were I to offer you the best book written in the Latin tongue, 

 treating upon a subject familiar to you, the chances are ten to one 

 that you would not comprehend a word, and the book would be 

 tossed into a corner. Should one of your children having been 

 taught to read and translate the Latin language stumble upon this 

 book, and read it to you in your own mother tongue, you would be 

 struck with wonder at the value of its truths and the simplicity of 

 its lessons. 



I fancy this is exactly the case between you and our contempo- 

 rary scientists, who, persisting in addressing you in unfamiliar 

 language, are answerable for your now putting a number of good 

 books, that are written for you, " on the shelf." 



My earnest endeavor has been to bear all these things in mind ; 

 thus, while seeking not to deviate one inch from the broad line laid 

 down by true agricultural chemistry, I have sought to treat each 

 subject in the plainest language possible. 



If I succeed in doing no more than lay the foundation upon 

 which you can pile up future knowledge ; if I merely convince you 

 of the necessity for thought, study and experiment, I shall consider 

 that I have aided you in making the first great stride in the right di- 

 rection, and shall find in that fact alone a sufficient reward for the 

 service I have performed. 



I am, my dear sir, 



Very truly yours, 



FRANCIS WYATT. 



NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE BUILDING, 



COR. HUDSON & HARRISON STS. , 



NEW YORK CITY. 



