t4 EXPElilMENTS IN 



his mind, would have taught him the folly and incon-' 

 venience of the custom, So it is that our farmers have 

 been inclined to pursue the same beaten track, not dar- 

 ing to var}^ from the established mode, which for a long 

 time presented an effectual barrier to eveiy species of 

 improvement. 



But happily this charm is now broken ; arid Agriculture' 

 is considered susceptible of improvement, like philosophy,- 

 from experiment. Much talent, learning and science are 

 devoted to its cause ; the happy effects of which begin 

 to appear in many parts of our country ; yet it is to be 

 lamented that so few experiments have been made, (Cal- 

 culated to establish useful and permanent systems of 

 husbandry, suited to our peculiar climate and soil. 



The true source of agricultural knowledge, is to be 

 found in repeated experiments. These are to be made 

 by ourselves or neighbors, and verbally communicated ; 

 or by persons at greater distances, and chiefly commu^ 

 nicated by books. 



By our own experiments we receive instruction from 

 the hands of nature herself — by books we receive it 

 from other men ; the one is more certain and applica- 

 ble to our own affairs, the other more varied, and cop- 

 ious and from the principles of science unfolded, enlight- 

 ening. Neither of them ought to be neglected.—^ 

 The examination of books' ; and a free interchange of 

 ideas on agricultural improvements, will enable us to 

 avail ourselves of the knowledge to be derived from 

 our experiments. Information thus acquired is always 

 applicable to our own business, it is engraven on our 

 minds, and it can never mislead ! its very acquisition is 

 an amusement, and its communication a rational pleas- 

 ure. For far superior to that mean jealousy which lit- 

 tle miiids are apt to entertain on their disGoveriesj the, 



