AGRICVLTURS. 1 5 



jjublic spiri+ed individual nobly calls forth every assist- 

 ant, and invites his countrymen to become his rivals in 

 promoting' the general welfare of mankind. But before 

 experiments can be useful, they must be made with 

 fikiil and reported with fidelity, stating the mode pursu- 

 ed, and the difficulties encountered. 



It has been objected to those who advocate the 

 ■ca^-se of improved tarming, that they are too much at- 

 tached to theory, and too little acquaiatod with prac- 

 tice ; and it has often been deemed sufficient to ccndem.n 

 any thing ©ut of the common course to recommend it as 

 described in a printed book. Some of our farmers be- 

 -lieve, that in adopting new inventions, we insult the 

 memory of those who have gone before us, who, ac- 

 cording to their way of reasoning, have transmitted to 

 us all that is necessary to be known in cultivating lands ! 

 Others agree that the late discoveries are useful to par- 

 ticular countries, but altogether repugnant to the na- 

 ture of our soil ! There are others, who allow all 

 these improvements to have advantages in particular re- 

 spects ; but assert, that their superiority over the vul- 

 -gar course of husbandry is so doubtful, tiiey must, at 

 least, be considered of small utility ! Prejudices of this 

 kind are however passing away. He who endeavours 

 to add to the fund of useful knowledge deserves cur 

 thanks, however circumscribed his researches may be. 



We admit that there are many theories, the result 

 of experiments, the adoption of which cannot be reconi- 

 mended generally ; yet the experiments of enthusiasts, 

 or mere theorists, are often ibund valuable, or serve as 

 friendly beacons tp warn us of our danger. That which 

 is certainly most desirable however, is an union of the- 

 ory and practice. 



It is the practical farmer that we would now invite 

 ^more particularly to come forward ; we are desirous of 



