Tin. , jii^TRODrctiorT'; 



uine source of the strength, riches, and prosperfty of \s 

 nation ; because to it we are indebted for food, clothing*, 

 the most necessary accommodations, and the materials 

 of all the arts and comforts of life. 



Agriculture corresponds to that degree of exercise,- 

 says Lord Karnes, which is the best preservative of 

 health. It requires no hurtful fatigue, on the one hand, 

 nor indulges, on the other, indolence, still more hurtful. 

 But what I chiefly insist on is, that laying aside irregu- 

 lar appetites and ambitious views, agriculture is of all oc- 

 cupations the most consonant to our nature, and the most 

 productive of contentment, the sweetest sort of happi- 

 ness. It is of all employments the best calculated to 

 raise our contemplations to the all-wise ruler of the uni- 

 Terse, and to teach us our dependence on him, from day 

 to day, from whose liberal munificence we derive all 

 our enjoyments. 



Agriculture is undoubtedly a healthy employment. — 

 Among the pro-requisites to good health and longevity, 

 may be numbered a suitable degree of exercise of body 

 and mind, a steady and equal progress through life, 

 never allowing our passions to triumph over our reason ; 

 temperance in eating and drmking, cleanliness, timely 

 and regular sleep, and pure air. The farmers dissolu- 

 tion is often occasioned by taking a severe cold, most 

 commonly through great imprudence. la many instan- 

 ces from standing still or sitting down after violent ex- 

 ercise without putting on his clothes, or by an immode- 

 rate use of cold drink when very warm. If they would 

 learn more prudence in these respects, and abstain from. 

 the use of spirituous liquors and other hurtful practices,^ 

 the cultivators of the ground would seldom require the 

 aid of physicians or apothecaries. 



" There may be some who, for want ofdue reflection 

 or competent knowledge of the history of AgriGulture^ 



