Preface, v 



operations, and not promptly influential in their effects. Indivi- 

 duals are thus discouraged from forming associations, for agri- 

 cultural purposes. We believe there are few of the kind, in 

 activity, to the southward of Pennsylvania. We deplore this 

 state of things, not as it respects ourselves ; for xve presume 

 on no claims to peculiar support or attention ; nor have we 

 the vanity to identify ourselves with the subject of our in- 

 stitution. The observations are general, and too well founded, 

 We, 'tis true, have made an effort, hitherto ineffectual, to in- 

 crease our numbers and our funds. Although it has not had 

 its effect, we trust that, when understood and more generally 

 known, it will yet be successful. The plan is in the volume, 

 and submitted to our fellow citizens, for their consideration. 

 ■ It will be seen that our correspondents, however personally 

 respectable, are not extensively increased. This has forced 

 on some of our members, the necessity of repeated efforts, 

 to add to our stock of information. They, most willingly, 

 would have given place to others, had they came forward to 

 afford their assistance. We mention not these circumstances 

 in a style of complaint ; but as facts, in support of our asser- 

 tions; and with the hope, that more desirable prospects Vvdll 

 soon open, to gratify our wishes. 



We shall patiently wait for convictions of its importance, 

 and essential use to all their prosperity, to impress the sub- 

 ject of our endeavours on the minds of our fellow citizens. 

 If our efforts produce no immediate effects ; we shall be 

 content, that, with the best intentions, we " cast our bread 

 upon the waters" to be " found," bv those for whose ser- 

 vice we disinterestedly exert ourselves, "after many days." 



We, however, flatter ourselves, that our humble efforts have 

 not been entirely vain and unproductive. On the contrary, 

 we are persuaded, that important benefits have accrued. But 

 the extent of them cannot be otherwise than limited, and not 

 generally influential ; v/hjle they flow from the endeavours 



