294 On yigrkultural TourSy csfc. 



the most spirit and success. The particular objects of 

 inquiry to be given to him in charge by the society ; 

 without preckiding him from collateral pursuits of the 

 same nature, particularly mineral productions and sta- 

 tistical details, connected with the leading object. 



Such a survey, when carefully taken of one county 

 or district, with the closest attention to accuracy, would 

 not only facilitate similar undertakings among our- 

 selves, and possibly (as in die case of Arthur Young) 

 at private expence ; but excite a similar spirit in the 

 other states. I consider the utmost accuracy an insepa- 

 rable ingredient in the utility and success of the plan. 

 The detection of an error, even of little importance, 

 would excite doubts as to the rest of the work ; and 

 diminish its popularity in the neighbourhood to which 

 the error related. 



From this general subject let me now proceed to a 

 particular one, on which the society has very justly 

 bestowed a portion of its attention. 



A cheap and certain substitute for the expensive 

 fences, in use among us is truly desirable. 



Ihe pleasing and benevolent St. Pierre^ comparing 

 architecture with planting, observes, that ihe moment 

 the building is finished it begins to decay ; while the 

 plant as soon as it is left, begins to improve, increase, 

 and reward the hand that set it in the ground. I have 

 not the book with me and am not sure that 1 quote cor- 

 rectly. The thought, ho\vever, is as I state it; and noth- 

 ing can be more beautifully just ; nor more applicable 

 to the difference between a live fence and a dead one. 

 But there is certainly some great impediment in the 

 way of raising good hedges with u§!. In very few partjs 



