Preface. xiii 



when the pubHc mind here will be turned to this 

 subject. Nothing will then be wanting towards 

 the accomplishment of every thing wished for, 

 by the friends to this important and invaluable 

 art. They have received the highest gratification, 

 and must conceive the strongest hopes, by observ- 

 ing this subject recommended to the attention of 

 Congress by the President, who has constantly 

 mingled with his other patriotic solicitudes, an 

 unabating desire to forward agricultural inquiry 

 and improvement. 



I began this collection of facts, &c. on plaister 

 of Paris, with no intention to make it public. I 

 found, in the course of my inquiries, much agree- 

 ment as to general results, among my agricultural 

 acquaintances and friends. I now think the collec- 

 tion I have made, will be so beneficial, that I 

 cannot resist the desire I feel to make an eftbrt, 

 towards rendering the knowledge of this valuable 

 substance, more generally diffused. I hazard the 

 disapprobation of thegendemen (to whom I return 

 my sincere thanks) who have favoured me with 

 their communications; as I have not asked their 

 permission to lay them before the public. But I 

 trust they will pardon me, from the motive induc- 

 ing me to take the liberty I have used. I have 

 also a wish to see, whether agricultural publications 

 will meet with a favourable reception. 



