128 On Plaister of Paris. 



the gypsum is so highly efficient an auxiliary. I lament 

 that circumstances have not permitted the insertion of 

 their letters. 1 perceive some of them express, though 

 not to me new, yet, very unnecessary apprehensions 

 of exposing themselves to critical animadversions. But 

 the diffusion of agricultural publications is so deplo- 

 rably limited, that either censure or praise, must be 

 confined to a small circle. 77/!^?!/ would not suffer by can- 

 did scrutiny ; and all other is mischievous and despica- 

 ble. Our thanks are due to those who rectify errors ; 

 criticisms with this view being grateful and laudable. 

 Our disinterested motives, in giving the best informa- 

 tion in our power, must be a shield against, or consola- 

 tion under, unmerited censure. I regret that my so 

 frequently meeting with this excuse for withholding 

 communications, compels a repetition of such observa- 

 tions. The difficulties attending the collection and dif- 

 fusion of agricultural information, are only equalled by 

 the arduous, and often fruitless, task, of prevailing on 

 those for whose benefit it is calculated, either to read, 

 believe in, or practice upon, such information. Those 

 who profit by the lessons we endeavour to afford, 

 bestow on us the most grateful eulogy, in the advanta- 

 ges they derive from our desires to serve them. And 

 this is the best, and only, praise we covet. 



Whatever apprehensions may be felt, by individuals 

 who do not give themselves the trouble of assisting in 

 the diffusion of cigriciiltural knowledge, and the facts 

 on wliich it is grounded, I have every reason to believe, 

 that those who do exert themselves, receive the appra* 

 bation of all real friends to their country^ 



