IV PREFACE. 



town, for an additional supply. This was regretted, and 

 described to me as an unaccountable circumstance by the 

 house-keeper. 1 have here, moreover, an eye to a favourite 

 plan of mine, making the country-house its own mart for 

 the supply of all necessaries, in a far more ample degree 

 than it usually is ; implicating, among other domestic ob- 

 jects, poultry, rabbits, fish, mutton, small beef, and an equal 

 abundance of the superior, as of the orchard fruits. 



In fine, I have avoided scientific detail, and have ad- 

 dressed plain understandings in the plainest language, 

 aiming at utility solely ; and I trust, the keeper of half a 

 dozen hens and a cock, in the corner of his yard, will 

 receive information, in degree, equally useful and satis- 

 factory, with another who may desire to enter upon the 

 most extensive plan. 



The SECOND EDITION contains additional articles on 

 PHEASANTS, and ON SWINE : the latter I was induced to 

 add on the representation of several friends, that many 

 persons who keep a poultry-yard for the supply of their 

 table, feel it convenient also to have a breeding sow, or 

 two or three pigs, as a still more substantial aid, in these 

 extravagant times, towards the support of their household. 

 Such economists would surely desire to be led into the 

 right path, and my friends professed to think me no im- 

 proper guide, knowing that I have been a considerable 

 breeder and feeder of pigs. 



The following letter to the publishers, of a Right Hon. 

 Baronet, late President of the Board of Agriculture, the 

 author of this little book feels peculiarly honourable to 

 himself, and a gratifying reward for his pains, as proceeding 

 from a man who, through so great a part of his life, has la- 

 boured to obtain a right understanding of every thing which 

 appertains to rural affairs, and who has thence actually con- 

 ferred so many solid benefits on his country. With respect 



