INTRODUCTION. Vll 



Mere discoveries in abstract science, and even their appli- 

 cation to an increased production of animal and vegetable 

 food, may seem to the casual observer not entitled, from the 

 want of dazzling brilliancy, to more than secondary importance 

 and fame ; bnt when he reflects on the growth of crime and 

 the insecurity of property resulting from the goading and 

 baneful influence of the male suada fames on a population 

 rapidly outgrowing its means of existence, he will then allow 

 that such labours as those of Mr. Knight are likely to exercise 

 a most beneficial influence on the moral as well as physical 

 welfare of society. 



It is necessary to say a few words to explain why a work 

 requiring so little time or preparation as a selection of papers, 

 and the simple sketch of Mr. Knight's life prefixed to it, should 

 not have appeared at a much earlier period after his death. 

 And this it was the anxious wish of his family should have 

 been the case. They were, however, induced to concede their 

 own wishes on this point to the suggestions of a gentleman 

 who had kindly undertaken to furnish the memoir, and 

 who considered that the materials put into his hands were 

 sufficient to form a more pretending volume. 



That gentleman having very lately declined to proceed with 

 the work on the ground of ill health, the original design has 

 again been adopted, and the very few letters or memorandums 

 of Mr. Knight that remain have been arranged by those 

 unused to write for the public eye, and whose judgment may 

 probably be biassed by the devoted respect and affection they 



