INTRODUCTION, 



Without agriculture, men would live wandering and 

 unsettled lives, disputing with each other for the posses- 

 sion of such animals as they could make their prey, 

 and for the spontaneous fruits of the earth. They would 

 have no bond of society, nor country. 



By multiplying the resources for food, agriculture has 

 permitted men to unite themselves into communities for 

 mutual assistance. Whilst some cultivate the land, to in- 

 crease its productions, others apply themselves assiduously 

 to furnishing society with the necessary implements of in- 

 dustry. It is thus that, by reciprocal intercourse and ex- 

 changes, commerce has been established, and civilization 

 extended. 



If living in cities, and leading the sedentary life required 

 by the practice of many of the arts, have softened and 

 enervated a portion of the human species, agriculture has 

 preserved the inhabitants of the country in a state of 

 health, strength, and good morals. Nor is it one of the 

 least blessings which it bestows upon society, that it 

 thus continually repairs that portion of it which would 

 otherwise become degenerate. 



