INTRODUCTION. 



Agriculture in its most extensive sense, may be defined' 

 the cultivation of the earth with a reference to the production 

 of vegetables, and the conversion of portions of them into 

 animals and a variety of forms, which are the best adapted 

 to the wants of mankind. It is appropriately distinguished 

 by numerous subdivisions. 



Tillage Husbandry consists in the raising of grain, roots 

 and other products, which require the extensive use of the 

 plow and harrow to prepare the ground for annual sowing 

 and planting. 



Grazing is limited to the pasturing and winter feeding of 

 farm stock, and it requires that the land appropriated to this 

 purpose, should be kept in pasturage for summer food, and in 

 meadows to yield the hay necessary for winter's use. In its 

 strictly technical meaning, grazing implies the rearing of 

 farm stock till they have attained sufficient maturity for a 

 profitable market, as far as this maturity can be secured on 

 grass and hay. It however, properly embraces in its minor 

 divisions, the keeping of cows for the purposes of a dairy, 

 and the support of flocks for the production of wool. 



Feeding in its agricultural signification, consists in stall 

 fattening animals, and it is properly connected with tillage 

 husbandry, by which grain and roots are produced, and by 

 their free use, animals can be brought to a higher condition 

 or ripeness, and they will thus command a much better price 

 in market, than if fed exclusively on grass or hay. 



