VI PKEFACE. 



Scotland. The answer to this question will be found 

 in my Course of Rural Economy, so far, at least, as I 

 alone can give it ; for it must be remembered that my 

 department of instruction formed but one branch of the 

 subject, and that the studies of agriculture, of zootechnie, 

 of tillage, and other applied sciences natural philosophy, 

 chemistry, &c. form an indispensable addition. 



Unfortunately, our country is much more clever at 

 destroying than in constructing, and all that now re- 

 mains of this great attempt belongs to the past. Some 

 precious germs, which will by-and-by bear fruit, have, 

 however, succeeded in springing up. I shall give but one 

 instance, because it has been confirmed by an academic 

 reward ; I speak of the investigations of M. Doyere, 

 Professor of Zoology, as to the means for destroying 

 noxious insects, and particularly the corn alucite, whose 

 ravages cause the loss periodically of enormous sums. 

 Other results of these few years of study will successively 

 come to light. 



If I may judge from the numerous communications 

 which I receive, public attention with us is at this moment 

 directed in a lively manner towards agriculture. I con- 

 gratulate myself upon this movement, feeling proud to 

 have contributed my humble part towards it ; but I 

 must at the same time confess, that it gives me some 

 cause for uneasiness. 



Agriculture is the most beautiful of all arts, but it is 

 also the most difficult : it requires, especially, patience 

 and perseverance rare qualities among us. Let us be 

 careful lest we add many chapters more to the already 



