INTRODUCTION. 1 3 



been established, for the purposes of collecting 

 information respecting the present state of hus- 

 bandry through the nation ; of rousing and 

 spreading a sp rit of industry among the people; 

 and of devising and employing the most effec- 

 tual means of accelerating arid bringing to per- 

 fec'ion the cultivation of the soil in every part 

 of Great Britain. 



Frcm such an institution, patronized by our 

 Gracious Sovereign, sanctioned by the autho- 

 rity of Parliament, and under the management 

 of the first names in the kingdom, we are war- 

 ranted to prognosticate the happiest effects* 

 Every friend to his country must anticipate, 

 with joy, a period not very remote, when the 

 nation at large shall present to the ravisi.ed eye 

 a prospect rich and beautiful beyond descrip- 

 tion- Elegant buildings regular inclosures 

 luxuriant cnops of every kind of grain innu- 

 merable herds of cattle feeding at ease on the 

 richest pasture snowy flocks ranging the ver- 

 dant hills barren tracks, formerly bleak and 

 dreary, now covered with thriving plantations 

 whilst the chearful faces of a happy peasantry, 

 and the inceflant bustle of active industry, vary 

 and enliven the delightful scene. Posterity will 

 mark the present, as an important xra. in the 

 history of their country, and will remember, 

 with pious gratitude, those venerable ancestors 

 who have transmitted to them, not only the 

 best system of government, but also the com- 

 pletest system of agriculture, and a territory 

 improved and enriched by their skilful and la- 

 borious exertions. 



