31 cbheatjS. 



THE CEREALS. 



PAET VI. 



Though this work is intended to be a treaties, especially on grasses, 

 yet, from the structure and conformation of their parts, the cereals are, 

 botanically speaking, included in the list. 



In a work of this kind, intended as a hand-book for the farmer, the 

 description of these cereals would come properly before them, as 

 useful additions only to such knowledge as they already possess, and, 

 though the experience of every man in the State may embrace the cul- 

 tivation of cereals, yet there are some whose knowledge has not yet ex- 

 tended to the history, cultivation and care of all of them. Besides, there 

 are always many beginners in the noble science of agriculture who, in 

 the ordinary course of farming, learn some things by observation but 

 mostly by experience — sometimes disastrous enough to dishearten 

 some, deter others. Experience is always a costly teacher and is a 

 work of years. To such this part is commended, hoping they may 

 be helped over those difficulties by which so many have become 

 wrecked. It is not proposed the rules here laid down should take pre- 

 cedence over the approved plans of any one, but he may add the hints 

 here given, to such experimental knowledge he already possesses, and 

 thus make farming a success, founded upon the combined facts of 



