PREFACE. 



The volume which is now submitted to the agriculturists of New-York, 

 contains the results of my investigations respecting the soils of the State. 

 Its execution has occupied my time for nearly four years ; and on reviewing 

 my labors, I cannot but hope that something has been done, which will 

 advance the interests of the farmer. 



One of the first inquiries which engaged my attention, was the classifica- 

 tion of soils ; a subject which is confessedly one of great complexity, and 

 which has never been exhibited in an intelligible and useful form, and, I 

 may add, is probably not destined to a result so desirable in itself. As the 

 geological survey of the State had just been finished, and as the works con- 

 taining the information respecting the rocks then known were so generally 

 distributed, it was deemed proper to propose a classification of the soils, 

 which should be founded upon a geological basis. Accordingly a reconnoi- 

 sance of the State was made, with the view of ascertaining whether a 

 classification founded upon geology would be useful. The result of this 

 examination led me to hope that useful ends would be gained by a classi- 

 fication thus founded, and I have therefore proposed one in the first pages of 

 this report, which I consider applicable to the soils of this State. 



In order, however, that this plan may be increased in usefulness, I have 

 given an epitome of the geology of the State, and have constructed maps 

 and sections designed to aid the farmer and student in acquiring a knowledge 

 of agricultural geology. It might have been desirable to increase the number 

 of illustrative sections and maps ; but, upon the whole, it seemed better at 

 present to fall short of what would be required for a full illustration of the 

 report, than to extend them too far, as might be judged by many persons 

 whose opinions I should most certainly feel bound to respect. Occasional 

 illustrations in lithograph have been given of the features of various parts 

 [ Agricultural Report.] b 



