INTRODUCTION. 



ix 



mended. In" the instances where they have quoted from each other in sup- 

 port of the same practice, I have, to avoid unnecessary repetitions, given 

 only the original. I fear, however, it will be found, particularly in what 

 relates to the Sunn, that I have not been altogether able to avoid this de- 

 fect. In the documents to which I have referred, it would have been dif- 

 ficult, from the manner in which the subject is treated, to have selected 

 the passages that relate to any specific head, without at the same time 

 combining them with reasonings that were equally connected with others : 

 I have, therefore, in such cases, (which are but few,) preferred repeating 

 such observations, rather than ha2ard the leaving any head indistinct 

 This, in one respect, will be attended with an advantage, as the reader, 

 who may be disposed to consult the Work for information on any particular 

 point, may in general rest satisfied, that he will find every thing that is 

 applicable to the subject, recorded under the head to which it has an im- 

 mediate reference. 



It only remains to add, that the work is divided into two parts ; 

 in the first of which the articles are considered as Productions of the 

 Soil ; and in the second, it has been the author's endeavour to set forth the 

 subsequent preparation which is requisite, in order to render them 

 merchantable. 



Since the present work was printed off, the Editor has been favoured 

 with some important communications on the subject of cultivating Hemp, 

 by the Right Hon. Lord Somerville, whose assiduous attentions to the 

 country's best interests are too well known to require the meed of praise 

 from his pen. These interesting articles are given in the Appendix. 



March 12, 1808. 



c 



