To Readers and Friends. 6 
invited many to pass the portal and penetrate far into the interior 
of the temple of science. In the natural sciences, particularly in 
physiological botany, the farmer is destined to obtain a palm that 
will ever sit gracefully on his brow. On other subjects, the pro- 
duction of his pen will have the additional weight and authority 
derived from observation and practical experiment. 
We shall urge improvement in all the departments of the far- 
mer's pursuits and interests. Improvement is the object and aim 
of our labors. Improvement of the soil — in the modes of til- 
lage — in the breeds of domestic animals — in the implements of 
husbandry — and in all the departments of rural life and labor, 
are the objects to which the pages of this Journal will be devoted. 
We shall therefore, seek the powerful aid of a large number of 
contributors to the same objects. What will be the result of these 
efforts, we can neither foresee or foretel. At all events, we shall 
sow the seed and let the harvest develope the return. Trusting in 
a good soil, well prepared and properly cultivated, we cannot, in 
a favorable season, reap disappointment; though if we have to 
endure it, we shall at least have the consolation that we have 
dilligently done our duty, and supply the deficiency of the har\'est 
with a store of consciencious contentment, which never fails to 
result from a well meant effort in behalf of such attainments. 
We are much gratified to observe that more attention is paid 
to the subject of agriculture by the scientific men and writers of 
the country. It constitutes the most important business of the 
nation, and is destined, if adequately appreciated, and properly 
followed up, to render this country the granary of a large pro- 
portion of the world. Already our products are immense, but 
they are as a drop in the ocean, to what they may become. Mil- 
lions of acres, the richest and the finest that the sun ever shone 
upon, are yet to receive the first touch of the plow, while statea 
and territories yet unknown, will one day, not very far distant, 
send forth their millions of bushels of wheat for the support of 
the great family of man, in other sections of the earth. Not a 
season passes that emigrants are not bending their footsteps west- 
ward — all determined to take up their abiding place among us — 
