AMERICAN JOURNAL 
OP 
AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE. 
VOL. VII. JANUARY, 1848. No. 1. 
TO READERS AND FRIENDS. 
In assuming the task of conducting this Journal, we are aware 
of the responsibility incurred; and it is with no small degree of 
diffidence that we make the attempt, more especially as we are 
expected to follow in the path of our predecessor. Dr. Emmons, 
the able and efficient geologist. Of our ability to conduct such 
a work, it would neither avail or become us to speak. We make 
no pretensions of any sort. In this our patrons must be content 
to risk one year's subscription to enable them to judge. We will 
only assure them that we have secured the promised assistance of 
several gentlemen of great scientific attainments, and some of the 
most able practical farmers in the country; and if backed and 
sustained, we can prove successful, we shall be as much gratified 
by the reflection, that we have been instrumental in exalting this 
favorite branch of industry, as we can possibly be by any pecu- 
niary advantage to be hoped for by the enterprise. 
The responsibility has been taken, not without the hope that 
our services may be useful in collecting the most valuable infor- 
mation upon all subjects pertaining to rural pursuits; but after 
all, our main reliance must be upon our correspondents, and friends. 
Our own unassisted exertions, no matter how strenuous, must be 
of little worth. 
The leading feature of this Journal, will be the advancement 
of agriculture in all its various departments, and the various 
branches of art and industry, connected with its useful inventions 
and improvements in agricultural machinerj' and implements of 
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