IV 
DEDICATION. 
condition prefents more genuine pleafures ; retired 
on your eftate, you promote and cherifh the happi- 
nefs of every heart around you ; and while you are 
occupied in the advancement of agriculture, that 
nobleft art, that trueft fource of national wealth and 
belt contributor to human felicity, you enjoy the 
contentment of a peaceful and virtuous life. 
During my long abfence, memory, faithful to her firft 
impreffions, has frequently recalled to me the pleaf- 
ing fcenes of my youth ; and often, amidft the noife 
of fplendid entertainments, and furrounded by a bril¬ 
liant crowd, I have heaved a figh, and found myfelf 
a liranger and alone ! Diftance has fharpened the re¬ 
collection, and my anxious wifhes have been involun¬ 
tarily turned to your happy retreat. 
It is a truth confirmed by every day's experience, 
in individuals as well as in focieties, that they diminifh 
their happinefs in proportion to their departure from 
nature. My diftant excurhons, my long journeys, only 
ferve 
