PREFACE Ee Vv

the difficulties that stand in the way of such an attempt. His pretensions are founded on the experience which he has obtained from having practised the Art on an extensive scale, and from the opportunities which he has had of ex-

amining it in different parts of his own and other countries.

In bringing together the widely scattered materials, he has been particularly careful to have recourse to the best and most approved works of the practical kind, of some of which he has had occasion to make considerable use. This has been particularly the case in elucidating the principles and practice of draining land; the methods discovered. and recommended by Mr. ELk1incTon, and described with much accuracy and correctness by Mr. Jounsrone, having been freely employed, as well as many of the plans. which illus- trate them. To. Mr.. Brarson and. Mr: Crocker. he is. likewise under similar obligation for various useful observa- tions on the nature of farm buildings and cottages, as well as in the construction.of roads. The valuable writings of Mr. Youne and Mr. Mars#at, and those of many others, have afforded him facts and details of the practical kind

where his own experience was insufficient or incomplete.

For accurate drawings of the natural. British grasses