INTRODUCTION. MIX
and practices be brought into a more obvious and intimate connection with them,
and more full and complete explanations of the nature and conftituent properties of the different fubftances or bodies that enter into and form the bafis of the profeffion afforded; as well as the different clogs and impediments, which have been inter-
b
pofed at different times, in the way of regulations, obviated and removed. The author has endeavoured as much as poffible to furnifh the farmer with a more correct knowledge of the qualities and methods of operation of thofe materials or fubfiances with which he is to accomplith his various purpofes, as well as the changes which they undergo by an intimate combination with each other; and the modes in which they may be applied and made ufe of with the greateft chance of fuccefs and advantage.
The former of thefe have been objects of much confideration in the prefent work. It has alfo been his wifh to extend the bounds of his information in refpect to the means of cultivating the different plants which conftitute the food of man, or which ferve for the purpofe of feeding cattle and other domeftic animals. In this in- tention, the various improvements that have been effected in the nature of tillage, and the interpofition of different forts of green crops with thofe of the grain kind, as well as in the implements and machinery by which they may be performed with the greateft economy and convenience, have been brought to his notice in as clear and concife a manner as the nature of the fubje&ts admitted.
And as the various products of the earth can only afford a trifling advantage to the cultivator, unlefs he be perfectly acquainted with the means of applying them as the foad of animals, the methods of management that appear the moft beneficial in the breeding, rearing, feeding, and fattening different forts of live ftock, have, it is hoped, been more fully explained, and placed in more clear and diftinct points of view.
In regard to the latter, or the removal of thofe ob{tacles which have been thrown in the way of agriculture under the idea of regulating its operations, however ne- ceflary it may be to the complete improvement of the art, it can only be effected by the interpofition of the legiflature and the proprietors of land.