The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1818-05-12

were no greal inducements TO urge the co. slder-
alton OF this subject to those whom it immediate
iy concerned. The accounts ofthe progress which
was continually making in this art in other coun~
tries, were of course butElittle regarded and still
less attended to. The public papers, which might
have been the channels for conveying useful in
strnction to the Agriculturalist. were almost
wholly devoted to poiticks and detail OF those
eyeats which have for some years past agitated
the civilized world.
There were but few books on this subject in
circulation that would have been profitable to
the reader II there were any who had access
to the volamnious works of English writers. such
as Anderson, Young, Marshall, and Others, they
derived butlittle practical information from them
applicable TO the yeomanry on This side of the
Atlantick The publications of the society for
the promotion of Agriculture in this state which
were well calculated to advance the interest of
this science, had limited circulation; indeed,
there were many particularly in this District,
that had no knowledge of the publication, nor
scarcely ofthe existence of such society.
WITH this view of the subject, it cannot be
surprising that, in this country, the art Of agri-
culture like the other arts and sciences is yet in
ITS infancy IL must, however, be gratifying to
observe the spirit of enterprise and emulation
which has been recently excited. The suspen-
sion OF commerce caused by the acts of the gem
eral government. and the repetition OF unfruit-
full seasons, have been more efhcacious III produ-
cling this change of the public mind than the
most powerful eloquence and arguments could
possibly have been. The people have moreover,
learned by experience, that ground, though it
may yield plenteous crops for a short time after
cleared from its orig inal state, will decrease in
fruitfulness, unless replenished by greater guam
tity of manure and more frequent dressings than
has been customary to bestow upon it. As agri-
cultural information now appears to be duly APP
preciated it becomes the duty of those who may
have it in their power to add to the mass of prac-
teal knowledge by communicating through the
medium of the papers the result of their own OBJ
servations and experiments and such selected es-
says as may be worthy of public notice.
Having made these remarks AS an introduction
we proceed to add few more, explanatory the
course we intend to pursue and of the motives by
which we have been influenced thus far in our pre-
sent undertaking.
As to experimental knowledge in the science
Of husbandry we make no higher pretensions than
our neighbours nor are our means of access to
the writings of others so abundant we could
wish. When the first numbers of the present Sc
ries of essays were written, ii was MOI our inten-
tion to have extended them as far as has already
been done. They were the production of a les-
ure moment, written rather for our own amuae-
rlent, than the instruction OF others. We have
for the task than ourselves, would have yolun-
teered their services in so good cause. If, how
ever we have been instrumental IN promoting
public good by conveying instruction, or by ex
citing a desire for improve nent among our
brother farmers, we shall think ourselves web
paid for our trouble.
In the mean time, we propose to present to the
publick further articles on the different branches
Of farming business, selected or original as may
be preferable, as time and matter shall enable
ever ready to acknowledge with gratitude the
least assistance which may be offered, and ready
yea anxious to relinquish present task, If any
one should be disposed to assume it.
We embrace this favourable opportunity to ex
press our regret at being obliged, Gin consequence
of the scarcity of materials of homespun manufac
ture) to make selections so often from foreign au-
thors. The observations Of our own countrymen
would be read with greater degree OF interest
American productions would be the more vaiua-
BILE not only on account of national attachment
TO the writers, but from variety of other con-
siderations: II has been remarked that 6 the
book from which the farmers will, no doubt, de-
rive the greatest advantage and the instruction
he stands in most need Of is that which makes
known to him the practice and experience OF the
most active and intelligent men, inhabiting the
same district of country with himself, and not
dissimilarly circumstanced as respects climate,
soil, and the general face of the country.
|" There are maxims in agriculture ofuniversal
application and hints derived from foreign
country sonnet lines lead to important improve
ments, but the attic ntion is more deeply engaged
and the memory more strongly impressed by what
passes in our own neighbourhood, besides, nara
tives of improvements in distant countries are
commonly viewed with distrust, and disregarded
often as mere Innovations. 1t is far otherwise
with what takes place in the society, town, coun-
ty or state to which we belong the accounts
can either be verified by our own observation, or
admitted without question as true, from the known
credibility of those from whom they are derived.'
Present appearances strongly indicate that the
evils under which we have hitherto laboured
& which at present are removed but in part, will
will soon cease to exist. And we trust that our
libraries which are now crowded with fashlona-
BILE novels, romances, tales &c. b ooks which are
a nuisance to society, will her eater be found
to contain the valua BILE works of our own coun-
trymen, upon those subjects, due attention to
which is absolutely necessary to our national as
well as individual prosperity and happiness
A FARMER.
DEaE TRIus-The Hero Of die Don.
poem with this title is advertised as the
production of Mr.. EUsTApKTEvE, the Russian
Cons,t in Rosfon-Tp Iono,dant oTfbo oyfrooY