grow to immense sizes; and that as fine samples of beef, are every day to be met with in the markets of Philadelphia, as in any other part of the world. But as respects cows, we are much deficient,* a circumstance which is the more to be regretted, as probably in no country, does the article of butter, yield greater profit than in the United States. Some attempts have indeed been made, to improve our stock, by the importation of bulls and cows, particularly in Maryland and New York; but the public generally, are not yet informed of the success, which has attended the experiment; and whatever may be the result of imported brood animals, the great price at which they must necessarily be held, to remunerate the concerned, for the heavy expences of importation; will prevent the desired benefit from being speedily or generally derived from them. This circumstance ought to operate as an additional reason, for a careful selection of the most valuable animals from our domestic stock, and for the preservation of such others as we may occasionally meet with.

With respect to sheep, the objects to be attended to are in part common, with those first noted as to oxen. Within a few years, large sizes were chief objects of attention in England; but repeated experiments have shown, that they are not so profitable, as those of a moderate size.

The fortunate introduction of the Spanish, English, and Barbary sheep, all of which are now spreading through the middle States, may be considered as important acquisitions to the agricultural interest. With regard to the Spanish sheep, it is found by years of experience, that the cross with American ewes produces a healthy, hardy, gentle race, which fatten more speedily than the pure American blood; do not loose their wool, when shearing has been neglected beyond the usual time, and do not become diseased when fat. The fine quality of the wool is known to all the world; and what is of great consequence, the weight of fleece of the cross with American ewes, is evidently increased, when compared with the imported sheep. The same increase takes place in the cross with the English sheep. It may be well to add, that the wool of sheep from the Spanish cross, exhibits the most evident marks of improvement; this adds another proof to the many which all parts of the world furnish,* that the prejudice respecting the peculiar nature of the climate of Spain, being exclusively calculated to produce fine wool, is erroneous.

We owe the introduction of the Barbary mountain sheep, with broad tails, to our gallant countryman, William Eaton, who, when Consul at Tunis, sent them in an armed vessel in the service of the United States, commanded by Henry Geddes, to Timothy Pickering then secretary of state, who presented a fine ram and ewe to the President of our society, from whose disinterested zeal, this valuable breed is now spreading through the State of Pennsylvania, and other States in its immediate vicinity. The wool of those sheep, owing to their health and vigour, does not fall off, like the fleeces of those meagre and degenerate runts, which are too frequent here; it is moreover, in general, of a good staple, and next the skin, peculiarly soft and furry. The weight of the sheep is above mediocrity, but their chief excellence arises from their hardihood, and disposition to fatten speedily; a quality they possess in a remarkable degree, which causes them to be highly valued, both by the grazier and butcher. Hatters, who are acquainted with it, prefer it, for their manufacture, to any other wool. It spins free, and to any fineness. Flossy, fine and well dressed cloth, has been made of it. Those who have worn fleecy stockings, and gloves, of this wool, speak of it with great approbation. Perhaps a cross with the Merino, would benefit both.

We possess several valuable breeds of swine; but none, except the Chinese and African breeds, are distinctly marked. Both these breeds are remarkable for fattening speedily, but their deficiency of flesh, lessens their value, when preserved pure. They both therefore answer best when crossed with our native breeds; as their progeny take on a disposition to diffuse the fat through the flesh, which is also increased; instead of being laid thick on the outside. The Chinese hogs are very prolific, but have thick skins, and therefore not so profitable or delicate for roasters as the African breed, which have remarkably thin skins: these latter will weigh ten pounds at the age of four weeks, and will then bring one dollar twenty five cents at market.

If we have not published all the communications with which we have been favoured, it is not owing to a want of respect for them, or their authors. But our means are yet limited; and our society is only emerging from a state of torpor, into which past circumstances had thrown it. We selected subiects rather than essays; and risk this recommencement of our well meant endeavours, to promote the happiness and prosperity of our country, with no motive either of personal fame,

or interest. Should this attempt be favourably received, and our exertions adequately supported; we have strong hopes, that the usefulness of our association will be extensively experienced. We cannot be disappointed in the satisfaction we feel in having made an effort, to attain a desirable object, however feeble, it may be found, as it respects us in its means, or result. It will at least set an example; and invite men of talents and practical experience, to add to our scanty stock of knowledge, on the important subject of our institution. Those who have enabled us, by their communications, to fulfil our wishes, in the objects we endeavour to attain, merit and receive our sincere acknowledgments; and we are persuaded, have entitled themselves to the grateful attention of those, whose interests they are calculated to promote. It is equally useful to us, to be supplied with information, either new or not generally known here; whether it be obtained by those who impart it, from reading, travel, or original thoughts or practice. As other countries receive the benefits of our labours, in the products supplied to them, through the channels of an extensive and prosperous commerce, it is fit that we should profit by their experience in the arts of cultivation; by which those products will be brought forth more advantageously to us, and beneficially to them, both in quality and abundance. Those who introduce among us, the improvements of foreign countries in agriculture, and the arts and sciences with which it is intimately connected, effect a reciprocity of accommodation. It depends on the good sense and practical attention of our farmers, to adapt them to our climates, soils, habits, and actual circumstances. All foreign practice or improvement, will not suit our situation. We cannot furnish labour, or afford expence, beyond a certain point; but the principles will apply in all countries, and when they are developed, in a plain and intelligible manner, they may, in a greater or less degree, be practiced upon, and fitted to the actual state of things here, so as to produce incalculable and permanent advantages. Although much benefit has been, and will continue to be derived from European models, and examples in husbandry; it is with pleasure we observe, that from our own resources, we grow more and more independent of foreign aid. The knowledge of both principles and practice in agriculture, is daily increasing; and the general mass of agricultural improvements is evidently advancing throughout our country. Nothing will more conduce to the attainment of the great object of those, who desire to promote this most essential of all arts, than associations to receive and communicate information, on this important subject. Let these be devoted entirely to agricultural enquiries and pursuits; and avoid all topics which are productive of dissension, and calculated to withdraw their attention from the objects of common

concern.

A small collection of Books and Models, are attainable at little expence, with some judicious attention in the choice of them. These will be sources of information and useful amusement, as well as cements of union, and means of gaining and diffusing knowledge, auxiliary to practice. A community of interests, may be thus established; mutually supporting and supported, informing and informed; and nothing contributory to the benefit of the whole, will be omitted or lost. Public aid has been so often sought in vain, that private exertions must be redoubled. To this end, a zeal for agricultural knowledge, and practical improvements, must be rendered fashionable, that it may become general and characteristic. Those who seek for personal distinction in our government, and those who from disinterested and virtuous inclinations, perform duties the most honourable to themselves, and beneficial to society; will find the most solid popularity and durable fame, in measures promotive of the interests (always inseparable from those of commerce and the arts) of agriculturists; who compose the great body of the people. This will shew itself in public improvement;

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