upon this as upon other topics, provided their tendency be the patriotic one of exalting the greatness of their country.
I trust, however, that even where my observations do not wholly coincide with those of my American readers, they will at least acquit me of picking out deficiencies even in their agriculture, for the mere sake of finding fault, or of exposing them in a censorious spirit. I have spoken of the soil, and its treatment, as I would if I were describing a district of Great Britain; and where I have pointed out defects in past or present practice, it has been for the purpose of mentioning along with them the remedies for past mismanagement, and the improvements of which existing methods are susceptible.
If I may rely upon the testimony of my numerous Transatlantic friends, my temporary residence in New Brunswick, New England, and the State of New York, has not been without beneficial results to the agriculture of those countries. I trust that, while these volumes make my own countrymen better acquainted with these interesting regions, they will be found to contain not a few hints which may still further benefit and encourage the rural industry, both of Great Britain and of North America. I hope, also, that the general spirit which pervades them will tend to draw still closer the numerous bonds by which our kindred nations are already so intimately allied.