John Sinclair, and many others, of Great Britain; and to Messrs. du Hamel, Chateauvieux, Tourbilly, Rozier, Tessier, Broussonet, Tillet, and Parmentier, of France; beside others, entitled to notice, in different parts of Europe.

Probably the most complete and scientific work on this subject now in possession of the public, is Phytologia, or the Philosophy of Agriculture and Gardening, by Dr. Darwin. In this work the

learned and ingenious author has introduced a great amount of curious information, and of judicious principles and precepts; but its value is, doubtless, diminished by the whimsical opinions, on a variety of subjects, which he so frequently displays. Perhaps the fault most worthy of notice is, the ridiculous 'extreme to which the au thor presses the analogy between the animal and vegetable tribes, and the principles of vegetation thence deduced. In a poem this would be excusable; hence the Loves of the Plants may be defended; but in a sober, didactic, philosophical work, it is much better calculated to amuse than to instruct.

While the principles of tillage have been better understood, and the knowledge of them more extensively diffused within a few years, numerous and very important improvements have taken place in the art of selecting and rearing cattle, and other animals which fall under the care of the husbandman. The attention paid to the breed, health, growth, and general economy of the va rious kind of stock, within the last half century, in many parts of Europe, and particularly in Great

Britain, has not only been greater than ever before, but has also been crowned with a degree of success which would once have been thought scarcely possible. Among those who have distinguished themselves by their successful attention to the breeding of cattle, particularly to the ascertaining those circumstances which affect the growth, size, strength, beauty, &c. of cattle, Mr. Bakewell, of Great Britain, has particularly distinguished himself. The munificent encouragement given to improvements of this kind by the late tluke of Bedford and lord Somerville are also worthy of particular notice in sketching the agricultural progress of the last age.

Connected with the improvements in the rearing of cattle above stated are the new articles of Provender for cattle, which have been added, within the last half century, to those formerly in use. For this addition mankind are, probably, indebted to none more than to Linnæus, and his disciples in Sweden, the abbé Tessier, of France, and Dr. Anderson, of Great Britain, whose writings on the subject are among the most learned, judicious, and useful extant.

Beside the writings of individual authors on agriculture, and the various subjects connected with it, many facts, discoveries, and improvements have been recorded and laid before the public, in the Transactions of numerous agricultural Societies, formed in almost every part of Europe, and in America. These associations have proposed questions to be brought to the test of experiment and discussion; have offered premiums and honours

for encouraging the necessary inquiries; have invited free communications from all classes of citizens; and by these means have brought to light many instructive facts and doctrines, which the exertions of detached individuals could scarcely have developed. It is, doubtless, to the influence of these associations that we are to ascribe much of that preeminence in agriculture over all other ages, which the eighteenth century claims.

The improvements which have taken place in the agriculture of the United States, during the last twenty or thirty years, are very great. Their farmers, it is true, are far from having kept pace with their European brethren in enterprise, and the adoption of new and profitable modes of cultivation. Many of them obstinately adhere to practices which have been completely exploded; and neglect others that are better, though recommended by the fullest experience. But if much remain to be done, much has also been performed towards the correction of this evil. Within a few years past, societies for the promotion of agriculture have been formed in all the principal States in the Union; gentlemen of learning, observation, and property, have zealously embarked in this interesting cause; he adoption of transatlantic improvements is gradually becoming more common; and the aspect of a large portion of the country indicates a considerable increase of enterprise and of taste in husbandry. The number of Americans, however, who have contributed to the advancement of agriculture by their writings is small. Among these may be mentioned chancellor Li

vingston, professor Mitchill, and several other gentlemen, whose valuable communications appear in the Transactions of the Agricultural Society of New York; judge Peters*, and Dr. Logan†, of Pennsylvania; and Mr. Bordley ‡, of Maryland.

* Agricultural Inquiries on Plaster of Paris, &c. Svo, 1797. + Agricultural Experiments on Gypsum, &c. 8vo. 1797. ✦ Notes on Husbandry and Rural Affairs, &c. 8vo. 1799.

CHAPTER IX.

MECHANIC ARTS.

THE progress of civilised man in the mechanic

arts, during the last hundred years, has been astonishingly great. To attempt a review, in detail, even of the principal inventions, discoveries, and improvements, which have taken place, during the period in question, in this boundless field for the exertion of genius and enterprise, would swell this section into many volumes. But, happily, the minds of most readers are so conversant with many of the objects which demand attention, in this department of the present work, that such minuteness of detail is as unnecessary as it is impossible.

The modern discoveries in Mechanical Philosophy have led to great and important improvements in the mechanic arts. The subserviency of those discoveries to the progress of many branches of art will readily appear from the perusal of the chapter which relates to them. That they have contributed, and will probably yet contribute, in a considerable degree, to the abridgment of labour, to the convenience and profit of artists, and to the excellence and beauty of manufactures, is too obvious to require particular explanation.

The great discoveries which the philosophers of the last century made in chemistry, may also be considered as rendering very distinguished ser