517
I6

H63
1846

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

Our various Essays upon Agriculture are often more suited to the taste of the Gentleman Farmer, than to the wants of the practical Husbandman ; they are too expensive for the purse, and too learned for the unlettered mind of the humble peasant. It has been my object to supply such information as my own judgment and experience, and the published observations of much better Agriculturists, have suggested.

The Agricultural Societies of the County of Wexford, by their zeal and liberality, have already effected so great an improvement in the habits and practice of the Small Farmers of their County, that it gives me great pleasure to co-operate with them in promoting the comforts of that class, as well as gratification in extending to Farmers, on a greater scale, the informa tion I have been able to collect.

Ballyorley, August, 1828.

MARTIN DOYLE

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.

To my kind Countrymen and Readers

When to my humble country neighbours,
I some time since address'd my labours,
Solicitous their state to mend,

And shew myself the poor man's friend-
(For clearly every skilful eye
Might several wants and errors spy;
Deficiencies with evil fraught-
The sad result of mind untaught,
And such as e'en a friend like me
Might hope to cure, in some degree)
When thus, I say, I first essayed
To write to me a novel trade,
And dared in public print appear,
Tho' not, I own, without some fear;
I little thought my humble book
Would travel far beyond this nook,
Or that my lessons, widely spread,
In other regions would be read;
Still less did Martin Doyle's ambition
E'er dream to see a FIFTH EDITION-
Clear proof that when a subject's fit,
Intention good may stand for wit;
And who employs an honest pen,
In service of his Countrymen-
Directing steadily his aim
To usefulness, not idle fame,
Will find that in their bosom reigns
A kindness far o'erpays his pains:
Then what more grateful can I do,
Dear Countrymen, for friends like you,
Than pray you every year may see
Increasing proofs of Industry;
And in your daily labours find

Health, competence, and peace of mind.-
So here I make my homely bow;
GOD speed the Irish Farmer's plough.

Ballyorley, February, 1830.

MARTIN DOYLE.