PREFACE.

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An ornamental floral drop cap "C".

Since THE EARTH is the common mother and nurse of the human race, and every Man desires to be able to live there comfortably: Likewise, it seems that Nature has placed in us an inclination to honor and value Agriculture; because she liberally brings us an abundance of everything we need for our nourishment and maintenance. From which it has come that, as one carefully represents in writing what one loves, there have been no writings older, nor in greater number, than those of Agriculture; as can be seen by the long enumeration of Authors, who, in all ages and in all nations, have worked on this matter, most excellent and full of wonder, for the infinite quantity of exquisite and diverse goods that through it God gives to his children. As proof of which, it is also to be noted, That although the repetition of the same thing is usually troublesome and annoying, and that one can hardly say anything that has not already been said, even if it be expressed in other terms: nevertheless, all that has been written on this subject has been well received by all, according to the measure of the spirit and beauty of the work. Thus the learned of Asia, and of Greece, did not hold back the Africans, nor the Latins: nor did they all together prevent many persons of our century from putting hand to pen to treat the same thing, in various languages, without fear of being rebuked for having worked in vain. Among those, some have taken the trouble to write books about it, with happy success, although their profession did not give them much leisure nor means to devote themselves to Agriculture, which consists mostly of experience and practice. Certainly Nature pushes Man to love and seek this beautiful science In the 17th century, "science" referred to any systematic body of knowledge or skill, rather than just the modern experimental sciences., which is learned in her school, is propagated original: "prouignee"; a technical term from viticulture meaning to "layer" a vine shoot to grow a new plant, used here metaphorically for the spread of knowledge. by necessity, and embellished by the mere sight of its sweet and profitable fruit. For who can deny that those who first wrote have done much, merely by showing the way and breaking the ice original: "rompant la glace"; an early usage of this idiom to describe pioneering work. for others, and yet who is there who will not confess, that they have not seen everything, and that those who succeeded them in this laudable labor, have continued the possession of the honor due to all those who procure the...