PREFACE.

If we prize the Arts in every subject, how much more should this Science be recommended to us, which is the most necessary to the human race, and without which Man cannot live? And how much more solid and clear must its demonstration be, since it speaks so plainly in the book of Nature, through such manifest effects, that Reason is made visible to the eye and tangible to the hand?

It appears, then, that the science of Agriculture is like the soul of Experience. It cannot be idle if it is to be truly recognized as a Science: for what use would it be to write and read books on Agriculture without putting them into practice? Science here without Usage French: "Vsage." In this context, it refers to practical application or habitual practice. serves nothing, and usage cannot be assured without Science. Just as Usage is the goal of every praiseworthy enterprise, so Science is the guide to True Usage, the rule and the compass for doing well. This is the bond between Science and Experience; to these I add as a companion, Diligence: so that our Husbandman French: "Mesnager." A term for the head of a household or the manager of a farm estate who oversees its economic health. does not think to become rich through talk alone, filling his nest while his arms are crossed; for we ask for grain in the granary, not in a painting. No good without pain. French: "Nul bien sans peine." A proverb similar to "No pain, no gain." This is the ancient ordinance represented by Columella Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella (4–70 AD), a Roman writer whose work "De Re Rustica" was the most important source on Roman agriculture. and verified by results: that to manage a household well, it is necessary to join together Knowledge, Will, and Power. In this union lies the Usage of our Agriculture. Since its fruit is common and beneficial to all kinds of people, this beautiful Science must be understood by all Men. And indeed, it is toward Agriculture that all estates Social classes or professions. aim. For why work at arms, at letters, at finance, or at trade with such devoted labor, if not to have money? And with this money, after sustaining oneself, what is it for but to buy land? And these lands, for what purpose, but to draw from them the fruits for living? And how to draw them out, except by cultivation? Thus, by degrees, it appears that whatever path one takes in this world, one comes finally to Agriculture: the most common occupation among Men, the most holy and natural, as being the only one commanded by the mouth of God to our first parents. It is not, therefore, only to the inhabitants of the fields that our Agriculture is specific; those of the towns have their part in it. For although today many people find themselves far removed from the Management of the Fields, they nevertheless tend toward it, either for themselves or for their kin. Many even promise themselves, after giving a truce to their fatigues, to go and end their lives in the sweet solitude of the countryside, to rest peacefully in this world—if indeed any rest can be found here—while waiting for the enjoyment of that perfect and blessed tran- The text cuts off mid-word; it is completed on the following page as "tranquillité" (tranquility).