Writers on Agriculture (Scriptores Rei Rusticae)

An ornamental woodcut initial 'G' begins the text, containing a small circular design.

Georgius Alexandrinus to Petrus Priolus, son of M. Greetings. I have briefly explained for the time being the ancient terms from the three writers on agriculture, annotated as I have, in order to satisfy you, a patrician who is a student of Latin elegance. Although I would have annotated more, or interpreted them more explicitly, if more leisure had been left to me from public reading or more space granted by the printers. For you are the best witness that these books were skimmed and read in a hurry rather than diligently corrected, so severely did the printers urge me as I was afflicted by illness. As for the rest, my dear Peter, if you examine the rustic precepts more accurately original: "ακριβεστερως", you will learn a great part of them without a teacher. I advise you and the others who will read the books of Cato, Varro, and L. Columella to consult physicians about many things, learn others from herbalists, and inquire about some from veterinarians. But before all others, let them go to the man whom they know to have devoted himself excellently to cultivating the land, tending the flock, storing fruits, and making pickles, having lived in the country for a long time, since rural matters and discipline are acquired most effectively by teaching through use and experience.

Bernard
Feb. 5, 1936
A