INTRODUCTION.

The events of the past few years have materially changed
throughout our whole country the former happy condition of
things. In addition to the general causes of disturbance,
there has been in Maryland the special one of a sudden
change in the condition of a large portion of her laboring pop-
ulation, and the abstraction of much of it forever, from the
cultivation of its soil. These, two causes, conjoined, either
separately being sufficient to render necessary the change of
ownership in a large portion of the land, will necessarily com-
pel a great change in its occupancy in our State. Much of
it will seek, much of it will be forced into, a market, and much
more will be sought for when its merits become known, and its
intrinsic value duly appreciated. There will consequently be
very many who desire accurate information in order that they
may make proper investments in the future homes of them-
selves and posterity.

To afford all the aid in my power to the former, to enable
the latter judiciously, and on the basis of correct and toler-
ably precise general information to make choice of their fu-
ture dwelling places, is the purpose of the present work.

For ten consecutive years I served the State of Maryland
in the official capacity of State Agricultural Chemist, a part
of my duty being during that time to visit every section of
the State, and to analize and examine its various soils, and to
analize its limestones, minerals and other sources of agricultu-
ral improvement that might be accessible to the citizens of
the State. During this time there was abundant opportu-
nity, which I improved to the best of my humble ability, to
become acquainted with its agricultural advantages, not only
in reference to the quality of its soil, but the climactic pecu-
liarities of each section, its hygeinic conditions, (general con-
ditions as to health) its convenience of transportation to mar-
ket, the crops best adapted to it, and in fine, all the condi-
tions that influence the value of property, or determine the
choice of those who seek to locate themselves on land as a
permanent home, or to buy it for the purpose ef a safe, pro-
fitable and permanent investment.

Since I ceased to perform these duties officially, my atten-