TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, ESQ.
Washington, January 3, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of December 20th has been received. The copy of the late volume of Agricultural Proceedings is not yet at hand, but will probably come safe. I had formerly received the preceding volumes from your kindness, as you supposed. Writings on this subject are peculiarly pleasing to me, for, as they tell us, we are sprung from the earth, so to that we naturally return. It is now among my most fervent longings to be on my farm, which, with a garden and fruitery, will constitute my principal occupation in retirement. I have lately received the proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Paris. They are proceeding with enthusiasm and understanding. I have been surprised to find that the rotation of crops and substitution of some profitable growth preparatory for grain, instead of the useless and expensive fallow, is yet only dawning among them. The society has lately re-published Oliver de Serres' Theatre d'Agriculture, in 2 vols. 4to, although written in the reign of * * * * * . It is the finest body of agriculture extant, and especially as improved by voluminous notes, which bring its process to the present day. I lately received from Colonel Few in New York, a bottle of the oil of Beni, believed to be a sesamum. I did not believe there existed so perfect a substitute for olive oil. Like that of Florence, it has no taste, and is perhaps rather more limpid. A bushel of seed yields three gallons of oil; and Governor Milledge, of Georgia, says the plant will grow wherever the Palmi Christi will. It is worth your attention, and you can probably get seed from Colonel Few. We are in hourly expectation of Mr. Rose here, in the hope of seeing what turn our differences with that nation are to take. As yet all is doubtful. Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of great esteem and respect.