AN ESSAY FOR ADVANCEMENT OF Husbandry-Learning: OR PROPOSITIONS For the erecting college OF HUSBANDRY: AND In order thereunto, for the taking in of pupils or Apprentices.  
AND ALSO Friends or fellows of the same college or Society.  
LONDON, Printed by Henry Hills. 1651.   

To the Reader.  
Courteous Reader,  
I Find by Experience, that it is nothing but the Narrownes of our Spirits that makes us miserable; for if our Hearts were enlarged beyond ourselves, and opened to lay hold of the Advantages which God doth offer, whereby we may become jointly serviceable unto one another in public Concernments; we could not be without Lucriferous Employments for ourselves; nor unfruitful to our neighbours, as now for the most part we are, only because we mind not the Objects of that Industriousness, which without a mutual Concurrence cannot be advanced. For mine own part, although i can contribute but little; yet being carried forth to watch for the Opportunities of provoking others, who can do more, to improve their Talents, i have found experimentally that my Endeavours have not been without effect as to this undertaking: for GOD hath brought beyond what i could imagine unto my hand from time to time, Objects of Service answerable to the enlargement of my Spirit: So that i must conclude▪ that it is nothing but the narrowness of all men's Spirits that makes their Miseries to lie heavy upon them: for there are infinite means of relief and Comfort, for all sorts of Calamities to be found in Nature, and well ordered Societies, if men were not enviously, or covetously, or peevishly, or ambitiously, or drousily straightened within themselves, in the use of that which God hath given them to serve the Glory of his Goodness withal; towards the relief of themselves & others. And to waken such as are Upright in heart, but yet lazy and drowsy under their Distractions, i have thought good to offer these Hints to the public, which have a long time lain by me; that in this hopeful Appearance of your Settlement, those that droop might see a possibility (if they will not be wanting to themselves) to make themselves and others in this Nation, and juncture of time, more happy & plentiful in outward Possessions than their Forefathers have been; by a college or Corporation of Husbandry. For if in all other Trades & Sciences, colleges and Corporations have been & are exceedingly advantageous (if rightly ordered) for the Improvement of the Talents of those that betake themselves thereunto; Why may we not conclude that in the Science and Trade of Husbandry, which is the Mother of all other Trades and scientifical Industries, a collegial way of Teaching the Art thereof will be of infinite usefulness? I shall leave the thing to thy rational Consideration, that if the least part of industry is highly improved by collegial Institution and Education, how much more may the Chief part and as it were the very Root of all wealth, be advanced to perfection by this means? This Essay therefore is but an Overture, and a Hint of this matter, that it may be further in due time ripened, and with more mature considerations brought to perfection, for the good of the commonwealth, and the relief of the poor therein, which is the very earnest desire of  
Thine and the public's faithful Servant, SAMUEL HARTLIB.   

PROPOSITIONS for Advancement of Husbandry-Learning.  
IN human affairs, and which relate not immediately unto God; nothing doth more tend to the good & well-being of a Nation (God giving his blessing thereunto in an humble and right use of it) than plenty of Food and Raiment, and of all other Merchantable Commodities to send abroad; which will not fail to return the prosperity and happiness of other Nations again in exchange. And surely a Nation thus blessed can want no Earthly Comfort; but will doubtless be hated of some, feared of others, and sought to of all. But neither the one, nor the other of these are any other, than the fruits of or in the Earth: And those are not to be obtained but by the help of Ingenuity and Industry. The first wisely teaching, what is to be done; the second acting according to those good and right instructions diligently and carefully. By these two (instrumentally) we enjoy all outward things; and without them nothing. These are the first movers to all Trades or Professions under heaven; and particularly, to that most ancient, most Noble, and most necessary Trade of all others (viz.) good Husbandry, consisting of abundance of Parts, of which these are some.  
1. Tillage, or setting or sowing of several sorts of corn and grain, for the relief and sustenance of man and beast.  
2. The breeding of cattle, (in which the breeding of sheep may seem particular.)  
3. The feeding of cattle.  
4. The Use of the dairy.  
5. The planting of Orchards.  
7. The planting of Gardens.  
8. The breeding and feeding of Swine.  
●. The breeding and feeding of the several sorts of tame Poultry.  
9 The planting of Hops.  
10. The sowing of hemp, Flax, or Rape.  
11. The breeding, preserving and taking of wild Beasts, as coneys &c.  
12. The breeding, preserving or taking of wild fowl, particularly of ducks in and by a Decoy.  
13. The making and managing of Rivers, Moats, Ponds, &c. for the preserving and taking Fish of all sorts for the use and sustenance of man.  
14. The planting of Woad, and all outlandish rare or extraordinary Roots, fruits or plants.  
15. The draining, fencing, mowing, and making of grass in meadows into Hey.  
16. The making of Malt.  
17. And (that now so exceeding necessary endeavour) the planting all sorts of Wood for Timber or fire.  
Besides very many others which I forbear to name, as either not so easily practicable in this Nation, or included in or subordinate to the former, as Shearing of sheep, Thrashing of corn &c. or not vulgarly taken for the parts of Husbandry (though indeed they are so) as the digging of Coal-pits, & production of all Minerals, Quarries of Stone, or useful Earths &c.  
As these are encouraged and enabled: so is a Nation more or less prosperous, or outwardly happy; both these in their distinct natures or uses are most excellent; and are also (at least ought to be) inseparable companions: of which if either precede it is Ingenuity; for that Industry as it is distinct from Ingenuity, can do nothing till the other have contrived what and how.  
Men take him for a fool or a mad man, that having store of wealth in his trunk, doth yet complain of want. What though the key be rusty for want of use? 'tis easier to get that scoured, then to obtain such another treasure. And surely I may upon most sure grounds say, that our Native country, hath in its bowels an (even almost) infinite, and inexhaustible treasure; much of which hath long lain hid, and is but new begun to be discovered. It may seem a large boast or mere Hyperbole to say, we enjoy not, know not, use not, the one tenth part of that plenty or wealth & happiness, that our Earth can, and (Ingenuity and Industry well encouraged) will (by God's blessing) yield.  
Now whereas there hath been earnestly desired (in the mean time, till the public Magistrate shall be at leisure, to give a more strong and ample encouragement & assistance to a design so exceedingly for the honour & Advancement of the whole Nation) the erection of a private college or Society of good Husbandry; wherein some may teach, some learn, and all practice the whole and every part of this so honourable an Art, so deep a Mystery, and that not only in the more customary and Common way; but according to the most Excellent Rules, that Ingenuity and Experience gained by rational trials & real Experiments have or can attain to; that so the honour, wealth, and happiness of this State maybe multiplied, even before itself is aware, and the duller members thereof won by emulation or example to such practices for their own private & public Good, as no persuasion nor force could ever have effectually led them to. And in respect that there are already diverse Propositions made, & some Engagements also in order thereto; so as the work hath begun to move, and is daily advanced, and endeavoured to be advanced by some such faithful branches; as first and chiefly seek the Prosperity of the whole Stock, but have not sufficient power in their own hands to go through with, and bring to perfection this great and good work:  
It is therefore propounded First, to those, whose great Wealth is joined with as great virtue and Love to their country; And Will as well as Power to advance the public Good, without seeking their own Private Benefit.  
THat whereas it is manifest, that such a college or Society cannot be erected without the building or buying (at least a long lease at an easy rent, if not the inheritance) of some large and convenient House, with some good quantity of Land adjoining and belonging to it (though that is not all the Land which must be had for this purpose); and it is as manifest that such a purchase cannot be made without good Sums of Money.  
It is therefore desired, that all such wellwishers to their country's wealth and prosperity; be pleased to contribute such sums to this good and laudable work, as in their own wisdoms and bounties appear necessary, and deliver the same into the hands of Mr. Samuel Hartlib, whose abundant zeal for the public Good, renders him most worthy to be entrusted therewith, till there shall be a competent Stock obtained for the setting forward of this great and good work before mentioned: And to subscribe their Names and Sums; that so the whole Society (when erected) and the whole Nation (when in due time they shall have tasted the sweet effects from hence proceeding) may know to whom to render all due thanks through all Ages, as to the bountiful Promoters of; by contributing to a design so much conducing to the good of the present and Prosperity of all Ages to come: a plentiful Reward to every Noble Spirit.  
It is therefore also PROPOUNDED Secondly, to those whose good Wills possibly are great, but their Powers lesser than the former; and are therefore necessarily withheld from such free and voluntary contributing.  
THat whereas the knowledge and good influence of the actings of this Society and its members, cannot without a good, large, and considerable Stock increase in its number and power, nor cast itself into all the forms of practice in the several parts of this Art before mentioned, or that may be mentioned: and for want of which, the main End of the erection of this college or Society would not be obtained, viz. the infusing into the more sturdy Husbandmen of the Nation in general (now too much wedded to their more customary and lesser profitable workings) the more perfect Principles of their own Art, and such additional uses and Instruments, as shall make their practices more rational, easy, & really effectual & beneficial, as to themselves: so to the advancement and increase of public plenty and welfare.  
It is therefore Offered, that whosoever shall disburse and engage any sum, for the increase of that Stock, and consequently the employment of the Society: shall by an unerring, unaltering rule, receive yearly; while his money remains in the hands of the said college, for every 100 pound, 20. pound, and so for a greater or lesser sum proportionably. And if any particular Person shall desire to have his sum disbursed, to be employed in any one particular single part of this copious Art here before mentioned; he shall have his desire fulfilled: provided that his Stock be sufficient to drive on that way; and that he be contented to forbear his revenue till nature hath produced the return.  
And whosoever shall thus engage, shall at any time (upon six months' warning given) call in and again receive his sum formerly disbursed.  
And all those that shall thus engage, are desired to enter their Names and Sums, by subscribing and delivering the money into the hands of Mr. Samuel Hartlib. And for Security they shall have; As to Law, the Propounders bond; As to Love, the word of him that desires to prove himself a just and honest man, to God and man, (to his utmost power) and to all Engagers a faithful Steward.  
PROPOSITIONS, for the erecting a college of Husbandry: and in order thereto for the taking in of pupils or Apprentices: and also Friends or fellows of the same college or Society.  
I PROPOUND, That there may be a college or school of all the sorts and parts of Good-Hu●bandry erected; that so the knowledge and practice m 〈…〉 come more universal, and men may have more sweet invitations and stronger allurements, to seek the knowledge of this deep and excellent Mystery; and practise it to the advancement of a more general and public good: not as now in a sordid clownish way, for mere self-profit; nor as now according to unsound and rather Customary than rational rules and grounds; nor as now in a dishonourable drudging way; which indeed is the grand cause that hinders or takes off the most ingenious spirits (which yet are most fit to be engaged.) For it is plain, that the chief reason, why this so excellent an Art, hath hitherto arrived at no greater perfection, is; that no public course of encouragement and high prizing the same hath been thought of; and so the best wits shut out, that should have searched it out, and discovered this Art more perfectly; which once generally known, together with the vast advantages thereby arising, as to the whole Nation: so to every particular practitioner; we need not fear to want Disciples. It is most evident, that those few Ingenious persons, that have looked into the ways of improvement, (having something also to work upon) of late years have advanced their particular Interests to a double or treble proportion. I am very confident, that those very improvements may again be doubled by yet better ways.  
That therefore Ingenuity may be ransomed from her too tedious captivity; And Industry awaked from a kind of lethargy; occasioned through wonted discontent: I PROPOUND more particularly, (to lay a little foundation for such a college or Society, which I doubt not, time, emulation, and my own profit, will agree to finish) That  
If any Person of quality have a Son or Kinsman 15. years old or upwards, with whom he will give (besides well-suiting him with all necessary wearing apparel, and more, to the value of twenty marks; in such other necessaries, as the undertaker shall appoint) 60. l. in ready money at his first Entrance, and bind him Apprentice for seven years; he shall be in that time faithfully instructed in both the theoric and practic parts of this (of all others) most ancient, Noble, and honestly gainful Art, Trade, or Mystery. And at the end of that time, he shall receive at one entire payment, to set up withal, 300. pound. And shall for four years' next ensuing the end of the said 7. years, receive at the end of every year 100 pound more; the better to support him till he have taken sufficient root.  
Note, that none are to be actually entertained till there be at least 10. entered: at which entrance, they are to pay only 10. pound apiece, and for farther performances reciprocal subscriptions. And when there are 10. entered, they are all to be ready upon a month's warning to appear, to pay down the other 50. pound apiece.  
Note, that not above 36. will be entertained at first, neither afterwards; but as by death, expiration of time &c. there shall happen to be some wanting of that number.  
Into this college also any man may enter himself as a freeman, or Friend to, and Member of the Society; upon the following conditions.  
1. He must pay down at his Entrance 50. pound, as given to the Society for the encouragement of Ingenuity in the practice of Experiments, for the obtaining of yet more and more perfection in this (almost) infinite Science.  
2. He must bring with him some skill, at least Ingenuity; and testify himself to be a Well-willer to the profession and professors of Good-Husbandry; and particularly to the Master and fellows of this Society.  
3. He must produce at least 250. pound as a Stock to set up for himself, to be driven by himself, according to the best direction and assistance to be given by the Master and fellows of the Colledge·  
4. He shall (not swear, but) subscribe himself under hand & seal, a faithful Seeker of the Advancement of the Mystery and Society; and to be aiding and assisting, to the Master and the fellows to his power, at all times, and in all cases, (his own interest always preserved) and to consent and submit to all such Orders, as shall be from time to time made, by the agreement of the Master and the Major part of the fellows of the said college, for and concerning the same Society, and to stand to their Award in any case of difference: And not directly or indirectly to discover all or any part of the same Art or Mystery to any person whatsoever, upon any pretence whatsoever, without their consent first had and obtained.  
5. He must be always in Commons at the Hall of the said Society▪ at the rate of 8. s. per week, or such other rates more or less, as the then present state of things shall require. And he is always to pay off all arrears at the end of each month at the farthest, without any deductions for absence how long or short soever. But if he keep a Servant (who must also be in Commons when present) he shall be allowed to deduct for his absence. As also he is not to be accountable to the Stable for his Horse when absent.  
6. He shall at his first Entrance, pay for himself 10. pound, for his Servant 5. pound, for his Horse 40. s. for their habitation: besides providing of all necessary furniture; but be ever after free till death or departure.  
7. Lastly, he must be a single man; and if he shall at any time marry, he is from thenceforth to be accounted dead to the Society, to all intents and purposes whatsoever; save only in point of debt or discovery.  
HONOURED SIR,  
THe more I find and consider of the general backwardness of men, to accept or join with me in the ways by me Propounded for mutual Prosperity; the more I am taught to view and review the things Propounded, and that impartially. In order to this, I find upon enquiry, that the main Objections against what I offer are three, viz.  
First, the supposed Impossibility of performing (on my part) the thing promised.  
Secondly, the newness of the Invention or Contrivance, which renders it within the list of things suspected.  
Thirdly, the Non-appearance of any such good Security as is held sufficient to encourage men to join with me freely, fully and speedily (that is, seasonably.) To these I answer thus.  
First, upon most assured, and generally experimented grounds I affirm; that one Acre of good ground to be sowed with wheat in the more usual way of Husbandry, will (one place in this Nation with another) require the charges or expense following▪ viz. for rent 13. s. 4. d. dung 24. loads at 1. s. 3. d. per load, 1. pound 10. s. seed 9 pecks usually worth 13. s. 6. d. (now more) twice ploughing, sowing, harrowing &c. usually 10. s. (now more) for weeding 3 s. for reaping &c. 6. s. 8. d. for fencing one (Acre amongst many) 3. s. 4. d. which in all amounts to 3. pound ●9. s. 10. d. out of which deduct 20. s. which will remain to be accounted with the following crops, in respect of the virtue of the dung remaining still in the land. Thus the Charge of sowing one Acre of wheat, amounts to 2. pound 19 s. 10. d. and for the return of this, it is not unusual to have 3.4. or 5. quarters: But take it at the lesser, and more generally certain rate, of three quarters on an Acre, and value that at the more constant and lesser price, of 5 s. a bushel, or 40. s. a quarter; yet the return amounts to 6. pound, which is double to the charge. I could illustrate this with many other examples as full: but let this suffice.  
To the second I say, that the newness of my better way of planting or disposing of corn into the ground, so as (God blessing my endeavours) to obtain a yet greater increase; is so far (well weighed) from being a reason to hinder: that it is to me, and may be to others (when once rightly understood) a spur to hasten towards such an Engagement or conjunction: When it is considered that the Invention is yet our own, entirely; and consequently the most just and ready way to wealth and all that outward honour & happiness (that accompanies riches well gotten) is open to us, and to us principally; we having the opportunity (while we prepare for, and open the door to so great a public Good) to christian our own child first (as they say) which also is most lawful, and appointed, that the Ox that treadeth out the fodder, shall not be muzzled. Which of all those (almost infinite) ways or means, by which man hath been made Instrumental to the increase of his own well-being, was not in one age or other, as new as this Invention of mine doth seem to be in this?  
Certainly it is not the newness, but the Vanity or Invalidity of any Invention, that lays it open to the dislike of the more wise and Noble persons: Or if the newness of an Invention can any way render it fit to be suspected, it is only in such as being altogether New, seem also to disagree with Natural reason, and tread quite beside the path of Experience: Of this kind it would be, if a man should pretend to make bread of stones; but to say, that I can make more or better bread of the same wheat, will appear impossible to none but inconsiderate persons. And the thing which I hold forth is nothing else, but to screw the most profound Mystery of good Husbandry a note or two higher; but to do the same thing by a better way, and to more advantage.  
To the the third and last, before I answer I will so far digress, as to inquire, what is or can be here meant by Security? If it be required in the most high and strict sense, 'tis vain and impossible to be had in human affairs, and is not to be had or hoped for in this world, where the Moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: this is only to be had in Heaven; and can be no way procured on Earth; but by laying up the Treasures of GOOD works: Therefore he that will put forth his money upon good Security indeed, must vent it in the ways of Charity and Piety, as relating to God's glory and his souls Eternal happiness; at least in a way of bounty and nobleness for the public good of his Neighbour and Native country, as relating to his good fame after death. But if by security be meant something more moderate and ingenuous, only a providential care to defend a man's self from being abused; so far as such prosecutions are just, and agreeable to good reason, and the Nature of the thing in question, I allow; and approve of it altogether: but not when it rather proceeds from frowardness, base and groundless suspicion, and a natural averseness and enmity to all good. Thus when a man lends to another politically as a mere man, he requires bills, bonds, mortgages, or the like. But if he gives, he doth not so, neither if he lend to the Poor, or to persons so just that he esteems their word sufficient. I suppose there are very many in London, that do frequently take up great sums without giving any formal security; nay that would take it for a great affront to have such a thing required of them; and yet surely it is no absolute miracle to see such a one break; why then are men so easy in that, and so difficult in this? or is it for the mutual Advance of Trade? why, that very argument serves here too; unless they be resolved to advance no trade, but their own. And even that also comes in here; for what trade can more advance the Engagers Private, then that which is faithfully driven on for the Prosperity of him and his Posterity? Or what can more magnify a great and populous City, then to stand in the midst of a fertile soil, that affords her plenty and abundance of all good things, which is already the happiness of London? and this happiness shall by this means, by God's blessing given unto and upon this means, be continually increased.  
Again, it is rational, when men lend money for little or no advantage to themselves, but only to do their friend a courtesy; it is but reasonable, that they should by all good means secure the repayment of their principal. But when men put forth their moneys in hope of great Advantage, they must, and do usually forbear to stand upon such precise Security; rightly considering, that God's providence is (as the best Inheritance; so also) the best Security that can be named, and will not fail to return with a blessing, any thing that shall be thereto entrusted faithfully. Thus, what other Security (more than rational Probabilities) hath the soldier; that ventures his life, limbs, liberty and all, and this without any other Security than a good conscience, (or a good confidence at least) in life or death; resting in that success the Lord of hosts shall please to appoint. Thus the Merchant puts (if not always himself; yet) his Estate into a weak wooden vessel; and commits it to the mercy of the winds and waves, having set up his rest in the goodness of that God that parted the Red-Sea by his power. Thus, the Mineralist lays out much money in sinking his pits and quarries, only in hope to find that richer vein he conceives to be there. Thus the Patient commits his life health and ease (under God) into the physicians hands, as relying on his care and skill. I say, that all these, and many more, even all men in almost all human actions, run some kind of hazard; and more or less do and must depend upon God's mercy and man's integrity, without any other outward formal Security. Thus also do I propound (and that upon Probabilities as certain and rational (if not more as any of these) that we may agree, engage, and sow in hope; that that God that never suffers hope (rightly placed) to be frustrate; may make us return and bear our sheaves with us, may make our valleys stand so thick with corn, hat they shall laugh and sing. Which that it may be thus, shall always be the faithful desire and earnest prayer of▪ Sir,  
Your most obliged, faithful and humbly thankful friend and Servant  
SIr, by what is above said, and by many other very evident reasons, it is or may be proved, that in such a case as this, it is not much rational to demand any other Security than the Propounders own obligation for performance of Covenants. Yet that all men may know, that my Intentions are fair and just, and my aims not simply at my own private profit; but that I also much more desire the Prosperity of my Nation, and of all persons that shall join with me. I OFFER & am content, that if the Subscribers and consequently Engagers shall think fit to meet, and amongst themselves choose three such as I shall also like of, I will endeavour to give them (in the behalf, and as the trusties of and for all the rest) some more plain and satisfactory Security, which is impossible to be done to every particular person, that shall perhaps underwrite and engage only 25. pound. or some such sum.  
FINIS.