condition prefents more genuine pleafures ; retired
on your eftate, you promote and cherifh'the happi-
nefs of every heart around y o u ; and while you are
occupied in the advancement of agriculture, that
nobleft art, that trueft fource of national wealth and
beft contributor to human felicity, you enjoy the
contentment of a peaceful and virtuous Tife.
During my long abfence, memory,O J O , / - . i -j faithful to her firft
impreffions, has frequently recalled to me the pleaf-
ing fcenes of my youth ; and often, amidft the noife
of fplendid entertainments, and furrounded by a brilliant
crowd, I have heaved a iigh, and found myfelf
a ftranger and alone ! Diftance has fharpened the recollection,
and my anxious withes have been involuntarily
turned to your happy retreat.
It is a truth confirmed by every day’s experience,
in individuals as well as in focieties, that they diminifh
their happinefs in proportion to their departure from
nature. My diftant excurfions, my long journeys, only
ferve
ferve to ftrengthen my defire of repoling under the
fhade o f your trees, and in the bofom of domeftic
retirement.
Happy fhall I be Sir, if in putting thefe volumes into
your hands, I may in the fmalleft degree contribute to
your amufement. I feek no other fuccefs, I afk no other
reward, but to convince you, that the time which I
have fpent in travelling has not been wholly loft and,
that in changing climates and countries, I have never
fwerved from the dutiful refpect and tendernefs with
which I am, and thall ever be,
Your very affectionate Son,
JOSEPH ACERBI.
London} Feb. \, 1802,