Minutes of a Committee of the Board of Agriculture, holden Friday, March 4th, 1796.

This committee having taken into consideration the reference concerning Mr. Fulton’s invention, and having examined the Model of his Machines for improving Inland Navigation and various other apparatus, are of opinion: That the invention is deserving the attention of those who are engaged in the business of forming Inland Navigations. The above Resolution was afterwards confirmed by the Board of Agriculture, at its meeting on the 8th of March following.

John Sinclair, President

My Lords and Gentlemen,

WHEN a subject is first brought forward, which has the appearance of novelty, however found and rational the principle may be on which it rests, yet it is with much difficulty the prejudice in favor of established practice can be removed. The frequent failure of new designs also strengthens the arguments of opposition, and seems to justify those who are disposed to persist in the habits of their ancestors.

On the other side, a warm imagination is the usual companion of those by whom any new plan is formed hence it be necessary that cool, deliberate, and penetrating men should analyze the ideas, and preserve such as are of intrinsic worth and utility. For this purpose I have a particular pleasure in placing the following pages before the scrutinizing eye of the Board of Agriculture, in which I have no doubt but there are numerous errors, which partiality to a favorite pursuit has prevented me from perceiving: nor have I a wish that any part of this Work should meet with favor, unless it can stand the of the strictest inquiry, and be supported by reason.

To reduce the expense of canals, and extend the benefit of easy conveyance into every district, whatever natural obstacles may present themselves, is certainly an important consideration , but if I have not been so fortunate as to point out the method, there undoubtedly is one among the infinite materials in the repository of Genius which will be brought into light by energy and investigation. I shall therefore feel happy, should this Work prove a stimulus to induce ingenious men to direct their attention and talents to further improvement.

With the most sincere thanks for the measure which the honorable Board has been pleased to take, in order to bring the subject of small canals to the test of discussion and experience. I remain,

My Lords and Gentlemen,

With the utmost gratitude and respect,

Your obedient and very humble servant,

ROBERT FULTON. ( vii )

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