VARLO (Charles).
The Essence of Agriculture, bring a regular system of husbandry, through all its branches suited to the Climate and lands of Ireland. A table delineated that 150 acres will clear yearly four hundred and two pounds sterling. ... With the Author's twelve mo
AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY IRISH INNOVATOR
A noted Irish inventor of agricultural machinery and an innovator in techniques of husbandry, and arable farming. His special earlier interests being in Flax growing and turnips, Charles Varlo visited America and as a result here promotes the growth of maize. While in America, in order to (unsuccessfully) prosecute a legal claim for lands in New Jersey, Varlo met George Washington. Indeed, Washington held copies of Varlo’s works in his presidential library, and copied a number of the botanical experiments therein.
Varlo stayed with the Washingtons in Virginia. He enjoys the General’s hospitality and leaves a succinct character assessment.
The author had some eccentric ideas including a tax on watches and clocks, and the eradication of dogs in Ireland which animals, he calculated cost an annual sum in feed of over one million pounds stirling. A lady’s lapdog might consume meat at a rate of over 4 guineas per annum.
This book is uncommon there are 130 odd subscribers many of these Irish landowners.
Sabin, 98632; Howes, V51.