An excellent Custom of China.
THE historical relations of China mention a ceremony of opening the grounds, which the emperor performs every year. The design of this public and solemn act is to excite the people to tillage.
Farther, the emperor is every year informed of the husbandman who has distinguished himself most in his profession; and he makes him a mandarin of the eighth order.
Among the ancient Persians, the kings quitted their grandeur and pomp, on the eighth day of the month called Chorrem-ruz, to eat with the husbandmen. These institutions were admirably well calculated for the encouragement of agriculture.