No improvement of the implements to be used on a farm, no valuable experiments in husbandry, escaped his attention.

His inquiries, which were equally minute and comprehensive, extended beyond the limits of his own country; and he entered into a correspondence on this interesting subject with those foreigners who had been most distinguished for their additions to the stock of agricultural science.
[Illustration: The Old Senate Chamber at Annapolis, Maryland, Where Washington Resigned His Commission _The fate of the Republic was in the hands of Washington when he resigned his commission to Congress, then sitting at Annapolis, December 23, 1783, and retired to private life.

Had he so desired, it is probable that he could have founded a monarchy, sustained by his army.

Instead, as he wrote to Lafayette, shortly after his return to Mount Vernon: "I have not only retired from all public employments but am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the solitary walk, and tread the paths of private life, with heartfelt satisfaction.

Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all; and this, my dear friend, being the order of my march, I will move gently down the stream of life, until I sleep with my fathers."_] Mingled with this favourite pursuit, were the multiplied avocations resulting from the high office he had lately filled.