In this letter Iolo introduces himself to the Board of Agriculture. He hoped that he would be employed to compile a report on the state of agriculture in south Wales. He attempted to create a favourable impression on the Board with his original and informed ideas about what such a report should include. His early experience as a farmer in the 1780s no doubt helped him in this respect. In the event, it was Iolo's friend, Walter Davies (Gwallter Mechain), who was employed to fulfil the work. Nonetheless, Iolo played a vital role in collecting material for the report and in advising Davies.