EETE. IT. Las)

240 LENTER 1.

fo confpicuous, the quantity of corn raifed in this coun- try is gradually becoming more and more inadequate to the confumption and maintenance of the inhabitants, and that in place of having a large annual furplus quantity of grain to fpare, we are now every year becoming more and more dependant on foreign nations, for fubfiftence; a fa which is inconteftibly proved by the accounts of the exports and imports of grain. In purfuing the inquiry into the caufe of this deficiency, it will be found to proceed, 14, From the ac- cumulating wealth and luxury of the country, which will tend to elucidate the principles which[ have laid down, when examining Dr Smith’s theory; and, 24}, From our agricui- ture being cramped by fuch reftraints as prevent the opening up a more extenfive field for cultivation, and which might

render the fupply equal to the increafed confumption of the kingdom..

It has been fhown, in the former part of this Eetter, that itis generally from countries thinly peopled, and having-a confider- able portion of their good land'in pafture, that confiderabie quantities of corn can be exported at a low price. But this furplus quantity alfo arifes from the ftate of fociety in thofe countries at the time; the inhabitants being cultivators with few wants, and living with fimplicity, chiefly on vege- table food and the produce of their herds, a larger fufplus-re- mains aftér fupplying their frugal neceffaries. If, however, the population of the country increafes, and the inhabitants full retain their fimple manners, and continue to live on ve- getable food, it is aftonifhing how great a number of inhabi- tants the foil will maintain, if it pofleffes a moderate degree of

Le NE AE Déié

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