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nion, that, though true in fadt, it is utterly incompetent when applied to a whole nation, or even to one county. A man sometimes assumes a sort of authority from the hundreds of acres which are for a few months the scene of his res1- dence and his amusement, very deservedly upon many points—least of all, when the result of his local observations is extended to millions of acres.

A most laudable feeling common to multitudes, becomes another source of error—Fear of aggra- vating the evil by sounding alarm; and, on the other hand, an equal apprehension, that without alarm the public good will be neglected, and effi- cient measures rejected for want of knowing the real danger of the case: hence, perhaps, some little exaggeration on both sides.

My objet in writing this tract, 1s to attempt io state the question as clear as I can, between those who are full of apprehensions that the scarcity is so real and great that no mea- sures can remedy it, and others who think it so trifling, that no measures are necessary, except for satisfying the people, and shew- ing the attention of their rulers. A very plain statement of what I conceive to be well authen- ticated facts, will, 1 trust, have the effect of proving that the scarcity is so great as to demand effeive measures; but by no means so formi- dable as to render such measures vain; for[ am

well