[ viil ] 



quence of a flourifliing trade, and moft ex- 

 tenfive commerce. In thefe refpefts this 

 empire may be brought into an enviable 

 comparifon with the moft powerful coun- 

 tries of Europe: and in proportion to its 

 importance, in thefe points of view, may be 

 confidered, under Providence, its internal 

 ftrength, its fecurity, and its capacity for 

 happinefs. 



While fuch confiderations animate the 

 breafts of an induftrious, benevolent, and 

 brave people, thofe among them who are 

 polFefTed of ability, and a6luated by benevo- 

 lence, cannot but feel an increafmg folici- 

 tude, that agriculture and planting may con- 

 tinue to be aided with all the energy that 

 their augmented importance demands. That 

 the benefits of agriculture, and indeed the 

 ablblute neceffity of its improvement, are felt 

 more powerfully than ever, is a truth which 

 no other argument than the increafing de- 

 mand for the neceflaries of life, is required to 

 confirm. The landed gentlemen, and thofe 

 daily enriched by commerce, are now emu- 

 lous 



