*73 , 



rably more than four millions. Sir WiUiant Petty, from fimllar data 

 and computations, makes the population of Ireland, in the year 1672, 

 no more than one million one hundred thoufand; thus has the popu- 

 lation of this country been more than trebled, in a period of one 

 hundred and fixteen years. 



A benevolent and patriotic mind muft contemplate this fubjeft with 

 pleafure. The confideration of it affords powerful incentives, to ftimu- 

 late thofc, who poffefs talents, to fuggeft, or means, and aftivity to for- 

 ward plans ef national improvement. It flaows, how much may be done, 

 with a moderate degree of attention to the agriculture and manufac- 

 tures of Ireland. Thefe fair appearances, if duly weighed, ought to in- 

 duce the legiflature ia its colleftive capacity, and powerful or wealthy 

 individuals, each, within the fphere of his own influence, to exert them- 

 felves, for the improvement of a country, which difplays fuch prorailing 

 capabilities. 



It is plain, that Irehnd is far from being fully cultivated, or peopled, 

 at prefent. A vafl: number of commons are unenclofed, a prodigious 

 quantity of reclaimable moor, and mountain lies ufelefs and unprofita- 

 ble. Were our wade lands reclaimed and ameliorated; were manufac- 

 tures, fuited to the means, the natural fituation, and political relations of 

 the country, generally diffufed ; it is not eafy to define the extent of 

 population and profperity to which the country might attain. 



Whatever Ireland has done, was accomplifhed by her, under a vt- 

 riety of difadvantages, oppreffions, and calamities partly accidental, partly 



induced 



