i89 



flie endeavours to confine to herfelf the bufinefs of fupplying them 

 with various manufaftures of the old world, which the new is una- 

 ble, or unwilling to fabricate for herfelf ; and which old Spain is equally 

 unable to produce. This fituation of Spain, and her colonies affords 

 room for a moft profitable commercial intercourfe of Ireland with 

 that country. In faft, thefe opportunities have not been wholly 

 neglcfted ; and of late years, in addition to a confiderable export of 

 'provifions, a very advantageous traffic has been opened, in the ma- 

 nufadlures of this country ; particularly white linens, of which Ireland 

 at prefent, fends large quantities to Spain, for the confumption of her 

 colonies ; and unkfs fome unfortunate mifunderftanding fliould take 

 place between the Britijh and Spanijh governments, this trade pro- 

 mifes to be permanent, and to become ftill more extenfive.* 



Such are the natural advantages of Ireland ; and fo great are they, that, 

 in the year 1634 the exported commodities of the country are ftated, 

 to have been twice as much as the imports ; and her fliipping is faid 

 to have encreafed an hundred fold. After the reftoration, for many 

 years, even down to the year 1688, Ireland continued in a very prof- 

 perous condition, and was confidered as the moft improved, and im- 

 proving fpot of ground in Europe. 



Section 3. 

 Of certain Dif advantages, under which Ireland labours. 



Before we pafs, from the natural advantages of this country, to 

 the manufaftures, of which they feera moft fufceptible; it may be 

 proper, to turn the reverfe of the medal, and take a curfory view of 

 fome difadvantages of nature, nnder which this country at prefent 

 labours. The moft prominent are, want of timber, and want of 

 fuel. 



What 



