INTRODUCTION. xlix 
and §00,0007* annually, And, perhaps, much more than 
‘this may be done, with fome national advantage too, as to 
the carcafe, without materially trenching on the fupply of 
different kinds of wool wanted for the various other woollen 
manufactures of the kingdom; the lofs of axy of which 
~ mutt be guarded againft.—But if, after all, there be found 
exifting pofitive reafons why we /bal/ want a foreign import 
of this raw material, thofe pofitive reafons need not ferioufly 
alarm us. Our tried and known ability to purchafe and 
pay, fo long as that ability lafts, (and it will laft as long as 
foreizn demand for our broad-cloth) will always fecure us 
a preference, directly or indirectly, in foreign markets. 
Any exception to this rule muft be temporary, and will moft 
likely be gradually rectified, when it fhall occur; for even a 
fearcity will foon be followed by a reflux and abatement in 
’ the market, as in the cafes of moft other marketable articles. 
In the mean time there can be no doubt, but that for home 
confumption the quantity of Englifh wool, fofar as it can be 
{pared for making beft cloth, may be rendered fufficiently fine 
for all the purpofes of warmth and decency. ‘Thefe confi- 
derations may ferve to fet the minds of Englifhmen much 
at eafe refpecting apprehenfions of any permanent difficulty, 
or advance in the price of woollen clothing. Corn, fruits, 
and fat and lean animals vary in price, according to the general 
demand, and the quantity on the market. * So alfo cotton, 
hemp, flax, filk, wool, &c. and we have fmall reafon to ap- 
prehend, from the prefent {tate of Europe and its manufac- 
tures, that “this country is in danger of fuffering any 
material prohibition or rival/hip 
a a ee 
* See the {peech of Lord Somrrvitve’ to the Board of Agri- 
culturé, March 14, 1799. 
VOL. Ix. d Thefe 
