XX INTRODUCTION. 



can be fuppofed to have become inverted^ and that there 

 cxifLed a combination, or an abfurdity cf policy, through 

 different countries, to realize a Itiffer ^emolument, in pre- 

 ference to a iireatcr. 



General and praife-v.orthy as the prefent tarte for agri- 

 cultural improvements is, among perfons of property and 

 leifurc, it is but too probable that the quantity of 'land in 

 cultivation through Kurope, and in this country efpecially, 

 is too jmall. This probable evil was, mofi: benevolently and 

 laudably, propofed to be obviated at home, by the proviiions 

 of a general inclofure bill. And by futh provifions for 

 fpeedy and eafy inclofure, and confcquently for additional 

 cultivation, the moft confiderate perfons are firmly of opi- 

 - nion, that the grand obje<I.'t of the common wifh, a full 

 fuj)ply of grain, is to be accomplilhed. 



In the view of common icnit^ this feems to be a radical 

 and fure method (under Providence) of accomplifhing the 

 object of the general defire. For, let it be fuppofed for a 

 moment, however unrcafonably, that the cafual difficulties, 

 and fcarcity of this country, in the article of grain, have 

 been occafioned by too great an appropriation of land to 

 pafture; and that the effect of incloling commonable lands 

 vsould be, the fliil greater converfion to pafture of fuch 

 arable diftriiTls : let it be fuppofed, that fo large a quantity 

 as two millions of acres wouldj under fuch an act, be even 

 permanently fo converted ; and that fuch a fcale of conver- 

 fion to paflure would anfwer the ends of emolument to the 

 perfons fo changing it ; that emolument could arife from no 

 other fource than the aggregate choice and demand of the 

 publick. 1 he choice of food is the natural, and even the 

 moral right, of individuals in a community. Excefs, glut- 

 lonVj and waite, in the articles of fubfillence, are the main 



evilsj 



