XXIV mrRODUCTION. 



the delay, damage, and fcarcity, which have been conftantly 

 complained of. 



An increafe of the number of well-inllru6ted labourers, 

 is confeffedly much wanted ; and nothing can bid fairer for 

 a general alteration in this important matter, than a new oc- 

 cafion for building cottages, and fctting examples of neat- 

 nefs, and comfortable accommodation. Such new occafions 

 mulT: naturally arife among the elTeds of a general inclofure 

 of wafte and neglected lands. When we confider modern 

 improvements, in the elegant fimplicity of building, which 

 has taken place of late years, and the emulation in ufeful 

 arrangement and tafce, which a general opportunity would 

 occafion, w'e may venture to predifl: the moft pleafing and 

 happy effects from fuch an occurrence. The new and ex- 

 tenfive example would naturally becomes marked excellence 

 in the countr)'. As the occafional improvement of a few 

 houfes in an old and incommodious town, leads gradually 

 to more general neatnefs, (when repairs become wanted) 

 fo the old country cottages and miferable huts, in which in- 

 dolence, dejevSlion, difeafe, and indelicacy, have been long 

 propagated, will gradually become improved and re- built; 

 and the allotment of land for ufeful garden purpofes will 

 become increafed, to tl\e improvement of the inhabitants in 

 the eflential articles of induflry, health, decency, order, and 

 contentment ! The country would thus by degrees, and 

 perhaps not by How ones neither, acquire a new face of c/- 

 vilizatio}!^ refpeflability, and ornament. 



And here let me fpeak with confidence on one ver}' im- 

 portant advantage to the poor, and to the nation, which I 

 am well affured would refult from the intended powers and 

 provifions of a general inclofure bill, — the dire£l oppofite of 

 what fome fufpicious minds would perfuade us is intended ! 



They 



