48 On the Imporiance of 
every nation that enjoys it. If one coiintry, 
which abounds in the comiodities of rice and 
silk, exchanges part of these for the wheat 
and flax of another, both countries must be 
enriched, because each sets a higher value on 
the articles which it receives than on the 
quantity of its own produce which it gives in 
exchange. On this account, these articles aré 
able to bear the expence of carriage, and after 
this expence is added to their price, they still 
are objects of demand, While other things 
are equal, the increase of wealth must bear a 
regular proportion to this species of com- 
merce, as in each country there is an increase 
of the overplus value of imported articles 
above that of articles exported. 
This conclusion, however, only applies to 
the influence of foreign commerce on wealth 
in that limited acceptation in which it is here 
taken. The importation of a drug for the 
purpose of ruinous intoxication, is equally 
conducive to wealth with the first article of 
necessity and comfort... A quantity of poison, 
purchased ‘by a nation of assassins in ex- 
change for grain, contributes as much to the 
increase of wealth as the most useful produce 
of nature or of arts) 
This being the case, the influence of foreign 
commerce on wealth, affords: a. very partial. 
