54 On the Importance of 
human food, or from a substance which other- 
wise would exist as mere refuse, foreign com- 
merce cannot possibly injure population; and 
if it procures an importation of food, in return 
for the export now mentioned, its effect must 
be to'extend it. This effect is most likely to 
take place where a nation that enjoys a free 
trade excels its neighbours in the ingenuity 
and industry of its manufacturers, because a - 
given quantity of goods is produced by a share 
of exertion comparatively moderate, and pro- 
cures a liberal return in the produce of other 
countries. If a trade, under such circum- 
stances, is sufficiently long continued, a part of 
the return will be given in the form of food, or 
other articles of necessity, for the support of an 
additional population. 
A mere increase of population, however, is 
not one of the most hberal objects of political 
ceconomy ; and, when it is procured at the 
expence of a large portion of misery, it is to 
be sincerely regretted. ‘To add to the hap- 
piness of a people, is far more desirable than 
to swell their numbers. If the increase of 
happiness could be praved to be the invariable 
consequence of the extension of foreign com- 
merce, that would be the best possible reason 
for setting a high value on it. There is no 
doubt that its tendency is in general favourable 
