206 Remarks on an Essay an Commerce, 



exactly the same way; every one admitting the former pr'fn- 

 cipic must he convinced of its applying equally in this case* 

 Some distinction is, however, to be observed : certain prin- 

 cipal commodities are cultivated by each nation in common, 

 and, generally, in sufficient quantities for its own consump- 

 tion ; although they are alike useful to many of them, and 

 might easily be disposed of to all. Hay and corn, for in-" 

 stance, two articles almost universally and absolutely neces- 

 sary ; the first is seldom or ever used in traffic ; and the 

 second, although frequently introduced, has always been 

 considered as an improper object; it bc'ng the policy of each 

 country to raise as much within itself, as is wanted for its 

 own use. Thus, in France, at different periods, it has been 

 found necessary to restrain the cultivation of vine-yards, (ex- 

 tended, by reason of their wines being a favourite article of 

 commerce,) so as to prevent a scarcity of corn and pasture, 

 which would render them too much dependent upon other 

 nations for their support. 



One of the principal uses of commerce between nations, 

 appears to be not so much, as between the respective parts 

 of them, to afford mutual accommodation to each other, as 

 to excite amongst them a spirit of emulation ; and I cannot 

 but consider that man a greater friend to his country, who 

 endeavours to imitate, with a view of excelling, an article 

 manufactured in a different part of the world, than a man 

 who employs his time and fortune in endeavouring to pro- 

 cure it in its most perfect state, by importing it from the 

 place of its manufacture. The French have hitherto been 

 justly considered to excel in the art of making lace ; but, by 

 dint of perseverance, we have greatly improved our former 

 manufacture of it, and may, it is hoped, in the course of 

 time, arrive at the same degree of excellence. The like may 

 be observed of Spanish woollen cloths, Indian muslins, and 

 a variety of other articles, too numerous to be mentioned. 

 Our success in these particulars is another proof, that not 

 so much is dependent upon soil and climate, in producing 

 the raw materials, as many persons are apt to imagine ; and 

 a still further proof, that very little, if any, weight ought 

 to be attached .o the natural powers of the natives, beyond 



what 



