6 Introductory Remarks. 



may instruct and be instructed, simply by observing these 

 differences and ascertaining their origin. It is only sub- 

 sequent to this process, that there is much chance of 

 beneficial change. 



Among the objects of most useful comparison in con- 

 trasting different countries, are the history and aspect of 

 human life in them. These are with us of strange and 

 important complexion. The interest which in other cases 

 attaches itself to the inquiries respecting the condition and 

 prospects of society, is here augmented by the intermix- 

 ture of different races under circumstances which cannot 

 elsewhere be studied.* It is now being ascertained, that 

 the aspect of & population return, unfolds a great deal as 

 to the morality and happiness of those included in it. The 

 little we know of ours is by no means cheering ; but on 

 almost every inquiry of interest respecting it, there is little 

 above an absolute want of information. In other countries 

 no subjects attract more strongly the attention of thinking 

 men, than the number, age, proportion, health, prospect 

 of life,, &c. of the different classes of inhabitants ; and 

 everywhere it is felt, that on few circumstances is the com- 

 fort of society more dependant, than on the knowledge 

 and right application of the principles by which such 

 things are regulated. 



A due examination of the means by which men provide 

 their sustenance, cannot fail to be profitable to ourselves 

 and interesting to others. It is only, as we observed, after 

 such inquiry, that we are prepared for beneficial alteration. 

 Our agriculture may be condemned as comparatively 

 slovenly and unproductive, but it does not necessarily 

 follow, that a change to a different procedure would on 

 that account be a profitable change. We must first compare 

 the diminution of comfort arising from additional labour, 

 with the increase of comfort arising from additional pro- 

 duce. The probability is, however, that we even have a 

 great deal to learn, in increasing comfort, without increas- 

 ing labour at all. We need to know the practice of men 

 where circumstances are nearly similar, and cannot fail to 

 improve by copying from lands of which the experience has 

 been in duration at least ten times our own. It remains to 

 be inquired, whether the labour now applied might not be 

 directed more quickly and effectively in its processes ; — 

 whether the manuring substances may not be augmented 

 in amount and variety; — whether, above all, calcareous ma- 

 nures will not be of very general and profitable application, 

 and a smaller portion of land cultivated to the utmost 



