ADVICE TO SIR GEORGE VILLIERS. 437 



I is sea-room enough for both nations without offend 

 ing one another ; and it would exceedingly support 

 [ the navy. 



18. This realm is much enriched, of late years, 

 by the trade of merchandise which the English drive 

 in foreign parts ; and, if it be wisely managed, it 

 must of necessity very much increase the wealth 

 thereof: care being taken, that the exportation ex 

 ceed in value the importation: for then the balance 

 of trade must of necessity be returned in coin or 

 bullion. 



19. This would easily be effected, if the mer 

 chants were persuaded or compelled to make their 

 returns in solid commodities, and not too much 

 thereof in vanity, tending to excess, 



20. But especially care must be taken, that 

 monopolies, which are the cankers of all trading, 

 be not admitted under specious colours of public 

 good. 



2 1 . To put all these into a regulation, if a con 

 stant commission to men of honesty and understand 

 ing were granted, and well pursued, to give order 

 for the managing of these things, both at home and 

 abroad, to the best advantage ; and that this com 

 mission were subordinate to the council-board ; it is 

 conceived it would produce notable effects. 



VII. THE next thing is that of colonies and foreign 

 plantations, which are very necessary, as outlets, to 

 a populous nation, and may be profitable also if they 

 be managed in a discreet way. 



