PREFACE. 



As the greatest part of the interlocutors had no 

 fixed plan, all the subjects are mixed up and con- 

 fused. No one, certainly, has read this enormous 

 and incoherent collection, which moreover costs a 

 very large sum ; but so many persons have contri- 

 buted to its formation, so many have heard the 

 discussions, that the information which has been 

 elicited has produced more effect upon the public 

 than a long and irksome perusal could have done, 

 and we may say, that it has produced a salutary 

 effect, and that the public opinions have been rec- 

 tified. 



In order to give an idea of this labour, the 

 Editors have first given an extract of all that re- 

 lates to agriculture and the condition of the rural 

 population. They have deemed it necessary to 

 add some remarks, to acquaint the reader with an 

 order of things known to the witnesses, of which 

 he is probably ignorant. The reports of the Com- 

 missioners, which follow these Inquiries, have 

 also given occasion for some critical observations. 

 This portion, however, is not confounded with 

 what belongs to the Inquiries, and the Editors are 

 of opinion that from this work may be derived 

 sure and salutary maxims of government. 



