272 ON THE STATE OF IRELAND. [BOOK III. 



SECTION XV. 



STATE OF COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES IN IRELAND. 



IT was our intention to inquire relative to trade and ma- 

 nufactures, to the fisheries, and to mining; but it has 

 not been possible for us to go into these subjects as we 

 had wished, and to make a report within the time allotted 

 to us upon remedial measures. 



We may, however, observe that Ireland is peculiarly 

 well situated for commercial intercourse with other coun- 

 tries by her geographical position and superior harbours, 

 and that her indented coast, her lakes, and the number, 

 size and character of her rivers give her extraordinary 

 means of inland navigation, while her roads and materials 

 for road-making are of the best description. It has been 

 questioned whether Ireland possesses sufficient coals with- 

 in herself for manufactures, but coals are now carried to 

 Ireland so rapidly and at so little cost from the English 

 collieries, that manufactures cannot now be prevented 

 from spreading in Ireland by want of coals. What they 

 are prevented by, is want of order, of peace, of obedience 

 to the laws, and that security of property which never can 

 exist until the general habits and condition of the people 

 are thoroughly improved. 



