30 



of possessing that degree of competence and 

 comfort which the frugal and industrious ha- 

 bits of the British farmer used to entitle and 

 enable him to enjoy. 



It is natural that the land-owners should be 

 disinclined and reluctant to admit the infer- 

 ences and conclusions which the reasoning 

 here introduced has been calculated to esta- 

 blish ; for they present a result no less formi- 

 dable than an impending if not inflicted ex- 

 tinction of their incomes, amounting probably 

 in its least degree to one tenth, and in other in- 

 stances, to one eighth, and from thence ex- 

 tending to one quarter, one third, or even one 

 half. 



It is too much to suppose, that immediate 

 assent will be given to a proposition by which 

 the man who has been enjoying an income of 

 12,000/. per annum may at once be called upon 

 to become contented to receive no more than 

 8000/.; the man of 9000 /. per annum to receive 

 no more than 6000J. ; the man of 6000Z. to re- 

 ceive no more than 4000/. ; the man of 3000/. 

 no more than 2000/. ; the man of 1500/. no 

 more than 1000/.: but yet, unexpected as the 

 proposition may be to those who have not hi- 

 therto calmly investigated the subject, and 

 grievous as the change may be to some in its pre- 

 sent consequences, it is apprehended, that this 



