11 



years, he certainly amassed a sum which might 

 at present supply him with the means of dis- 

 charging all demands upon him, although at the 

 annual loss which has been supposed. 



It is not denied that individuals, who realized 

 profits of this large description, are to be met with ; 

 but the number is small, so very small, that they 

 can with no propriety be permitted to govern 

 our judgment in taking a general view of the sub- 

 ject; but are rather to be regarded as exceptions 

 to common rule. And even in these cases of ex- 

 ception, if investigation were to be pursued, it 

 would probably be found, that the accumula- 

 tions of better days are at this time rarely avail- 

 able. They have been devoted perhaps to the 

 education and advancement of a son to a higher 

 walk in life ; to the establishment of sons in bu- 

 siness, or daughters in marriage ; to the purchase 

 of a farm, or the erection of a house. But by 

 the infinite majority of occupiers of land no such 

 accumulations were ever made ; by a portion of 

 them the unexpected gains were immediately 

 expended in the farther improvement of the land 

 from which they came ; by another portion, un- 

 doubtedly the larger one, they were dissipated 

 (venially, though unfortunately for those whose 

 frugal habits thus became forsaken) in more 

 costly diet, clothes, and furniture, and in a more 

 free enjoyment of the amusements and pleasures 

 of life. And where a part of the profits of these 



