PREFACE. 



THE few following pages profess no more than 

 to contain a plain statement of facts, and of 

 figures in illustration of them. An attempt is 

 made to simplify a subject of general interest; 

 and, if possible, to contribute something towards 

 the gradual restoration of public prosperity, in 

 that most essential branch in which it is now 

 blighted, and towards the revival of a state of 

 comfort in those invaluable classes of society, 

 who have never ceased to deserve the gratitude 

 and protection of their country. 



