12 INTRODUCTION. 



Now, you have an interest in your country 

 have you not? You desire her prosperity? 

 But that prosperity depends greatly upon the 

 fact, whether the farmers flourish or not. Sup- 

 pose you become a merchant. You build a 

 large store, and import a great quantity of 

 goods. You aim to sell to the farmers. But if 

 they are not flourishing if they cultivate their 

 lands badly if they are indolent if they are 

 unenlightened and ignorant they will raise but 

 small quantities of wheat and corn, and prepare 

 but little beef and pork for market. In such a 

 case, what will become of your interest 1 They 

 cannot purchase your goods, for they have noth- 

 ing with which to pay ; or if you trust them you 

 will lose your debts. Thus, in either case, if 

 the farmers flourish not, the merchants will not 

 flourish. They may import sugar, and coffee, 

 and tea, into the country, but it will turn to no 



