FRANCE. 99 



try, muft ftarve. The foreft, continued 

 he, which comes within a few leagues of 

 us, has many tracts that would do for vines. 

 If every man that chofe was allowed to go 

 and take poilefTion each of an acre, there is 

 not an acre in the whole that would be 

 without its houfe, its vineyard, and family. 

 Well ! and would not that be a fine thing 

 for the King ? No, returned he, God blefs 

 the King, he has more fubjects . already 

 than can feed themfelves ; why therefore 

 give him more ! I was ftruck at this idea, 

 which, in artlefs fimplicity, contained a 

 truth of politics, which deferves the attention, 

 of princes and minifters. Since, under a 

 well-regulated government, how people can 

 be a burthen who are willing and eager to 

 maintain themfelves, is more than I can 

 conceive. But, added he, there is another 

 objection to having fo many vineyards ; fome 

 will be planted on improper foils, and others 

 will be badly managed ; for not one in 

 forty can have a wine-prefs. This would 

 bring bad wine to market, and fink the re- 

 putation of the province ; befides, the mere 

 quantity that would be made, would lower 

 the general price fo much, that all would 

 Ha be 



