518 Permanent and Substantial Improvements. 



are still of material consequence to the husbandry of a coun- 

 try by facilitating the exportation of bulky articles of pro- 

 duce, and the importation of coal and lime, those essential 

 articles to the farmer. The same plan of public assistance, 

 either in whole, or in part, will be found as useful in regard 

 to harbours, as to railways or canals, and has answered in 

 practice. Certain sums of money, (arising from the forfeit- 

 ed estates in Scotland), which were at the disposal of Par- 

 liament, were granted for improving harbours on the north- 

 eastern coast of Scotland. The sums given were trifling ; 

 in general from two to four thousand pounds each ; and ex- 

 cepting in one instance, where the sum was granted to en- 

 courage a fishing establishment, erected by a public-spirited 

 company, (the Society for improving the Sea Coasts of the 

 Kingdom), the inhabitants of the towns or neighbourhood, 

 where that assistance was bestowed, were bound to furnish 

 one-half of the total sum to be expended. The effect of 

 this system has been most beneficial ( z8 ). It is not so much 

 indeed the sum actually given, as the spirit which it excites, 

 that is of service; and when once such a spirit is roused, it 

 is not confined to one object, but extends itself to others. 

 Little causes thus produce great effects ; and a moderate 

 public expenditure of a few thousand pounds, may lay the 

 foundation of an extensive fishery, or a great emporium of 

 commerce, and promote, at the same time, the agricultural 

 prosperity of an extensive district. 



5. Embankments. When the difficulty and hazard of em- 

 banking a considerable tract of country, either against the 

 overflowings of a lake or river, or the inroads of the sea, are 

 considered, there is no undertaking, that seems better en- 

 titled to the encouragement of a wise government. Exten- 

 sive tracts of fertile territory, may thus be acquired, greatly 

 to the public advantage. The soil thereby obtained, is ge- 

 nerally of a nature peculiarly productive, and well adapted 

 for agricultural purposes. To carry on such undertakings, 

 however, at the public expense, might be hazardous ; but 

 when their utility, and ultimate profit, are sufficiently proved, 

 by the evidence of intelligent engineers, to the conviction 

 of Parliament, it may be advisable for the legislature, in 

 times of peace, to authorise the advancing one-third, or any 

 other proportion of the estimated expense, at a moderate 

 interest. 



Where extensive drainages are necessary, the same en- 

 couragement ought to be given. 



6. To establish Corporations for carrying on beneficial Im- 



