36 A HISTORY OF 



whatever else may contribute to the perfection of 

 these papers.' ' 



There is a minute of the 20th of January 1737, 

 to the effect that a copy of every paper printed by 

 the Society is to be written in a book to be pro- 

 vided for that purpose. It may be as well here to 

 group together the various papers which appeared 

 under the auspices of the Society from this time down 

 to April 1740, when, on the starting of Dr. Madden's 

 premium system, they ceased to be issued. 



One of the earliest numbers has a list of commodi- 

 ties imported yearly, which on an average in money 

 value amounted to ^507,270. This calculation was 

 made in order to direct public attention to those 

 articles which would be most likely to remunerate 

 producers. The succeeding numbers were as follows : 



15th Jan. 1737. An Essay on the natural ad- 

 vantages of Ireland and the non-use of them. Every- 

 thing is imported, and, in no way trusting to our 

 own growth, we are dependent on foreign countries. 

 Half the wealth yearly drained out of this kingdom 

 might, with proper management, be kept in our own 

 hands. 



5th Feb. An Essay advocating the promotion of 

 spinning. Also one on the benefits to be derived from 

 owners living on their estates, and promoting husbandry 

 and manufactures. 



1 2th Feb. Irish beef, hides, tallow, and butter 

 will always be wanted in the southern parts of Europe, 

 and will always find a market. Wool is another 

 valuable commodity. More of the necessaries of life 

 might be procured by our encouraging tillage. 



1 9th Feb. A letter from a correspondent : — Facility 

 of export, certainty of demand, and cheapness of 

 materials give a preference to some manufactures, 



