Consumption of Com in Great Britain, 8cc. 281 



The extension of commerce occasioned a very rapid and great increase of ma- 

 nufactures, and commercial as well as general population, which is a principal sub- 

 ject of the next chapter. 



CHAPTER II. 



Population of Great Britain, and Calculation of that of England at different 

 Periods, from the Revolution ; Consumption if Wheat at different Periodi of 

 Time, and Quantity of Land necessary to produce it. 



The increase of population in Great Britain has been supposed not exactly uni- 

 form, but in some degree accelerated, owing to the superior healthiness of later 

 times ; this may be attributed to various causes, as firstly, the introduction of small 

 pox inoculation, the consequence of which, fpom the middle of the last century, has 

 been the preservation of the lives of great numbers of children, and rearing them to 

 maturity ; other causes may also be, improved diet and increased cleanliness, by 

 which putrid disorders are become less frequent and less fatal ; also, the drainage 

 of bogs and marshes, and an improved regimen, by which agues and intermittents 

 are almost entirely banished ; a more rational and improved practice of medicine 

 has, very probably, had its effect in removing disease, and prolonging human 

 existence ; and, lastly, I should hope, increased prudence and caution have had 

 some effect for the better on laxity of morals, and its consequences. 



That there has been a very considerable positive increase in our population, is 

 now proved beyond all manner of doubt, by the returns on the population act ; 

 this had been before called in question by some, but it was apparent to the 

 slightest observation, in all our mining countries, manufacturing towns, and tlieir 

 vicinity. The present population from the late parliamentary inquiries, has in the 

 different accounts I have seen, been somewhat differently stated, although the dif- 

 ferences are not very considerable : in one account, published in the Monthly 

 Magazine, said to be by authority of the House of Lords, the population of 

 England alone is stated at _ - _ _ 8,322,545 



That of Wales at - - - - 544!375 



And that of S'^otland has been supposed about - - 1,600,000 



Total Great Britain - 10^ .^--o 



VOL, V. O. o 



