VI 



those groundless alarms on the subject of scarcity, 

 which some persons seem at present to feel ; a pas- 

 sion which, of all others, is the most apt to bewil- 

 der the public opinion, and to urge a headlong 

 adoption of those measures which are the most like- 

 ly to create or aggravate such a calamity. 



The present situation of our colonies I shall also 

 touch upon, as connected with the more general 

 questions which arise on the present subject : - 

 though on this, as being less important in itself, 

 and less within my opportunities of information, I 

 shall be more brief. 



The -Report of the Committee of the House of 

 Commons, relative to the distillation of sugar, and 

 the very large and important mass of evidence con- 

 tained in the Appendix, I have had the benefit of 

 perusing. Any testimony of mine to the ability, 

 patience, and candour with which that respectable 

 body have conducted their researches, would be im- 

 pertinent. I have taken the liberty of dissenting 

 from their opinion ; but I have stated the grounds 

 of my dissent, and, I hope, with that becoming de- 

 ference and moderation which should always ac- 

 company free inquiry. If any thing material in the 

 evidence laid before the Committee should have 

 escaped me, it will perhaps be excused, from the 

 shortness of the time allowed for its perusal. A copy 

 of the Report is subjoined in an Appendix. 



