SECT. II. 



Of the Operation of Distilleries in a Country which 

 imports a part of its Supplies. 



THE operation of distilleries, with respect to 

 importation, may be considered under two 

 views, analogous to those taken in the last sec- 

 tion. I. In regard to average years of impor- 

 tation, that is, where our supplies from abroad 

 are liable to no interruption. II. In re- 

 gard to years of interruption to our foreign 

 supplies; which may proceed either from a 

 bad season in the exporting country, or from 

 war. 



I. It is not material to the present question, 

 that I should ascertain very accurately the 

 amount of our importation, in proportion to 

 our demand, for some years back. It has never, 

 I believe, been determined with great certain- 

 ty ; and though my own suspicion is, that it is 

 considerably smaller than has been supposed, 

 I feel little concern in the inquiry, even in a 

 general view, because I think it a matter of 

 very trifling moment*. I am disposed to agree 



* The arerage amount of corn imported into this country, for 

 fire years past, is stated in the Report at 770,000 quarters. See 

 note (F.) But from this must be deducted our exports, to as- 

 certain the balance of import. Our exports to the colonies art 

 stated at note (G.) 



