51 



with Dr Smith, that the imported supplies of 

 a large territory never can bear any consider- 

 able proportion to its consumption ; still less in 

 a country like this, where the agriculture is su- 

 perior to that of any on the globe. I believe 

 the importation does not now amount, nor is 

 ever likely to amount, nearly to the, supply 

 which is carried off by the various modes of su- 

 perfluous consumption in average years. I be- 

 lieve, therefore, we may regard, without much 

 apprehension, the utmost possible limits to 

 which importation can extend. 



There have been very able heads, however, 

 who have entertained different notions. Mr 

 Malthus, in particular, augurs, from the pro- 

 gressive increase of importation, the gradual 

 decline of our own agriculture, and the final 

 ruin of the country *. And this view, it is to be 

 observed, is distinct from the advantages of an 

 export, and the loss of subsisting by import, in 

 case of a sudden deficiency of home produce : 

 For this length I am not unwilling to go ; though 

 I think the danger, even here, less than is com- 

 monly apprehended. But the above author 

 surely argues with an inconsistency very un- 

 usual with him, when he in one page prognos- 

 ticates tlie progressive decline of our agricul- 



* Essay on Pop. B. 3. c. 9, 10. 4to edit, 



