54 



er diminution of produce than they consume 

 themselves. The vent of the distilleries is 

 chiefly for our home produce, and, of course, 

 is an encouragement to our home growers. 

 It is stated in the Report of the Committee, 

 and probably with truth, that little or no im- 

 ported grain is used there. The more therefore 

 this market is extended, the greater chance will 

 our home growers have of increasing their pro- 

 duce, of gradually forcing the foreign importation 

 out of the market, and finally turning the balance 

 the other way. On the other hand, the stoppage 

 of distillation in so far diminishes the capital of 

 our home growers, lessens their produce to a 

 greater amount than was consumed by that 

 vent, and in so far gives a greater advantage in 

 the competition to the grower of foreign corn. 



The same causes, in short, which lead to an 

 increase of home produce in a countrv which 

 produces its own supplies, or exports a surplus, 

 lead equally to such increase in a country that 

 imports ; and tend to diminish importation. 

 The vent of the distillery is one of these causes; 

 tends obviously to diminish importation ; and, 

 as far as that is an evil, is therefore more 

 essential in a country where importation pre- 

 vails, than in one which supplies itself! 



Mr Malthus accordingly, and others who 

 join with him in the apprehension of an in- 



