63 



rial deficiency from the interruption of foreign 

 supplies*. 



As, in the last Section, therefore, I conclud- 

 ed that it would be unreasonable to take the 

 precaution of stopping the distilleries on the 

 possibility of a scanty future produce ; so I may 

 now conclude that it would be as unreasonable 

 to take it on the possibility of a failure of im- 

 ports ; from which, it appears, we have a great- 

 er security than we can have in regard to the 

 season. 



But in the second place, supposing that such 

 deficiency of the usual importation should hap- 

 pen to a considerable amount, is the imme- 

 diate suspension of distilleries a likely way of 

 guarding us against its effects ? The arguments 

 formerly applied to cases of sudden deficiency 

 from other causes are precisely applicable here. 



In as far as the chance of deficiency from 

 abroad is increased by the present interruption, 

 we have the more occasion for superfluous vents 



* See statement of imports, Note (F.)> and evidence of Mr 

 Claude Scott, p. 116-17 ; Mr Kent, p. 121 ; and Mr Mackenzie, 

 p. 122-3-4. From this statement it appears that, during the year 

 1 807, we hare received from foreign countries, notwithstanding 

 the embargoes, pretty nearly the average supplies, which have 

 reached us for some years past. From Holland 233;000 qrs. and 

 even from France 27,000 qrs. It is probable we shall receivers 

 much next year, notwithstanding the restrictions* If we should 

 ftot, we can 4o very well without it. 



