THE GROSS PRODUCE. 77 



remains is the only real product, but how is this to be 

 measured \ One element alone may indicate it with some 

 degree of certainty namely, the increased value of the 

 soil ; no doubt, this increase may be brought about by 

 other means, but the steadiest and most active is the 

 increase of fertility resulting from good husbandry. 

 With our neighbours it may be reckoned, on an average, 

 at one per cent on the value of the land say 4s. to 5s. 

 per acre for the three kingdoms, and 7s. for England 

 proper. In France, it may probably be one -half per 

 cent on an average say 2s. per acre; in our best-culti- 

 vated departments, it reaches, perhaps, the English aver- 

 age, but in others it is almost nothing. 



Although this estimate is, and can be, only hypotheti- 

 cal, it may suffice to explain the superior productiveness 

 of the land in England, notwithstanding the natural in- 

 feriority of both soil and climate. Artificial fertility, there, 

 compensates for these drawbacks, and has already con- 

 stituted a landed capital very superior to ours, and 

 which continues to increase. 



Three sorts of capital conduce to the development of 

 agricultural wealth : 1st, Sunk capital, which is formed 

 in course of time by outlays of all kinds for bringing the 

 land into good condition ; 2d, Working capital, consist- 

 ing of animals, implements, and seeds ; 3d, Intellectual 

 capital, or agricultural skill, which is improved by experi- 

 ence and thought. These three capitals are much more 

 diffused in England than in France, and why 7 ? We 

 shall inquire into this presently, and it will surprise us 

 to find that the superiority of the English is not more 

 marked than it is. Arthur Young, when travelling 

 through our poorer districts in 1790, exclaimed, in his 

 characteristic language, "It does, indeed, try one's pa- 

 tience to behold a country so lovely, and so favoured by 



