194 FABLES. 



contrivance was admirable, and the author of it, 

 without doubt, very ingenious; but he thought it 

 would not be so proper to vote him thanks, till he 

 should further inform them how the bell was to be 

 fastened about the Cat's neck, and who would 

 undertake the task. 



APPLICATION. 



IT is easy for visionary projectors to devise 

 schemes, and to descant on their utility, which, 

 after all, are found to be so impracticable, or so 

 difficult, that no man of solid judgement can be 

 prevailed upon to attempt putting them into 

 execution. In all matters where the good of the 

 community is at stake, new projects should be 

 carefully examined in all their bearings, that the 

 ruinous consequences which might follow them 

 may be avoided. All business of this import ought 

 to be left to the decision of such men only as are 

 distinguished for their good sense, probity, honour, 

 and patriotism. When these have examined them 

 in all their different bearings, we may place con- 

 fidence in their labours, and adopt their plans ; but 

 the Fable teaches us not to listen to those rash and 

 ignorant politicians, who are always foisting their 

 schemes upon the public upon every occurrence of 

 mal-administration, without looking beneath the 

 surface, or considering whether they be practicable 

 or otherwise. 



