28 TOBACCO GROWING IN GREAT BRITAIN. 



ment assembled, considering of how great con- 

 cern and importance it is that the Colonies and 

 plantations of this kingdom in America be 

 defended, protected, maintained, and kept up, 

 and that all due and possible encoui-agement 

 be given unto them ; and that not only in regard 

 great and considerable dominions and countries 

 have been latterly gained and added to the 

 Imperial Crown of this Realm, but for that the 

 strength and welfai-e of this kingdom do very 

 much depend upon them, in regard to the 

 employment of a very considerable part of its 

 shipping and seamen, and of the vent of very 

 gi"eat quantities of its native commodities and 

 manufactures, and also of its supply with 

 several considerable commodities which it was 

 ■wont formerly to have only from foreignei"S, and 

 at far dearer rates ; and forasmuch as tobacco 

 is one of the main products of several of those 

 plantations, and upon which their welfare and 

 subsistence and the navigation of this kingdom 

 and vent of its commodities thither do much 

 depend ; and in regard it is found, by expe- 

 rience, that the tobacco planted in these parts 

 is not so good and wholesome for the takers 

 thereof, and that by the planting thereof your 

 Majesty is deprived of a considerable portion of 

 vom- rovenno nj-isiiifr by CiistoiDs upon impoi'ted 



