8 Statement of the Subject. Ratios of Bk. i. 



have to operate at once upon rich unappropriated 

 soil. Even where this might take place, as it 

 does sometimes in new colonies, a geometrical 

 ratio increases with such extraordinary rapidity, 

 that the advantage could not last long. If the 

 United States of America continue increasing, 

 which they certainly will do, though not with the 

 same rapidity as formerly, the Indians will be 

 driven further and further back into the country, 

 till the whole race is ultimately exterminated, 

 and the territory is incapable of further extension. 



These observations are, in a degree, applicable 

 to all the parts of the earth, where the soil is im- 

 perfectly cultivated. To exterminate the inha- 

 bitants of the greatest part of Asia and Africa, is 

 a thought that could not be admitted for a mo- 

 ment. To civilise and direct the industry of the 

 various tribes of Tartars and Negroes, would cer- 

 tainly be a work of considerable time, and of 

 variable and uncertain success. 



Europe is by no means so fully peopled as it 

 might be. In Europe there is the fairest chance 

 that human industry may receive its best direc- 

 tion. The science of agriculture has been much 

 studied in England and Scotland; and there is 

 still a great portion of uncultivated land in these 

 countries. Let us consider at what rate the pro- 

 duce of this island might be supposed to increase 

 under circumstances the most favourable to im- 

 provement. 



If it be allowed that by the best possible policy, 

 and great encouragements to agriculture, the 



