PREFACE 



TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 



Tins Essay was first published at a period 

 of extensive warfare, combined, from peculiar 

 circumstances, with a most prosperous foreign 

 commerce. 



It came before the public, therefore, at a 

 time when there would be an extraordinary 

 demand for men, and very little disposition to 

 suppose the possibility of any evil arising from 

 the redundancy of population. Its success, 

 under these disadvantages, was greater than 

 could have been reasonably expected ; and 

 it may be presumed that it will not lose its 

 interest, after a period of a different descrip- 

 tion has succeeded, which has in the most 

 marked manner illustrated its principles, and 

 confirmed its conclusions. 



On account, therefore, of the nature of the 



