03 Of Emigration. Bk. iii. 



useful as a temporary relief; and it is in these cir- 

 cumstances that Great Britain finds herself placed 

 at present.* Though no emigration should take 

 place, the population will by degrees conform itself 

 to the state of the demand for labour; but the inter- 

 val must be marked by the most severe distress, the 

 amount of which can scarcely be reduced by any hu- 

 man efforts ; because, though it may be mitigated 

 at particular periods, and as it affects particular 

 classes, it will be proportionably extended over 

 a larger space of time, and a greater number of 

 people. The only real relief in such a case is 

 emigration ; and the subject at the present mo- 

 ment is well worthy the attention of the govern- 

 ment, both as a matter of humanity and policy. 



* 1816 and 1817. 



