SECT. III.] EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURE. 355 



in the feeling of his independence, deems himself the superior. 

 A great portion of the Negro and South Sea peoples, who 

 possess very indifferent agricultural implements, acknowledge 

 the superiority of the Europeans in this respect, and en- 

 deavour to imitate them ; whilst the American hunting tribes 

 merely stare at the civilization which constantly meets their 

 eye, and turn their backs upon it, showing but little inclination 

 to live among Europeans. 



The agriculturist leads a more secure life, less exposed to 

 accidents than the hunter ; his labour is less exciting and less 

 dangerous, nor is he agitated by the same expectations and 

 fears. Agriculture and a fixed habitation increase the means 

 of subsistence, diminish toil, especially of the females, ren- 

 dering them more prolific, and thus contribute to the in- 

 crease of the population. Regular labour induces sobriety; 

 manners and customs are established among settled inhabitants, 

 which are incompatible with a licentious wandering life ; in- 

 ternal and external peace becomes a necessity, for man wishes to 

 enjoy the fruit of his labour. He does not attack from a desire 

 to conquer ; he merely defends what he possesses ; he feels the 

 necessity of a regulated social life, for he has built better 

 houses, rendered them more comfortable, and his enjoyments 

 have gradually multiplied. Already among pastoral tribes, ob- 

 serves Falconer, 1 there obtains, in comparison with hunting and 

 fishing nations, a considerable extension of private property, 

 and an increase in its value ; and crimes against property are 

 often very severely punished. Though originally the strong 

 has subjected the weak, and the latter has submitted both from 

 fear of punishment and an instinctive admiration of manly 

 power, the times are now changing: a government founded upon 

 mere individual authority is no longer deemed sufficient, and 

 a desire arises for fixed social relations. The settled agricul- 

 turist now obtains his subsistence by moderate labour, and the 

 population increases in proportion. Migrations no longer 

 occur unless forced upon the people by external or internal 

 wars, a wandering life is now opposed to newly acquired habits, 

 and to attachment to the native soil. 



1 " Remarks on the influence of Climate," p. 328, 1781. 



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