THE FISHERIES. 3 



much individuals and even nations may, from in- 

 considerable sources, derive comfort, strength and 

 power. 



To increase the physical and moral power of a 

 nation, to the greatest possible extent, regard 

 must be had to the proper adaptation of the 

 means to produce desired results, under every 

 variety of circumstances. Education must, in 

 some measure, be adapted to the genius of the 

 people, in order to give the greatest efficacy to 

 their institutions. Even forms of religion must 

 be shaped to correspond with the prevailing dis- 

 positions, habits and taste. A grave, sober peo- 

 ple will prefer great simplicity in their forms of 

 worship, and others, whose local circumstances 

 place them more under the dominion of the im- 

 agination, will avoid whatever appears to them 

 cold and austere, and seek to elevate their feel- 

 ings and indulge their taste by more showy and 

 imposing observances. So, also, in relation to the 

 ordinary pursuits of life, employments which in 

 some nations tend most to promote general pros- 

 perity, in others are found not to be adapted to 

 their habits or circumstances. 



It will often occur also, in a country like ours, 

 full of resources — putting forth its strength in 

 every variety of form, where under favorable 

 auspices, any individual with common skill and 



