INTRODUCTION. 



But, in consequence of the cessation of all our commercial inter- 

 course with the northern powers of Europe, and particularly with Russia, 

 we are, from the vast increase of our navy, placed in a situation that will 

 demand a proportionably great supply of Hemp, without the possibility of 

 procuring it through the usual channels. Hence the cultivation of that 

 plant, as well as of such vegetables as may be raised by way of substi- 

 tutes for it, in our own country and its dependencies, becomes the more 

 necessary. Not to mention the probability of having no supply from our 

 North-American colonies, particularly Canada (where the experiment, 

 from mismanagement, has already failed), and also that which may per- 

 haps be hereafter obtained from our settlements in New Holland ; — our 

 exigencies — our very safety as a free and independent nation — require 

 large and immediate supplies, — commensurate supplies, which can only be 

 obtained, either by an immediate extension of its culture in this highly 

 favoured island, or by availing ourselves of the Hemp, or vegetables raised 

 as substitutes for it, in our East Indian possessions. 



I. With regard to the native growth of Hemp, although the recent 

 vast importations of corn sufficiently indicate the inadequacy of our har- 

 vests to feed our growing population, and consequently may seem to im- 

 ply that no soil ought to be diverted to any other crop, which may be ad- 

 vantageously appropriated to the culture of grain - 3 — yet there are circum- 

 stances and soils, the nature of which, when impartially considered, will 

 more than counterbalance this apparent objection. 



Adverting to the present eventful situation of Britain, since her in- 

 tercourse and connection with Russia have been discontinued, Lord So- 

 merville, in his address at the last December meeting of the Smithfield 

 Club, made the following remarks, which are so appropriate to the pre- 

 sent subject, that we conceive no apology can be necessary for their in- 

 fo 2 sertion. 



