PART II. IMPROVEMENT OF RESIDENCES. 



581 



this particular; and when we consider that the real wealth, pros- 

 perity, and population of a country depend ultimately upon 

 the improvement and cultivation of the soil (as all political 

 economists confess), this will appear a most important consi- 

 deration. 2. By the more extensive and vigorous employ- 

 ment* of the lower classes, they will be enabled to subsist 

 more comfortably ; they will thence be incited more generally 

 to the married state, and that also at an earlier age, and conse- 

 quently the population will be increased in a great degree. 

 This effect is just a consequence of the former, and is of the 

 last importance. 3. The influence of good taste and beauty 

 in rural scenery, upon the lower classes, may at first view appear 

 unworthy of notice ; but a little reflection will convince us of 

 the contrary. The very lowest classes of the peasantry are in- 

 fluenced by it-f-. In naked, unvaried, inhospitable, and bar- 

 ren countries, such as immense tracks of heath, moss, or sand, 

 they will be destitute of strong passions, incapable of lasting 



* All good plans for ameliorating the condition of the lower classes will terminate 

 ultimately in giving the peasant an opportunity of bringing his labour to a free 

 market, and in introducing benefit societies for the aged and helpless. Destroy the 

 poor rates, public charities, and servitudes, and introduce benefit societies, though 

 only in a few places — they will soon become general — the poor will be more em- 

 ployed by the rich than they are at present, and will soon arise from penury and 

 dejection to spirit and independence. 



f For many important particulars belonging to this subject, I refer to Faulkener's 

 "Effects of Climate and Country upon Society;" and Home's "Elements of 

 Criticism," and " Sketches of the History of Man," also " Montesque's Essays." 



4 S 



