VOYAGE TO MADAGASCAR. 139 



Does not fuch a fign plainly point out to us 

 that the commerce of a nation is deftitute 

 of fpirit ? This proof is evident ; and if 

 the proceffes purfued, in order to fave la- 

 bour, occafion diforder, we may readily con- 

 clude that thofe entrufted with the admi- 

 niftration of government have neither know- 

 ledge nor ahilities. 



However this may be, the evil which 

 refults from economy in labour is only tem- 

 porary ; while the good that arifes from it 

 is permanent. Were a nation fo little ac- 

 quainted vcith its real interefts as to reje^l, 

 under this pretence, thofe ufefnl difcoveries 

 with which the mechanical arts have been 

 enriched, it would, by fuch condudi:, only 

 impoverifh ilfelf ; for, how could it fupport 

 a competition with neighbouring nations, 

 who adopt contrary principles ? Befides, I 

 fpeak here only of colonies j and fuch in- 

 conveniences are not to be dreaded in coun- 

 tries 



