344 
THE ART OF REARING 
as the system of the customs was vexatious, 
aggravating, ancl contrary to the best national 
and commercial interests, smuggling was frequent, 
and, perhaps, from circumstances, unavoidable. It 
was carried on under the eyes of every one. For 
which reason I shall add to the quantity of silk 
exported -Jj per cent., to be nearer the real 
value of exportation. 
It is painful to be obliged to comprehend in this 
calculation the contraband exportation conse- 
quent on the errors of administration ; but it will 
ever be so, whilst the Custom-House regulations 
are in opposition to national interest. When these 
regulations accord with national interest, contra- 
band ceases ; each branch of national industry 
is guided and animated by individual interest; 
production and consumption increase ; the crimes 
and immoralities attendant on smuggling dis- 
appear, and all speedily return to order and tran- 
quillity. 
It cannot be understood why, in almost all places, 
under various pretexts, the exportation of raw silk 
has been impeded and fettered. 
Some administrations, to increase the salaries 
and profits, for instance, of the country which 
grew the silk, by two francs per pound of spun 
silk, have put an excessive duty on the exportation 
of that species of silk ; some have gone so far as to 
prohibit exportation altogether. From this it 
