234 
Roads. 
have seen, has been considered by many writers as a proof that 
our tillage has not improved in a degree at all proportionate to 
our pasture lands ; but in truth it is the peculiar advantage of the 
modem husbandry, that the quantity of winter and summer pro- 
vender for cattle, yielded by the plough, greatly exceeds the an- 
nual produce of grass and hay from the same quantity of land. If, 
however, this were not notoriously true, there can be no doubt that 
our fisheries might, for centuries to come, effectually supply the 
deficiencies of our agriculture. There are, indeed, no bounds to 
the possible accumulation of animal food ; and its efficiency as a 
resource, in the failure of other nutriment, is only limited by its 
very perishable nature ; an inconvenience, however, very easily re- 
medied, so that we may perhaps be justified in expressing our be- 
lief, that if the proposed imposition of a duty on foreign grain 
were accompanied by a repeal of the tax on salt, the growing po- 
pulation of these islands might be supported, for centuries to come, 
in the enjoyment of increasing abundance.” 
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EMPORIUM. 
Pittsburgh , January 8, 1814. 
Bear Sir, 
I ENCLOSE a letter to the secretary of the United States, 
in which there may be found some hints of value, respecting the 
best method of making turnpike roads. If you are of that opinion, 
it is at your service ; and, although written expressly for the se- 
cretary, who is absent, and whose leave I cannot therefore obtain, 
! believe that there can be no impropriety in giving it publicity. 
I have added an appendix explaining, and enlarging upon, some 
points which it was not necessary to enter into more particularly 
in my report. 
I am, very respectfully, yours, 
B.H, LATROBE. 
