/ 
' TIBET. 369 
Necessity has begotten a commerce with foreign countries, which, 
however, is but languidly conducted, by a people naturally slothful 
and indolent. The soil and climate of Tibet being favourable to the 
production of few commodities, render it a proper field for a variety 
of mercantile projects. But an example of industry is wanting: when 
men once become acquainted with the pleasures of luxury, and the 
profits of commerce, they will be roused from their apathy; and new 
objects of opulence and ease, of which they never dreamt before, being 
presented to their view, will raise in them a desire of a more splendid 
way of life than their ancestors enjoyed, and will stimulate them to 
an investigation and improvement of their natural resources, which at 
present are, even by themselves, but imperfectly understood. The 
form of government, which is arbitrary, is inimical to industry and 
enterprize. Both in Tibet and Bootan, the first member of the state is 
the chief merchant, and his prerogative, in this capacity, is of great 
importance to him ; for he is invested by it, with advantages above 
the common adventurer, in the right of commanding the labour of the 
people, whom the laws compel to bear burdens, and to exert themselves 
in various ways, when called upon by the mandate of their chief. 
Hence, emulation is suppressed, and trade monopolized by the sove¬ 
reign, and by a few other persons in the first offices under government, 
who are indulged with a limited privilege, and whose traffic is chiefly 
confined to clothing and provisions, to articles which are in constant 
demand, and which find at all times a rapid sale. Though the soil of 
Tibet is, in its greatest extent, unimprovable by cultivation; and though 
the features of the country are strongly expressive of poverty, yet. 
