538 PARLIAMENTARY COLBERTISM 
rather to be a Means of Subsistence to particular Families, 
than a Source of Wealth to the Publick. Almost every 
Estate was incumbered with a great Quantity of Buildings, 
to adapt them to the convenience of the Occupiers. The 
clear Emolument resulting from them both to the Pro- 
prietors and Tenants was far more inconsiderable than what 
has accrued from the more extended Plan, upon which that 
Branch of Business is now conducted. 
“The great Obstruction to the Reformation, which has 
been accomplished, was founded upon a Principle adopted 
by Gentlemen of Property in the Country, which Experience 
has since proved to be as erroneous as it was selfish; viz, 
that it would be injurious to their Tenants to render the 
Markets in their Neighbourhood more accessible to distant 
Farmers, and consequently a Diminution of their own 
put the Estates. It ought for ever to be recorded to the Honour 
i of the present Century, that it was the first which pro- 
proprietors. duced publick Spirit enough to renounce that Prejudice, 
ve iciently and by this Circumstance only to have given as it were a 
spirited new Birth to the Genius of this Island. It is owing to the 
Alteration, which has taken Place in consequence thereof, 
that we are now released from treading the cautious Steps 
of our Forefathers, and that our very Carriages travel with 
almost winged Expedition between every Town of Conse- 
quence in the Kingdom and the Metropolis. By this, as 
well as the yet more valuable Project of increasing inland 
Navigation, a Facility of Communication is soon likely to 
be established from every Part of the Island to the sea, and 
from the several Places in it to each other. Trade is no 
longer fettered by the Embarrasments, which unavoidably 
attended our former Situation. Dispatch, which is the very 
Life and Soul of Business, becomes daily more attainable 
by the free Circulation opening in every Channel, which is 
adapted to it. Merchandise and Manufactures find a ready 
Conveyance to the Markets. The natural Blessings of the 
Island are shared by the Inhabitants with a more equal 
Hand. The Constitution itself acquires Firmness by the 
Stability and Increase both of Trade and Wealth, which 
are the Nerves and Sinews of it. 
A.D. 1689 
-—1776.