HE 
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF THE 
SLIDING SCALE. 
TuaT theory cannot always be reduced to practice, 
is an axiom as old as argument itself; and it has 
long been the fault of many of the best theories pro- 
posed for the benefit of mankind, that they have 
wanted the one grand ingredient for success—practi- 
cability : others, have been so far feasible, as to be 
reduced to practice, but unfortunately have not stood 
the ordeal; and, amongst this class, I purpose 
placing the present mode of protecting the land- 
owner and corn-grower of this country, from the in- 
jurious competition of the foreigner. And here, in 
the outset of my work, I beg to deprecate all criti- 
cism, as to whether a protecting duty is, or is not 
necessary ; or, if necessary, (which, I believe, in jus- 
tice to all parties it is,) I do not attempt to pro- 
nounce what amount should be determined on, but 
leave that decision to abler heads than mine, simply 
confining myself to the assertion that the present 
mode is not only absolutely fallacious, but injuri- 
ous—to the farmer, whom it professes to protect; 
the consumer, whom it professes to relieve; and 
the revenue, which it professes to assist ; benefitting 
no one but the speculative merchant, whether Eng- 
lish or foreign. 
Having thus shortly stated my object, I shall pro- 
seed to explain to the reader, the method by which