218 ON THE CAUSES

may, equally with the requisite quantity of labour,
 be a consideration which influences the
mind in the interchange of useful or agreeable
articles. We generally prefer a present pleasure
or enjoyment to a distant one, not superior to it
in other respects. We are willing, even at
some sacrifice of property, to possess ourselves
of what would otherwise require time to procure
 it, without waiting during the operation ;
as of what would require labour, without
personally bestowing the labour. If any article
 were offered to us, not otherwise attainable,
except after the expiration of a year, we should
be willing to give something to enter upon present
 enjoyment. On the part of the capitalist,
who produces and prepares these articles, the
time required for the purpose is evidently a
consideration which acts upon his mind. If the
article is wine, he knows that the quality is improved
 by keeping; he is aware that the same
excellence cannot be imparted to any wine,
without the employment of capital for an equal
period ; and that people will be found to give