families; so that, in proportion as they attain a reputation for
piety, they become idle.

Aristocracy and fanaticism seem equally to be gaining ground in
England, particularly in the place I have mentioned; I saw very
little of either in Norway. The people are regular in their
attendance on public worship, but religion does not interfere with
their employments.

As the farmers cut away the wood they clear the ground. Every year,
therefore, the country is becoming fitter to support the
inhabitants. Half a century ago the Dutch, I am told, only paid for
the cutting down of the wood, and the farmers were glad to get rid
of it without giving themselves any trouble. At present they form a
just estimate of its value; nay, I was surprised to find even
firewood so dear when it appears to be in such plenty. The
destruction, or gradual reduction, of their forests will probably
ameliorate the climate, and their manners will naturally improve in
the same ratio as industry requires ingenuity. It is very fortunate
that men are a long time but just above the brute creation, or the
greater part of the earth would never have been rendered habitable,
because it is the patient labour of men, who are only seeking for a
subsistence, which produces whatever embellishes existence,
affording leisure for the cultivation of the arts and sciences that
lift man so far above his first state. I never, my friend, thought
so deeply of the advantages obtained by human industry as since I
have been in Norway. The world requires, I see, the hand of man to
perfect it, and as this task naturally unfolds the faculties he
exercises, it is physically impossible that he should have remained
in Rousseau's golden age of stupidity. And, considering the