distant from each other, and not very differently situated with
regard to the mines. Let us suppose further, that neither their
soils nor their skill in agriculture are essentially unlike; that
their currencies are in a natural state; their taxes nothing; and
that every trade is free, except the trade in corn. Let us now
suppose one of them very greatly to increase in capital and
manufacturing skill above the rest, and to become in consequence
much more rich and populous. I should say, that this great
comparative increase of riches could not possibly take place,
without a great comparative advance in the price of raw produce;
and that such advance of price would, under the circumstances
supposed, be the natural sign and absolutely necessary
consequence, of the increased wealth and population of the
country in question.

Let us now suppose the same countries to have the most
perfect freedom of intercourse in corn, and the expenses of
freight, etc. to be quite inconsiderable. And let us still
suppose one of them to increase very greatly above the rest, in
manufacturing capital and skill, in wealth and population. I
should then say, that as the importation of corn would prevent
any great difference in the price of raw produce, it would
prevent any great difference in the quantity of capital laid out
upon the land, and the quantity of corn obtained from it; that,
consequently, the great increase of wealth could not take place
without a great dependence on the other nations for corn; and
that this dependence, under the circumstances supposed, would be
the natural sign, and absolutely necessary consequence of the
increased wealth and population of the country in question.