INTRODUCTION.

The object of political economy is to explain, and prove how labor should be directed so as to produce, in the shortest space of time, and with the least waste of materials, the greatest quantity of those articles which man requires, or makes use of, either as necessities, comforts or luxuries; and which, also, constitute the wealth of

nations.

This science is, therefore, that of population, agriculture, manufactures, commerce, wealth, and power. Properly understood, it should form the prevailing ground work for the conduct of all GOOD

GOVERNMENTS.

It has however long appeared to me, and all my inquiries in Europe, and in America, with the experience of mankind, in the