d the Statute of Frauds (which, having
been set aside, was not adopted until the 7th William III.); Acts for
relief of poor debtors, for the speedy recovery of wages, and for
ratifying wills and deeds by persons out of possession.

Chapter 21, forbidding the importation of foreign coals, was designed
to render this country independent of English trade. At that time the
bogs were larger and the people fewer. Their opinion that this
importation which "hindered the industry of several poor people and
labourers who might have employed themselves" in supplying the cities,
etc., with turf, reminds us of Mr. Laing's most able notice in his
"Norway" of the immense employment to men, women, and children, by the
cutting of firewood; and what a powerful means this is of doing that
which is as important as the production of wealth, the diffusion of it
without any great inequality through all classes. Part of c. 29,
encouraging trade, laying heavy import duties on English goods, and
giving privileges to Irish ships over foreign, especially over English,
was the result of sound, practical patriotism. It was necessary to
guard our trade, manufactures, and shipping against the rivalry of a
near, rich, and aspiring neighbour, that would crush them in their
cradles. It was wise to raise the energies of infant adventure by
favour, and not trust it in a reckless competition. The example, too,
of all countries which had reared up commerce by their own favour and
their neighbours' surrender of trade, would have justified them.

Besides the schools for the Navy under c. 29, c. 16 deals also with
schools. We have not the latter Act; but, considering James's known
zeal for education, his foundation of the Kilkenny college, and the
spirit of the provision in c. 29, we may guess the liberality of the
other. One of the most distinguished of our living historians has told
us that he remembered having seen evidence that this Act established a
school for general (national) education in every parish in Ireland.

C. 10, the Act of Supply; c. 25, Martial Law, and this Act, c. 29, were
a code of defence. The supply was proportioned to their abilities:
every exertion was made, and all efforts were needed. Plowden puts the
effect of this c. 29 not ill:--

"Although James were averse from passing the acts I have already
mentioned, he probably encouraged another which passed _for the
advance and improvement of trade and for encouragement and i