Butter, _&c._ to pass over the Gluts
of Teas and Spirits, _&c._ smuggled thence by the _western_ Runners) have
constantly the Balance on their Side. Our Exports, with those already
mentioned, consist in a few Cheeses, Salmon and Kelp: But, as our Linens
are, without Question, become the vital Spring of _Irish_ Commerce, it is
Matter of great Concern and equal Surprize, that the other Provinces do
not more _universally_ and _effectually_ follow the lucrative Example of
the _North_! since, it is evident, nothing but _equal Industry_ can be
wanting to render them _equally flourishing_, The Over-growth of Graziers
and Stockmasters, is the strongest Indication that can be of national
Waste and Decay, in respect of Inhabitants. What could a Foreigner,
travelling among us, particularly in the _western_ Counties, some Summers
past, judge of our national Wisdom and Oeconomy? Would he not start even
at our Humanity, on seeing the best arable Grounds in the Kingdom, in
immense Tracts, wantonly enjoyed by the Cattle of a few petulant
Individuals; and at the same Juncture, our high Ways and Streets crowded
with Shoals of mendicant fellow-creatures! reduced, through Want of proper
Sustenance, to the utmost Distress? Would not a _Frenchman_ for Example,
give a Shrug extraordinary, at finding, in every little Inn, _Bourdeaux_
Claret and _Nantz_ Brandy, though, in all Likelihood, not a Morsel of
_Irish_ Bread?

It is much to be hoped, That, when the Spirit of Tillage should become
more general and active, our Farmers more attentive to the Growth of the
best Kinds of Grain, and our Brewers, more attentive to the Rules and
Precepts for that Purpose laid down by the Honourable the DUBLIN SOCIETY;
we shall have little or no Occasion for that Inundation of _London
Porter_; (an heavy, cloudy, intoxicating, ill-flavoured Liquor) that
annually overflows this City and other Parts of the Kingdom; as, in the
above Case, we may have a sufficient Plenty and Variety of Malt Liquors,
our own native Produce, far better than any imported; and, in Case of a
Redundancy of Grain, (a Matter not very likely to happen) may, with
moderate Care, have Spirituous Liquors of far a more wholesome Nature,
exquisite Taste, and delicate Flavour, than those imported at an
extraordinary Expence; and but too often adulterated, in the first
Concoction.

We have, in several Parts of this Kingdom, (in the Province of _Munster_
especially) a recy, spirituous, fine-flavoure