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The natural price, therefore, is, as it were, the central price,

to which the prices of all commodities are continually

gravitating. Different accidents may sometimes keep them

suspended a good deal above it, and sometimes force them down

even somewhat below it. But whatever may be the obstacles which

hinder them from settling in this centre of repose and

continuance, they are constantly tending towards it.

The whole quantity of industry annually employed in order to

bring any commodity to market, naturally suits itself in this

manner to the effectual demand. It naturally aims at bringing

always that precise quantity thither which may be sufficient to

supply, and no more than supply, that demand.