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But when, by the improvement and cultivation of land, the labour

of one family can provide food for two, the labour of half the

society becomes sufficient to provide food for the whole. The

other half, therefore, or at least the greater part of them, can

be employed in providing other things, or in satisfying the other

wants and fancies of mankind. Clothing and lodging, household

furniture, and what is called equipage, are the principal objects

of the greater part of those wants and fancies. The rich man

consumes no more food than his poor neighbour. In quality it may

be very different, and to select and prepare it may require more

labour and art; but in quantity it is very nearly the same. But

compare the spacious palace and great wardrobe of the one, with

the hovel and the few rags of the other, and you will be sensible

that the difference between their clothing, lodging, and

household furniture, is almost as great in quantity as it is in

quality.