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The second of the three portions into which the general stock of

the society divides itself, is the fixed capital; of which the

characteristic is, that it affords a revenue or profit without

circulating or changing masters. It consists chiefly of the four

following articles.

First, of all useful machines and instruments of trade, which

facilitate and abridge labour.

Secondly, of all those profitable buildings which are the means

of procuring a revenue, not only to the proprietor who lets them

for a rent, but to the person who possesses them, and pays that

rent for them; such as shops, warehouses, work-houses,

farm-houses, with all their necessary buildings, stables,

granaries, etc. These are very different from mere

dwelling-houses. They are a sort of instruments of trade, and may

be considered in the same light.