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The price of wood, again, varies with the state of agriculture,

nearly in the same manner, and exactly for the same reason, as

the price of cattle. In its rude beginnings, the greater part of

every country is covered with wood, which is then a mere

incumbrance, of no value to the landlord, who would gladly give

it to any body for the cutting. As agriculture advances, the

woods are partly cleared by the progress of tillage, and partly

go to decay in consequence of the increased number of cattle.

These, though they do not increase in the same proportion as

corn, which is altogether the acquisition of human industry, yet

multiply under the care and protection of men, who store up in

the season of plenty what may maintain them in that of scarcity;

who, through the whole year, furnish them with a greater quantity

of food than uncultivated nature provides for them; and who, by

destroying and extirpating their enemies, secure them in the free

enjoyment of all that she provides.