Notwithstancling a complaint of the prices of the staple pro-
visions, the condition of the country appears to be generally prosperous. The revenue-returns tell us so ; and reports from the trading towns, which "'indicate great steadiness,"" imply that there is nothing fallacious or exceptional in the revenue-returns. Here we find an, increase on the quarter of 422,0001., on the year of 4,100,000/. The particular items of increase indicate a steadiness at a very high rate of consumption, and therefore of domestic expenditure, throughout most classes. The items of decrease are well-accounted for, and are principally matters of account or of changes in the form of taxation which have nothing to do with the taxable resources of the country. There is every reason to believe that the high prices of provisions are a tran- sitory inconvenience, which will disappear as the harvest is brought forward. The accounts from all quarters are satis- factory; the exceptions almost undeserving of notice. Notwith- standing the inundations, and a failure here and there, the French crops are very promising. Our own, for the food both of man and beast, are in fine condition. Russia reports abundance ; and the United States have probably been developing their im- mense resources proportionately to the high prices in Europe of past years. On the whole, then, we appear to be in a state of steady prosperity, although under the pressure of heavy taxation and of high prices for the staple of food.
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