or in gold and silver, is a popular notion. A rich country, in the same manner as a rich man, is supposed to be a country abounding in money; and to heap up gold and silver is supposed to be the readiest way to enrich it. For some time after the discovery of America, the first inquiry of the Spaniards, when they arrived upon any unknown coast, used to be, if there was any gold or silver to be found in the neighbourhood? In consequence of those popular notions, all the different nations of Europe have studied, though to little purpose, every possible means of accumulating gold and silver. Spain and Portugal, the proprietors of the principal mines, have either prohibited their exportation under the severest penalties, or subjected it to a considerable duty. The like policy anciently took place both in France and England. The quantity of every commodity naturally regulates itself in every country according to the demand, and no commodities regulate themselves more easily or more exactly than gold and silver, on account of their small bulk, great value and their easy transport from one place to another. Yet, when the quantity of gold and silver imported into any country exceeds the demand, no vigilance of government can prevent their exportation. The real inconvenience, which is commonly called 'scarcity of money,' is not a shortness in the medium of exchange, but is a weakening and diminution of credit, due to over-trading. By restraining, either by duties, or