An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of NationsSmith, Adam
General
An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Smith, Adam
Economics
The vine is more affected by the difference of soils than any other
fruit-tree. From some it derives a flavour which no culture or
management can equal, it is supposed, upon any other. This flavour, real
or imaginary, is sometimes peculiar to the produce of a few vineyards;
sometimes it extends through the greater part of a small district, and
sometimes through a considerable part of a large province. The whole
quantity of such wines that is brought to market falls short of the
effectual demand, or the demand of those who would be willing to pay
the whole rent, profit, and wages, necessary for preparing and bringing
them thither, according to the ordinary rate, or according to the rate
at which they are paid in common vineyards. The whole quantity,
therefore, can be disposed of to those who are willing to pay more,
which necessarily raises their price above that of common wine. The
difference is greater or less, according as the fashionableness and
scarcity of the wine render the competition of the buyers more or less
eager. Whatever it be, the greater part of it goes to the rent of the
landlord. For though such vineyards are in general more carefully
cultivated than most others, the high price of the wine seems to be, not
so much the effect, as the cause of this careful cultivation. In so
valuable a produce, the loss occasioned by negligence is so great, as to
force even the most careless to attention. A small part of this high
price, therefore, is sufficient to pay the wages of the extraordinary
labour bestowed upon their cultivation, and the profits of the
extraordinary stock which puts that labour into motion.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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