But the number of acres in the kingdom had remained the same; and the value of those acres, though it had greatly increased, had by no means increased so fast as the quantity of capital which was seeking for employment.

Many too wished to put their money where they could find it at an hour's notice, and looked about for some species of property which could be more readily transferred than a house or a field.

A capitalist might lend on bottomry or on personal security; but, if he did so, he ran a great risk of losing interest and principal.

There were a few joint stock companies, among which the East India Company held the foremost place; but the demand for the stock of such companies was far greater than the supply.

Indeed the cry for a new East India Company was chiefly raised by persons who had found difficulty in placing their savings at interest on good security.