But a first _labor_ converts these substances into forage; a second into wool; a third into thread; a fourth into cloth; and a fifth into garments.

Who can pretend to say, that all these contributions to the work, from the first furrow of the plough, to the last stitch of the needle, are not _labor_?
And because, for the sake of speed and greater perfection in the accomplishment of the final object, these various branches of labor are divided among as many classes of workmen, you, by an arbitrary distinction, determine that the order in which the various branches of labor follow each other shall regulate their importance, so that while the first is not allowed to merit the name of labor, the last shall receive all the favors of protection.
_The Petitioners._--Yes, we begin to understand that neither wool nor corn are entirely _independent of human labor_; but certainly the agriculturist has not, like the manufacturer, had every thing to do by his own labor, and that of his workmen; nature has assisted him; and if there is some labor, at least all is not labor, in the production of corn.
_Mr.de St.Cricq._--But it is the labor alone which gives it _value_.

I grant that nature has assisted in the production of grain.

I will even grant that it is exclusively her work; but I must confess at least that I have constrained her to it by my labor.

And remark, moreover, that when I sell my corn, it is not the _work of nature_ which I make you pay for, but _my own_.
You will perceive, also, by following up your manner of arguing, that neither will manufactured articles be the production of labor.