An[^1] increase in the number of people is also an excellent remedy against intemperance and the thoughtless squandering of food necessary for human life. In step with this increase, food becomes more precious and rare, people are more careful not to be lavish with it, and it is better used for its natural purpose, which is preserving our bodies and our health, whereas in the regions where there is not a number (195) of men proportional to regulated consumption, it is either over-consumed to the detriment of their health or it is used in a way for which it was not intended. I am persuaded that the temperance that reigns everywhere in Holland originates from this and does a considerable good in the preservation this fine state. Thus, no fear that his people will become too numerous must ever enter the Prince’s mind, especially because men do not spring up like mushrooms; one dies every day, and the decrease is always harmful, whereas for the reasons noted, an increase is only ever very advantageous.
Most German Princes (196) often oppose this increase in their wealth, namely, an increase in the number of their subjects, when it is a question of converting well-situated forests with good soil into fields and of establishing dwellings there. This is for two different reasons it will be good to examine. The first is that it would decrease the pleasures of the Prince with regard to hunting, although this reason is of no importance and means nothing but the following: “We don’t want to become richer nor increase the number of those who support the state, but we prefer the deer and the wild boars who ravage the fields and consume and spoil more food per year than is needed for the (197) preservation of several families.” I am sure I can destroy this reason in a way that pleases Princes and will perhaps be worthy of their attention: I maintain that by shrinking the forests, their pleasures in hunting could increase considerably. Princes more than any other men do not like or esteem what is common and very easy to have as strongly as what is rare. Consequently, hunting rare game must give them more pleasure than what can be had like sheep in the fields. At this price, considering the true value of pleasures and, on the other hand, the advantage to their states, they (198) could well resolve not to be difficult about increasing the number of their subjects and parting with some of their pleasures.
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