Though it is by no means true, as stated by the Economists, that all taxes fall on the net rents of the landlords, yet it is certainly true that they are more frequently taxed both indirectly as well as directly, and have less power of relieving themselves, than any other order of the state.  And as they pay, as they certainly do, many of the taxes which fall on the capital of the farmer and the wages of the labourer, as well as those directly imposed on themselves; they must necessarily feel it in the diminution of that portion of the whole produce, which under other circumstances would have fallen to their share.  But the degree in which the different classes of society are affected by taxes, is in itself a copious subject, belonging to the general principles of taxation, and deserves a separate inquiry.

Notes: 

1.  I cannot, however, agree with him in thinking that all land which yields food must necessarily yield rent.  The land which is successively taken into cultivation in improving countries, may only pay profits and labour.  A fair profit on the stock employed, including, of course, the payment of labour, will always be a sufficient inducement to cultivate.

2.  Vol II. p. 124.  Of this work a new and much improved edition has lately been published, which is highly worthy the attention of all those who take an interest in these subjects.

3.  Vol.  I. p. 49.

4.  Vol iv. p. 134.

5.  Vol.  III. p. 272.

6.  It is, however, certain, that if either these materials be wanting, or the skill and capital necessary to work them up be prevented from forming, owing to the insecurity of property, to any other cause, the cultivators will soon slacken in their exertions, and the motives to accumulate and to increase their produce, will greatly diminish.  But in this case there will be a very slack demand for labour; and, whatever may be the nominal cheapness of provisions, the labourer will not really be able to command such a portion of the necessaries of life, including, of course, clothing, lodging, etc. as will occasion an increase of population.

7.  I have supposed some check to the supply of the cotton machinery in this case.  If there was no check whatever, the effects wold show themselves in excessive profits and excessive wages, without an excess above the cost of production.

8.  Vol. iv. p. 35.

9.  The more general surplus here alluded to is meant to include the profits of the farmer, as well as the rents of the landlord; and, therefore, includes the whole fund for the support of those who are not directly employed upon the land.  Profits are, in reality, a surplus, as they are in no respect proportioned (as intimated by the Economists) to the wants and necessities of the owners of capital.  But they take a different course in the progress of society from rents, and it is necessary, in general, to keep them quite separate.