In his earlier economic period Davenant shows distinct tendencies towards what might almost be called a free-trade position. "Trade is in its nature free, finds its own channel, and best directeth its own course, and all laws to give it rules and directions, and to limit and circumscribe it, may serve the particular ends of private men, but are seldom advantageous to the public... The various products of different soils and countries is an indication that Providence intended they should be helpful to each other." In the works, however, which he published after his return to official employment, he did not venture to disturb current economic ideas, devoting himself to carrying on the statistical work of Sir William Petty and Mr Gregory King, and attempting by an elaborate investigation to ascertain the precise position of England in regard to the balance of trade. His views on taxation have been already alluded to. He thought that the incidence of taxation should be proportional to the tax-payer's ability to pay, and that taxes should bear chiefly on consumers of luxuries. He thought that "all taxes whatsoever were, in their last resort, a charge upon land." Trade with uncivilised countries such as Africa was, he thought, best carried on by a monopolistic corporation. As regards the labour question, he strongly advocated the compulsory employment of the able-bodied poor in manufactures, as a means to cheap production and the consequent command of foreign markets. Davenant's chief works were --