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Poverty, though it no doubt discourages, does not always prevent,

marriage. It seems even to be favourable to generation. A

half-starved Highland woman frequently bears more than twenty

children, while a pampered fine lady is often incapable of

bearing any, and is generally exhausted by two or three.

Barrenness, so frequent among women of fashion, is very rare

among those of inferior station. Luxury, in the fair sex, while

it inflames, perhaps, the passion for enjoyment, seems always to

weaken, and frequently to destroy altogether, the powers of

generation.