<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-4-chapter-01 -->

# Seed-Time and Harvest Metaphor

## Definition

A agricultural analogy used to explain the long-term benefits of foreign trade, comparing the initial export of goods (seed-time) to planting crops that will yield greater returns later (harvest), thus justifying what might appear to be a short-term loss of precious metals.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith quotes or paraphrases a merchant's argument that foreign trade should be evaluated by its long-term results rather than immediate appearances. The metaphor effectively counters the mercantile fear of exporting precious metals by showing how initial outflows can produce greater inflows through profitable re-exports.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

---
