What we see we know somewhat — Adam Smith

Adam, Lands, and Dividend lead to Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations (1776). It seems that Dickinson didn't agree with his idea about competition of land.

What we see we know somewhat ¹
Be it but a little－
What we don't surmise we do
Though it shows so fickle

I shall vote for Lands with Locks ⁵
Granted I can pick 'em－
Transport's doubtful Dividend
Patented by Adam.

(F.1272/J.1195)

[1, 2] we see, little:: the small, individual business.
[3, 4] we don't, fickle:: the variable economy of a country.
[5] Lands:: competition in lands in Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations.
[6] pick:: to open the lock and to harvest.
[7] Dividend:: bonus, fringe benefit of the land. Transport:: rapture, ecstasy.
[8] Adam:: Adam Smith.

DOCTRINE OF ADAM SMITH CONCERNING THE RENT OF LAND. "Such parts only of the produce of land," says Adam Smith, "can commonly be brought to market, of which the ordinary price is sufficient to replace the stock which must be employed in bringing them thither, together with its ordinary profits. If the ordinary price is more than this, the surplus part of it will naturally go to the rent of land. If it is not more, though the commodity can be brought to market, it can afford no rent to the landlord. Whether the price is, or is not more, depends upon the demand." ─ On the Principles of Political Economy (1817)