Question

I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation. . . .
What does Prodigious mean in this context?

Answer 1

It is referring to a large amount of children.

Answer 2

Immense is the answer, the second blank means hopeless