Agriculture of Shropshire. 63 



desirable they should be more generally known. The economy 

 of their construction is a very important point, in addition to the 

 proper accommodation which they offer, and which is so import- 

 ant for the comfort and morality of the labourer's family. There 

 are many local societies for promoting and encouraging the in- 

 dustry and progress of the labourers, but these differ but little 

 from other similar societies. There is, however, an industrial 

 school at Quatt which is well worthy of notice. It certainly 

 does a considerable amount of good, and one cannot but regret 

 that its benefits are confined to pauper children. 



Mr. Jarland, the able superintendent of the school, has pub- 

 lished a statement in a pamphlet, entitled " District Labour 

 Schools," which is in the highest degree satisfactory. In this 

 school the boys receive, not only a plain useful education, but are 

 made really valuable farm and household servants. The boys 

 are accustomed to farm operations ; and, as a proof of their 

 ability, Mr. Jarland informs me that at the Bridgnorth Agricul- 

 tural Society's digging-match four boys were entered as com- 

 petitors, and carried off the four prizes ; and in 1855 they carried 

 off three out of four, although competing with older hands. I 

 can from my own observation testify to the neatness and good 

 execution of the work, and the tact of the master, who encourages 

 a laudable spirit of emulation amongst them. The girls are 

 trained to domestic duties, and are very valuable servants. It is 

 not fair in this instance to expect that the entire expense of each 

 boy can be repaid by the produce of his labour: there are many 

 of the boys whose labour fully pays the expenses incurred, but 

 that of the younger ones cannot do so ; still they become ready 

 for service, and as soon as such is the case they are placed out. 

 Hence, as the system is only a preparation for enabling them to 

 get their own support, it cannot, under any circumstances, be a 

 paying concern. It is, however, certain that a number of valuable 

 labourers have sprung from, and will continue to spring from, this 

 industrial school — having good moral character combined with a 

 degree of intelligence which cannot fail in the majority of cases 

 to make them valuable in their station in life. 



Tenure of the Land. — With few exceptions land is held under 

 yearly tenancies. There appears to be much objection to leases 

 on the part of the owners, and certainly the occupiers have 

 seldom made improvements which render a lease necessary. 

 Agricultural agreements must sooner or later assume more of the 

 character of commercial transactions, due security being given 

 to both parties, each claiming it as his right, and not simply 

 as an act of favour. There are some instances of a fixeil com- 

 pensation being given to tenants, w^ho, having made improve- 



