POPULATION IN TOWNS. 121 



by the different mechanics, artisans, and working 

 people themselves, was to organize itself, having 

 for its object the building of houses entirely 

 adapted for the accommodation of this class, in 

 every airy and healthy district of large towns, 

 with gymnasiums attached for the purpose of 

 affording youth the necessary amount of exer- 

 cise so absolutely requisite for health, and the 

 proper developement of the body, half the rents 

 which they now pay would soon redeem the 

 outlay. A general benefit would be gained in 

 the end, were even a consideration made to the 

 society in the shape of taxes and towns' dues, 

 by the different urban authorities. 



The scheme would exercise a threefold 

 effect. 1st. It would promote a different 

 spirit among proprietors in the erection of new 

 houses, and the patching up of old ones. 

 There is as much household accommodation in 

 London unoccupied at present, as would suit 

 the majority of this class well, if not the 

 whole of them who are badly situated, were 

 houses so constructed that this accommodation 

 could be let to them. The wants of the 

 labourer, however, are not consulted, but the 

 wants of the landlord and tenant ; and hence, 



