64 THE LANDED INTEREST. 



tion of Scotland and Ireland ; wages in both 

 countries quickly increased, and this soon ex- 

 tended its influence southwards. Agricultural 

 labourers' unions were formed in the depressed 

 districts just when this wholesome feeling was 

 spreading throughout the country, and to their 

 efforts much of the natural effect of other 

 causes in producing a rise of wages has been 

 ascribed. This increase of wages was attended 

 by a most useful result, for it forced upon 

 farmers the more extensive use of machinery, 

 and, in the end, brought about a higher scale of 

 wages to the labourer, while the additional cost 

 to the farmer is met to some extent by superior 

 skill, and greater economy in the application of 

 labour. It is worthy of note that the increase 

 of agricultural wages has been greatest in 

 Scotland, where labourers' unions have not taken 

 root, but where the parish school is an old 

 Institution. 

 Condition The general condition of the agricultural 



now better 



than at any labourer was probably never better than it is 



previous 



period, at present. Compared with that of 300 years 



comparing 



wages with ago in the time of Elizabeth, wages have risen 



