226 AGEICULTURAL LABOURERS 



his intricate mind lurk vague theories of lost rights, and 

 more distinct traditions of past wrongs. He forgets that 

 his present condition, in its substance, results from the 

 natural operation of economic laws ; he only remembers 

 the occasions on which its unfortunate accidents have been 

 aggravated for the benefit of landlords or of farmers. 



Speaking generally, the worst aspects of peasant life 

 at the present moment are the decreasing demands for 

 agricultural labour, the absence of any reasonable prospect 

 of emerging from the condition of hii'ed service, and the 

 pauper allowance which rewards the most industrious career. 

 Some readjustment between the demand and supply for 

 labour, some social ladder, and some better provision against 

 old age are the true needs of the agricultural poor. So far 

 from relieving the glut of labour, the new departure in 

 the practice of farming will still further congest the 

 market. Economical management and increased breadths 

 of grass, whether permanent or temporary, mean a 

 reduction of working expenses, which will take the form, 

 not of less wages, but of less employment. Emigration 

 affords the only outlet for the excess of the labour supply. 

 But, putting this aside for the moment, do the agricultural 

 changes which appear imminent afford no hope of partial 

 remedy ? 



Everything points to a great reduction in the size of 

 holdings, and closer relations between the labour and the 

 land. Capital, in the shape of money, is being withdrawn 

 from farming ; large tenants are scarce, large farms hard 

 to let. Capitalists worth from 5,000Z. to 10,000Z. will not 

 invest in a trade which now means daily drudgery or 

 pecuniary loss. Others, who have lost half their capital, 

 would be glad to lose half their land, and desire to con- 

 centrate their money on narrower areas. Large farms go 



