MANIFESTED IN HUMAN SOCIETY 129 



which was abandoned as soon as the workers experienced 

 an urgent need for it. The explanation, however, is 

 altogether unconvincing. This assumption that the 

 readiness of people to bear children always varies inversely 

 with their ability to support them is an extraordinary 

 example of the lengths to which assumption will be 

 carried in the effort to give plausibility to untenable 

 theories. 



The birthrate continued to increase in England until 

 the development of trade unionism, the passing of factory 

 legislation, and the spread of education produced a 

 general improvement in their condition. Then a decline 

 set in, and has continued ever since. Much the same 

 story has been repeated in all other countries which 

 have passed through a similar industrial cycle. Here are 

 figures showing the decline in the German birthrate : 



Births per 1,000 Inhabitants. 



As one table is typical of the rest, there is no need to 

 multiply statistics. 



Nitti 2 gives some interesting figures showing the 

 improvement in dietary standards. 



The average consumption of corn in France for every 

 inhabitant : 



Hectolitres. 

 .. 1-53 

 .. 1-85 

 2-11 



In 1821 

 In 1842 

 In 1872 

 In 1888 



2-70 



1 From Fecundity versus Civilisation, Adelyne More. 

 and the Social System. 

 9 



