The Natural History of Selborne 23 



We abound with poor ; many of whom are sober and industrious, 

 and live comfortably in good stone or brick cottages, which are 

 glazed, and have chambers above stairs : mud buildings we have 

 none. Besides the employment from husbandry, the men work in 

 hop-gardens, of which we have many ; and fell and bark timber. 

 In the spring and summer the women weed the corn ; and enjoy a 

 second harvest in September by hop-picking. Formerly, in the dead 

 months they availed themselves greatly by spinning wool, for making 

 of barragons, a genteel corded stuff, much in vogue at that time for 

 summer wear ; and chiefly manufactured at Alton, a neighbouring 



Baptisms exceed burials by more than one-third. 



Baptisms of Males exceed Females by one-tenth, or one in ten. 



Burials of Females exceed Males by one in thirty. 



It appears that a child, born and bred in this parish, has an equal chance to 

 live above forty years. 



Twins thirteen times, many of whom dying young have lessened the chance 

 for life. 



Chances for life in men and women appear to be equal. 



A TABLE OF THE BAPTISMS, BURIALS, AND MARRIAGES, FROM JANUARY 2, 1761, 

 TO DECEMBER 25, 1780, IN THE PARISH OF SELBORNE. 



