Human Physiology. 4.77 



any accuracy, but it would be hazardous to estimate the num- 

 ber of estates above the dimensions of a garden or a paddock 

 at more than 100,000 in a country which numbers more than 

 26,000,000 of inhabitants, and there are but few counteracting 

 agencies at work to mitigate the perilous progression towards 

 monopoly. It may be broadly asserted that in no country 

 does so large a proportion of the population live in lodgings as 

 in Great Britain, or in separate habitations as tenants at will; 

 in no country do so many live on the land of others without a 

 lease or with a terminable tenure; in no country are the pre- 

 rogatives and delights of property vested in such a restricted 

 number. The proportion of those who possess to those who 

 possess nothing is probably smaller in some parts of England 

 at this time than it ever was in any settled community, except 

 in some of the republics of antiquity, where the business of 

 mechanical industry was delegated to slaves. France, Germany, 

 Italy, Russia, Switzerland, the United States, the British 

 Colonies all the countries which count for something in the 

 world, which propagate ideas, or offer examples, or present 

 points for comparison, which fascinate by their past or which 

 possess the promise of an expansive future all have committed 

 acts or adopted principles and measures which conduct them 

 on a path directly opposed to that on which the destinies of 

 England are still impelled. An alteration of the laws of Eng- 

 land affecting real property, a movement towards its repartition 

 and diffusion must be advocated from motives of philanthropy 

 and policy; and, happily, this is not difficult. The possession 

 of the soil and the habitation ought, when associated with some 

 culture and elevation of mind, to carry with it patriotism, or 

 devotion to the State, loyalty or attachment to the representative 

 of sovereign power, independence, self-respect, and respect for 

 the rights of others. It should nourish and prolong the exercise 

 of mutual duties and affections in the family, and sweeten life 

 with many salutary recreations and pleasures." 



