NORFOLK SOCIETY. 315 



of continued or renewed engagements, whenever it is practica- 

 ble, between the farmer and his faithful help, as one which* ob- 

 viously tends to promote the improvement, comfort and credit 

 of both parties. 



And we propose, also, a premium of fifty dollars, together 

 with a certificate of membership of this society, to be awarded 

 to the most deserving applicant, between the ages of twenty 

 and twenty-five years, who, in addition to his compliance with 

 the above-mentioned conditions, shall have remained in the em- 

 ployment of any member of this society, not less than four suc- 

 cessive years proceeding the date of his application for the pre- 

 mium. 



We would also suggest the expediency of an allotment of 

 some portion of the yearly products of a farm, to the faithful 

 and satisfactory laborer upon it, as an additional part of his 

 wages. This allotment might be made in proportion to the age 

 and capacity of the laborer, and to the nature and amount of 

 labor he is expected to perform. We believe, that wherever it is 

 practicable, such an arrangement would be a stimulant as well 

 as a reward of faithful service ; that it would serve to increase 

 the self-respect of the laborer, and the confidence of his em- 

 ployer, and make the successful and profitable management of 

 the farm, a matter of personal interest to the one as well as to 

 the other. Such an arrangement has been found to work well 

 in other lands, and we believe it may be made equally benefi- 

 cial in our own country. 



We would particularly recommend, as of great importance, 

 in view of the encouragement and improvement of the agricul- 

 tural laborers, the organization of town or district societies, 

 which should be provided with the best agricultural publica- 

 tions, and hold frequent meetings for discussion and for mutual 

 improvement and encouragement. We regard such societies 

 as most promising means of circulating information, and of pro- 

 moting social harmony and happiness in the agricultural com- 

 munities ; of increasing the intelligence and softening the man- 

 ners of men, whose time is chiefly devoted to the hardest toils ; 

 of inspiring self-respect in individuals, and of creating bonds of 

 mutual sympathy and attachment in communities. We might 



