64 The Landed Interest. 



tion of Scotland and Ireland ; wages in both 

 countries quickly increased, and this soon ex- 

 tended its influence southwards. Agricultural 

 labourers' unions were formed in the depressed 

 districts just when this wholesome feeling was 

 spreading throughout the country, and to their 

 efforts much of the natural effect of other causes 

 in producing a rise of wages has been ascribed. 

 This increase of wages was attended by a most 

 useful result, for it forced upon farmers the 

 more extensive use of machinery, and, in the 

 end, brought about a higher scale of wages to 

 the labourer, while the additional cost to the 

 farmer is met to some extent by superior skill, 

 and greater economy in the application of 

 labour. It is worthy of note that the increase 

 of agricultural wages has been greatest in Scot- 

 land, where labourers' unions have not taken 

 root. 

 Condition xhe general condition of the agricultural 



now better 



tiianatany labourer was probably never better than it is 



previous 



period, g^^ present. Compared with that of ^00 years 



comparing ^ ^ o j 



the^price^'^ ago, in the time of Elizabeth, wages have risen 

 sixfold, while the price of bread has only 



