224 LAND REFORM 



poverty. The one is too often a mere palliative, if not 

 an evil ; the other goes to the root of the distress. 



There is another aspect of the question which, from 

 a social point of view especially, is well worthy of 

 consideration. Youno; women of the middle and of 

 what are called the " leisured " classes, have of late 

 years shown a praiseworthy desire to enter on a 

 career of their own in which they can be self-depen- 

 dent. With that aim they undertake literary, clerical, 

 commercial, and other work. Many of them are now 

 found in agricultural schools and colleges, qualifying 

 themselves by scientific and practical training to be- 

 come agriculturists. There is, in fact, a new profession 

 being created for women. This is very satisfactory, 

 for no calling can be more attractive, healthy, or 

 profitable than that of horticulture and the lighter 

 branches of agriculture. Women are well suited for 

 dairy work, for poultry- and bee-keeping, for fruit- and 

 flower-growing, and market gardening. 



In a report of one of the agricultural schools, it is 

 stated that many of these girl-students had secured 

 *' ofood situations in connection with the home farms 

 of the nobility and gentry." ' But to fill situations is 



^ For particulars of the after-careers of young women who have 

 received practical training in agricultural subjects, see " Report of the 

 Horticultural College, Swanley," Kent, 1904. 



Speaking of the work done at the Studley Castle College, Warwick- 

 shire, Lady Warwick said : " The record of past students since the 

 foundation in 1898 showed that of the total of the fully trained students 

 who had passed through the hostel, 50 per cent were earning their own 

 Hvelihood." ("The Woman's Agricultural Times," No. 3, 1905.) 



Lady Warwick writes : "The many posts on our books waiting to be 

 filled by trained women prove that there is an outlet for educated women 

 in a life which to many accustomed to country surroundings is more 

 congenial than that in cities as clerks, typists, and teachers. ... A girl 

 can with proper training lead a sound healthy life, and make at least 

 enouj^h money to live upon and keep a home for herself" ("Times," 

 II September, 1905.) 



