CHAPTER III 



THE FARMERS' UNION 



The best thing that has happened for a long 

 time to agriculturists in England was the forming 

 of the Farmers' Union. It needs no eulogy, for 

 the combination of farmers is to-day a sheer 

 necessity, and feeling this, the writer recently 

 became a member. It may be of interest therefore 

 to record his opinion as representative in some 

 measure of the outside world, at any rate, that 

 of the merchant in contradistinction to the farmer, 

 an opinion that, although favourable, may yet 

 be critical. Nothing needs criticism so much as 

 a movement of this nature at its commencement — 

 criticism from within — so that it may realize 

 itself and its object. 



With my official receipt there came a couple 

 of leaflets giving the constitution and objects 

 of the Union. They are respectively Parliament- 

 ary and local. I agree with some and disagree im- 

 mensely with others; but let us take them in turn, 

 First and foremost, occupying a prominent place, 

 stands insurance. The saving of a few shillings 



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