31 



SHETLAND. Mr. Anderson is of opinion that the changes Changes in 

 indicated in 1901 have not tended in the same direction since Agricultural 

 that time. Population. 



STIRLING. The changes have continued in the same direction 

 since 1901. Mr. Edmond states that the tendency is not so 

 great as in the previous twenty years, but Mr. Drysdale 

 observes that in his district it has been accentuated. 



WIGTOWN. Mr. McMaster thinks that 'the changes have not 

 continued, but that the population in his district has remained 

 about the same since 1901. In the Rhins or Western Division 

 Mr. Ralston thinks there has been little, if any, decrease since 

 1901, cottages being fully as numerous and seemingly quite 

 as well occupied. 



2. What in your opinion are the immediate causes 

 of the decline in the Agricultural population, naming: 

 them in order of importance, in your district ? 



ENGLAND. 



DIVISION I. 



(a.) Counties of Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Suffolk', Essc.v, 

 Hertford, Middlesex and London. 



BEDFORD. The decline in the agricultural population is 

 attributed to the following causes: 



(1) The use of labour-saving machinery. 



(2) Insufficient wages to attract the energetic; 



higher wages on railwaj^s. 



(3) Lack of suitable cottages. 



HUNTINGDON. The low prices of agricultural produce have 

 caused a very large area of the strong land to be put into grass. 

 Then there has been a great demand in other industries for 

 young and capable country workers. Up to 1885 a considerable 

 number of labourers were employed in the winter months in 

 draining the heavy clay lands, but when wheat got so low 

 in price this was stopped and land tumbled down to grass. 

 The brickfields round Peterborough have taken a lot of the 

 young men; they can earn more money, are nearer the town, 

 and get a half -holiday on Saturday. The system of education, 

 it is maintained, causes a -dislike for agriculture and a desire, 

 lor the excitements of town life. 



