356 HOW TO GROW GOOD ORCHARDS. 



Where are farm labourers best off? We say in 

 the non-cider counties. In these he has learnt the 

 use of skim-milk and the value of meat. In cider 

 counties the farm labourer despises skim-milk as 

 " poor weak tack, only fit for pigs." He cannot get 

 meat, as he takes part of his wage in a stimulant 

 which excites him to spend some of his money in 

 falsely " keeping up his strength." 



Now what are the results ? We unhesitatingly 

 assert, muscle, longevity, more robust, honest, well- 

 to-do families, healthier bodies and minds, beyond 

 the cider limits. 



If, then, these things be so, some change in the 

 use and economy of this wholesome drink is an object 

 worthy of the deepest and most earnest consideration. 

 One man alone can do no good. Beneficial results 

 can only follow upon calm discussion and combined 

 action by the masters, upon well ascertained facts. 

 We would not stint the labourer of that which is 

 to do him good ; and if we find that he is really 

 willing and capable of taking the whole responsi- 

 bility connected with his drinking requirements 

 upon his own shoulders, we cannot help thinking 

 that it would be for the good of all parties to pay 

 increased wages in full rather than any portion in 

 kind, and more especially of the kind we have thus 

 animadverted upon. 



