CHAPTER VI 



The subject of the land cannot be exhausted 

 without reference to the most important de- 

 tails of the labourer's cottage and his wage. In 

 the discussion of the problem it is desirable to 

 state as far as possible the point of view which 

 is being taken. When Browning discusses 

 his ' Ring and the Book ' he does so by telling 

 the story from the various points of view of the 

 actors engaged in it. I am not attempting 

 anything so ambitious in regard to the land. 

 I have said that the power of a State depends 

 upon the number, character, and strength of 

 its citizens as well as upon the wisdom of its 

 rulers. I am, therefore, intent upon multiply- 

 ing the number of persons who are able to live 

 a strenuous, happy, and useful life upon the 

 acres which we have to till. I am ignoring 

 the ' k ; cking out of the nest ' theory : I think 



we ,an build up a British Empire without 



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