54 PROGRESS IN WESTERN INDTA 



We have now considered a number of factors which 

 indicate indirectly that some agricultural progress is 

 taking place, and it is now necessary to mention two 

 factors which point in the opposite direction. One is 

 the ever-increasing subdivision and fragmentation of 

 holdings, which cannot but tend to inefficient produc- 

 tion, and the other is the tendency which, in general, 

 both cultivating proprietors and field labourers show, 

 to abate their efforts and reduce their hours of labour 

 as soon as their financial circumstances allow them 

 to do so. These matters are dealt with in detail in 

 Chapters IV. and VIII. The question now arises 

 whether, as a result of all the causes mentioned, any 

 movement forwards or backwards is taking place in 

 connection with agriculture in western India, whether 

 we can claim progress or must admit stagnation or 

 retrogression. As stated in Chapter I. a very useful 

 criterion of this is afforded by any advance that can 

 be shown in the standard of living of the land-holders 

 and labourers, or contrariwise by any falling off in 

 the same. This again is difficult to measure, but two 

 sets of statistical information may be quoted as bear- 

 ing on the subject. The figures by themselves prove 

 nothing conclusively regarding the condition of the 

 agricultural classes, but they indicate that the popula- 

 tion of the Bombay Presidency, three-quarters of 

 which is agricultural, are able to afford, year by year, 

 more conveniences and small luxuries. This is a 

 matter of common observation. They also show the 

 ability of the rural population to withstand a year of 



