382 Fundamental Principles of 



should be found necessary, the old system, and carry- 

 ing the scheme proposed into execution as a general 

 measure. 



In all cases where this can be effected, it ought 

 certainly to be preferred to any private or less general 

 institution ; and individuals who by their exertions are 

 instrumental in bringing about so useful a change will 

 render a very essential service to society. But, even in 

 cases where it would not be possible to carry the scheme 

 proposed into execution in its fullest extent, much good 

 may be done by individuals in affluent circumstances to 

 the poor, by forming private establishments for feeding 

 them and giving them employment. 



Much relief may likewise be afforded them by laying 

 in a large stock of fuel, purchased when it is cheap, 

 and retailing it out to them in small quantities, in times 

 of scarcity, at the prime cost. 



It is hardly to be believed how much the poor of 

 Munich have been benefited by the establishment of 

 the wood-magazine, from whence they are furnished 

 in winter, during the severe frosts, with fire-wood at the 

 price it costs when purchased in summer in large quan- 

 tities, and at the cheapest rate. And this arrangement 

 may easily be adopted in all countries, and by private 

 individuals as well as by communities. Stores may 

 likewise be laid in of potatoes, pease, beans, and other 

 articles of food, to be distributed to the poor in like 

 manner, in small quantities and at low prices, which 

 will be a great relief to them in times of scarcity. It will 

 hardly be necessary for me to observe that, in administer- 

 ing this kind of relief to the poor, it will often be neces- 

 sary to take precautions to prevent abuses. 



Another way in which private individuals may greatly 



