SMALL FREEHOLDS 58 



and indifferent prices. The figure he pays 

 for carriage on his small consignment is on 

 the same terms as if he were dealing in whole- 

 sale quantities. Export trade is encouraged, 

 and railways facilitate by special rates the send- 

 ing of produce to England, where the largest 

 market is to be found. Also a small peasant 

 who is hard-working and industrious can be 

 assured of obtaining credit when required. 

 The outstanding loans of the RafFeisen Credit 

 Banks* in Germany alone for 1907 amounted 

 to £18,500,000. Besides these advantages 

 the respective governments are making scien- 

 tific investigations on his behalf, and he has 

 always at hand the best practical and tech- 

 nical advice obtainable. AVithout education 

 and organization the agriculture of these 

 countries could never have attained this high 

 standard of efficiency, but the foundations of 

 the industry are laid on innumerable small 

 farms, owned and occupied by a large rural 

 population who can concentrate their efforts 

 to the best advantage on their own freeholds. 



* An interesting account of the various credit organiza- 

 tions on the Continent is to be found in " People's Hanks," 

 Henry VV. Wolf}'. 



8 



