76 CATSHILL 



still in occupation. About three only have 

 left, and when this has occurred the vacant 

 holdings have usually been absorbed by their 

 neighbours. 



The land is clean and the hedges well kept. 

 Strawberries are largely cultivated. Given a 

 good strawberry season, the small-holder is 

 free from anxiety. Potatoes and a variety of 

 market-garden crops are grown, and nearly 

 always fetch a fair price in Birmingham. 

 Fruit-trees — chiefly gooseberries, apples, and 

 currants — are being planted from year to year. 

 Poultry is also kept, and an occasional pig. 



The holders themselves are satisfied. They 

 give one the impression of substance, and 

 thoroughly understand the bargain they have 

 engaged upon. Indeed, their knowlege of 

 sinking funds, capital and interest, and general 

 finance is remarkable. It is to be particularly 

 noted how this colony of successful "peasant 

 owners " has been created without any attempt 

 to organize the individual members of the com- 

 munity. No co-operation of any description 

 exists among them, either for the buying of 

 supplies or for the disposal of produce. Each 

 holder possesses a horse and cart, and conveys 



