STAGNANT STATE OF AFFAIRS IN RURAL DISTRICTS. ^\ 



some wealthy manufacturer or man who has made 

 a large fortune in trade, builds a big house and 

 establishes himself in their midst, which circumstance 

 naturally creates a demand for labour hitherto un- 

 known, and a proportionate amount of money is 

 frequently expended in contributing to the highway 

 and other rates. 



This at times has a marked influence on the 

 condition of the roads and other things tending to 

 the comfort and convenience of the old and long- 

 established country-life residents, who, notwithstanding 

 that they sometimes occupy important positions, are so 

 Conservative in their principles and so sluggish in their 

 dispositions, that they are quite content that things 

 should remain as they ever have been within their 

 recollection. But a man who has spent all his life in 

 mental or physical activity, when suddenly transported 

 to a region where the dolce far niente system is in vogue, 

 feels compelled for the sake of his own peace of mind to 

 stir up his neighbours into some semblance of activity 

 and industry ; frequently, I admit, he does harm, but 

 as often he does good. If he is wealthy he contributes 

 to the restoration of the church; he becomes a guardian 

 for the parish ; he advocates improved dwellings for 

 the labouring classes ; and last, but not least, he 

 persuades an unwilling and indolent Highway Board 

 to improve the condition of the high-roads and all 

 appertaining thereto. And in doing this he performs 

 what is an herculean feat, since the parochial magnates 

 who are supposed to exercise control over the highways 

 are not only ignorant of the business they are called 

 upon to perform, but their opinions are so fixed and 

 unalterable that no ordinary amount of persuasion 



