136 RURAL ECONOMY OF ENGLAND. 



simply workshops of commerce and manufactures ; but 

 provided we have a majority of the wealthier class again 

 inhabiting our deserted manors, the change will be a 

 beneficial one. 



As to taxes, it will be no less difficult to divert the 

 current which carries these towards Paris and the large 

 towns ; but if anything can mitigate this perpetual drain, 

 it is a residence of the influential proprietors on their 

 estates, where they would protect their own interests a 

 little more, if they were in the habit of looking more 

 closely into them. 



