748 REPORT — 1891. 



The diminutiou of loss v^Lich counterbalaEces this diminution of gain is spread 

 OYer the rest of England. It is greatest in tbe south-western counties. 



Trustworthy statistics as to the comparative growth of urban and rural popula- 

 tion, or of large and small towns, seem scarcely obtainable ; but there seems no 

 reason to suppose there is any great change in the prevailing tendencies with regard 

 to either of these matters. 



The diminishing gain of the manufacturing districts may result from some 

 check being received by the tendency of this country to become weaver and black- 

 smith for the whole world, or from the proportionate decline which, in the progress 

 of civilisation, inevitably overtakes the industries which supply the necessaries of 

 life as compared with those which supply its conveniences and amusements. 



