for bettering the Labouring Classes. 535 



very spot which, as to cultivation, had been a waste a few 

 years before, has sprung up gardens producing all the varieties 



first meeting, by Mr. Moggridge, the great object of the Society is stated 

 to be, " to obtain knowledge by means of free enquiry. Some may know 

 something worth imparting which others do not know, but may learn ; so 

 that thus the knowledge of each and every member may in time become 

 the property of all. By discussion also, and attending to select readings, 

 much knowledge will be obtained which none of the members may know 

 any thing of at present ; and attentive consideration of and thinking upon 

 what you hear, will be sure to make you both wiser and better. The plan 

 and rules of the Society have been repeatedly read, and finally approved : 

 they are simple and easy to be understood, and calculated to do what is to 

 be done in the cheapest, most regular, and most effectual manner. Amongst 

 the leading subjects which will probably be brought forward are geology, or 

 the knowledge of the structure of the earth ; mineralogy, or a knowledge of 

 minerals: both subjects particularly deserving the attention of persons who live 

 in this great mining country, and who are in the habit of going under ground. 

 Mechanics, or the knowledge and use of machines, by the help of which 

 one man may do the work of many ; a subject also very important to 

 miners and manufacturers. I mentioned just now the name of the greatest 

 inventor of machines in ancient times, Archimedes : he was a native of that 

 part of the world in which a cruel war has been carried on by the Turks 

 against the Greeks. Here is a model of his screw-pump. See ! in working 

 simply by the winch it raises the water from the bottom of the tin can to 

 the top, through a pipe which I have had twisted round the outside of a 

 cylinder, instead of its being a screw in the inside, in order that you may 

 see its mode of working more clearly. It is used for pumping water out of 

 canals and reservoirs, and for other purposes, and might be used to advan- 

 tage in your mines. The arts of life, or a knowledge of the different trades 

 of the industrious, will be another subject for your attention; and do- 

 mestic economy, or the means of enabling every poor man's family to live 

 better and more cheaply, by applying things to the best purposes in the 

 best way, and by teaching the use of different articles of food, of which 

 many are at present ignorant, or know but little about. A garden all of 

 you begin to value as one of your best friends : my gardener will give you 

 a lesson upon gardening ; so that you may, if you will, have vegetables of all 

 sortSj and common fruits in plenty, and know how to raise your own plants, 

 and sow your own seeds. I shall mention only two other subjects, but they 

 are of the greatest importance, viz. politics and religion. I am one of 

 those who think it but just that those who pay for the support, and contri- 

 bute to the expenses, of government (and all pay more or less, directly or 

 indirectly), should occasionally turn their attention to the measures and 

 principles of government. It is only bad governments that do not like to 

 render an account of their proceedings and expenditure to the people, 

 like as bad servants fear to be called to an account by their master ; tem- 

 perate and constitutional discussion on this subject is the x-ight of all 

 people, and can do no harm to any whose conduct is upright and honest. 

 Above all, and as being the most important, and your enquiries being, as I 

 understand, the most directed thereto, is the subject of religion j in com- 

 parison with this all other subjects become of little consequence." 



We should be happy to hear of societies of this sort being formed in 

 every village of the kingdom ; nothing but the control of opinion will save 

 this country from a crisis. It is in the nature of things that the political 

 sufferings of all will render all politicians. — Cond. 



M M 4 



