88 



Malthusianism and the 



this is not always apparent, owing to its elevation by 

 the demands of the labour market and the process of 

 emigration. According to the degree in which these 

 factors operate is the visible effect of the declining 

 mortality upon the birth-rate neutralised. This is well 

 exemplified by the following table : — 



In the four decades in England the death-rate de- 

 clined 23-2 per cent, and the birth-rate only 17-5 per 

 cent : in Scotland correspondingly 19-8 per cent and 

 14-9 per cent. This is explained at once by the two 

 factors mentioned above — first, the extension of the 

 labour market, shown by an addition in England of 

 62 per cent to her population in these forty years, and 

 in Scotland 46 per cent. The numerical increase was 

 accompanied by an enormous addition to the national 

 wealth, and corresponding elevation of comfort in all 

 classes. And secondly, both countries have poured 

 forth a steady stream of emigration to all the colonies, 

 more particularly to Canada and Australia, and also to 

 the United States, not driven by want or difficulty of 

 gaining a livelihood, but impelled by the spirit of 

 adventure and the prospect of greater opportunity for 

 improved material well-being in young and rapidly 

 developing countries which are calling out for an in- 

 creased labour supply. These two causes have elevated 



