Co-operation amongst French Farmers. 



177 



of greasy wool; in 1894-5 it was 4J6I. per lb. As, how- 

 ever, they had previously been able to obtain only about 3d. 

 per lb. from purchasers of their fleeces, the above sums 

 represent a considerable gain. The quantity of cloth made 

 in 1894-5 was about 1,200 yards. The syndicate is en- 

 deavouring to form a reserve fund which would allow of 

 prompt payment, upon delivery of the wool, to such flock- 

 owners as stand in need of it. 



Mutual Assistance among Peasant Farmers and Labourers, 



Several associations exist in various parts of France with 

 the object of rendering practical assistance to any member of 

 the society who may be incapacitated by illness or infirmity 

 from performing his ordinary work. Such help is given in 

 kind, and consists usually in the active members in turn 

 giving a day's work on the land of their disabled fellow- 

 labourer. This system is most common among the owners 

 of small vineyards, but it is also to be met with among general 

 agriculturists. In at least one instance the day-labourers also 

 form part of the association, other members taking the place 

 of the invalided worker, who thus still draws his wages 

 during illness. Another association has also included in its 

 business the provision of pensions for the aged and for 

 orphans ; the pensions of these last are paid to persons who 

 are willing to receive and board the orphans, and thus retain 

 them in their villages. 



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