THE FUTURE OF ALLOTMENTS. 
383 
In some of the larger cities this proposition may seem absurd, as 
in Birmingham, for instance, it would probably mean about 5,000 
acres to be provided ; but however large the scheme appears at first 
sight, I am of the firm opinion that this land would be readily taken 
up and cultivated. The land chosen for the purpose should preferably 
be of good tilth ; but I consider the first essential is to have the areas 
for allotments in near proximity to the dwellings, or at least within 
fifteen minutes' walk of transport/ such as trams, 'buses, &c. At the 
present time in Birmingham we have men working allotments — 
and working them exceedingly well — whose homes are from six to 
eight miles from their plots, but it is only those who are very keen 
that are doing this, and the majority of allotment -holders could not 
give the time and attention required to their plots if too far away from 
their homes ; the question of carriage to and fro should also have a 
big influence. 
The most suitable sites to be obtained for this purpose would be 
land with a good depth of soil and preferably facing south, but this 
cannot always be arranged. However, whatever the position of the 
ground, the main roadways should run due east and west, so that 
the plots can be arranged to meet this road endways, and the crops 
could then be planted with rows running north and south. The 
plots I suggest most suitable for permanent allotments should be 
300 to 400 sq.yds., and arranged so that a two-foot path can run between 
every pair of plots for the convenience of the owners on each side. 
Huts. — The present habit of placing huts in any position on an allot- 
ment is most deplorable, and I suggest that those in charge of allotments 
should insist on these huts being placed in such a position as to be 
properly in line, preferably on the side of the main roads leading into 
the allotments. These could be so arranged that one hut of say 12 by 5 
feet would answer for two allotments with a partition in the centre. 
They should also be made more or less to an approved design. This 
would be not only more pleasing to the eye, but also more convenient 
for the owners. Municipalities should be able to arrange to supply 
these huts either at cost price or at a yearly rental. 
On each block of allotments I consider it is also necessary to have 
a good building which could be used for storage of artificial manures, 
or for any meetings of the allotment-holders connected with the plots 
adjoining. 
Pigs. — The question of keeping pigs and other live stock on allot- 
ments is one bristling with many difficulties, but I suggest this should 
be encouraged wherever possible. In many cities by-laws have been 
so stringent as to make it almost impossible for any householders to keep 
pigs near their homes, but these have now been considerably relaxed 
for the period of the War. There is little doubt, however, in my mind, 
that on the return to normal conditions these by-laws will be again 
put into force. It therefore behoves every block of allotment -holders 
to consider the advisability of making such provisions as may be 
necessary, either for pig-keeping on the co-operative principle or by 
