590 
A(jricultural Statistics. 
In the matured plan for the collection of statistics and memo- 
randum for an Act of Parliament, presented by Mr. Farnall to 
the Lords' Committee, the board of guardians and Poor-Law 
machinery are never even referred to, and the medium proposed 
as classifiers and enumerators consists of the clerks of unions (in 
their personal capacity) and the parish overseers. 
Mr. Graves (Worcestershire and Brecon) offers a sufficiently 
decided opinion, as follows : " I am convinced from the expe- 
rience I have gained, that a complete, uniform, and speedy 
collection of agricultural statistics in England cannot be looked 
for from the employment of the executive machinery of the 
Poor Law ivithout compulsory powers^ An expression more 
than inferentially unfavourable, because it leaves the door open 
not merely to an alternative possibly present to his own mind, 
but wide enough also for others of wliich his experience as a 
Poor Law Inspector would not inform him. All the rest of the 
Inspectors express entire disapproval of the plan. 
Mr. Weale (Leicestershire) says : — 
" The experience I have gained in this inquiry lias led me to the conclusion 
that it will be inexpedient to employ the same machinery for the collection of 
agricultural statistics, unless it is imposed on the guardians by statute. 
Several of the classifiers have told me that it has placed themselves and some 
of the guardians and other rate-payers in antagonistic positions, and occa- 
sioned feelings of irritation that may be injurious to the administration of that 
law which it is their first duty to see properly carried out." 
Mr. Doyle (Salop and Denbigh) says: — 
" The collection of agricultural statistics by means of the machinery through 
which the Poor Law is administered is an experiment, the extension or repeti- 
tion of which I could not recommend in this district." 
Mr. Pigott (Berkshire), explaining a delay of the returns, 
refers it to " the necessity, in accordance with the instructions, 
of obtaining them through the agencies of boards of guardians." 
" In no county in my district," he subsequently adds, " could the experi- 
ment made by the Poor Law Board have been attempted with a greater pro- 
bability of success I siiould hero observe that several of the most 
influential landowners in various parts of the county, whilst ajiproving gene- 
rally of a collection of agricultural statistics, expressed very distinctly their 
opinions that the measure should emanate directly from the Government, and 
ought not to be mixed up with the duties of boards of guardians ; and some 
went so far as to say, tliat, although they afforded their assistance on the 
statistical committees and otherwise upon the present occasion, they did so 
solely in deference to the desire of the Government and of the Poor Law 
Board, and in order that the exjieriment may be fairly tried. 
" In conclusion, I think it right to submit briefly to the Poor Law Board 
my reasons for thinking that boards of guardians do not afford a convenient 
agency for the collection of agricultural statistics. As these bodies are 
renewed annually, it would be necessary in each succeeding year to re-oi)en 
tlie question, in order to obtain tlie re-appointment of statistical committees, 
and a renewal of the inevitable delays iu ])rocceding to the collection already 
