490 
Farming of Devonshire. 
the plan was designed by Mr. J. C. Morton of Whitfield. The 
mode here practised for making and preserving the manure de- 
serves the attention of Devonshire farmers, as it differs entirely 
from the ordinary practice of the county. The cattle fed on this 
estate are kept in boxes constructed on Mr. Warner's system, by 
means of which all the liquid portions of the manure are absorbed 
by the litter, and nothing is lost by drainage or fermentation. 
When the pits are full the dung is removed into the manure-house 
by means of a truck or a tram-road. It is here secured from the 
destructive influence of the rain and sun until required for the 
land. The economical consumption of food, and the improve- 
ment which better accommodation will make in the farm-stock, 
are powerful claims for the more perfect construction of farm 
buildings. It is absolutely necessary that the present buildings 
should be superseded by others of more complete character be- 
fore the farming of Devon can make any great advances towards 
improvement. Indeed a properly constructed homestead is ab- 
solutely necessary on a well managed estate. 
The Condition of the Agricultural Labourer, 
The mutual dependence of all classes of society is a bond of 
union which so intimately connects them together that anything 
which acts favourably or unfavourably on one class is felt by the 
others. The proprietor of land, the tenant, and the labourer 
have each the duties and responsibilities of their several stations 
to perform, and the neglect or abuse of these produces a pro- 
portionate disorganization in society. It is much to be regretted 
that circumstances exist which have a prejudicial influence on all, 
arising solely from an imperfect performance of these duties. 
Few persons will assert that the comforts of the farm-labourer, 
both as regards food and lodging, are such as he should enjoy, or 
that his mental improvement has been properly attended to. 
The employment of this class is at present too fluctuating, 
and a remedy must be sought for this evil before the labourer's 
condition can be permanently improved. Through some parts 
of the year he can obtain full employment, but during the months 
of winter and early spring it is often the case that the industrious 
labourer, unable to find work, is compelled to seek relief from 
the Union. The improvement of landed property would give 
employment to all, and at the same time benefit both landlord and 
tenant. It is generally admitted that when a master is a good 
judge of work, and is willing to give a fair price for labour, that 
payment by the piece is advantageous to both parties and es- 
pecially appreciated by the labourer; skill and industry here 
meet their reward, which rarely occurs when day-labour is prac- 
tised. The wages of an ordinary farm-labourer in this county is 
8s. or 9s. a week, with 2 or 3 quarts of cider daily. The manual 
