166 
Co-operative Farms. 
and (as in my case) 50 families not only talcen off the parish 
rates, but interested in keeping them low as being themselves 
rate-payers. To give further security to this part of the scheme, 
each member is called on to insure in the Stoke and Melford 
Benefit Club for 10s. a week during sickness ; 5s. a week after 
the age of 65, when all payments cease ; and 5/. for funeral ex- 
penses. The aforesaid club was established by me in 1828 
upon Government principles, and thanks to the energy and 
unwearied attention of the local clergy, who act as directors in 
their several parishes, their invested capital now amounts to 
upwards of 23,000Z. The subjoined agreement is that which 
was adopted by me and the members of the Assington Associa- 
tion ; it may be altered to meet the wishes of other parties who 
may feel disposed to act on the hint here offered ; indeed, I am 
aware that it is highly desirable that these rules should be placed 
before a person of enlarged legal knowledge and experience in 
such matters for revision with a view to registration. 
When at Assington I attended the Michaelmas quarterly meet- 
ing of the Association, and I have been surprised at the shrewd 
and apposite remarks made by these uneducated labourers. As 
the services of only 10 or 12 workmen are required on the two 
farms, the remaining members serve their old masters as usual. 
In passing through the village you would not know that any 
such institution existed, unless you met a well-appointed waggon 
inscribed " The Assington Agricultural Co-operative Society,' 
or " The Assington Agricultural Association." 
I remain, dear Sir, yours truly, 
John Gurdon. 
THE ASSDsGTOX AGEICULTUEAL CO-OPEKATIVE 
SOCIETY. 
" Two are better than one, because tbcy liave a crood reward fdr their 
labour ; for if the}' fall, the one will lift up his fellow : but woe to him that is 
alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up." 
" Wealth p;otten by vanity shall be diminished ; but he that gathereth by 
labour shall increase." 
" Much food is in the tillage of the poor ; but there is that is destroyed for 
want of judgment." 
Agreement. 
I agree to let from Michaelmas, 1830, for my life, to the under- 
mentioned persons, forming themselves into a Co-operative Sociefi/, a 
farm, containing 114 acres more or less, free of Great Tithes, for the 
annual rent of 1(18/., upon the following conditions : —Tliat the 
►Society do not diminish their number of 20 members; that the land 
bo farmed upon tlio four-course husbandry ; that they conform to 
