Co-operative Farms. 
171 
appear to contemplate is tliat its members sliould be empowered 
to buy the chief necessaries of life at a less disadvantage than 
generally falls to the poor man's lot. This intention is carried 
out with regard to flour, pork, milk, coals, and wood for fuel. 
The association contracts with a miller for the supply of flour to 
its members at a rate of 3s. Ad. in the sack below that charged 
to the general public. This allowance is but small compared 
with the exorbitant extent to which the price of many commodi- 
ties is raised to the consumer as they pass through various hands ; 
but even this amount is a consideration to a poor man, and repre- 
sents a considerable percentage. Pigs are fatted on the farm, 
and a certain weight sent to each member — almost as a dividend 
in kind. Five good milch cows are kept, and the new milk 
is sold at 2rf. per quart, skim at ^d. Since the supply is con- 
siderable, and many members live too far off to avail them- 
selves of it, others besides the members profit by this retail 
trade, which but few farmers' wives would be troubled with. 
Where there is illness and a young sickly family, can the worth 
of such a supply be over-estimated ? The poor man has too 
commonly lost this comfort, if not necessary, of life in conse- 
quence of the disappearance of our commons and small holdings 
as our agriculture has advanced. A stock of coals is also pur- 
chased economically in summer, and carted in for each member 
free of cost to the extent of 1 ton. Wood bought for fuel in 
this parish (which retains 300 acrc^ of woods) is also carted 
gratuitously. 
The wholesale purchase of groceries and the brewing of beer 
for the members, have been under consideration, but have not 
been put into operation. Since the charges and profits of the 
retailer have too often failed to adapt themselves to the modern 
facilities of transfer which railroads and other commercial and 
social improvements have introduced, society has no reason to look 
with jealousy on such attempts, especially a class of society which 
is so much victimized by intermediate agents as the farmers. 
Since, then, this association (while exhibiting good, but not 
advanced farming) does not revolutionize labour, and does not 
much affect trade, it remains to be seen wherein its chief influ- 
ence and merit consist. 
The benefit done to the labourer seems to consist mainly in 
this, — that it suggests to the prudent young workman a good mode 
of investment commensurate with his means, and sufficiently 
attractive to induce him to forego the lesser enjoyments of the 
moment, which swallow up savings, if they do not lead to vice. 
It is attractive because he can understand, appreciate, and in 
some degree control the adventure, which in this respect contrasts 
most favourably with the speculations in which many richer men 
