244 
LEASING. 
it ; one situation may be exempted for a period of many 
years from such visitations, when others suffer; on a 
sudden, a partial or a local stream of hot, cold, salt, or 
what we denominate a pestilential wind, sweeps along, 
and it is destroyed. 
Surrounded by and situate in the midst of an agri- 
cultural district, we are eager and persevering “leasers” 
here ; and it becomes in a certain degree profitable 
to our poor, though they cannot hope, like the dutiful 
Ruth, to gather their three pecks and over in-a day. It 
may be difficult to comprehend how the picking up a 
head of corn here, and another there, should be a remu- 
nerative employ ; but in this case, like all other slow 
operations, a distant result, rather than an instant effect, 
must be looked for. I have found some little difficulty 
in obtaining intelligence sufficient to acquire a know- 
ledge of the gain by this employ. The poor are often 
jealous and suspicious of the motives, when any at- 
tempts are made to procure information regarding their 
profits or improvements ; and indeed the advantages of 
one year are uncertain in another. Catching, doubtful 
seasons, when the farmer collects in haste, and is un- 
mindful of trifles, afford the best harvest to the gleaner. 
In fine, settled weather, the operation of reaping is 
conducted with more deliberation, and less corn is 
scattered about. When a woman with two or three 
active children lease in concert, it becomes a beneficial 
employ. I have heard of a family in the parish thus 
engaged, who have in one season obtained eight bushels 
of clear wheat ; but this was excess. I know a single 
Woman also, who has gleaned in the same period four 
bushels and a half; but this again was under very favor- 
able and partial circumstances. In genera], a good leaser 
is satisfied, if she can obtain, single-handed, a clear 
three bushels in the season, which gives her about a 
bushel in the week ; and, if taken at seven shillings, 
is very reasonable, and far from being any great acces- 
sion or profit— less perhaps than is generally supposed 
to be the emolument of the gleaner ; and this may have 
been acquired by the active labor of eight or nine 
hours. Yet such is the ardor for this occupation, the 
