For remarks,&c.

I 36 1

increase of comfort, but likewise, have an opportunity given him, by industrious exertions, to lay up, like the ant, some little resource, against the pinching blasts of winter.

Counties, in which manufactories are established, have, in har- vest time, advantages, which in many parts of the kingdom are embraced, and thought a great benefit to the Agriculturist. He

is enabled by the additional aid from the towns, to get his corn

housed very quick; and as the usual custom is for the labourers, in such instances, to hire themselves out for the harvest, and to board in the farm house, during that time, the farmer has the power, of directing his wliole force to particular spots; and often by these means, prevents much damage and disappointment, par- ticnlarly in a catching year, as it is termed.

Although, many good effects certainly arise from this mode, yet it is local, and has some material objections; since the wife and children, are left at home,—are uninterested in getting in the crops;— andwhilst the man is living, in a degree of festivity beyond his usual style, his family are idle at home, experiencing hunger and want, during the whole time of reaping and mowing corn.

Another objection may be fairly stated to this mode, viz. that late turnips sometimes require hoeing, at a time when harvest is begun; and as all hands are engaged, it will often happen, that great loss is sustained, in that most valuable crop being neg- lected.

Nor do I conceive, there can be by such practice, those incen- tives to industry, which are in view when a labourer works by the Sréeat.

In those counties therefore, like Berkshire, where the reaping,

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mowing,&c. is let by the acre, we shall find the poor most com-

fortable, and industrious. Instead of the wife and children idling their time, in gleaning a little loose corn, we see them busily

employed with the father in reaping; or, if not strong enough for

ting in other ways, the hands that nursed and brought 4

5

them up: thus forming a little community, that are a comfort to each other, and are rewarded in proportion to their zeal and industry.