ld perhaps be necessary to have stated hours of
bathing; but no other regulation--the less restriction the better
the privilege would be appreciated. Exercises of this character
could not be too much encouraged. Every accomplishment of the kind
adds a new power to the man, and gives him a sense of superiority.

There should be a rough kind of gymnasium for the villagers. Almost
always a piece of waste ground could be found, and the requisite
materials are very simple and inexpensive. A few upright poles for
climbing; horizontal bars; a few ropes, and a ladder would be
sufficient. In wet weather some large open cow-house could be
utilized for such purposes. In summer such outbuildings are empty,
the cattle being in the fields. A few pairs of quoits also could be
added at a small cost. Wrestling, perhaps, had better be avoided, as
liable to lead to quarrels; but jumping and running should be
fostered, and prizes presented for excellence. It is not the value
of the prize, it is the fact that it is a prize. A good strong
pocket-knife with four or five blades would be valued by a
ploughboy, and a labourer would be pleased with an ornamental pipe
costing five shillings, or a hoe or spade could be substituted as
more useful.

The institution of such annual village games, the bathing-place, the
gymnasium in the open air, the running match, the quoits, would have
a tendency to awaken the emulation of the labouring class; and once
awaken the emulation, an increase of intelligence follows. A man
would feel that he was not altogether a mere machine, to do so much
work and then trudge home and sleep. Lads would have something
better to do than play pitch-and-toss, and slouch about the place,
learning nothing but bad language. A life would be imparted to the
village, there would be a centre of union, a gathering-place, and a
certain amount of proper pride in the village, and an _esprit de
corps_ would spring up. In all these things the labourer should be
encouraged to carry them out as much as possible in his own way, and
without interference or supervision. Make the bathing-place, erect
the poles and horizontal bars, establish the pocket-knife and hoe
prizes, present the quoits, but let him use them in his own way.
There must be freedom, liberty, or the attempt would certainly fail.

How many villages have so much as a reading-room? Such a local
council as has been indicated would soon come to discuss the
propriety of establishi