ion of the necessary workmen.
Complaints are continually arising, from no one so much as from the
agriculturists, who can never depend upon their men remaining
because of the deficiency of lodging. It is not often that the
entire parish belongs to one landlord; frequently, there are four or
five landlords, and a large number of freehold properties let to
tenants. Nor even where parishes are more or less the property of
one person, is it always practicable for the estate to bear the
burden of additional cottage building. The cost of a cottage varies
more, perhaps, than any other estimate, according to the size, the
materials to be employed, and their abundance in the neighbourhood.
But it may be safely believed that the estimates given to landowners
and others desirous of erecting cottages, very much exceed the sum
at which they can be built. Deduct the hauling of materials--a
considerable item--which could be done by the farmers themselves at
odd times.

In some places the materials may be found upon an adjacent farm, and
for such purposes might be had for a nominal sum. Altogether, a very
fair cottage might be built for L100 to L150, according to the
circumstances. These, of course, would not be ornamental houses with
Gothic porches and elaborate gables; but plain cottages, and quite
as comfortable. In round figures, four such places might be erected
for L500.[3] For a large parish will contain as many as twenty
farmers, and some more than that: L500 distributed between twenty is
but L25 apiece, and this sum could be still further reduced if the
landlords, the clergy, and the principal inhabitants are calculated
to take an interest in the matter. Let it be taken at L20 each, and
the product four cottages. As there are supposed to be twenty farms,
it may be reckoned that eight or ten new cottages would be welcome.
This would vary with circumstances. In some places five would be
sufficient. Ten would be the very highest number; and may be
considered quite exceptional. Now for the repayment of the
investment of L20. Four cottages at 2s. per week equals L20 per
annum. At this rate in five-and-twenty years, each subscriber would
be paid back his principal; say, after the manner of bonds, one
redeemable every year, and drawn for by lot. An agriculturist who
invests L100 or L150 in a cottage expects some interest upon his
money; but he can afford to sink L20 for a few years in view of
future benefit. But there are means by