ole moral influence of
landlord, and tenant, and clergy, would sway in the proposed
direction. It has often been remarked that the agricultural
class--the tenant farmer--is the one least capable of combination,
and there is a great deal of truth in the assertion of the lack of
all cohesion, and united action. It must, however, be remembered
that until very lately no kind of combination has been proposed, no
attempt made to organize action. That, at least in local matters,
agriculturists are capable of combination and united action has
been proved by the strenuous exertions made to retain the voluntary
school system, and also by the endeavours made for the restoration
of village churches. If the total of the sums obtained for schools
and for village church restoration could be ascertained, it would be
found to amount to something very great; and in the case of the
schools, at any rate, and to some degree in the case of
restorations, the administration of the funds has rested upon the
leading farmers assembled in committees. When once a number of
agriculturists have formed a combination with an understood object,
they are less liable to be thrown into disorder by factious
differences amongst themselves than any other class of men. They are
willing to agree to anything reasonable, and do not persist in
amendments just in order that a favourite crotchet may be gratified.
In other words, they are amenable to common sense and practical
arguments.

There would be very little doubt of harmonious action if once such a
combination was formed. It could be started in many ways--by the
clergyman asking the tenants of the parish to meet him in the
village school-room, and there giving a rapid sketch of the proposed
organization; and if any landlord, or magistrate, or leading
gentleman was present, the thing would be set on its legs on the
spot. In most parishes there are one or more large tenant farmers
who naturally take the lead in their own class, and they would
speedily obtain adherents to the movement. It would be as well,
perhaps, if the attempt were made, for the promoters to draw up a
species of circular for distribution in every house and cottage in
the parish, explaining the objects of the association, and inviting
co-operation on the part of rich and poor alike. Once a meeting was
called together, and a committee appointed, the principal difficulty
would be got over.

The next matter--in fact, the first matter for the