ot nearly so
large as might be imagined. Most of these improvements, when once
started, would last for some years without further outlay; the
allotments would probably return a small income. It is not so
necessary to do everything in one year. Add the sums collected on
the low rate to the yearly subscription of the members, and there
would probably be sufficient for every purpose, except that of
cottage repairs or the erection of new cottages. Such more
expensive matters would require shareholders investing larger sums;
but the income already mentioned would probably enable all ordinary
improvements to be carried out, even draining; and, after a year or
two, a small reserve fund would even accumulate. It would, however,
be important to bring the poorer class to feel that these matters,
in a manner, depended upon their own exertions. There might be a
subscription of twopence a month for certain given objects, as the
bathing-place, the water-tank, or other things in hand at the time;
and it would probably be well responded to. They should also be
invited to give their labour free of charge after farm work. In the
case of important alterations affecting the whole village, such as
drainage, they might be asked to meet the society in the
school-room, and then let the matter be put to the vote. After a
few months, there can be no doubt the labouring population would
come to take a very animated interest in such proceedings. There is
a great deal of common sense in the labourer, and once let him see
the practical as opposed to the theoretical benefit, and his
co-operation is certain.

The members of the society would have no trouble in electing a
committee. There might be more than one committee to attend to
different matters, as the allotment and the water-supply, because
it would happen that one gentleman would have more practical
knowledge of gardening, and another would have more acquaintance
with the means of dealing with water, from the experience gained in
his own water meadows. There should be a president of the society, a
treasurer, and secretary; and a general meeting might take place
once every two months, the committee meeting as circumstances
dictated. Any member having a scheme to propose could draw up a
short outline of his plan in writing, and submit it to the general
meeting, when, if it met with favour, it could be handed over to a
committee for execution.

Such an association might call itself the villag