ul as vegetables are at
times, they are only used in the coarsest manner. The ladies'
committee would also have important work before them in boarding out
the orphan children from the Union, and also in endeavouring to find
employment for the great girls who play about the village, getting
them into service, and so on. In the distribution of charities (if
charities there must be), ladies are far more efficient than men,
and they may exercise an influence in moral matters where no one
else could interfere. If there is any charity which deserves to be
assisted by this local society, it is the cheapening of coals in the
winter. Already in some villages the principal farmers combine to
purchase a good stock of coal at the beginning of winter, and as
they buy it in large quantities they get it somewhat cheaper. Their
teams and waggons haul it to the village, and in the dead of winter
it is retailed to the cottagers at less than cost price. This is a
most useful institution, and can hardly be called a charity. The
fact that this has been done is a proof that organization for
objects of local benefit is quite possible in rural parishes.
Landowners and resident gentlemen would naturally take an interest
in such proceedings, and may very properly be asked to subscribe;
but the actual execution of the plans decided on should be left in
the hands of tenant-farmers, who have a direct interest, and who
come into daily contact with the lower class. As a means of adding
to their funds, the society could give popular entertainments of
reading and singing, which have often been found effective in
raising money for the purchase of a new harmonium, and which, at the
same time, afford a harmless gratification. It would, perhaps, be
better if such a society were to keep itself distinct from any
project of church restoration, or even from the school question,
because it is most essential that they should be free from the
slightest suspicion of leaning towards any party. Their authority
must be based upon universal consent. They might perform a useful
task if they could induce the cottagers to insure their goods and
chattels, or in any way assist them to do so. Cottages are
exceptionably liable to conflagration, and after the place is burnt,
there is piteous weeping and wailing, and general begging to replace
the lost furniture and bedding. There is much to be done also in the
matter of savings. It seems to be pretty well demonstrated by the