APPENDIX. 71
temptation to resort to the public-house, which his
present frequent want of employment so much exposes
him to: where his little earnings would be wasted,
where bad habits would be formed, and his morals
corrupted. The occupancy also of this small allotment
attaches the poor man to his native land. He feels
that he has an interest in the soil; he is unwilling to
risque the loss of it; he is ready to defend it.
The accompanying employment of the wife and
children is another favourable circumstance, which, in
this detail of consequences, ought not to be overlooked :
thus the children also acquire the early habit of in-
dustry and labour. It is earnestly recommended that
the rent of this garden-ground or allotment, be allowed
to vary as little as may be from that paid by the farmer
for the adjoining lands ; and that the occupier be se-
cured in the possession of it as long as he continues
to desire and deserve it.
In the next place, the advantages to the respective
parishes are many and important, as the habits and
manners of the poor have been manifestly improved by
the adoption of this plan, so they have proportionately
become less burthensome to their parish. And it may
truly be stated, that the expence thus saved, is far more
considerable than any loss in rent can possibly amount
to under any circumstances.
Such are the benefits which will arise to all ranks in
the community, from the letting out small allotments
of land to the labouring poor: and the measure is,