Page:An Old English Home and Its Dependencies.djvu/235

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE COTTAGES
221

parish relief. Many classes of labourers have still to work as long, and for as little remuneration as they received in past times; and one out of every twenty inhabitants of England is sunk so deep in pauperism that he has to be supported by parochial relief."

This is very interesting. Mr. Fawcett was, I believe, blind and resided in a town. No doubt he evolved this sad picture out of his interior consciousness. Beside it let me put some notes from my diary.

1896. Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Universal holiday.

{{{1}}} 26, Day after Christmas. No work done.

{{{1}}} 27, Sunday.

{{{1}}} 28, Monday, Bank Holiday; no work.

1897. Jan. 1, New Year's Day, General Holiday; no work.

{{{1}}} 2, Saturday; not full work.

{{{1}}} 3, Sunday.

{{{1}}} 6, Old Christmas Day. No work done.

{{{1}}} 9, Saturday; not full work.

{{{1}}} 10, Sunday.

{{{1}}} 11, Excursion to Plymouth and pantomime. Half the workmen gone to the pantomime.

{{{1}}} 13, Hounds met. All the men off running after them. Wages as usual.