its amount would be increased so long as there was an augmentation in the value of agricultural produce. But we must postpone considering an increase of rent which is represented, not by a larger amount of produce, but by a rise in the price of this produce; for when discussing the distribution of wealth we must suppose that rent, profits, and wages are received in kind. Distribution is concerned with the laws which regulate the absolute and relative magnitude of those portions into which wealth is distributed; and it belongs to the subject of exchange to examine the causes which determine the value of an individual's share of the profits derived from some industrial source, such as a farm or manufactory.
Returning, now, to those causes which affect rents in the sense just described, it becomes obvious, after what has been stated with regard to improved machinery, that rents must be increased by any circumstance which diminishes the expense of cultivation; and, conversely, rents must be diminished, if the expenses of cultivation should be augmented. Such an augmentation has during the last few years been caused by a rise in the wages of agricultural labourers; and this is one of the chief circumstances which has contributed to the very general reduction in the rent of land in England that has recently occurred. Agricultural labourers in this country have long been worse paid than any other labourers. Each year, however, many influences are brought more powerfully into operation, which will tend to remove such inequalities in the remuneration of different classes of labourers. Increased education will make those employed in agriculture more keenly desirous to sell their hour on the best possible terms. The rapid extension of our railway system enables labourers to pass easily from one district to another. Emigration has already materially raised the general rate of wages throughout the country; and the influence thus produced by emigration is probably destined to be much more strikingly exhibited. But it labourers receive higher wages, or, in other words, an increased share of the aggregate produce, there is a smaller remainder left to be distributed between rent and profits. It is of course here assumed that the productiveness of land, labour, and capital
BOOK II.
CH. III.
Causes tending to raise or lower rents.
Rise of wages of agricultural labourers.
