CHAPTER II.

Nooks of the World, or a Peep into the Back Settlements of England -- Beauty and Repose of many such Places to the eye -- their Intellectual Slumber -- Wordsworth’s Description of a Farmer-lad -- the Books generally to be found in primitive Cottages -- Worst State of Morals in Districts partly Agricultural and partly Manufacturing -- Exertions of the Methodists -- the Effect of Political Pressure on the Working Class -- Necessity of sound Education -- the Effect of it in Scotland -- Rural Book Societies recommended -- An Example of the Effect of Reading on a Working Man -- Sordid Character of the People of some Property in obscure Hamlets -- A Physician living in a Dove-Cote -- Sketch of a Country Proprietor and his Family -- the Farmer Brothers -- the Land Agent’s account of a curious Dinner Scene at the Squire’s -- a worthy Example of the Old School of Country Gentlemen -- Education the great need of the Rural Districts 196