Essay on the Beneficial Direction of Rural Expenditure

Later, but not recent, half straight-grained morocco, recased. Attractively bound. A wide-ranging argument for the use of private capital for the public good, based firmly on the tenets of Adam Smith (often quoted) and the author's observations abroad and in his native Shropshire. "Disposable income" (p. 60) should allow for the improvement by gentlemen of wealth of cottages, roads, and footpaths, as well as for the preservation of game, rural festivals (with music and dancing), public libraries, museums of fine art, educational opportunities for the poor, savings banks, public walks and gardens, and infirmaries. Dedicated areas for sport and exercise, especially for village green cricket, are encouraged. Past practice and regulation has often discouraged such activity; golf (goff) is mentioned twice in this regard. The author supports rational luxury as a way of avoiding the unwelcome effects of income disparity. There are some marginal pencil notes by an earlier reader.