There is no doubt that it would be desirable to see co-operative association applied to the cultivation of the soil. Itsadvantages have been fully shewn by several economists, by Rossi amongst others. Of these advantages the two mostimportant are: first, that a reconciliation is by this means effected between labour and capital, which are at the present timealways engaged in a lamentable struggle; and secondly, small properties, which are desirable in a social point of view, areassociated with cultivation on a large scale, which is no less profitable economically, as employing machinery and asystematic distribution of crops. But we must not be deluded with the idea, that association of agricultural labour could beeasily introduced into general practice. The success of the experiments made in England at Assington, and in Germany onthe land of Tellow, is in great measure due to the prevailing influence of Mr Gurdon and of Von Thunen. The old agrariancommunities were actually co-operative agricultural societies: they were founded on ties of blood, family affection andimmemorial tradition; and, this notwithstanding, they disappeared, not by the hostility of state powers, but from the gradualinfluence of the sentiment of individualism, or of egotism, characteristic of modem times. In the place of family spirit, whichhas waxed feeble, will a new sentiment of collective fraternity develop itself with sufficient force to serve as cement forfuture associations? It is a consummation we may hope for, and the difficulties of the existing situation make it singularlydesirable. It is, however, too evident that the labouring classes, especially in the country districts, still want theenlightenment and spirit of mutual understanding essential to the success of co-operative association. Much as we may hopethat a brilliant future awaits such association, we must admit that its hour has not yet come; though, probably, it is to come.
All clear-sighted economists have seen the necessity of agricultural co-operation. To quote Rossi on the subject: (2)"Extensive property and extensive cultivation, small property and small cultivation, are not ideas which are necessarilyconstrued each by the other... .How can cultivation on a large scale be applied to small properties? The answer is, `Byassociation.'.. .The spirit of association is natural to man, alike in all times and in all countries.... In France the spirit ofassociation will be spread by the multiplication of small capitalists, and to a still greater extent by the diffusion ofenlightenment and of popular education....
"The cultivation of grain, of roots, of resinous or dye-producing plants, of pasture and forests, as well as the disseminationof sanitary and economic principles, are objects to which association may be applied with ease and advantage....
"The terms of association must vary with the manners and customs of the country, with the kind of cultivation, and thenature of the produce. In some localities, by means of association a large property may be formed of several small holdings,and let to a tenant, while the proprietors can find more useful employment for their labour m some manufacturing industry.
Elsewhere an administration may be organized for joint expenditure under the direction of one or more of the associatedproprietors. Here they may unite solely for the purchase and employment of certain agricultural machines and implements;there, to organize means of irrigation, and to distribute water among the persons interested. Where would the principle stop?
The mind of the labourer, once awakened, would not be slow in finding the forms of association best adapted to localcircumstances.
"The cultivators are not such strangers as may be supposed to the idea of association, common interest, and division ofprofits....
"Unfortunately, the public has at present no very clear idea of the conditions of the problem which it is called upon to solve.
So the progress in question cannot be sudden: it is an end towards which we are advancing gradually day by day. Betweenthe dissolution of the old ties, and the spontaneous formation of new ones, which under the empire of civil equality are tounite and co-ordinate individual forces, there was of necessity an intermediate state, an epoch of transition, of agitation andof difficulty, subject to the passions and controversies of mankind. This interval, full of difficulties and dangers, we havenearly completed: we can see distinctly its boundary-line, but it would be a delusion to suppose ourselves already arrived atit, when we are atm only on the way....
