In short, dairy farms have been swept and garnished, and even something like science introduced upon them.  The thermometer in summer is in constant use to determine if the milk is sufficiently cooled to proceed upon its journey.  That cooling of the milk alone is a process that requires more labour to carry it out.  Artificial manures are spread abroad on the pastures.  The dairy farmer has to a considerable extent awakened to the times, and, like the arable agriculturist, is endeavouring to bring modern appliances to bear upon his business.  To those who recollect the old style of dairy farmer the change seems marvellous indeed.  Nowhere was the farmer more backward, more rude and primitive, than on the small dairy farms.  He was barely to be distinguished from the labourers, amongst whom he worked shoulder to shoulder; he spoke with their broad accent, and his ideas and theirs were nearly identical.

In ten years’ time—­just a short ten years only—­what an alteration has taken place!  It is needless to say that this could not go on without the spending of money, and the spending of money means the benefit of the labouring class.  New cottages have been erected, of course on modern plans, so that many of the men are much better lodged than they were, and live nearer to their work—­a great consideration where cows are the main object of attention.  The men have to be on the farm very early in the morning, and if they have a long walk it is a heavy drag upon them.  Perhaps the constant intercourse with the towns and stations resulting from the double daily visit of the milk carts has quickened the minds of the labourers thus employed.  Whatever may be the cause, it is certain that they do exhibit an improvement, and are much ‘smarter’ than they used to be.  It would be untrue to say that no troubles with the labourers have arisen in meadow districts.  There has been some friction about wages, but not nearly approaching the agitation elsewhere.  And when a recent reduction of wages commenced, many of the men themselves admitted that it was inevitable.  But the average earnings throughout the year still continue, and are likely to continue far above the old rate of payment.  Where special kinds of cheese are made the position of the labourer has also improved.

Coming to the same district in summer time, the meadows have a beauty all their own.  The hedges are populous with birds, the trees lovely, the brook green with flags, the luxuriantly-growing grass decked with flowers.  Nor has haymaking lost all its ancient charm.  Though the old-fashioned sound of the mower sharpening his scythe is less often heard, being superseded by the continuous rattle of the mowing machine, yet the hay smells as sweetly as ever.  While the mowing machine, the haymaking machine, and horse rake give the farmer the power of using the sunshine, when it comes, to the best purpose, they are not without an effect upon the labouring population.