Rich and poor acted alike in different degrees but as the working population was so much more numerous it was through the low wages of the working population in cities and manufacturing districts that the farmers suffered most.
It was a period of depression--there was no confidence, no speculation.
For instance a year or two since the crop of standing wheat then growing on the very field before their eyes was sold by auction, and several lots brought from 16_l_.

to 18_l_.

per acre.

This year the same wheat would not fetch 8_l_.

per acre; and, not satisfied with that price, he had determined to reap and thresh it himself.