But when it is an almost universal habit, coming down from generation to generation, throwing its creepers and clingers around the social customs and industrial economies of a great nation, it is almost like re-creating a world to change that second nature thus strengthened.

This change is slowly working its way in Great Britain--slowly, but perceptibly here and there--thanks to the faithful and persevering efforts put forth by good and true men, to enlighten the subjects of this impoverishing and demoralising custom, which has ruled with such despotism over the laborers of the land.

Little by little the proper balance between the Four Great Powers of human necessity,-- Food, Drink, Raiment and Housing, so long disturbed by this habit, is being restored.

Still, the preponderance of Drink, especially among the agricultural laborers in England, is very striking and sad.

As a whole, Beer must still stand before Bread--even before Meat, and before both in many cases, in their expenditures.