grouped itself instinctively in this way. It did so in the ancient
clans and rural communes, and it does so in the parishes and
co-operative associations. If they were larger they would lose
the sense of unity. If they were smaller they would be too feeble
for effectual work, and could not take over the affairs of their
district. A rural commune or co-operative community ought to have,
to a large extent, the character of a nation. It should manufacture
for its members all things which it profitably can manufacture for
them, employing its own workmen, carpenters, bootmakers, makers and
menders of farming equipment, saddlery, harness, etc. It should
aim at feeding its members and their families cheaply and well, as
far as possible, out of the meat and grain produced in the district.
It should have a mill to grind their grain, a creamery to manufacture
their butter; or where certain enterprises like a bacon factory
are too great for it, it should unite with other co-operative
communities to furnish out such an enterprise. It should sell for
the members their produce, and buy for them their requirements,
and hold for them labor-saving machinery. It should put aside a
certain portion of its profits every year for the creation of halls,
libraries, places for recreation and games, and it should pursue
this plan steadily with the purpose of giving its members every
social and educational advantage which the civilization of their
time affords. It should have its councils or village parliaments,
where improvements and new ventures could be discussed. Such a
community would soon generate a passionate devotion to its own
ideals and interests among the members, who would feel how their
fortunes rose with the fortunes of the associations of which they
were all members. It would kindle and quicken the intellect of
every person in the community. It would create the atmosphere in
which national genius would emerge and find opportunities for its