a source
of mining profit, the soil of Wodgate was similar in its superficial
character to that of the country around. So a population gathered, and
rapidly increased, in the ugliest spot in England, to which neither
Nature nor art had contributed a single charm; where a tree could not be
seen, a flower was unknown, where there was neither belfry nor steeple,
nor a single sight or sound that could soften the heart or humanise the
mind.

Whatever may have been the cause, whether, as not unlikely, the original
squatters brought with them some traditionary skill, or whether their
isolated and unchequered existence concentrated their energies on
their craft, the fact is certain, that the inhabitants of Wodgate
early acquired a celebrity as skilful workmen. This reputation so much
increased, and in time spread so far, that for more than a quarter of a
century, both in their skill and the economy of their labour, they have
been unmatched throughout the country. As manufacturers of ironmongery,
they carry the palm from the whole district; as founders of brass and
workers of steel, they fear none; while as nailers and locksmiths, their
fame has spread even to the European markets, whither their most skilful
workmen have frequently been invited.

Invited in vain! No wages can tempt the Wodgate man from his native
home, that squatters' seat which soon assumed the form of a large
village, and then in turn soon expanded into a town, and at the present
moment numbers its population by swarming thousands, lodged in the most
miserable tenements in the most hideous burgh in the ugliest country in
the world.

But it has its enduring spell. Notwithstanding the spread of its civic
prosperity, it has lost none of the characteristics of its original
society; on the contrary it has zealously preserved them. There are no
landlords, head-lessees, main-masters, or butties in Wodgate. No church
there has yet raised its spire; and as if the jealous spirit of Woden
still haunted his ancient temple, even the conventicle scarcely dares
show its humble front in some obscure corner. There is no municipality,
no magistrate, no local acts, no vestries, no schools of any kind. The
streets are never cleaned; every man lights his own house; nor does any
one know anything except his business.

More than this, at Wodgate a factory or large establishment of any kind
is unknown. Here Labour reigns supreme. Its division indeed is favoured
by their manners