The great decrease which took place from 1755 to 1791, was mainly owing to the union of small farms-the breaking up of the system of cotteries-and the inducements held out to the rural population to settle in manufacturing towns, The vestiges of such de-populations are very visible. The desert walls and ruins of many a cottage, with the solitary trees overhanging them in the different districts of this parish, show the change, somewhat melancholy,  that has come over it. And the many unclaimed lairs in the churchyard, tell of many families having passed away, who once lived here in simplicity and peace. It is for the moralist and the philanthropist to say, if such changes in the state of society have been for the better.

The present population may be classified as follows, viz.
 
 
 
 
 

Number of families in the parish,	312
employed in agriculture	150
in trade  manufactures, or handicraft,	64
Number of males,-	863
of females	827
of males above 20	458
of persons residing in the village	404
in the other parts of the village	1286
above 70	52

There are only two persons above 90. In one family there are four persons, whose united ages make 317, viz - 83, 84, 80, 70.

It is difficult to give a correct estimate of the number of births and marriages,- the registration of births being much neglected, especially by Dissenters; and the mere proclamation of banns being no rule as to the number of marriages, as the solemnization of the marriage often does not take place in the parish of the proclamation. No regular record of the deaths has been kept. Some legislative enactment is much wanted to regulate and enforce these registrations.

There is one deaf and dumb man. There are two fatuous; none insane.

Character of the People.- It may be said of the people generally, that they are intelligent, industrious, and frugal, exemplary in their habits, and, with few exceptions, attentive to the public ordinances of religion. With respect to the enjoyment of the comforts of life, they are not behind their neighbours. They are generally well-lodged and well-fed; and at marriages, burials, and in church on Sabbath, show, by their style of decent dressing, that they are in comfortable circumstances. It cannot be concealed that the prevailing vice is drunkenness; encouraged greatly, without doubt, by the too frequent sign-boards in the country, announcing " porter, ale, and British spirits." About twenty-five years ago, smuggling was carried on to a great extent in this parish. A seizure is now a very uncommon occurrence. There is still occasionally some blazing in the burns; as much, it is believed, for a winter-night's amusement, as for the spoil that is obtained. There is in this country great temptation to poaching; the game being very plentiful. The proprietor's generally keep a strict look-out after delinquents But, upon the whole, whether by principle or restraint, few concern themselves upon such illicit practices.