274 THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS

chosen by the Council, the remainder being appointed by the
Minister of Agriculture. Thus the Ministry is able to operate the
laws which deal with infectious diseases of animals, as the com-
mittees state what areas are affected, and arrange for killing the
infected beasts, and for compensating their owners. There is
also the constructive work of making life in the countryside more
varied and attractive, and raising the standard of living of the
agricultural worker. This is done by encouraging the growth
of the industries most closely related to agriculture, and by
providing small holdings and allotments, for which the Council
has the power to acquire land compulsorily. Advanced education
in agriculture is organised, and the children of labourers are
helped by grants to take advantage of it. The need for this work
naturally varies a great deal from one County to another, and
in some regions it is sufficient for several Counties to form a joint
Agricultural Committee.

The modern elective County Council has not entirely replaced
the ancient administration through a Lord Lieutenant, and a
High Sheriff appointed by the King, and through the Justices of
the Peace. The office of Lord Lieutenant has great dignity and is
usually held by a wealthy country gentleman; he has charge of
the County records, and recommends suitable persons to be
J.P.S. The Higb Sheriff has to make all the preparations necessary
for the holding of Assizes. Both these officials, however, are
chiefly occupied in ceremonial duties, the work of the High
Sheriff being performed by a lawyer appointed to be Under
Sheriff. The old and new forms of Government are brought
together by the Standing. Joint Committee, half of whose mem-
bers are Justices, and half County Councillors. This Committee
appoints the Chief Constable of the County, and organises a
Police Force in accordance* with the law and with the Home
Office regulations. Chief Constables, unlike Superintendents and
Inspectors, do not rise from the ranks of the-Police, but are
usually retired officers of the Armed Forces. The police are
inspected annually by the Home Office, and if the result is