I'jqi. on leases. 123 



for fifty-seven, with certain obligations and restricti- 

 ons ; for instance, besides the rent stipulated, the 

 obligation to build sufficient houses, — to inclose the 

 farms according to a mode prescribed and agreed to, — 

 and to plant a certain quantity of ground : all these 

 articles to be performed within a certain number of 

 years; — to lay out the fields and to raise crops in such 

 a manner, that, at the end of the leases, the lands 

 may be in a state of high cultivation, and prepared for 

 letting at a very advanced rent. Lands let in this- 

 manner, however unpromising in appearance, and cf 

 however little value at first, in a few years become 

 like anew creation, and an ornament to the country ; 

 and at last yield to the present proprietors, or their 

 heirs, a very handsome income. The tenants, if men 

 of sense, have much scope, and many motives, to 

 make great improvements; they are happy in the en- 

 joyment of a sense of liberty, and of independence to 

 a certain degree ; they not only procure present 

 subsistence for themselves and their families, but, by 

 laying up something for their children, have the con- 

 solation to foresee that they will net be left desti- 

 tute. To the proprietor and his family, to whom 

 they lie imder so many obligations, they consider 

 themselves as related in a remote degree : to them 

 they look up with reverence and esteem, and feel 

 the most affectionate attachment; circumstances very 

 agreeable both to tliemselves and 'their superiors. 

 How pleasant a thing it is to see proprietors regard- 

 ing their tenants,, and the families of their tenants, 

 as their children, and rejoicing in their happinefs ; 

 and these families, on the other hand, happy in the 



