78 SMALL HOLDINGS 



and sub-let to 732 members. This appears to 

 be a very promising line of advance, tending 

 to the formation of groups of small holders — 

 colonies, as they are called on the Continent 

 — advantageously situated and strengthened 

 by common operations in the purchase of 

 seeds, manures, plant, and stock, in the 

 marketing of produce, and the provision of 

 technical instruction. 



Limitations of Small Holdings. 



In sum, there are signs of promise for the 

 revival of rural life in this direction. But its 

 possibilities are limited. It is quite unsuited 

 to some parts of the country and to some 

 branches of farming. It will not, in particular, 

 increase the home-grown supply of corn, 

 which can only be reared by farming on a 

 larger scale ; and the same limitation applies 

 in some measure to meat. There is a certain 

 danger that the compulsory extension of 

 small holdings, if pursued without regard to 

 the final object, which is the best use of the 

 soil, may do more harm than good. Appli- 

 cants naturally look out for the best land in 

 their neighbourhood, and that is naturally in 

 the occupation of the best farmers. It is 

 argued that a small piece taken out of a good- 

 sized farm will not hurt anybody when com- 

 pensation is paid. But there are many good- 

 sized farms which depend for their success on 



