IRISH PEASANT PROPRIETORS. 55 



the present evil, as it would be a constant 

 source of disputes, bad feeling, and law-suits, 

 and would be likely to discourage improve- 

 ments the probable effect of which would be 

 a demand for increased rent. The second plan 

 would give the cultivator the security that every 

 improvement he made would be altogether his 

 own property. This principle has been success- 

 fully carried out in Germany and Hungary. It 

 would eventually cost the Government nothing 

 if successful, as in thirty-five years from the 

 time of the advance being made both principal 

 and interest would be repaid. 



But this plan would be liable to certain 

 failure wherever land naturally unsuitable for 

 profitable cultivation was purchased. Great 

 judgment must be exercised in the selection 

 of land of such quality, and in such a climate, 

 as would ensure a profitable return to industry 

 and enterprise. The poverty and misery of 

 Ireland are chiefly found in localities naturally 

 so poor in soil, and so bare and exposed in 

 situation, as to defeat the most honest efforts 

 of thrift and perseverance. 



