LANDS DEVOTED TO PUBLIC OBJECTS. 125 



sale of property, and expended on the construc- 

 tion of public roads and other public works 

 connected with enclosures, 473, 500, making 

 together, 755,640. Comparing this with the 

 fee-simple value above mentioned, it appears 

 that nearly one-eighth of the whole value of the 

 wastes inclosed has, under the direction of the 

 Commissioners, and with the assent of the pro- 

 prietary interests, been devoted to objects of 

 public utility and convenience. Thus, in the 

 course of one generation, an extent of land 

 equal to that of a county has been redeemed 

 from a condition of waste, and has been divided 

 among a far larger and more varied body of 

 landowners than that of any county in England. 

 Valuable public roads of great extent have been 

 constructed, opening up for business and plea- 

 sure many otherwise inaccessible localities, and 

 at no cost to the public. The area of produc- 

 tion and employment has been increased, and in 

 the same proportion that of public and local 

 taxation has been extended. A great number 

 of small landed properties have been created, 

 and labourers' field-gardens in the rural districts 



