12 A LIFERS WORK IN IRELAND. 



in 1858, from accidental causes, it again went back 

 to 22s. 6 d. 1859 was somewhat better, but only 

 25s. At last in 1860 and 1861 it again exceeded 

 30s. ; then came 1862, the first of our series of wet 

 years, only producing 20s.; and 1863, still worse, 

 18s. These deficiencies were, however, partly caused 

 by 80 acres of poor land having been thrown in, 

 and by a change of bailiff, and throughout it must 

 be remembered that additions of poor land and other 

 accidental causes partly account for the fluctua- 

 tions. 



May 1864, again, however, brought the profit up 

 to 28s. 6d. It is believed we have not yet nearly 

 reached the highest profit to be made. It is certain 

 all the land is capable of far higher condition. 

 These results have been lona fide balances, after 

 charging bailiff's salary and all expenses ; not land- 

 lord's improvements, as buildings, drains, and fences. 

 They have been made up always to May 1, because 

 corn and stock had then been mostly sold, and so 

 little was left for valuation, except permanent stock 

 'which has been kept at a nearly uniform and rather 

 low price. A good deal of guano and bones is 

 used yearly, and all charged to the year, but not 

 much cake or corn was used for feeding, though 

 we are now beginning to do so largely. It need 

 not be said the crops have improved, especially 

 where the land has come a second time under 

 manuring. Nor that the land itself is in a different 



