186 A LIFE'S WORK IN IRELAND. 



doubt the stocking of his new farm was got by skimp- 

 ing his old farm, and so cost double its true value. 

 No doubt in law he got Tenant-right for his 300, but 

 he paid thirteen years' purchase of the rent for it, 

 much beyond its worth. 



So much do I feel the importance to myself of a 

 new tenant having his whole capital available, that I 

 do not make him pay any of the expense of his lease, 

 or even the stamps upon it. What would be thought 

 of a landlord who took 300 yearly for a farm of 

 forty-seven acres ? Yet Parliament is asked to make 

 such a system compulsory as a boon to tenants. 



Another objection to Tenant-right is the great 

 competition when land subject to it is so hired, far 

 more severe than the pressure the most screwing 

 landlord ever puts on his tenants. The usual rent of 

 the country is much below the value of the land. 

 Even those who look for higher rent, take care that 

 it is not more than the tenant is able to pay, else the 

 rent is only promised, and cannot be paid. But with 

 Tenant-right, the competition is wholly unchecked; 

 it is extreme, and often ruinous. The outgoing tenant 

 of course wants the last penny. He cares nothing at 

 all for the future of the farm. With the jealous 

 habits of our people towards each other, they often 

 bid quite without sense from boastfulness. It is here 

 the influence of a landlord with judgment can use- 

 fully come in. If he had any real power, he would 

 not accept a tenant who got the farm by such com- 



