SECT. X.] RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY. 259 



SECTION X. 



WE further think that improvements may be very exten- 

 sively, though indirectly, promoted by giving to tenants 

 for life in Ireland leasing and charging powers similar to 

 those given in Scotland by the act to encourage the im- 

 provement of lands there, " held under settlement of strict 

 entail." 



There is, no doubt, a material difference between the 

 law of Scotland and that of England and Ireland with 

 respect to entails ; in Scotland they may be perpetual, 

 but not in any other part of the United Kingdom. Al- 

 though, however, the mischief that may be done by per- 

 petual entails is greater than any that can be produced by 

 those of the limited species which the law of England and 

 Ireland allows, the difference is not one of principle, but 

 of degree ; all settlements which tend to keep property 

 long in fetters are against the policy of the law of En- 

 gland ; and in proportion as she has become a great com- 

 mercial country, she has discountenanced, and in a great 

 degree prevented them. The powers usually contained in 

 family settlements have in general proved sufficient for 

 improvement and cultivation in England, but for Ireland, 

 considering her backward state, we think a general en- 

 abling law necessary. 



We therefore recommend, that all proprietors, being 

 tenants for life, or quasi tenants for life, of lands, shall be 

 authorized to grant leases for thirty-one years thereof at 

 the improved rent, and without fine, provided each lease 



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