26 EPWORTH, ISLE OF AXHOLME 



tidy and well-farmed appearance of the plots, and 

 the amount of artificial and town manure passing 

 through the hands of local agents. 



In summarizing the facts which appear to have 

 led to the satisfactory state of affairs at Epworth, 

 the suitability of the land stands out as a main 

 factor. But though suitable land is to be found 

 in other localities, the conditions of the Isle of 

 Axholme as regards small holdings are practically 

 unique. 



In considering it as an object-lesson for the 

 extension of small holdings in other places, I would 

 lay stress on what I regard as the main factor viz., 

 the facilities which exist for small men to acquire 

 land. The conditions relating to this point seem 

 to be of the greatest moment. 



First, the knowledge that there is a chance for 

 anyone to acquire land in reasonable time. This 

 produces a preliminary incentive to save to the 

 agricultural labourer without capital. 



Secondly, the possibility that there is for renting 

 small plots by way of a start before any capital is 

 saved. This gives a man preliminary experience 

 how best to work his land and lay out his money 

 on it to the best advantage. 



Thirdly, the possibility both of finally purchasing 

 his own holding, or of adding to it until he reaches 

 the position of a large tenant farmer. 



Here we seem to have the ideal condition for 

 placing the best men in occupation viz., the possi- 

 bility of acquiring land for those who have risen by 



