BOSTON DISTRICT: CULTIVATION 27 



their own capacity and industry. This natural 

 selection avoids one of the dangers in getting un- 

 suitable tenants, which is experienced where small 

 holdings have been created artificially. Other 

 difficulties also find natural solutions in an elastic 

 system of local custom, which has been evolved 

 according to local requirements e.g.,, the custom 

 of the district as regards tenant right seems to be 

 considered satisfactory and just to both parties 

 concerned. The cost of land transfer, though still 

 very much too high, is lower than in many places. 

 The natural law of supply and demand regulates 

 the size of holdings best suited to local conditions. 



While there is still much room for improvement 

 in methods of co-operation, cheapening of land 

 transfers, etc., the whole place may well be looked 

 upon as an object-lesson of what can be achieved 

 without legislative interference beyond that of 

 placing suitable land, where there is a demand for 

 it, within the reach of the people who are anxious 

 to acquire it. 



SMALL HOLDINGS IN THE BOSTON DISTRICT. 



Lincolnshire forms a striking example of the fact 

 that, where natural conditions are favourable, small 

 holdings occur and persist without artificial help. 



On the clay and heath lands of central and north 

 Lincolnshire few small holdings are to be found ; 

 the farms are large, sheep and cattle are reared, 



