FOSTERING NATURAL GROWTHS 259 



legislation to promote a more universal creation 

 of small holdings, yet recognize the value of such 

 holdings when they can be fostered locally as a 

 natural growth. 



A large proportion of these are very willing to 

 do something towards helping the movement by 

 cutting up large holdings on their own estates, but 

 they cannot afford to risk possible failure or loss of 

 money. While in some localities the existing con- 

 ditions may be obviously favourable for small-hold- 

 ing cultivation, there are many more places where 

 the land may not be of first-rate suitability. If the 

 movement is of national importance, the question 

 of how far it is safe to go under these less suitable 

 conditions must be faced. A good many land- 

 owners cannot have a very large field of choice, and 

 yet within their limitations may do something. 



It is of as great importance to prevent the start- 

 ing of enterprises doomed to failure as to encourage 

 action where suitable conditions, wisely considered, 

 promise a certainty of success. 



Again, there are not many landowners who have 

 the capital to embark upon any scheme involving 

 a considerable initial outlay, even where there 

 appears to be every certainty of a remunerative 

 return. 



On the other hand, there are innumerable cases 

 where much may be done by adaptation of existing 

 conditions without any more outlay than can be 

 repaid in a very short time by the increased 

 rental. 



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