114 TIPTREE, ESSEX 



instance of the natural growth of a small-holding 

 system. The men in the first instance have 

 created their own capital, and acquired their hold- 

 ings purely as a result of their own industry and 

 knowledge. There has been developed on the 

 place by degrees a type of cultivator who now 

 thoroughly understands the profitable working of 

 his district, and who is practically certain of success 

 if he can acquire a piece of land. This demand for 

 land in small quantities by local men who know 

 what they are about in course of time leads to the 

 natural cutting up of land as it comes into the 

 market, or the letting of it in small lots which 

 command a higher rent. 



It may be inferred that the example of Tiptree 

 might well be followed in other districts ; but 

 while admitting the possibility of this, there are 

 many points to be considered. 



First of all, this district is specially suitable for 

 seed cultivation. The land is on a ridge of hills 

 166 feet above sea-level ; the rainfall is very low, 

 and there is much sun ; the soil, though rather poor 

 in places, is naturally very dry all conditions which 

 are favourable to seed ripening. Besides this, it is 

 a business requiring a certain amount of skilled 

 knowledge. Moreover, the demand is small, and 

 merchants require to see the seed growing, so that 

 it is not attempted until a bargain has been made 

 with a seed merchant. I give below Mr. Wilkin's 

 summary of the situation in his own words : 

 * During my observation of forty-six years every 



