( =8 ) 



110 inconsideraLlc proportion lias Leen lifted altogether 

 above the crofter limit of ^30, and the tenants are 

 now ranked among the farmers. 

 Explanation as to Although I am aware that the special subject of the 



consolidation of ^ . . , . , t t i • - t • .^ 



])oor crofts with Commission over wliicli your Lordship presides is the 

 small farms now let crofter class, it is impossible to consider fully the 



to i)eoi)le of crofter . , • t 1 , i /^ ^ /- \ • 



class, and as to the position occupied by that class (below /30) m any 



other details of i^articular locality such as Tyree without takino; into 

 management. ^ ^ j o ^ 



account the number of small farms above that line 



Avhicli have been created out of the consolidation of 

 crofts, and are now held by precisely the same class 

 of men, but who have risen by the opportunities 

 ^vhich I have thus afforded to them. In connection 

 with this most important part of the objects at which 

 I have aimed I may mention a particular case. A good 

 many years ago advantage was taken of various vacan- 

 cies to constitute one little farm above the croftino* 

 line on the old single farm of Cornaigbeg. In order to. 

 complete this possession, and to square off its little fields, 

 it became desirable to get rid of one small croft which, 

 stood in the way. It was held by a widow. I 

 desired my factor to offer to her another croft which 

 was vacant, which was quite as good, and was not a 

 hundred yards off. But he had to report to me that 

 nothing could induce the worthy old w^oman to move, 

 and asked whether I wished him to apply for a sum- 

 mons of removal. I replied that I was most unwilling 

 to take any forcible steps in the matter ; but I enclosed 

 a personal letter to the widow explaining the reasons 

 which made me wish that she should exchange crofts. 

 Cases of two crofter and assuring her that I did not wish her to be in any 

 ing ki^girpo^sit ^^^^^ injured by the change. This letter was at once 

 si^"s. successful, and the widow removed to the croft offered 



