PREFACE 



Among the various projects for the regeneration 

 of Ireland, none has excited so much attention as the 

 Plantation Scheme, developed bj Sir Robert Peel. It 

 at once gained the notice of England, and raised the 

 drooping hopes of Ireland, while it also indicated a new 

 and untried field for the enterprise of the capitalist, 

 landlord, and skilled farmer. 



At the time of its announcement, the competition for 

 farms in Scotland, and the consequent increase of rent, 

 was progressing to such a degree as materially to lessen 

 the profits of the farmer ; and the development of the 

 Plantation Scheme was, therefore, hailed as possibly an 

 advantageous outlet for our agricultural capital and 

 skill. The success of the scheme would be, in an im- 

 portant degree, secured, if to the philanthropic views of 

 statesmen and great capitalist companies, could be added 

 the narrower, but still equally essential principle, of 

 commercial profit to the men through whom its develop- 

 ment was to be practically accomplished. 



Inquiry was then made for sources of information 

 whence might be learned the nature of the soil, its capa- 



A 



