LAND TENURE TITHES 7 



between both parties, but the conditions vary according 

 to circumstances and the nature of the crops grown. 



If cultivated land be given to the partner, such land 

 must be returned to the contractor in the same state of 

 cultivation as received, or the contractor, at his option, 

 may claim the return of the seed his partner received 

 with it. 



There are also a considerable number of leaseholders 

 paying a fixed rent. The monasteries are the largest 

 landowners, and both cultivate their own land and let out 

 portions to the monks or to private farmers. Much land 

 is also held by the Church, and this is frequently let out on 

 a yearly lease, with the result that it is badly farmed and 

 speedily worked out. 



The country is rather sparsely populated by about 

 275,000 inhabitants, and although the cultivators are 

 laborious when working for themselves and when free from 

 the hands of the usurers, they are still very backward in 

 their methods and appliances. A less conservative attitude 

 has of late been observed, and a greater readiness has been 

 manifested in seeking and following the advice of the 

 Agricultural Department. There is a great amount of 

 indebtedness among the peasantry and usurious practices 

 abound. This undoubtedly checks progress, as few of the 

 smaller farmers are free agents. The matter has lately 

 been the subject of a special Commission appointed by 

 Government. Laws have this year (1919) been passed 

 by the Legislative Council dealing with usury and in- 

 debtedness. 



Tithes and Taxation 



The tithe, which forms the principal source of Govern- 

 ment revenue, is one-tenth of the produce of the land on 

 wheat, barley, oats, vetches, rye and favetta, measured on 

 the threshing-floors and delivered in kind at the Govern- 

 ment Grain Stores. Certain allowances are made to the 

 tithe-payers for transport. In the case of carobs, which 

 are also subject to this tax, the tithe is taken in money 

 from exporters at the Custom House at the rate of 9 cp. 

 (is.) per cantar from the districts of Nicosia, Larnaca and 

 Limassol, and 8 cp. per cantar from the other three districts. 



