PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION 



TH E first edition of Land Reform, issued a little 

 more than a year ago, was so well received by 

 both the press and the public that it is now nearly 

 exhausted. I have been urged for some time past, 

 by a number of correspondents, to issue a new edition 

 at a popular price, so as to make the work more readily 

 obtainable by those to whom price is an object. As I 

 believe that the scheme contained in the book is an 

 effective one — if not the only effective one — to secure 

 a settlement of the Land Question in the interests, 

 not only of agriculturists of all classes, but also of 

 the whole nation, I decided to issue a new edition at 

 such a price as would place the work within the reach 

 of the general body of readers. I was encouraged to 

 do this by a number of letters from working men (in 

 different industries) who admitted that a perusal of the 

 book had opened their eyes to the fact that their 

 welfare — material and social — was vitally dependent 

 on a prosperous Agriculture. 



I have endeavoured to show that the land is the 

 natural source of national wealth ; that while every 

 other industry is being developed to its highest point, 

 that of agriculture is neglected and fast decaying, and 

 that by a restoration of this great industry the Home 

 Trade would be increased by some millions sterling a 

 year, to the benefit alike of the manufacturer, work- 



