4 6 ECONOMICS OF LAND TENURE IN GEORGIA [46 



tenancy and "cropping" arrangements which are to be 

 described in some detail in subsequent chapters. The 

 importance of the matter in this connection is, that all of 

 these circumstances led to the development of a plan of 

 agricultural credit of peculiar significance in its relation 

 to land tenures in the state. 



As early as December, 1866, a law was passed for the 

 purpose of enabling those without money to get ad- 

 vances of supplies and other necessaries used in making 

 crops. This act provided, in the first place, that land- 

 lords might have, by special written contract, a lien upon 

 the crops of their tenants, for the stock, farming uten- 

 sils and provisions furnished such tenants for the pur- 

 pose of making their crops. It stipulated, in the second 

 place, that factors and merchants might have a lien upon 

 the growing crops of farmers, for provisions furnished 

 and for commercial manures furnished, upon such terms 

 as might be agreed upon by the parties. 1 



In 1873, the law relating to these liens was somewhat 

 extended and made more specific in its details. The act 

 of January, 1873, said: 



that factors, merchants, landlords, dealers in fertilizers, and 

 all other persons furnishing supplies, money, farming uten- 

 sils, or other articles of necessity to make crops, and also all 

 persons furnishing clothing and medicines, supplies or pro- 

 visions for support of families or medical services, tuition or 

 school books, shall have the right to secure themselves from 

 the crops of the year in which such things are done or fur- 

 nished, as is now given by law ... to factors and merchants. 



Just as in the previous law it was provided that such 

 liens must be created by special contract in writing. In 



x Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, 1866, p. 141. 



