SMALL HOLDINGS. 87 



less in instalments than they would pay in rent 

 to a county council, and in thirty-five years 

 will become absolute owners. 



That is one example of a private plan to 

 encourage small ownership. There are some 

 others, and in each case it will be found that 

 the provision of cheap credit is the only condi- 

 tion absolutely necessary for settling a farmer 

 as owner on a small holding if he is a skilful 

 farmer, and if the conditions of agriculture in 

 the district are such that a profit can be made 

 out of the land. 



The Irish system need not take into account 

 either of those " if's." It began with a huge 

 direct subsidy from the Imperial Exchequer, in 

 addition to cheap credit to the extent of 

 £100,000,000. Various subsidies are continued 

 from year to year. There has never been the 

 necessity in the Irish system to " make it pay." 

 Without a doubt, provided that the subsidies 

 are generous enough, a small holdings system 

 could be established in any country. But one 

 must doubt the advisableness of such policy. 

 ' A sturdy yeomanry " can hardly come in that 

 way. 



