48O HIRING FARMS. 



Contiguity of the. Fields. Many fanners too often 

 overlook this circumstance. If they attended to it, 

 as much as their profit required, we should see land- 

 lords reforming their estates in this particular, more 

 than many do at present. There is not a more ex- 

 pensive, perplexing circumstance in a farm, than the 

 fields heing in a straggling, disjointed situation. The 

 disadvantages are numerous and striking. 



Covenants. Many landlords are very tenacious of 

 the covenants Which they have usually inserted in 

 their leases ; so that a man, when he approves a 

 farm and agrees to the rent, may find the conditions 

 of tenure proposed to him, such as are incompatible 

 with his interest, his designs,, and even with good 

 husbandry. 



The merit or reasonableness of covenants must be 

 considered always, on comparison with the nature of 

 the farm. It is for want of this consideration that 

 unreasonable covenants are ever proposed. 



These prohibitions are often foolish, but some-* 

 times admissible : they must depend on local circum- 

 stances, to be well weighed by the farmer who hires. 



Ascertainment of Rent. This is a very important 

 part of the business in hiring a farm ; but the other 

 circumstances already detailed precede it, rent in a 

 good measure depending on them. The principal 

 point here necessary to touch on, is the combination 

 of rent, tithe, and rates, in one sum. Knowing the 

 capital intended to be invested, estimate the interest 

 of it at not less than 1O per cent, and then calculate 

 the expences and produce ; the former deducted from 

 the latter, leaves that sum which the farmer can af- 

 ford 



