THE ELEMENTS 



LAND VALUATION, 



PART FIRST. 



ON THE MODES AND PRINCIPLES BY WHICH LAND VALUATION 

 IN IRELAND HAS HERETOFORE BEEN REGULATED. 



I. ON THE ANCIENT PRACTICE AS TO SETTING LAND. 



IN the feudal ages of Irish history land was held under 

 a sort of military tenure. 



The chiefs of the native septs held their office, not by 

 hereditary descent, but by election, and had, therefore, 

 only a life interest in the emoluments derived from their 

 dominions. 



Their vassals cultivated such portions of the territory 

 on which they resided as they considered necessary and 

 best suited to the description of crop they desired to grow. 



A new division of the soil of each territory was made 

 among the vassals on the accession of each new chief 

 adapted to the altered circumstances of the tribe, and 

 sanctioned by the voice of the people. 



The power of the chief was necessary to preserve his 

 vassals from the depredations of hostile neighbours or 

 marauders; and, in return for the protection scr afforded- 

 them, the vassals were subject to various dues and imposi- 

 tions, paid in kind, which were light or oppressive accord- 

 ing as the times were peaceful or disturbed. 



B 



