75 



The gentleman by whom the foregoing report seems to 

 have been planned, states in reference to it (Digest, p. 

 743.) " This document supplies all details by which both 

 parties interested can at once satisfy themselves as to the 

 fairness of the contract they are about to enter upon, and 

 without it they cannot have a distinct idea of how far the 

 contract might be respectively judicious even at the time 

 it was made, much less after years may have passed over, 

 and considerable changes may have taken place in the 

 state of the farm itself, as well as in the market prices of 

 the produce. It will aiford to both parties a distinct point 

 of reference, and definite means of settling all future dif- 

 ferences or questions as to improvement in whatever state 

 of progress the farm may at any time be. Its advantages 

 go still further : it affords the means of ascertaining the 

 capabilities of any given extent of land, as to the popula- 

 tion to which it can supply the means of comfortable 

 subsistence, and what would be the minimum quantity 

 sufficient for a family under different circumstances." 



However ingenious this document may be, and however 

 useful to the agricultural teachers of Loughash and 

 Cloghan, as " a practical method of instructing their 

 pupils," it is never very likely to advance beyond this 

 point, or be used by professional valuators. It contains a 

 valuation report on two small farms, containing in all 

 eight acres, and it gives respecting these 



77 columns of details, embracing subjects for the 

 agriculturist, the engineer, the architect, and the 

 political economist. 

 92 headings or titles to the details. 



180 calculations, some of them very complicated. 



126 rows of figures. 



64 statements open to argument, and some to serious 

 objection. 



The practical valuator is not likely to enter upon so 

 complicated a series of details. His object is simple to 

 view the land as it is, and report upon its quality and 

 value, adding such general observations as may seem im- 



