248 



WESTMORLAND AGRICULTURE, 1800— 1900 



extending to 21 years, many of which were allowed to be broken 

 by the landlords. On some of the largest estates no leases have ever 

 been granted, and there are instances where generation after generation 

 of a family have continued on a yearly tenancy. 



During the century the county has passed through three tenancy 

 periods : first period, yearly tenancies or short leases to five years, 

 second period, leases become general and for longer periods, nine to 

 twenty-one years, and a third period showing a return to yearly 

 tenancies or short leases. 



In 1870 a classification of holdings was made for the first time 

 by the Returning Officers to the Privy Council. 



In that year the lowest proportion of holdings not exceeding 20 

 acres in English counties was Westmorland and Cumberland with 35 

 per cent., the highest being the West Riding of Yorkshire with 64 

 per cent. 



In 1871 the following return was made with regard to holdings 

 under 20 acres in extent : — 



Further information is obtained through the returns of 1872 

 with regard to small holdings of I to i acre and i to 5 acres : — 



