Lease of a Farm^ on Shares* 261 



I believe it to have been occasioned as much by habit, 

 as from conviction of its eligibility, that I have con- 

 tinued so long letting my farms on shares. I think 

 more can be made in this way, if the landlord is strict 

 and prying. But this has not been my course. I find 

 that those who want watching the most, affect to be 

 the most offended at even necessary and just investi- 

 gation. In general I have lived with my tenants more 

 agreeably (though perhaps not so profitably) than one 

 who would hold a tighter hand. 



The specific share received by the landlord is much 

 the more easily paid or delivered by the tenant, in fre- 

 quent portions, and, with short accounts. Such leases 

 are favourable to tenants, in the highest degree ; as the 

 landlord partakes of all risks and losses by casualties 

 and bad crops. One who has a money rent to pay, 

 must pay it under all circumstances, of good or bad 

 seasons, good or ill luck. I should prefer a money rent; 

 if such could be justly fixed. But I have found great 

 difficulties in ascertaining its amount ; or getting te- 

 nants who would pay it. On the whole, though not 

 satisfied in many things, I find myself as well as most 

 who have let farms on money rents ; and than some 

 much better. The advantages and disadvantages of mv 

 lease, balance one another ; so that on long trial, I find 

 nothing hard or unjust ; taken all together. Circum- 

 stances must vary contracts : but I think my plan and 

 its details, must be generally useful, to all who desire 

 similar agreements. It will be the more to be depended 

 on, on account of its being tested by long experience ; 

 and cannot fail of furnishing outline ; tliough the parts 



