180 PROBLEMS OF VILLAGE LIFE 



small-holders are usually willing to pay more 

 for their land than the larger farmers and pay 

 it with greater regularity and certainty. 



Of far greater intensity than any antago- 

 nism of the land-owners is the general attitude 

 of the land agents, who, apart from the general 

 sentiments of their class, realize that their 

 work would be largely increased by any large 

 creation of small farms. It is naturally much 

 easier and more pleasant to deal with a com- 

 paratively few big farmers and collect a few 

 large rents than to be exposed to the griev- 

 ances and demands of a crowd of " small 

 men " and the trouble of extra book-keeping 

 involved in a large number of small rent- 

 payments. 



The farmer, in addition to his innate con- 

 servat sm and a strong class-feeling in his 

 attitude towards the labourers, has special 

 and personal grievances against any large 

 policy of small holdings. His available 

 supply of labour is already sadly diminished 

 in many parts of the country by the gradual 

 depopulation of the villages, and will be still 

 further menaced by the conversion of his 

 regular employes into small farmers, who can 

 merely furnish him, from time to time, with 

 casual help. A keener distrust arises from 

 the fear that some of his farm will be taken 



