LAND RENTAL AND FARM TENANTRY 861 



result from extra tillage. For example, if a tenant puts an extra dollar per 

 acre into the preparation of land for wheat, and gets an increased yield of 

 two bushels per acre, selling for 90 cents per bushel, he loses 10 cents per 

 acre, although the landlord profits 90 cents per acre. 



In the newer regions, where grain is the chief crop, tne tenant usually 

 gets three-fifths of the crop, and usually agrees to deliver the landlord's 

 two-fifths at the nearest market place. The tenant generally gets all the 

 straw, corn stocks and other by-products, for use on the farm. Where land 

 is very poor or crops uncertain, the tenant may get a larger share. On the 

 high-priced corn lands in the corn belt, tenants are now getting one-half 

 of the grain and hay or any other products that may be sold. They are 

 allowed all straw, stalks and other by-products if they are fed on the farm. 



In the eastern part of the United States, where a considerable part of 

 the crops are fed to livestock, the landlord bears a certain portion of the 

 expenses and furnishes part of the livestock as previously mentioned, and 

 gets one-half of all receipts. The straight half-and-half division is fair when 

 the tenant sells many cash crops, such as corn, wheat and hay. If nearly 

 all receipts are from dairying and livestock products, he should receive 

 three-fifths of all the receipts. 



Personal Element. — It is to the interest of the landlord to have the 

 good will of the tenant. This will generally be secured by giving him a fair 

 deal. The proper understanding between the landlord and tenant can best 

 be secured if each will put himself in the place of the other in their business 

 dealings. In order to do the square thing with each other, each must 

 understand that the right thing must be done by the soil. The mainte- 

 nance of soil fertility is to the best interest of both of them, and is likewise 

 a matter of interest to the general public. If this situation is thoroughly 

 understood, there is little need of legislation. 



Legislation. — The increase in the percentage of farms in this country 

 that are rented from decade to decade indicates an increased need for 

 legislation that will protect landlords, tenants, farm lands and the public. 

 Legislation relative to land tenantry should be preceded by education. 

 Before we can intelligently adopt the measures of older nations, we must 

 ascertain whether or not they will meet local requirements. 



The merchant who rents a building in the city uses it, but he does not 

 improve it. He may be liable for damages beyond reasonable wear and 

 tear, but he never adds to its value. Good tenant farming necessitates 

 fertility being at least maintained, and it should be improved. The burden 

 of this falls upon the tenant, and the character of the lease should be such 

 that he can afford to do it. The tenant uses up the fertility of the soil, 

 hence there is some necessity that the landlord also be protected. If 

 regulations necessitate the tenant applying fertilizers to the land, the 

 landlord should be prevented from confiscating the benefits, as he may do 

 if he finds some rival tenant that will pay a larger rent. Legislation, 

 therefore, should be framed for the protection of both parties. 



