TENANT-FARMERS. 21 



conditions of the respective districts contrasted, are caused in a great 

 measure by the possession or want of intelligence in the holders ? 



I shall give an example or two, drawn from the actual state of matters 

 in certain districts with which I am familiar, in order to illustrate this 

 point more clearly. 



In one district are to be found large and well-defined fields, enclosed 

 partly by strong and well-constructed wire-fences, and partly by healthy 

 and neatly-kept hedgerows. In the fields there is not the slightest 

 indication of superfluous water, even after heavy rains, showing that 

 the drainage of the land must be perfect ; and, besides, every field is 

 cultivated close to the respective fences, so that not a foot of the soil is 

 wasted where it can be made available for cultivation ; and this satis- 

 factory state of things extends over a district embracing several thousands 

 of acres. The next district is one consisting of the same description of 

 land as the one just referred to, and consequently its natural capabilities 

 must be similar. The fences on it, however, are of the worst description 

 possible, consisting of wild-looking and overgrown hedges, here and 

 there useless from large gaps, and in all parts occupying a considerable 

 breadth of land on each side. In this district it does not appear that 

 any drainage has been performed, as the fields have a cold and bleak 

 aspect from the rushes and water-loving plants growing on them, and 

 from the poor, thin, and sickly character of the crops. This state of 

 things prevails on a large extent of country. From these examples of 

 contrast in regard to the condition of landed property, it cannot be 

 doubted that the occupier of the land, in the first case described, must be 

 a man of very superior intelligence as compared with the occupier of the 

 land in the latter. There is no other way of accounting for the difference 

 in the condition of the subjects. I know that many will say that the 

 difference in such cases lies more in the command of money in the occu- 

 piers than in the possession of superior intelligence. I admit that 

 money is absolutely necessary for the improvement of the condition of 

 land ; but, at the same time, without intelligence to direct its expendi- 

 ture, even money would fail to effect such a marked improvement as 

 that which we witness in different parts of the country. Farming 

 requires the possession of considerable capital, and when capital and 

 intelligence are combined we may hope for the best results. 



I have already stated that, generally speaking, and with some excep- 

 tions, even where farmers are inferior in intelligence, and possessed of 

 but small capital, if they are liberally dealt with, and under the direction 

 of liberal landlords and judicious agents, they may be made to carry out 

 and follow such a system of culture on their farms as will be found 

 highly conducive to the interests and prosperity of both landlord and 



