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Small Holdings Act. [march 



The Fifteenth Volume of the Journal of the Board of 

 Agriculture begins with the issue for April next, and 

 arrangements have been made for the 

 Enlargement of the introduction of several new features. 

 Journal. The size of the Journal will be 



increased from 64 pages to 80 pages 

 each month, and this additional space will be filled, amongst 

 other matter, with a monthly article on the course of trade 

 in agricultural produce, and a comment on the tables of prices 

 that are printed at the end of each number. An attempt 

 will also be made to print from time to time reports on the 

 condition of fruit crops abroad, especially on the Continent, and 

 on the trade in those articles which compete with home-grown 

 produce. 



In the April number two series of articles will be begun, the 

 first on weeds, fungi, and agricultural pests, illustrated each 

 month with a coloured plate, the other, on the agriculture of 

 small holdings, showing what methods have been adopted by 

 those who have been successful, with suggestions for those 

 who are about to take up new holdings. It is hoped that these 

 articles will prove of service to all classes of agriculturists. 



No change will be made injthe present price of the Journal. 



The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have addressed 

 the following circular letter, dated 

 Circular under the 4th February, 1908, to Parish Councils 

 Small Holdings Act. and Chairmen of Parish Meetings in 

 England and Wales : — 



Sir, 



I am directed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to call your attention 

 to the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1907, which came into operation on 

 1st January, 1908. The Act makes considerable alterations in the law relating to 

 allotments, and the Board think, therefore, that it is desirable that they should 

 summarise the powers and duties of your Council under that Act, and the previous 

 legislation on the subject. 



If a Parish Council are of Opinion that there is a demand for allotments for the 

 labouring population in their parish, which cannot reasonably be satisfied by voluntary 

 arrangement between the local landowners and the applicants, it is their duty to take 

 the necessary steps to provide the allotments needed, without waiting for any specific 

 representation from ratepayers or electors. 



The Allotments Acts empower Parish Councils to purchase or hire land for allot- 

 ments either within or without their parish, and, if suitable land cannot be acquired 

 by agreement, they may represent the case to the County Council, who may exercise 



