British Agriculture. 
327 = 61 
given by the Copyhold Acts. But though the number seems 
arge, it represents probably but a moderate proportion of the 
hole, as wherever there is a manor there are many copyhold 
roperties ; and much yet remains to be accomplished before 
his injurious and obstructive kind of tenure shall altogether 
ease to exist. The Copyhold Commission was formed with 
he intention gradually to abolish copyhold tenure, beginning 
y offering facilities for voluntary enfranchisement, after which 
t should proceed to its object of extinction on the compulsory 
rinciple. Accordingly, after ten years' trial of facilities under 
he voluntary system, compulsory powers were given to either 
ord or tenant to demand enfranchisement, with further facilities 
gain in 1858, which led to a rapid increase in the number of 
nfranchisements. Under the present Acts either lord or tenant 
except where the copyhold is held without a right of renewal) 
ay now apply to the Copyhold Commissioners to compel 
nfranchisement upon terms to be fixed by two valuers, one 
ppointed by each, or by their umpire. And in small cases, not 
xceeding 20/. of annual value, the amount may be assessed by 
single valuer, nominated by the Justices of the locality. 
The complete extinction of copyhold tenure is still far from Complete 
ccomplishment. And so loner as any considerable extent of the extinction 
and of this country, embracing a vast number of the smaller 
states and houses, remains subject to n.anorial fines, whether 
ertain or arbitrary ; joint rights in timber, under which the 
'nant cannot cut without leave of the lord, nor the lord enter 
e land to cut without leave of the tenant ; vexatious demands for 
eriots, and a species of control worse than double ownership ; a 
ery great bar is presented to the profitable use of such property, 
n evil naturally most felt in the populous parts of the country. 
The Copyhold Commission has now been in operation for 
hirty-five years, so that full time has been given to prepare 
nd provide for the final extinction of this kind of tenure, as 
■riginally contemplated by Parliament. The simplest mode of Mode of 
loing so would be by enacting that within some definite number accomplishing 
f years, say thirty, all copyholds then existing should become 
reehold. Till the termination of that period the right of either 
larty to compel enfranchisement should continue, and the 
bvious interest of the lords to make the most of their oppor- 
anity would quickly bring about this transformation. 
The Tithe department of this Commission also administers 
uestions connected with tithes for the support of religion. 
I 
