304 Variations of the Four-course System, 
should be treated as a dilapidation. Few will dispute the asser- 
tion that only good crops pay; but such crops cannot be 
obtained save by good management and a liberal use of suitable 
manures. As to the extended growth of roots, even on suitable 
soils, I think few practical men will agree. This is the most 
expensive crop to cultivate and, when drawn off, the most 
exhaustive of the whole series. In times past its value has 
been greatly over-estimated, for with 85 to 90 per cent, of water, 
the feeding properties are not great, and roots are now used 
much more sparingly than was formerly the case. The gist of 
the whole matter is the desirability of the cultivation of catch 
crops for eating on, and so enriching, the land during the 
summer months — a proposition which may be dismissed without 
further comment. 
Some reference was made to the “ Agricultural Holdings 
Act, 1883.” My experience is that the Act, where intelligently 
carried out, has been of immense benefit to the agricultural 
interests. What could be fairer than the valuation of the 
improvement to an incoming tenant ? The Act is divided into 
three separate and distinct parts, the first two of which deal 
with improvements of a permanent and durable character, per- 
fectly distinct from acts of husbandry, and with hay, straw, 
manure, and the cropping and general state of the land. The 
tenant sinks his interest in all permanent improvements if he 
fails or neglects to give the statutory notices required under the 
Act. In arranging with the owner or his agent, it is competent 
to agree upon a fixed period over which the supposed improve- 
ment is to extend, or it can be taken at the value of the improve- 
ment to an incoming tenant, which best protects the mutual 
interests of the contracting parties. The third part of the first 
schedule can either be dealt with under the strict provision of 
the Act, or by custom or agreement. Custom, or “ as a man 
enters so he quits,” is held to represent his title to the subject. 
No agreement which is not equal to the Act is binding on the 
tenant, who is allowed considerable latitude. In this particular 
case he cannot claim under the Act for one part, and under 
custom or agreement for another, but he has the option of choos- 
ing as to which he will accept. 
The Midland Counties Tenant-Right Valuers’ Association, 
which has been in existence for a period of upwards of twenty 
years, is the most representative, fair, and equitable of any in 
the country. It is composed of practical men, agents and 
valuers ; a maximum scale is laid down for the guidance of the 
members ; dilapidations are charged, and extra allowance is 
made where the fallow land is left in a clean state. This body, 
