390 
JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
over its 281 square miles are above 640 species of native plants, 
counting some segregates, but carefully excluding all " denizens, 
colonists, aliens, and casuals," which, numbering altogether nearly 
200, would, if reckoned in, make a total of above 840 species, 
a large proportion of the whole number of British plants for so 
comparatively small an area. 
TENANT-RIGHT. 
ABSTRACT OF MR. H. CLARK'S PAPER. 
(Read February 13th, 1873.) 
The Lecturer said the subject of tenant-right was attracting great 
attention; not only landlords and tenants being concerned, but also 
the public. Tenant-right was of national advantage, and legislation 
was needed on the subject. All that was asked for was compensa- 
tion for unexhausted manures and permanent improvements; and 
those who looked at the matter in an impartial light said the de- 
mand was based on justice and equity. As things at present stood, 
a large portion of the soil was imperfectly cultivated, as farmers 
received no security for the expenditure of their capital. If security 
were given, the producing powers of the country would be increased, 
and consequently the price of provisions would be reduced. The 
Board of Trade returns showed that £60,000,000 worth of corn, 
beef, mutton, and other produce were annually imported into this 
country. Was there no remedy for this ? Did the land of England 
produce all it was capable of producing ? This he answered in the 
negative. It was calculated that, if 30s. more were spent on an 
acre than was now employed throughout the country, a quantity 
equivalent to all the food imported could be raised in this country, 
beside what was now grown. There was no lack of capital ; but 
as long as the law remained as it was, there would be no increase 
in the amount expended on the land, which would consequently 
languish. The cry for tenant-right showed an improvement amongst 
the agriculturists, and an advancement in agriculture. While 
farmers were subject to yearly tenancies and six months' notice to 
quit, no permanent improvement in agriculture could be ensured. 
Tenant-right, or security of tenure in the shape of a lease, was 
