Reflections-Farmers' investments—Landlords' investments—Obstacle to the latter-Indefinite nature of rates-Comparative state of the country in 1779 and 1849-Arthur Young's tour-Rise of rents— Redundancy of population-Proportion in east compared with west -Dependence on potato-Relief-works unavoidably unproductive— Increase of grand-jury cess and poor and labour rates—All primarily thrown on the tenant-Abandonment of farms-Necessity of a limitation of rates to encourage immigration of capitalists-Emigration-Variable amount of valuation-Propriety of discouraging conacre Simplification of sale and transfer of land-Incidence of grand-jury cess unjust to tenant-Advantages of transferring it to landlord-Cure for absenteeism-Unexhausted improvements— Population of Connaught-Compared with England and ScotlandNecessity for a comprehensive measure,

CHAPTER XI.

What is now being done for Ireland-Board of Public Works-Roads, piers, arterial drainage, landed property improvement, fisheries— National schools-Statistical returns of agricultural produce—Agricultural instructors,

Page

121

149

CHAPTER XII.

Farm-buildings-Economical plan of, described-Estimate and cost— Extension of Land Improvement Act-Necessity of defining proportions repayable by landlord and tenant respectively-Government loans rendered necessary by incumbrances and entails-Unsound state to which these have led-Free transfer of land the only remedy -Expediency of Government loans in the mean time,

. 170

Lately published, price 1s.

With Engraved Plan of Farm-Buildings,

THE SIXTH EDITION,

HIGH FARMING UNDER LIBERAL COVENANTS,

THE BEST SUBSTITUTE FOR PROTECTION.

By JAMES CAIRD, Farmer, Baldoon

"It must therefore be the interest of all persons connected with land to encourage the extension of the more skilful and improved agriculture described by Mr Caird, and by every means to diffuse the knowledge on which the profitable practice of the system depends."-Edinburgh Review, Oct. 1849.

"I believe it will be of the greatest possible benefit to the agricultural labourer, by affording increased employment."-Speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the state of the nation, 2d July 1849.

"IIis facts are invaluable."-Journal of Agriculture.

PREFACE.

AMONG the various projects for the regeneration of Ireland, none has excited so much attention as the Plantation Scheme, developed by Sir Robert Peel. It at once gained the notice of England, and raised the drooping hopes of Ireland, while it also indicated a new and untried field for the enterprise of the capitalist, landlord, and skilled farmer.

At the time of its announcement, the competition for farms in Scotland, and the consequent increase of rent, was progressing to such a degree as materially to lessen the profits of the farmer ; and the development of the

; Plantation Scheme was, therefore, hailed as possibly an advantageous outlet for our agricultural capital and skill. The success of the scheme would be, in an important degree, secured, if to the philanthropic views of statesmen and great capitalist companies, could be added the narrower, but still equally essential principle, of commercial profit to the men through whom its development was to be practically accomplished.

Inquiry was then made for sources of information whence might be learned the nature of the soil, its capa

A

bilities, its advantages or disadvantages, as compared with this country, and the probable feeling of the population towards immigrant farmers; but on these points the different "tours" in Ireland were altogether deficient. To satisfy himself, the Author resolved to visit the country; and his tour proved so interesting and instructive to him, that he hoped its publication might, in some degree, supply the information wanted.

Before going to Ireland he had an opportunity, through a friend, of mentioning his intention to the distinguished statesman to whom this volume is dedicated. With the utmost readiness, Sir Robert Peel proffered an introduction, which secured access to information which has been of the greatest value to the Author.

His EXCELLENCY the LORD LIEUTENANT of IRELAND, ever watchful for the good of the people over whom he has been called to preside, was considerately pleased to countenance the Author's object, and to secure for him many facilities, for which he must ever feel deeply grateful.

To MR GRIFFITH of the Board of Works he has been also peculiarly indebted for the very valuable aid which his extensive knowledge of the country and its physical capabilities enabled him to afford.

BALDOON, WIGTOWN, January 1850.

CHAPTER I.

MULLINGAR-BOGS-ATHLONE-BALLINASLOE

GREAT

ANNUAL FAIR GARBALLY-AUGHRIM TO LOUGHREA-BALLINASLOE TO AHASCRAGMOUNT BELLEW-TUAM-PEASANTRY-WINTER FOOD FOR STOCK-MR BIANCONI.

In the latter end of September, I left Scotland and proceeded through Belfast to the Irish metropolis, whence I at once set out for the western counties of Ireland. Leaving Dublin on 4th October, I proceeded by railway to Mullingar, (50 miles,) thence by car to Athlone and Ballinasloe, (48 miles,) passing through an immense extent of good land, the greater proportion of which is in old grass. The pasture lands are held by extensive graziers, who, as I was informed, are the only class of large farmers in Ireland, occupying under a landlord, and really possessed of capital. There are many extensive tillage farmers, as I afterwards found, in the west and south of Ireland; but they occupy their own lands, and are of course in a different position from the tenant farmers of England and Scotland.

The line of railway, after passing through the county of Dublin, runs along the borders of Kildare and Meath, and into the centre of West Meath at Mullingar. The line is here unfinished, but the works are going on; and the whole length, from Mullingar to Galway, is expected to be completed in little more than a