Observations on the State of Ireland, Principally Directed to Its Agriculture and Rural Population; In Two Volumes. Den Ruckenschild Fuhrt Der Titel - Curwen"s Tour in Ireland Volume . 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1818 edition. Excerpt: ...acre. Reasoning from the experience acquired in England, one might fearlessly pronounce that such practices as this system not only permits, but encourages, must be destructive to the land. This, howi ever, is not here the case; for a little rest restores it to its pristine fertility and friability, and enables it to receive all the meliorating influences of the atmosphere. In this circumstance appears an essential difference between the soils of England and Ireland. These contractors for con-acres naturally avail themselves of the greatest possible benefit they Bishop of Meath a Friend to Agriculture. 167 can derive from the land, wholly regardless of all future consequences. I had great difficulty in believing that so extraordinary a tenure could be practically admitted; but I have heard so many instances of it, that I cannot doubt the fact, though it militates against all experience. The Bishop of Meath has been a warm and zealous friend to agriculture: some years ago he was a great tillage farmer, as well as an extensive breeder of the long homed cattle. The disturbed state of the country, and his subsequent absence, induced his Lordship to relinquish his farm: his return may, I hope, renovate the Agricultural Society which formerly existed, and again encourage a spirit for farming and rural improvements. The attention paid by his Lordship to the comforts of the cottiers is highly pleasing; to each cabin is attached an acre of meadow, half an acre for the growth of potatoes, and an acre for grazing a cow, equal to three English acres: the rent of the whole, including the cabin, is no more than four pounds fifteen shillings. The wages in the six summer months is one shilling, in the winter months ten pence 168 Criterion of luxuriant...