results in France, where the rural population scarcely increases, and where there exists a large manufacturing industry to absorb the surplus labour of the agricultural districts, its effect in Ireland might be yet more disastrous. Therefore, though heartily sympathizing with Mr. Bright in his desire to see a yeoman class established in Ireland, and admitting that to many individual cases the objections I have indicated would not apply, I am afraid the comprehensive scheme by which he proposes to
ings suitable to such a large holding, which if divided into five small holdings of 100 acres each, buildings should be erected on each of those sub-portions, and the large buildings originally necessary would become dilapidated and waste. If the sons and daughters of the farmer in such a case would all hold together they could farm the land in one piece. (Oh, and great laughter.)
Mr. Keller. Aye, and live together in the same garrison. Mr. Forrest. I will ask you one question. If you, Mr. Carroll, as a merchant owned the largest establishment in this city, and that you were an old man and had two sons, would you not think it a great hardship if you were prevented giving one or both of them a share in the concern? Mr. Carroll. I would do as I liked to be sure. (Laughter.)Mr. Forrest. And why prevent another man doing as he likes?" Cork Advertiser, Jan. 1867.
would the price of cattle be double what it was twenty years ago if their number had increased as it should have done. The division of land is a great drawback to all draining, irrigation, and innovation, as the small holder can lay out but little money and can afford to risk none. Two-thirds of France is in small farms, and it is estimated that the proprietors work their farms with a capital of under £4 per acre, whereas more than double that sum is necessary."
