388
OBSTACLES TO IMPROVEMENT OF LAND
entirely so. It may in all cases be partly, and in some chiejly,owing, to the rise of the value of land. To a certain moderateper ccntage, therefore,, (say 5 per cent.), of any additionalrent to be obtained, when a farm is sublet, the landlord hasa claim, alter the first ten years of the lease has expired,where the value of land has risen. Thus, under proper re-servations, all restrictions against selling or subletting farmsmay be removed. Great advantages would thence accrue tothe tenant in all cases; and great and necessary relief wouldbe given in others, while justice would always be done to theproprietor.
SECT. V.
TIIE TIME AND MANNER OF LETTING LAND*.
Proprietors too often delay the renewal of the leases oftheir farmers till the former lease is almost expired. This isobviously injurious to both parties, and proves often a greatobstacle to improvement. It is injurious to the tenant; for itkeeps him for some time in a state of painful suspense andanxiety. The landlord, too, is injured, for nothing is gene-rally done, during this period, to improve his property. Itis well known, that every judicious tenant makes the greatestexertions at the commencement of his lease. But the morehe expends at that time, the less will he be disposed to layout during the latter years of it, especially if he has reason tofear, or knows with absolute certainty, that his lease is not tobe renewed to him, but given to another.
The remedy for the evil complained of is obvious, and it