The condition of small farmers in Ireland, and their position with reference to the land question

Abstract

The average size of farms in Ireland is so small that it may well be matter for wonder how the tenants upon them are able to pay any rent alter supporting themselves and their families. In 1866 the number of farms of the value of #10 and under was estimated to be 365,866, and the average size throughout Ireland is placed at less than 30 acres. Making allowance for changes since 1866, and other circumstances affecting the estimate mentioned, the number of agricultural holdings under the value of #10 may be taken to be 300,000. Reckoning 5.39 persons to each holding (this being the average number of persons to each house in rural districts) we have over 1,600,000 persons living on these very small farms.