dation in an Act of the Legislature
, under whose Authority they
are nominated.
The Regulations in this Act, regarding the Power of Commis-
sioners, Mode of Division, Etc. being almost uniformly the same
with those which have so often received the Sanction of Parlia-
ment, it is hoped that much Delay will not be thought necessary,
previous to its passing. The present Scarcity, and high Price of
Provisions, evidently renders it an Object of the greatest national
Importance, to bring a considerable additional Quantity of Land
into immediate Cultivation; and by encouraging the planting of our
Wastes with Potatoes-for which they are so peculiarly well cal-
culated-we may thus secure a great Increase of that Species of
Food for the Consumption of the Years 1796-7. As the fol-
lowing Bill, indeed, is drawn up conformably to the most ap-
proved Precedents, there is every Reason to hope, that it can oc-
casion little Discussion, and that it will pass in Time sufficient, to
have a considerable Extant of Waste Lands planted with Potatoes,
in the Course of the Year 1796, more especially if the Recom-
mendation of the Committee, to promote the Cultivation of that
valuable Root by a Bounty, is adopted by Parliament; and if
Persons interested in Commons, will immediately set about ar-
ranging Matters for a Division, which cannot be too strongly
urged and recommended to their Attention.
It may also be proper here briefly to state, what Steps are taking,
for laying the Foundation of that General Law of Division and In-
closure, which has so long been so ardently wished for. It will
require, however, much Deliberation and Inquiry, as it is proposed
that it should be extended to Common Fields, and every Species
of Commonable Lands, as well as to what are, strictly speaking,
Waste Lands and Commons.
As the surest Basis for so great a System, it is judged necessary
to examine such Acts of Inclosure as have hitherto passed, where
Copies of them could be procured, and to analyze them accord-
ing to the following Specimen.
SPECIMEN