Among the various projects for the regeneration of Ireland, none has excited so much attention as the Plantation Scheme, developed by Sir Robert Peel. It at once gained the notice of England, and raised the drooping hopes of Ireland, while it also indicated a new and untried field for the enterprise of the capitalist, landlord, and skilled farmer,
At the time of its announcement, the competition for farms in Scotland, and the consequent increase of rent, was progressing to such a degree as materially to lessen the profits of the farmer ; and the development of the Plantation Scheme was, therefore, hailed as possibly an advantageous outlet for our agricultural capital and skill. The success of the scheme would be, in an important degree, secured, if to the philanthropic views of statesmen and great capitalist companies, could be added the narrower, but still equally essential principle, of commercial profit to the men through whom its development was to be practically accomplished.
Inquiry was then made for sources of information whence might be learned the nature of the soil, its capa