ibility of the property for its poverty_, that
constitutes the '_circus viciosus_,' the source of all the evils
of this unfortunate and interesting country.

"'But now, _in consequence of the new Poor Law_, and other new
enactments of Parliament, those who have a real interest in the
preservation of their property, will be forced to look, as they
never did before, to the improvement of their tenantry. Those who
are insolvent must part with the nominal tenure of land, and leave
their estates to capitalists who can better discharge the duty of
landlords; and lastly, the masses, who hitherto had been abandoned
to themselves and to their brutal instinct for self-preservation,
will find henceforth their interest linked with that of the
landlord, and will find advice, help, encouragement, and, in
extreme cases, a legal support.

"'Every real friend of Ireland, and particularly those who, like
myself, have had an insight into the many excellent intellectual
and moral qualities of their character, while sympathising with
the hardships which at first will be felt by many from the new
system, cannot but acknowledge that it is only now that its
society is being placed on its proper basis, and in a fair way to
amelioration and prosperity.'

"This opinion was given in a letter to a common friend, and
without reference to any speculation of mine as to the management
of the poor. In a subsequent letter to myself he adds, 'It is only
since I came to Ireland that I have become conscious of _the real
value of a legal provision for the poor_, and of the demoralising
effect of private alms. Already we see some good symptoms of the
action of the new Poor Law. It is by the provision made to employ
men, and not by feeding them, that the operation of the law
begins. The out-door relief will, I am sure, act not as a premium
to idleness, but as a _stimulus to landlords_ to supply labour,
and thus prevent the people from falling on it.'"

On the absolute or eventual necessity of emigration, Dr Alison's
views seem to be sound and satisfactory.

"That there are some parts of the Highlands which may be relieved
more rapidly and effectually by aid of some form of emigration
than in any other way, I have no doubt. In many such cases it is
probably unnecessary to remove the people farther than to those
pa