Note 95 — Chapter IV · ENCLOSURE (2)

Bedford Report, p. 249. Cf. writer in Appendix of Report on Middlesex, pp. 507–15, ‘a gentleman of the least sensibility would rather suffer his residence to continue surrounded by marshes and bogs, than take the lead in what may be deemed an obnoxious measure.’ This same writer urges, that the unpopularity of enclosures would be overcome were care taken ‘to place the inferior orders of mankind—the cottager and industrious poor—in such a situation, with regard to inclosures, that they should certainly have some share secured to them, and be treated with a gentle hand. Keep all in temper—let no rights be now disputed.... It is far more easy to prevent a clamour than to stop it when once it is raised. Those who are acquainted with the business of inclosure must know that there are more than four-fifths of the inhabitants in most neighbourhoods who are generally left out of the bill for want of property, and therefore cannot possibly claim any part thereof.’