Page:Economic History of Virginia Vol 1.djvu/438

 planter. It is quite probable that in consideration of the destruction of a portion of the vast extent of forests covering the largest tracts, the proprietors were ready to rent them in part if only to comply with the law as to seating, but the inducement to persons to become tenants on such estates was very small, as has been pointed out. Occasionally, however, it was specially provided that the lessee should not have the right to clear new land. In many cases, it is perhaps safe to say in a majority of cases, it will be found that the soil under cultivation by tenants was owned by persons who resided in England or elsewhere, and who, therefore, were unable to superintend the tillage of their own properties in the Colony. In other instances, the land was held by planters who were in possession of large tracts widely separated, which made it difficult for them to give their personal supervision to all.

After the dissolution of the Company in 1624, there was a large area of soil in the Colony which had belonged to that corporation, and this the Governor and Council were soon instructed by the Privy Council to plant and seat.