Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/274

 260 HISTORY OF even more threatening in its consequences than a continuation of war. Out of these hard times^ coupled with the universal poverty that prevailed among the early settlers^ sprung up of necessity, a system, the leasehold system. A system at that time to a great extent optional with the tenant. It offered the poor man a chance, by economy and industry, of supporting his family and enriching himself without the investment of any capital hut his time and labor, and consequently the tenant accepted the proffered bonus regardless of the pregnant future. Under this system of populating the soil a large portion of Delaware county was occupied and improved. ^' These tenures have been leases, seldom conveyances of the fee, either by warranty or quitclaim ; and they can be resolved into four general classes, though there may be slight differences be- between individuals under each of these kinds. There will be sufl&cient uniformity, however, among those but slightly differing to warrant this arrangement. The first kind is the durahle lease, given for ^' as long as grass grows and water runs," or " forever." Under this lease the lessee, his heirs and assigns, are entitled to retain posses- sion of the premises described therein, using and improving the same, as his interest or judgment may dictate, with full knowledge and confidence, that as long as he abides by the terms of his contract, and pays the yearly rent — a stipulated sum or quantity for the use of his farm — he or they can occupy and hold, and forever. In leases of this kind, given on some of the estates, there is reserved, upon every alienation of the premises, otherwise than by last will or testament, a certain proportion of the consideration, usually one-fourth, whence the term quarter-sales ; the tenant covenanting to pay such pro- portion upon every sale. And, connected with this reserva- tion, there is sometimes this privilege, that the lessor, or land- lord, shall be permitted, himself, to purchase from the tenant,