A philologicall commentary, or, An illustration of the most obvious and useful words in the lavv with their distinctions and divers acceptations, as they are found as well in reports antient and modern as in records and memorials never printed : usefull for all young students of the law / by Edward Leigh ...

TILLAGE.

Tillage. Agriculture or tillage is of great ac∣count in Law, as very profitable for the Common∣wealth, the Common Law giveth arable Land* 1.1 the preheminence and precedency before Mea∣dows, Pastures, Woods, Mines, and all other ground whatsoever. By laying of Lands used in tillage to Pasture, six main inconveniences do daily increase.

• 1. Idleness, which is the ground and beginning of all mischief.
• 2. Depopulation and decay of Towns, for where in some Towns two hundred persons were occupied and lived in their lawfull la∣bours, by converting of tillage into Pasture, onely two or three Herdmen are main∣tained.
• 3. Husbandry is decayed.
• 4. Churches are destroyed, and the service of God neglected by diminution of Church Livings.
• 5. Injury and wrong done to Patrons and Gods Ministers.
• 6. The defence of the Land against forreign ene∣mies, enseebled and empaired, the bodies of Husbandmen being more strong and able, and patient of cold, heat, and hunger, then of any other.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cook on Lit. l. 2. c. 5.