Chris, in particular: the point is good. But to start with, I don't think the tenants bought new seed every year. One of the innovations introduced by the Palatines was their skill in re-cycling - anything and everything, it seems. I recall reading somewhere that they were able (with a little faith too, I suppose) to extend the useful life of seed from one season to the next. I'm far from truly knowledgeable about these things, but I suggest the basically thrifty nature of our settlers meant that they were able to produce the rope, canvas and clothing fabrics almost ad inf., and then claim due payment (or at least a share in the market yield) from the Master. Or not? I've occasionally wondered how it could be that they received parcels of land, plus 'allowances', yet paid rent (buildings and land "gales") to their landlord - besides all the usual outgoings from the domestic budget (Wal-mart, dentist, pharmacy, postman, solicitors for wills, etc). None of it has really made much sense to me. And then, to cap it all, they were able to pass on the lease (or the actual property) to their kin, who themselves were able to sell it on (as my father did with our patch in Killiheen). I'm probably just very simple, but it would be good to hear a straightforward explanation. For instance, Di mentioned the debt that was repaid to her ancestor. But, for goodness' sake, why was that included in the books sent for audit to the Crown? All the same, I still don't believe Thomas was on the make at the expense of his tenants. Ripping off the Treasury is fine in my books. But not the boys in the crew yard. A baffled Terry