ABSTRACT
In a graphic exposition Arensberg (1937) has described the pattern of inheritance of the farmstead in the communities of County Clare, Ireland. The heir to the farm inherits before his father's death. There is a lineal and exclusive pattern of inheritance whereby the old man 'makes over' the farm to his son at the time of the son's marriage. Marriage is crucial to the pattern of the replacement of the generations in the household, for the dowry, which the old man receives, enables him to dower at least one daughter and to compensate those sons who do not inherit and who must 'travel'. The old couple then retire to the 'west room' and the heir takes over the running of the farm, succeeding to a position of authority in the household. Continuity in County Clare is inseparable from' keeping the name on the land'. In order to ensure continuity on the name of the land children are greatly desired. As one childless woman lamented: 'The man wants children just as much as the woman. He is afraid others will tell him he's no good if he hasn't any. Children are the curse of the country, especially if you haven't got any.'
