By what conditions is production effected?
By the combined action of labor, capital, and land.

As for the labor, the tenant undertakes to furnish it; but capital is formed only by economy.
Now, if the tenant could accumulate any thing, he would pay his debts.
But granting that he has plenty of capital, of what use would it be to him if the extent of the land which he cultivates always remained the same?
He needs to enlarge his farm.
Will it be said, finally, that he must work harder and to better advantage?
But, in our estimation of farm-rent, we have assumed the highest possible average of production.

Were it not the highest, the proprietor would increase the farm-rent.

Is not this the way in which the large landed proprietors have gradually raised their rents, as fast as they have ascertained by the increase in population and the development of industry how much society can produce from their property?
The proprietor is a foreigner to society; but, like the vulture, his eyes fixed upon his prey, he holds himself ready to pounce upon and devour it.
The facts to which we have called attention, in a community of one thousand persons, are reproduced on a large scale in every nation and wherever human beings live, but with infinite variations and in innumerable forms, which it is no part of my intention to describe.
In fine, property--after having robbed the laborer by usury--murders him slowly by starvation.

Now, without robbery and murder, property cannot exist; with robbery and murder, it soon dies for want of support.
Therefore it is impossible.
FIFTH PROPOSITION.
Property is impossible, because, if it exists, Society devours itself.
When the ass is too heavily loaded, he lies down; man always moves on.
Upon this indomitable courage, the proprietor--well knowing that it exists--bases his hopes of speculation.