If the common usage of a term defines its meaning, then wills and deeds prior to about 1850 refer to a plantation as any tract of land which was planted. An 1806 will refers to a plantation of 19 acres, an 1807 will refers to a plantation of 15 acres, and the words farm and plantation were used interchangeably in an 1844 will. One could determine the common usage by reading enough wills and deeds from the period in question. Paul ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html