Adam Smith and the value of land

Just read a great chapter in "Wealth of Nations". Smith describes the progression of land ownership and development from classical period down to his time in the 18th century. Starting with slaves working the land and progressing through serfdom, tenant farmers and then to enlightened laws of tenancy in England in which the tenant had guaranteed use of the land for extended years, including voting rights. As the worker of the land accumulates personal benefit (rather than having it accrue to the owner) in making long term improvements in fertility and construction of fencing, buildings etc, the land becomes more and more valuable, not only to the farmer but to the whole country.