The sources of school一owned farmland were diverse，including appropriation，donation and purchase. A wide range of people contributed to the enlargement of school一owned land. Officials，gentry，landowners，students and merchants not only voluntarily donated land themselves，but also urged others to contribute. School一owned land was important because the stability of rental income provided dependable material support for education. At the same time the school一owned land system was highly significant because it strengthened the feudal rule of the Qing court and preserved political and economic benefits of clans, merchant groups and other social organizations.