2^ Memoirs of John CocVourn Ff^o May 



Robert Turnbull in Newtonhall. 



Robert Pringle Efq. 



Thomas White, manager of Sir William Dalrymple's grounds. 



Captain Maitland. 

 IGO George Park in Blackhoufe^ 



Mr Ikichan of Kello. 



William Watfon of Pilmore, 



Charles Mackie, furgeon, Ormidonv 



William .Swinton, merchant, North BerwicI* 



John Baiiiie in Penllone. 

 5 06 James Wight in Ormifton, 



Without entering at greater length, in this article, upon the 

 proceedings of the Society, it may be ftated, that in the year 

 1739, premiums for raifmg flax-\vere advertifed in the newfpa- 

 pers, and didributed by the Society to the gainers thereof, in term& 

 of their advertifements. In the fame year the Society petitioned 

 the Board of Truftees to get home Riga lintfeed, and to appoint 

 a proper perfon from Holland to fettle for fome time in this 

 country, to inftru^l: people in the way of watering and grafTiqg 

 lint properly. And in 1742, famples of lint were produced and 

 fubmitt-ed to the infpe£lion of judges, who declared them equal to 

 any imported from Holland for feveral years preceding that pe- 

 riod. 



If men of rank and fortune would thus employ their tune 

 and talents in promoting the public good, what ineftimable blefs- 

 ings might not fociety derive from their exertions. We here fee 

 how much was accompliflied by one individual, whofe means 

 were very limited \ therefore may judge of the extent of the 

 benefit that would be gained, were all animated with principles 

 equally patriotic and liberal. The like neceflity, perhaps, does 

 not eixil, at this day, for the execution of meafures fimilar to 

 thofe undertaken by him for introducing and dilVeminating im- 

 provements •, but every proprietor has it in his power to promote 

 tlie comfort and profperity of thofe placed below him. To him 

 alone tliey are naturally dilpofed to look up for protection and 

 fupport. If he treats them with leniency ; if he is interefted in 

 their welfare, and regards them as men, though placed lower in 

 the fcale of life, then a reciprocal return may fafely be expedted. 

 Proprietor:!, who a6l in this way, really and truly preferve the 

 full benefits of the feudal fyftem, though the fyllem itfelf has 

 been legally ;ibolifhed and overturned. 



Mr Cockbuvn died in the year 1747 ; and fliortly thereafter the 

 eftate of Ormiilon was fold to the late Earl of Hopetoun by his 

 fon Gccrge Cockburn Efo, afterwards comptroller of the navy. 



While 



