COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 231 



whom I am not only glad to meet as acquaintances, but 

 am proud to call my intimate friends. . . . Around 

 me I see a body of men, in appearance, manly, 

 intelligent and gentlemanlike ; in manner, frank, 

 kindly and courteous ; in conversation, sensible, 

 shrewd and well-educated. If we follow them to 

 their homes w^e find these men in their professional 

 employments active and industrious, pursuing the 

 practice of agriculture with skill and diligence, 

 turning to account every art of science and 

 chemistry to increase the produce of the soil. By 

 their energy and enterprise we find swamps drained, 

 hills levelled, the course of rivers altered, the whole 

 face of the country changed. We find waving crops 

 where only rushes flourished ; we find lowing herds 

 on lands which before were the resting-place of the 

 snipe and the plover ; we find two blades of corn 

 where only one grew before ; and any man who can 

 achieve such a result is a benefactor to his country. 

 In matters of business we find these men liberal, 

 honest and straightforward. In their domestic 

 circles we find them contented, happy and hospit- 

 able, ready ever to lend a helping hand to the poor, 

 ever ready to ' welcome the coming, and speed the 

 parting guest '. We find among them every quality 

 which can adorn the character of an honest man, and 

 we as a county have especial reason to be proud of 

 the tenantry of Fife. In their political opinions, 

 of course, we find men of every shade of opinion ; 

 many of whom, although they differ from us, are 

 entitled to our respect ; but I think I am not far 



