T1REY. AGRICULTURE. 27 



have been adopted, corresponding as they do with the 

 more perfect systems in general use. Time is, however, 

 rapidly diminishing the number of these ancient usages, 

 and the progress of improvement is, if slowly, yet cer- 

 tainly, confining them within a smaller circle. When 

 ancient systems are discovered to be prejudices, their 

 downfal is not distant. To make such errors matter of 

 reproach is unjust : they are of all times, and have been 

 accompanied by similar errors in all the branches of 

 human knowledge. The causes by which they are here 

 still maintained are abundantly obvious ; and it is rather 

 matter of surprise that so much has been done in a 

 period so short, than that any thing should remain to be 

 accomplished. 



Under the ancient system of policy and mamiers, a 

 scanty and imperfect cultivation of corn was limited to 

 the few spots surrounding villages (if such they might 

 be called) which were immediately under the eyes of the 

 cultivators, and thus more secure from destruction by 

 an enemy : a consideration of importance at a time 

 when eveiy great family was an independent state, and 

 these states were in perpetual hostility. Sheep were> 

 from their habits, ill adapted to the system of pasturage 

 connected with this condition of things, the chief 

 wealth of the inhabitants consisting in cattle ; the con- 

 stant objects of depredation, and the fruitful sources of 

 war. Under such a system, a scanty population with 

 difficulty found a supply of food, and the obvious con^ 

 sequences are too apparent throughout the whole history 

 of the country, to a period even as late as the middle 

 of the last century. The introduction of the potatoe, 

 and the increase of sheep pasturage, made the first 

 material change in the system; and, in consequence of 

 these innovations, the population increased and has 

 continued to increase to this day. But here the improve- 

 ment may be said to have ceased ; at least no radical 

 additions have been ma'de, although modifications of 



