Parochial, National, and Miscellaneous Burdens. 63 



grinding, double or treble what ought to be exacted, but the 

 farmer is bound, to carry his grain, to be manufactured by a 

 person, on whose skill or honesty he cannot always place de- 

 pendence ( ZIZ ). Fortunately, the proprietors of mills in Scot- 

 land, can be compelled to have their mill-dues valued by a 

 jury, and converted into an annual payment in money. 



Whether the public burdens should be paid by the proprie- 

 tor or the farmer, is a question of considerable importance. 

 When paid by the latter, it is attended with this advantage, 

 that the landlord has only to calculate on a real, and not an 

 ideal income, and he limits his expense accordingly. 



The vexations to which farmers in England are subjected, 

 from various uncertain burdens, operate as a premium to Scot- 

 tish agriculture. It is ingeniously and justly remarked, that 

 physical circumstances are much more favourable to agricul- 

 ture in England, than in her sister country ; but these advan- 

 tages are counteracted, by the accumulation of moral evils, 

 which might be removed, if the Legislature were to bestow, 

 on matters connected with the internal improvement of the 

 country, and the means for promoting it, a portion of that at- 

 tention, which it so frequently gives to the amelioration or 

 improvement of our foreign possessions ( 2I3 ). 



Concluding Observations. 



Besides these, a variety of miscellaneous particulars require 

 consideration, before a prudent farmer will finally resolve to 

 undertake the cultivation of a farm ; as, 1. The nature of the 

 property on which the farm is situated ; in particular, whe- 

 ther the estate is entailed, and to what extent the possessor 

 of the estate is authorised to grant a lease ( zl4 ). 2. The cha- 

 racter of the landlord, and in case of his decease, that of his 

 family, and those whom they are likely to consult. 3. The 

 real condition of the farm in regard to the inclosure, drainage) 

 building, &c. ; the crops it has usually produced, and the man- 

 ner in which it has been managed some years preceding. 4. 

 The general state of the district, in regard to the price of la- 

 bour, and the expense of living ; the character of its inhabi- 

 tants, in particular, of the neighbouring farmers and labourers, 

 and whether they are likely to promote, or to discourage a 

 spirit of improvement. 



It is evident, that in hardly any one instance, can all the cir- 

 cumstances above enumerated be favourably combined. But 

 the active and intelligent farmer, will not be discouraged by 

 the obstacles which he may have to surmount ; but will stre- 

 nuously endeavour, by exertion, industry, and perseverance, to 

 overcome the difficulties that must unavoidably be encountered. 



