AGRICULTURAL SURVEY 



OF THE 



COUNTY OF FIFE, 



INTRODUCTION. 



AGRICULTURE, in every civilized nation, has 

 been justly regarded as an object of the first im- 

 portance, and, of all the useful arts, the most 

 deserving of public attention and encouragement. 

 At the same time that it furnishes a steady sup- 

 ply of all the necessary means of subsistence, 

 and comfortable accommodation, to the indivi- 

 dual, it contributes, most essentially, to the 

 strength, the opulence, and the independence of 

 the State. It must, therefore, appear surprising, 

 that, in this country, so much distinguished by 

 other improvements, the improvement of the 

 soil should have continued so long the object of 

 general neglect, and should never, till of late, 

 have received that public encouragement, to 

 which it has so just a claim. 



Literary merit has been patronised by the most 

 distinguished names. Improvements in the arts 

 and sciences have been encouraged by public 

 honours and rewards. Laws and regulations 

 have been established, and bounties held out, to 

 give energy and success to the exertions of the 

 merchant and manufacturer. Much blood and 



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