Sect I. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 47 



This extensive distribution of property is at- 

 tended with the happiest effects. The nobility, 

 in point of fortune, are equalled, and in some 

 instances exceeded, by many of the commoners. 

 But influence, derived from superiority of rank, 

 unsupported by a corresponding superiority of 

 fortune, can never be very extensive or danger- 

 ous. Accordingly, in their interference in the 

 public and political business of the county, their 

 good sense never allows them to overstep the 

 bounds of their order, and in no instance do 

 they discover any inclination to arrogate to 

 themselves powers, which are the common right 

 of the proprietors at large. On the other hand, 

 the gentry, feeling their own consequence, as 

 men of opulence and respectability, act, upon 

 all occasions, with a becoming spirit of inde- 

 pendence. Hence it happens that the noble- 

 men and gentlemen in Fife live on the most 

 friendly and intimate terms ; and all county bu- 

 siness is conducted with the greatest harmony 

 and ease, alike undisturbed by the insolence of 

 family pride, or the mean jealousy of inferior 

 rank, the violence of party-spirit, or the dis- 

 graceful artifices of political intrigue. 



The number of heritors liable in cess is up- 

 wards of 1 200 : about 400 of these are entitled 

 to be commissioners of supply. Of the pro- 

 prietors, the following hold the first rank. 



Noblemen. 



The Marquis of Tweedalc The Earl of Morton 



The Marquis of Titchfield The Earl of Murray 



The Earl of Craufurd The Earl of Kellv 



The Countess of Rothes The Earl of Elgin 



