SCCt. I. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 55 



tenants in the name and behalf of the proprie- 

 tor. This is a charge of very great importance. 

 The improvement and prosperity of the estate ; 

 the advantages resulting from it to both land- 

 lord and tenant ; and that mutual attachment 

 and good understanding which are so necessary 

 to the comfort of both, depend,' in a consider- 

 able degree, on the character and abilities of the 

 person appointed to this office. A factor ought 

 to be a man of temper, prudence, and address, 

 that he may be able to manage the various cha- 

 racters with which he must be connected, and 

 to command their respect and confidence. He 

 ought to have a compet nt knowledge of the' 

 laws of his country, particularly of those which 

 have a more immediate connection with the bu- 

 siness in which he is engaged, and to be well 

 acquainted with the legal forms, by which his 

 transactions between landlord and tenant ought 

 to be regulated. This qualification will enable 

 him to avoid any irregularities or mistakes in 

 business, that may lead to vexatious and trouble- 

 some litigations. It will also give him weight 

 and influence among the tenants, in settling 

 their little disputes, and preventing them from 

 entering into unnecessary law-suits. A factor- 

 ought likewise to be well acquainted with rural 

 affairs, with the nature of soil, the value of 

 land, and the method of management. In short, 

 he ought, if possible, to be a practical farmer. 

 And it would be no small advantage, were he to- 

 have his residence and his farm upon the estate 

 w r hich he is employed to manage. Thus qua- 

 lified, and thus situated, he would be able, on 

 the one hand, to form, upori every occasion, a 



