56 AGRICULTURAL SURVEY OF chap. II. 



right judgment of his master's interest, and to 

 guard him against any unfair advantages that 

 might be attempted ; and, on the other, to dis- 

 cern clearly what ought, and wh.at ought not, 

 to be granted to tenants, both in the original 

 paction, and in the progress of its fulfilment. 

 And he would be able also to give sound advice 

 to the tenants, with respect to the method of 

 managing their farms, and to ensure a prompt 

 compliance, by exhibiting, on his own farm, 

 the successful result of the practice he recom- 

 mends. I need scarcely add, that strict and in- 

 flexible integrity is peculiarly requisite in one 

 entrusted \v ith a business of this kind. With a 

 view to secure extraordinary favour from his 

 employer, such a man will not allow himself to 

 harrass and distress the tenants, by iniquitous 

 and oppressive exactions ; nor will he be tempt- 

 ed, by the offer of bribes or favours, to grant 

 the tenants advantages and indulgences incon- 

 sistent with justice, and injurious to the land- 

 lord or his estate. A factor of this character, 

 and of this character all factors ought to be, 

 will inspire the tenants with activity and confi- 

 dence, strengthen their attachment to their mas- 

 ter, secure a cheerful and punctual payment of 

 rent, and thus promote the best interests of both 

 parties. 



SECT. II. TENURES. 



THE lands in Fife generally hold blench and 

 feu of the Crown. Blench-holding is that kind 

 of tenure, by which the vassal is bound to pay 



