sect. II. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 8$ 



was generally repaid with corresponding affec- 

 tion and respect. This connection and mutual 

 attachment often descended from father to son ; 

 and its long continuance was frequently the pride 

 and boast of both. But now considerations of 

 interest are weakening these old fashioned at- 

 tachments ; and the amount of the offered rent 

 is generally more attended to than the plea of 

 long possession. Nor can this, in every instance, 

 be blamed. When an old tenant is industrious, 

 and discovers good management, and an incli- 

 nation to do well, he may reasonably expect a 

 preference, upon equal, perhaps upon easier, 

 terms than a mere stranger. But surely it can- 

 not, in reason, be expected that a preference 

 should be given, solely upon this ground, to w a 

 man who, by his indolence, ignorance, or dis- 

 sipation, has suffered his farm to run into dis- 

 order, and has thereby disqualified himself for 

 doing justice either to himself or to his master. 

 Though it may not, perhaps, be the principal 

 object of this enquiry, to ascertain the moral 

 and political character of the farmers, yet it 

 might be improper to suffer this to pass altoge- 

 ther unnoticed. The principles and morals of 

 of men must ever have a powerful influence in 

 modelling and forming their characters in rela- 

 tion to the several occupations and pursuits in 

 which they may be engaged. In proportion as 

 these are good or bad, the character of the farm- 

 er, as well as of the merchant, the manufacturer, 

 the tradesman, &c. will be more or less respect- 

 able. Intemperance and dissipation will relax 

 the sinews of industry, and divert the attention 

 from business ; and the want of integrity will 

 M 



