sect. IV. THE COUNTY OF FIFE.' 



knowledge of agriculture, or in zeal for its in- 

 terests, are certainly not of this opinion, other- 

 wise they would not continue to encourage the 

 practice. 



As it is believed there is both lime-stone and 

 marie in many farms, which have not as yet 

 been discovered ; and as these are such valuable 

 articles of manure, it might be proper to insert 

 a clause in leases, encouraging tenants to make 

 diligent search for them, by allowing them, if 

 successful, the privilege of a certain quantity for 

 their own farms. When this encouragement is 

 withheld, especially when applied for by the 

 tenants, they will be at no pains to make dis- 

 coveries, or, if they should make accidental dis- 

 coveries, piqued at the refusal, they will be apt 

 to keep them concealed from theproprietor. 



When an unimproved farm is let, it often 

 happens that the houses, though in good repair, 

 and sufficient for every present purpose, shall, 

 in a few years, from the increase of the farmer's 

 stock of cattle and grain, in consequence of his 

 improvement, become wholly inadequate. Pro- 

 vision should, therefore, be made in the lease for 

 this change of circumstances. As houses may 

 be considered as a permanent improvement, 

 proprietors should bind themselves to build 

 what may be really necessary, and tenants to 

 pay the interest of the money thus expend- 

 ed at the rate of 5 1. per cent. This would 

 be no disadvantage to the landlord, whilst the 

 tenant would be prevented from diverting his 

 capital from its proper use, the improvement of 

 his farm. Or, if this shall not be thought pro- 



