chap. r/7. r THE COUNTX_OF FIFE. 2Qf 



use of his own family. The quantity allowed 

 seldom exceeds ten pecks. 



A restriction, so novel, and so contrary to 

 the sentiments and practice that have hitherto 

 prevailed, surely merits some consideration. If 

 the reasons are substantial and conclusive, the 

 prohibition should take place, not only in this 

 county, but in every county in Scotland ; for 

 they are equally applicable to all. The Board 

 of Trustees must have, hitherto, been in a great 

 error, and ought instantly to desist from offer- 

 ing premiums, or giving any further encourage- 

 ment to a practice now found to be so hurtful. 

 But, on the contrary, if it shall appear that the 

 resolution has been hastily and inconsiderately 

 adopted, and is not supported by any solid rea- 

 sons the scheme ought to be abandoned, and 

 the culture of flax allowed to go on in its usual 

 course. 



The chief, and indeed the only reasons as- 

 signed for this prohibition, are these two : i//, 

 That flax is a very exhausting crop ; and, idly y 

 That it affords neither food for cattle, nor ma- 

 nure for the ground. 



That flax is an exhausting crop is admitted ; 

 but so likewise are wheat, barley, and oats. Be- 

 fore the culture of this plant was rightly under- 

 stood, it was sometimes sown on land that had 

 carried several crops of oats in succession, im- 

 mediately before ; and then after the flax oat& 

 were sown again, the ground all this while re- 

 ceiving no manure. This being the method, 

 it is no wonder that the land suffered. But the 

 injury is not to be ascribed solely to the flax ; 

 the other scourging crops must bear an equal 



