chap. X. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 229 



CHAPTER X. 



Woods and Plantations. 



1 HERE are some patches of natural wood in 

 .Fife ; but these are so few and so inconsiderable, 

 that they deserve no particular notice. 



The wood growing around the mansion-hou- 

 ses of proprietors, may be considered as planta- 

 tions. These are numerous, and the wood 

 mostly aged, and valuable, consisting of ash, 

 elm, beech, fir of different kinds, limes, and 

 some oak. Those belonging to the Earls of 

 Crawfurd and Leven are the largest. Several 

 plantations, less extensive, have been raised in 

 different parts of the county, particularly on the 

 north side by the proprietor of Rankeiler, and 

 Mr Gourley of Craigrothrie ; and on the south, 

 on the estates of General Wemyss, Sir James 

 Sinclair Erskine, and Mr Ferguson of Raith. 

 These are now in an advanced state, and, whilst 

 they greatly improve the appearance of the 

 country, will amply repay the owners for their 

 trouble and expence. 



Several tracts of barren ground, and divided 

 commons, have been lately planted. But as the 

 trees are yet in an infant state, they make little 

 appearance. These young plantations consist 

 of various kinds, such as oak, Scots-fir, larix, 

 beech, birch, ash, &c. the kind always bearing 



