sect. IV. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 297 



The principal weekly market for grain is held 

 at Cupar. A market of the same kind was late- 

 ly established at Kirkalday ; but I understand 

 there is not a great deal of business transacted 

 at it* 



SECT. If. COMMERCE* 



THE situation of this county is very favour- 

 able for trade. It is almost surrounded with 

 the sea, and abounds with harbours, several of 

 which are capable of being fitted, at a moderate 

 expence, for the reception of ships of almost 

 any burden : And though not so conveniently 

 situated for the West Indies, America, or the 

 south of Europe, its communication with all 

 the northern kindoms is short and easy. Not- 

 withstanding these advantages, however, it has 

 never made any considerable figure in commerce. 

 This may be partly owing to the proximity of 

 the Port of Leith, the connection of which with 

 the Metropolis, as it would early give it the ad- 

 vantage over every other port in the neighbour- 

 hood, so it must continue to secure to it the as- 

 cendency it had gained. 



There are two ports in Fife where custom- 

 houses have been established, viz. Kirkaldy and 

 Anstruther. The former has under its manage- 

 ment all the duties on exports and imports from 

 Aberdour to Largo, inclusive ; and the latter, 

 from Largo to St Andrew's. The trade on the 

 north side is under the inspection of the custom- 

 houses of Dundee and Perth j and that from 



