chap. XVI. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 333 



adequate supply. It must be observed, how- 

 ever, that such of the poor as are able to do any 

 thing, contribute in part, by their labour, to their 

 own subsistence j and many of them are indebt- 

 ed to the kindness and private liberality of their 

 neighbours for assistance, when distress, or any 

 other cause, render their necessities more urgent. 

 It is likewise to be observed, that in various 

 parts of the county, especially in royal burghs, 

 and more populous towns, funds have been 

 established by different trades, and by friendly 

 societies, for giving relief and assistance to such 

 of their members as may fall into distress or in- 

 digence ; by which means, the ordinary funds 

 are relieved from the burden of a .considerable 

 number of poor, who, without such charitable 

 institutions, must have come upon them for 

 support. 



