chap, xn. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 335 



In this case, I can see no way to get the better 

 of the obstacle, but one ; and that is, to let such 

 lands to substantial and intelligent husbandmen, 

 upon such terms, and for such a length of time, 

 as may enable them to execute the improve- 

 ments with a probable prospect of full indemni- 

 fication for their labour and expences. 



But though improvements may, sometimes, 

 be prevented or retarded by the want of money, 

 there is reason to suspect, that an inclination to 

 apply it to some other purpose, is more fre-* 

 quently the cause. Many chuse rather to place 

 their money in a Bank, or in the Stocks, than to 

 spend it in the amelioration of their lands. And 

 in some cases the taste for expensive living and 

 expensive amusements, is so strong, that the 

 whole income is barely sufficient to supply the 

 necessary means of gratification. But surely, 

 there is no Bank so safe, or which will yield so 

 high interest, as their lands. And if pleasure be 

 the chief object, there can be no comparison be-r 

 tween the pleasures that arise from the indul- 

 gence of vanity and appetite, and those that 

 flow from a consciousness of being useful to our- 

 selves and to the world, Every man of true 

 taste, will enjoy more satisfaction in' beholding 

 his fields well cultivated, than in faring at a. lux- 

 urious table ; and will find more rational amuse-* 

 ment in superintending and directing the opera- 

 tions of rural industry, than in spending lib 

 time and his money at the gaming~ta%ie, or on 

 the turf. 



2<//y, 'Thirlagg) \Vliei\rver it prevails, is al- 

 lowed to be a serious bar to improvement. I 

 shall not take up time in tracing the origin, or 



