chap. XVI. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 347 



the most difficult to cultivate. For it is natural 

 to suppose, that, so far as he can do it, consist- 

 ently with any regular plan, he will turn his 

 attention, at first, to those parts that can be im- 

 proved at the least expence, and will yield him 

 the largest and readiest returns. 



He next considers the 100 or 120 acres which 

 he hath brought into order, and, after serious 

 deliberation, concludes, that to confine his at- 

 tention henceforth to the land already improved, 

 and to apply to this all his manure, and to keep 

 it in high order, will be infinitely more profi- 

 table than to throw away his money upon im- 

 provements, the advantages of which must be 

 uncertain, and may be enjoyed by another. 



Let us now suppose the endurance of the lease 

 to exend to 38 years, and observe the consequen- 

 ces. The tenant has full time to carry on his plan 

 of improvement, and to complete it in the most 

 substantial manner. This he will be able to 

 accomplish during the first 19 or 20 years, all 

 suspension or relaxation of industry being effec- 

 tually prevented by the certain prospect oi reap- 

 ing abundantly the fruits of his labour. And 

 at the end of his lease, he will be in a condition 

 to offer an increase of rent greater perhaps than 

 any other can do. By the accelerated improve- 

 ment, and the consequent increase of produce, 

 the State will be greatly benefited, and the pro- 

 prietor will come in for a fair proportion of the 

 advantages. 



But, perhaps, the proprietor may alledge, that, 

 at the expiration of 19 years,* he has reason to 

 expect a rise of rent upon such a farm, even 

 though the improvements should be carried no 



X X 2 



