THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 353 



being, in any instance, adopted. This, surely, 

 leads to a suspicion that it labours under some 

 material defect. It may be deemed presump- 

 tion in me to find fault with a plan which can 

 boast of such high authority and approbation. 

 But, with all due deference to great names, there 

 is one objection which strikes me strongly, and 

 which appears insurmountable. The objection 

 is, that the interest of the proprietor is not suffi- 

 ciently attended to and secured. 



To accelerate the improvement of the soil, 

 and to prevent all suspense or relaxation in car- 

 rying it forward, is the great leading object. 

 For the accomplishment of this, it is proposed 

 to bring the landlord and tenant together on. 

 such terms, as may most effectually encourage 

 the vigorous and uninterrupted exertions of the 

 latter, and, at the same, secure to the former eve- 

 ry advantage from the cultivation of his lands, 

 that he can, injustice, claim. With this view 

 the lease is made to extend to an indefinite num- 

 ber of years, but, at the same time, divided into 

 periods of 21 years, and stipulating a certain rise, 

 of rent to take place at the commencement of 

 each period. At the termination of every pe- 

 riod, the tenant is at liberty to resign his farm, 

 if he shall think fitTupon giving his master no- 

 tice in due time, or to continue in possession^ 

 upon paying the rise-rent fixed in the lease ; un- 

 less the proprietor shall think proper to resume 

 the possession of his lands, which he is entitled 

 to do ; but upon the express condition that he 

 pay the tenant 10 years purchase of the stipu- 

 lated advance of rent for the next period, and 

 of any additional sum he may chuse to offer. 

 Yy 



