chap.xrni. THE COUNTY OF FIFE. 381 



never to divert the land attached to it from the 

 original purpose. On the other hand, let the 

 tenant have full power to choose the persons 

 who shall occupy the different cot-houses, and 

 to settle with them for what time, and upon 

 what terms he pleases. A condition perfectly 

 reasonable, as he is bound for the rent to the 

 proprietor. Besides, were the cottages to be let 

 by the landlord, and made independent of the 

 tenant, the principal design would be frustrat- 

 ed. 



The advantages resulting to the farm from a 

 plan of this kind are many and obvious. The 

 tenant can let the houses to married servants, to 

 labourers, and to such mechanics as are most 

 necessary for the purposes of husbandry. He 

 has it in his power to let them on such terms as 

 to command the labour of the cottagers, at any 

 time when extraordinary labour may be neces- 

 sary. The plan will be equally advantageous 

 for the cottagers, as by the work they are bound 

 to perform, they can pay their rent without any 

 sensible difficulty. The privilege of having a 

 comfortable habitation, with as much ground 

 as will keep a cow, and produce a little food for 

 the family, is a great encouragement to people 

 of that class to marry, and settle in the coun- 

 try ; and thus population will be promoted, 

 and the health and morals of a numerous 

 and useful body of the people preserved. Be- 

 sides, as the children of the cottagers will rea- 

 dily be employed, from time to time, in the 

 different operations of husbandry, they will 

 contract a taste for rural occupations, and, at 

 the same time, acquire skill and dexterity in the 



