Economy and Rural Improvements. 17 



ing than rural improvements, whether of a per- 

 manent nature, as applicable to patrimonial 

 property ; or those of a less stable kind, as 

 regard the best mode of annual cultivation and 

 the treatment of stock. In both cases, unless 

 a rigid persevering economy is steadily pursued, 

 the beneficial effects may be very much ques- 

 tioned ; while the example may, by possibility, 

 be attended with injurious consequences. Va- 

 nity, frequently the promoter, may supply a 

 sufficient reward to the proprietor, by the ad- 

 miration which his fortune, taste, and industry, 

 may command ; and he is entitled also to the 

 gratitude of the neighbourhood by rendering 

 the expenditure of his income contributory to 

 the comfort and the prosperity of his depen- 

 dants. But his farming tenants must look to 

 more substantial returns than those which ad- 

 miration, however justly bestowed, may furnish j 

 and Mr. Irwin's good sense will teach, that 

 neither the influence of fashionable theoretical 

 agriculturists, nor even the admiration of the 

 most able judges, are sufficient to induce expe- 

 riments of a costly nature, on an extensive 

 scale, before they are justified by repeated trials 

 on a contracted one, and found to be practically 

 deserving of adoption. The rents given for 

 lands within half a mile of the town are very 

 high, yet are these grounds in a most wretched 

 VOL. i. c 



