Cause and Progress of Cleanliness. 29 



of ages will leave no perceptible impression. 

 The recent improvements in the agriculture 

 of Scotland had their origin within the last 

 fifty years. Mr. Dawson, of Roxburghshire, 

 the bold innovator, still lives to enjoy the vene- 

 ration and respect, and, it is to be hoped, the 

 gratitude also, of his countrymen. 



His exertions first laid the foundation for ex- 

 tending to Scotland the comforts enjoyed by all 

 classes in England ; and though much has been 

 done, much is yet to be accomplished ; among 

 which the blessing of cleanliness will doubtless 

 be duly appreciated. 



In tracing the causes which have given to 

 the English a superiority in this habit, we must 

 go back to the destruction of the feudal system, 

 which eventually has produced many of the 

 blessings we at present enjoy. From the divi- 

 sion of property, which then ensued, originated 

 a gradation of ranks as industry was promoted, 

 wealth flowed into the country, and became 

 dispersed through the whole body politic. The 

 congregating of wealthy individuals in villages, 

 towns, and cities, excited emulation, and 

 brought every advance in the acquirement of 

 comforts under the immediate notice of numbers. 



