18 THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ESTATE. 



an office for which " all sorts and conditions of men" were suitable, and 

 hence the backward state of agriculture in many parts of the country. 

 The agent, when thoroughly qualified, ought to be, and really is, the 

 great promoter of agricultural improvement on the estate under his 

 charge. Nor is the influence of a man of that description confined to 

 those in whom he is more immediately interested, for it is felt outside 

 that circle, directing and modifying the actions of others, and effecting 

 an amount of good which it is impossible to estimate. 



