698 



ON RURAL IMPROVEMENT, AND 



BOOK III, 



Perhaps this is a picture of rural felicity, rather as it might he, 

 than as it is; but there can be no conclusive arguments against 

 presenting such pictures ; on the contrary, they have an im- 

 portant application — they shew what man may attain to, per- 

 haps with greater ease than he can accomplish any important 

 purpose of common life ; for such a life may be spent, similar 

 effects produced, and similar happiness enjoyed, in every 

 country, and by every one who is enabled to purchase a small 

 estate, or a very few acres. Possession being taken, he has only 

 to give his mind to it — if he has turned his thoughts to the sub- 

 ject before, he will take care to increase its beauties by attending 

 to character, use, and economy : and will most probably have 

 purchased in the most romantic parts of the country. A sum 

 of money necessary for purchasing, in a smaller or larger degree, 

 may be attained by every industrious citizen — expended in this 

 way, the pursuit of it is worthy of commercial engagements 

 even in the Indies — children, strongly impressed with this end 



with which I am acquainted, In England, Wales, and Scotland ; but I rather men- 

 tion a different instance, which will shew the same thing perhaps more strikingly. 

 In the low country of Scotland, the reaping is chiefly performed by men and wo- 

 men from the Highlands. All these, from different roads and parts of the coun- 

 try, necessarily meet on one road before they embark at North Queensferry to cross 

 the river Forth to Mid Lothian. A gentleman in Edinburgh, remarkable for his 

 benevolence, annually presents every individual from the Highlands with a loaf 

 and tankard of ale just before they embark. For this they are so grateful, that the 

 name, abode, and good deeds of that gentleman are spread through every part of 

 the west Flighlands of Scotland. I myself have heard them mention the circum- 

 stance with tears of thankfulness in their eyes ; evidently not for the value of the 

 donation, but the benevolence and consideration displayed by the donor. 



