IN SCOTLAND.

183

ply the defects of the original construction ; but this seldomcontributed much to their improvement, (not being partsof a complete and uniform plan); and the little expence at-tending such alterations, induced the occupier, or landlord,to go on, making occasional additions, from time to time,with a view of procuring better accommodation, until, at last,more money was actually expended in this way, than wouldhave built a convenient steading from the foundation. Therewas but one apology for such a mode of proceeding, namely,that the expence was gradually incurred, whereas, if a newerection had been made, it would have been all demanded atonce *.

Before the details connected with the construction of farm-houses and offices are explained, it may be proper to state thegeneral principles which deserve attention when such build-ings are under consideration. These are, 1. Their situation ;2. Command of water; 3. Access; 4. Expence of construc-tion ; and 5. Judicious arrangement']-.

arranged,-—some had no granaries or lofts for holding threshed grain,—somehad either no sheds, or sheds not sufficiently large for holding the farming im-plements, which, in consequence of continued exposure to the sun and rain,rapidly decay,—some had no straw yards,—some no feeding houses for theircattle; and where they had, the stables and cow-houses were, in many cases,too short,—some had no proper site for the dung, and the dunghill was some-times socking in w ater, or its rich moisture permitted to run to waste;—somewanted a proper milk-house and other conveniences for a dairy,—some had nobetter threshing floors than damp clay. In short, several accommodations werewanting, which are essential to the prosperity of a farmer. (Ftfi’shire ReportsP- 76.)

* See the Agricultural Survey of Kinross-shire, by the Itev. I)r Graham,p. 33.

f “ As an appendage to farm-houses, a kitchen garden is of infinite impor-tance, and may be more profitable to the occupier than any part of his farmof the same size. This is certainly less essential, since potatoes, turnips, andother articles, have been cultivated in the fields; but still it is expedient for afarmer to have a garden for other articles, to enable him also to try experimentswith new' plants on a small scale, to train up his rising family to an attention tosuch objects, and to furnish his table with small domestic luxuries, which n*