LAND OCCUPIED BY FARMERS

170-

PART III.

OF LAND OCCUPIED BY FARMERS.

By far the greater part of the land in Scotland is rented by-farmers, and in general it is most beneficial to the public thatit should be occupied in that manner. The tenant who cul-tivates the soil as a profession, has but one object in view,and must therefore manage the concern better than a pro-prietor, who has often other avocations to distract his atten-tion. Not only is the tenant necessarily more attentive tohis business, but he carries it on at less expence, his cattleand servants do more work, the produce of his farm ismore carefully looked after, and no money is expended with-out the prospect of an adequate return. Substantial improve-ments, as erecting commodious buildings, making roads,draining, inclosing, and perhaps an extensive application ofcalcareous manures, may be executed advantageously by thelandlord ; but in regard to raising the products of the soil, byjudicious rotatiops of crops, complete aration, plentiful manu-ring, selection of the best seeds, &c. an intelligent farmer hasevidently the advantage.

In explaining the mode of occupying land by farmers, the'following points require to be discussed : 1. The size of farms;2. The characters of those who occupy them; 3. The natureof the leases, or the tenure by which they are held ; 4. Therent which they pay to the landholder ; 5. The other burdensto which the occupier is liable; and, 6. The expence andprofit of farming.