184

LAND OCCUPIED UY FARMERS

tend to, that a large farm becomes unsuitable. In such situa-tions, farms necessarily become smaller ; and, indeed, as therent of land increases rapidly, a great extent of it would provea most hazardous speculation.

The size of forms must thus depend on the circumstancesof a country; what is a proper size in one district, is not soin another; and what is a proper size at one time, is not soat another, even in the same district *.

Sect. 2— Character of the Farmers.

In a work of this nature, it is impossible to give a minutedelineation of all that variety of character which is to befound among the Scottish farmers ; but a few general outlines,established on the authority of the County Reports, may de-serve the reader’s attention.

In the 1st District, where agriculture is carried on in themost correct manner, the formers, in general, possess at onceskill, industry and capital. Their skill is neither the meretheory of science, nor the discoveries of accident, but arisesfrom observation and experience, and a happy union of know-ledge with practice. Their industry is not mere servile labour,or incessant drudgery j it is the persevering energy of mindwhich stimulates and superintends the labour of others. The

* For that reason, proprietors should not allow their buildings and fences togo to ruin ; for though the present occupier may have little occasion for them,they may be required by his successor.

In regard to the relative advantages of great and small farms they will be ex-plained in Appendix , NO. III. It appears from that discussion, that if the na-tural order of things is allowed to have free course, as stated in the text, the sizeof farms, (large or small), can never be injurious in tins country, where so greatU. part of the population is engaged in commerce, manufactures, &c. Size mustuver, and in every situation, depend upon the ability of tenants, (which again isdetermined by their skill, capital, and industry), and that size is always the best,for which in the state of any district there is the most effectual demand at thetime, be it large or small. That demand ensures the highest rent, and the highicst jent is a proof of the greatest produce that circumstances will admit of.