186

LAND OCCUPIED BY FARMERS

an excellent breed of horses, and are successful in the ma-nagement of the dairy; nay, though they derive many advan-tages from the great population of the district, and the con-stant demand for the produce of the soil, they do not in ge-neral hold the same rank in society, which the farmers do inthe South-east Lowlands.

In the 4th, or Central District, the farmers in the rich Carsesof Stirling, Falkirk , and Gowrie, and in the fertile valleys ofFife, Clackmannan, Strathern, and Strathmore , approxi-mate to those of the first district; and are distinguished bytheir intelligence, their integrity, and their extensive capi-tals. In the more remote parts of the shires of Stirling , Kin-ross, Perth , and Forfar, simplicity of manners, skill inrearing live-stock, rather than the knowledge of improved. agriculture, and parsimony, rather than active exertions,mark the character of the Highland farmers; while a particu-lar class, namely, a number of tradesmen, dwelling in or nearthe numerous towns and villages which are interspersed throughthis district, are distinguished by their industry and exertionsin managing small occupations of from 5 to 10 acres.

In the 5th district, or North east Lowlands, (where, sincethe introduction of the turnip husbandry, both the rearing oflive-stock, and the raising of corn, have been carried on withgreat success), a number of intelligent, enterprising, and ac-tive farmers, raise excellent crops of corn, turnips, and sownglasses. Others are remarkable for their knowledge of thediseases of cattle, and their skill in rearing them ; but theyare rather good market-men than active improvers. Severalfarmers from the southern counties have been introduced in-to this district, where their example has been beneficial. Butthe most useful improvements have been carried on by youngfarmers, natives of the district, by whom great exertions havebeen made in reclaiming barren land.

In the 6th District, (with the exception of gentlemen far-mers, or tacksmen), the natives, from the small size of theirfarms, the shortness of their leases, and their want of capital,