IN SCOTLAND.

211

reasonable profit for their capital, labour, and attention; andindeed, generally, have most profit, where their expences aregreatest, and where their operations are conducted in the mostspirited and judicious maimer.

It is not saying too much for the great improvements whichhave been made in Scotland within the last 30 years, whenit is affirmed, that the occupiers of the land in that country,now raise at least 50 per cent, or one half more food for manand beast, than what was produced before the year 1782.Not only has the population increased considerably, withinthat period; but the people eat much greater quantities ofbutcher-meat and wheaten flour. Nay the horses now receiveas great a quantity of oats annually, as was formerly allowedfor food to one-fourth part of the inhabitants : And, from thespirit for improved agriculture that is now generally prevalent,it is probable that both the population, and the produce ofthe soil of Scotland , will continue to increase in nearly thesame proportion, for many years to come, perhaps for ages,if not counteracted by injudicious laws, adverse seasons, ornational calamities.