272

ON INCLOSING LAND

This view of the subject will not rightly apply to Scotland ;in which, from a consideration of its climate, inclosures arenecessary to defend the live-stock from the inclemency of theweather, whilst, at the same time, such is the nature of its soiland surface, that not a tenth part of its live-stock, nor a thirdpart of its acres, could possibly be managed in that manner.Neither will any of its arable soils, not even the Carse ofGowrie, so justly famed for its fertility, bear to be entirely de-prived of the benefits arising from grass in pasturage, withoutmaterial deterioration.

Inclosures and fencing are useful in so many ways, and arein some cases so indispensably necessary, that neither theproduce, nor its proper application, neither occupancy, ma-nagement, nor returns, can be liberal or correct withouttheir aid. Inclosures and fences may be considered as lay-ing the foundation of improvements, and of correct and pro-fitable husbandry. For this reason, it is proposed to take acursory view of the advantages derivable from inclosures andfences, both in reference to individuals and the public atlarge. To which shall be subjoined, considerations on theproper means for their erection, and on that necessary econo-my which looks towards their exjience and permanency, inorder to form a correct idea of the principles on which theyought to be designed and conducted ; as the neglect of theseis sure to be attended with disadvantage and loss. Afterthus considering the subject, under a variety of lights, thewhole shall be summed up, by a few practical illustrationsand directions, for carrying those important objects into ef-fect, in the best and most economical manner,