IN SCOTLAND.

273

SECT. I.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE ADVANTAGES OF INCLOSURES'.

IN considering the advantages to be derived from proposedinclosurcs, a landed proprietor has occasion for the exerciseof much attentive observation, and sagacious reflection, be-fore he determines upon any specific plan. In most cases,he ought to take counsel with himself and others, to enablehim to ascertain what benefits are most wanted by his lands,and how these are most likely to be effected by inelosures,and then to form his plan upon a mature consideration of allthe circumstances combined. It is not enough that he beoffered a percentage for the outlay, or a larger money rent inconsequence of inclosure, unless convinced that the specificplan is good, and embraces at least the most important ad*vantages that can be effected by inclosures, When this fun-damental point is settled, he will next reflect upon the meansof its accomplishment, and on the best plan of economy, forsaving unnecessary expence, both in the first instance and infuture, and for securing the permanence of the fences.When all these have been successively and duly considered,lie may enter into engagements for their execution, but notsooner. The advantages of inelosures ought to be consider-ed as connected with climate, soil, and occupancy.

1. A climate that is naturally warm or mild, will hardlyrequire artificial shelter ; but if cold, and backward for theproduction of crops, and hazardous or injurious to live-stock,shelter ought to be one of the first and most important ob-jects held in view.

2. A dry and kindly soil gives encouragement for plans ofimprovement by cultivation, and the fences and inelosuresought to be adapted for that purpose, not forgetting wha^,

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