IN SCOTLAND.

295

This admirable mode of inclosure on sheep farms, is calcu-lated to render them in the highest degree safe and produc-tive, as well as comfortable and beautiful. It requires, how-ever, a considerable degree of judgment, taste, and attention,to arrange the plan for the several purposes, and to adapt itto the grounds •, and is attended with considerable expence, inbuilding the several fences, and forming the requisite planta-tions for shelter. In many situations, it must be admitted,that such accommodations cannot be obtained. But moneylaid out in this way with judgment has always made liberalreturns to the landlord in advanced rents ; while the charac-ter of such farms is sure to rise in the estimation of the coun-try, and the plantations become in time a source of emolu-ment. By these improvements, while the lands undergoprogressive amelioration, the tenants are furnished with themeans of acquiring comfort and profit.

So great is now the value of sheep farms, under judiciousarrangements, as to suggest new ideas for their improvement,both to landlords and tenants. And, whatever may be theobstacles towards the accomplishment of this system, it is cer-tain that a plan of inclosure, similar to that now detailed,would add greatly to the value of the sheep-walks of Scotland ,where fences are of such great importance, and where, forthe most part, good materials for their construction are tobe had in abundance.

Were this plan adopted, as far as circumstances would per-mit, and surface-drains *, already carefully formed by themost intelligent farmers of sheep walks, more universally at-tended to, many tracts, immense and desolate as they appearat present, would be converted into safe, beautiful, and pro-ductive sheep farms ; accommodated with grain, turnips, andsown grasses, and giving ample and productive employment,and great additional food, for an increasing population.

* These are small open cuts, about.two feet wide, drawn across the declivitiesof wet land in sheep pastures. They are soon and cheaply executed, and fre-quently render a farm quite sound and healthy, that was formerly notorious forthe deadly poke or rot.