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ON INCLOSING LAND

known and considered, that many kinds of trees will growand thrive in much higher elevations than is generally belie-ved. If planted from the seed-bed, or even if the seed itselfbe sown, in these high situations, and in sufficiently largebreadths to assist in sheltering each other, trees prosper muchbeyond common expectation. While plantations of treesanswer admirably for shelter, upon the colder slopes and sum-mits of the hills and ridges, they are of much less use for shel-ter towards the lower grounds ; and it is very doubtful, howfar it may be profitable to plant good arable soils with tim-ber, even in mountain farms, where the arable spots are scan-ty and precious. It cannot possibly be doubted, on the otherhand, that the occupation of barren slopes and elevated ridgeswith timber, is an important improvement in regard to profit,besides being an elegant embellishment to the property andthe neighbourhood.

A well inclosed farm is not only of important value to theoccupier, but is besides a strong inducement to him to exertliis utmost energies in draining, cultivation, and improve-ments of all sorts, both in regard to his stock and his crops,owing to the security which these give him in reaping thefruits of his exertions. In a few years, the accumulating ef-fects of these become notorious to every person around; andwhen the farm is again offered to the public for a new lease,numerous offerers are induced to come forward as competi-tors, encouraged by the success of the fortunate occupier, andthe landlord is sure to derive large advantages, by greatly in-creased rents.

If, instead of the present open, bleak, and comparativelybarren aspect of most parts of Scotland , correct plans of in-closure were every where adopted, from the low rich carse,and improved moss, through the lower arable lands, to theslopes and ridges of the hills, every part being inclosed andfenced according to the modes best adapted for each soil, si-tuation, and manner of occupancy•, it is not easy to appreci-ate the beneficial alteration that would thereby be effected,