and fattened for the butcher. Few of these mountains are entirely destitute of spots in which cultivation might be practicable; but it is found more advantageous to keep them in grass, as the numerous flocks which a range of mountains can feed in summer, require some better pasture in sheltered situations for a retreat in winter. For these reasons, judicious farmers attempt little cultivation, except in so far as it can be rendered subservient to the accommodation of their flocks; and those who have tried more have been obliged to acknowledge, that the expense of labour, combined with the loss of their winter pastures, has overbalanced any profit arising from their crops.

These reasons have still more force in the Highlands, where the climate is more adverse to the production of grain, and renders a reserve of winter pastures still more indispensable. From the prevalence therefore of the same circumstances, it must be expected that the lands will fall into the same general style of management; and that in the Highlands, as in the Cheviots or in Tweeddale, a few

shepherds, with their dogs, will be found sufficient for all the profitable work of an extensive range of land.

Ever since the introduction of sheepfarming into the Highlands, there has been a very unequal struggle between the former possessors of the lands, and the graziers. It would be difficult, perhaps, to quote an instance where the old tenantry have been able to offer a rent fully equal to that which their competitors would have given. In many instances, indeed, the fear of such competition has induced them to stretch their utmost nerve, and to make offers, which left from the produce of the land a bare subsistence for themselves. The indulgence of the landlords has often induced them to prefer these offers, when they could certainly have procured higher; and in these cases, the tenants have, perhaps, found their situation better than they had just reason to expect. The great and continual rise that has taken place in the value of every species of produce, and of none more than grazing cattle, has enabled them to pay their rent

with tolerable ease, and even to accumulate some savings, though in no proportion to the profits of the sheep-farmers, during the same period.

That this new system, however, is adapted to the natural circumstances of the Highlands, is sufficiently proved by its rapid and continual progress; nor can it be doubted that, from the same causes, it must ultimately prevail throughout all the mountainous parts.

On the first introduction of sheep-farming, it was confined to a few adventurous individuals, who being accustomed to it in the South of Scotland, had penetration to observe the vast field which was open to them, and firmness to persevere, notwithstanding the multiplied obstacles which opposed them. Having a great extent of country in their choice, they selected only such farms as were peculiarly adapted to their purpose, and such as they could bargain for at a rent extremely low in proportion to their real value. During all this period, therefore, the old oc

cupiers had to contend with a competition, partial, and comparatively feeble. The case

is now altered, and the graziers are so multiplied as to enter into competition with one another, and to give a rent as fully proportionate to the value of the land as in the rest of the kingdom.

The first sheep-farmers, like all who introduce new and successful modes of agriculture, reaped great profits, extended their capital, and have naturally been induced to employ it all in the same manner. Their success has also attracted others from the South of Scotland. The more sagacious of the inhabitants of the country itself saw the benefits they might derive from a similar mode of management. The small proprietors of land were among the first to imitate it; and some of them have taken the whole, or the greater part of their estates into their own possession. Many of the tacksmen have also discarded their superfluous cotters and subtenants, and imitate the active industry of the strangers.

The success that has hitherto invariably attended the practice, has been an inducement to all those in the Highlands, who can command any considerable capital, to engage in the same business; and the remarkable rise that has taken place in the value of produce within the last few years, has led them to offer rents, which are considered by the best judges as the utmost, if not beyond what the average rate of prices will enable the farmer to pay. Hence the competition

with which the old occupiers have to contend, has risen to a pitch which they cannot possibly resist; and the conclusion is inevitable, that, as fast as the current leases expire, the whole or nearly the whole of this body of men will be dispossessed.

The cotters are scarcely more likely to hold their place; because, though a few may be requisite, yet the number usually employed on any farm under the old system, was incomparably greater than a grazier has occasion for. The rents that are now to be paid, will not allow the occupier to submit to any unnecessary expense: the families to be maintained on the ground must, for his own

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