Ossian Collection > Journey to the western islands of Scotland

2iS A JOURNEY TO THE
It feems to be the general opinion, that
the rents have been raifed with too much
eagernefs. Some regard muft be paid to
prejudice. Thofe who have hitherto paid
but little, will not fuddenly be perfuaded to
pay much, though they can afford it. As
ground is gradually improved, and the va-
loc af money decreafes, the rent may be
raifed without any diminution of the far-
mer's profits : yet it is neceffary in thefc
countries, where the ejedion of a tenant is
a greater evil, than in more populous places,
to confider not merely what the land will
produce, but with what ability the inhabitant
can cultivate it. A certain flock can allow
but a certain payment ; for if the land be
doubled, and the flock remains the fame,
the tenant becomes no richer. The pro-
|)rietors of the Highlands might perhaps
tjften intreafe t^ieir income, by fubdividing
tfee farms, and allotting to every occupier
only fo many acres as he can profitably
employ, but that they want people.
Thqre