We repeat, that we cannot believe that the Duchess of Buccleugh is aware that there are such cottages on her husband's Scotch estates: probably even the duke may be equally ignorant; and, in that case, the blame must be considered as attaching to his managers; and these, again, may very probably excuse themselves (for there are always plenty of excuses for every thing), on the ground of not feeling justified in departing from what is deemed customary in like cases. This confirms what we have always stated; viz., that the reform and amelioration of any class of society, to be effectual and permanent, must proceed from that class itself. When the labouring classes have a decided taste for an improved description of cottages, and for larger gardens, they will, as we have said before, never rest satisfied till they have procured them. But, though we maintain this doctrine, we hold also that something is to be expected, in favour of the poor and ignorant, from the generous feelings of the enlightened and wealthy; and therefore we consider it to be the duty, as we are certain it would contribute to the happiness, of all proprietors who can afford it, to endeavour to raise the character of the human beings on their estates, by improving their dwellings. No man can compel the Duke of Buccleugh to issue an order that no cottages shall be built on his estates with less than three rooms, and other conveniences, and a garden of at least the fourth part of an acre unalienably attached; but all who are aware of the immense extent of the duke's possessions expect more from him than they do from less wealthy proprietors.
