[Scott]

While I most certainly agree with the overwhelming suppoprt in the corner of the halflings, I must add that when I first read the passage I thought that he was referring more towards the Dunedain who watched and guarded the borders of Eriador as well as the fact that the Grey Havens are indeed a nice source of power and possible protection for the Shire. The Dunedain certainly possessed the powers needed to protect the Shire just as much as the hobbits did (although I'm sure that pipeweed could very well give hobbits the upper hand if cornered into a scrap). Just my interpretation.