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^V\E -UNIVER5/A-.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

OF THE

COUNTY OF TYRONE,

WITH

«

OBSERVATIONS

ON

THE MEANS OF IMPROVEMENT ;

DRAWN UP IN THE YEARS 1801, AND 1802,
THE CONSIDERATION, AND UNDER THE DIRECTION

OF

Dublin S>onetg.

BY

M'EVOY.

PRINTED BY GRAISBERRY AND CAMPBELL,
^0. JO,

1802.

TO THE READER.

This REPORT is at present printed and circulated
for the purpose merely of procuring further infor-
mation^ respecting the state and husbandry of this
district, and of enabling every one interested in the
•welfare of this country , tv cxa/mne it fully ', and con-
tribute his mite to its improvement.

The Society do not deem themsehcs pledged to
any opinion given by the Author of this Survey;
and they desire, that nothing contained in it be con-
sidered as thtir sentiments; they have only pub-
lished it, as the report of the gentleman, whose
name is affixed, and they publish it for the com-
ments and observations, of all persons, which they
entreat to be given freely, and without reserve.

It is therefore requested, that tbf observations on
reading this work may be returned to the Dublin
Society, as soon as may be convenient, and which
will meet with the fullest attention in a future
edition.

DA

DEDICATION.

TO THE RIGHT HON.

LORD VISCOUNT MOUNTJOY.

MY LORD,

WERE your Lordlhip's noble father
alive, gratitude and duty would have required
that this, my firfl eflay, fliould have been offered
to his protection. He would naturally have been
looked to, as the fuitable patron for an Agricul-
tural Survey of the County of Tyrone, to which
his improvements were fo ornamental, and in
which his character was fo highly refpected.

In full confidence, that his virtues will dill

accompany his fortune, and that what his tafle

began, your Lordfhip will bring to perfection,

a 2 I dedicate

IV DEDICATION.

I dedicate this imperfeft tribute of my rcfpcft to
your Lordfliip's patronage, and have the honour
to fubfcribe myfelf,

With great deference,
Your Lordfliip's mofl devoted
Humble fervant,

JOHN M'EFOr.

SASH, NEAR OMAGH,
1S02.

PRELIMINARY

A COMPLETE Agricultural Survey of a
county of fuch extent, opulence, and variety, as
the county of Tyrone, would require a writer of
much general information and fcientific refearch.
The only qualifications, which the writer of the
prefent eflay can pretend to have brought to his
fubjecl:, are, an acquaintance with agricultural
concerns from his earlieft age, and a local
knowledge of the county of Tyrone, obtained
from a refidence in it for many years.

The author had originally intended to have in-
troduced in this work fome fketch of the procefs
of the linen manufa&ure, but this has been anti-
cipated in the Survey of the County of Mo-
naghan, where the foil and management are
nearly the fame as in this county.

A botanical arrangement of the indigenous
plants has been laid afide, as a matter of too
much magnitude for a work of this kind ; but,

at

VI PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

at fomc future period, the author hopes to lay it
before the public in a feparate work.

For many valuable hints, as to the mode of
drawing up the Survey, and fuggeflions of ufeful
and important topics, the author returns his
grateful acknowledgments to the Right Hon.
John Fofter.

What has been faid refpefting Lord Mountjoy's
extenfive demefne and plantations at Rafli, in va-
rious parts of this work, it has been fince thought
expedient to bring under one general head, in
the form of an Appendix, that the reader, whoic
chief objeft may be that of ornamental improve-
ments, may have, without interruption, a cou-
ne&ed and perfpicubus view of the whole.

SUGGESTIONS

SUGGESTIONS OF ENQUIRY

FOR GENTLEMEN WHO SHALL UNDERTAKE THS FORMING OF

AGRICULTURAL SURVEYS.

GEOGRAPHICAL STATE AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

Situation and Extent,

Divifions,

Climate,

Soil and Surface,

Minerals,

Water.

AGRICULTURE.

Mode of culture,

Extent of it, and of each fpecies of grain fowed,

Courfe of crops,

Ufe of oxen — how harnefled,

Nature and ufe of implements of hufbandry,

Markets for grain,

Ufe of green food in winter.

PASTURE,

tiii SUGGESTIONS

PASTURE.
Nature of it,
Breed of cattle-*— how far improved,

-- . . how far capable of further improyement,

Markets or Fairs for them,

General prices,

Modes of feeding — how far houfed in winter,

Natural grafles,

Artificial grafles,

Mode of hay-making,

Dairies, their produce,

Prices of hides, tallow, wool, and quantity fold.

FARMS.

Their fize,

Farm houfes and offices,

Mode of repairing them, whether by landlord or tenant,

Nature of tenures,

General (late of leafes,

• of particular claufes therein,

Taxes or Cefles paid by tenants,

Proportion of working horfes or bullocks, to the fize of farms,

General fize of fields, or enclofures,

Nature of fences,

Mode of hedge-rows, and keeping hedges,

Mode of draining,

Nature of manures.

GENERAL

OF ENQUIRY. a

GENERAL SUBJECTS.

Population,

Number and fize of villages and towns,

Habitation, fuel, food and cloathing of the lower rank — their
general coft,

Prices of wages, labour, and provifions,

State of tithe, its general amount on each article — what arti-
cles are exempt, and what charged by modus,

Ufe of beer and fpirits — whether either or which is increafing,

State of roads, bridges, &c.

— qf navigations and navigable rivers,

— of fiflieries,

.', —£il> •»:> ' Lj ii^fcys
State of education, fchools, and charitable inftitutions,

of abfentee and refident proprietors,

— — of circulation of money or paper,

of farming or agricultural fbcieties,

— — of manufactures, whether increafing,

— — of encouragement to them, and the peculiar aptnels of
the fituation for their extenfion,

i' of mills of every kind,

• of plantations and planting,

• • of the efFeds of the encouragement heretofore given to
them by the Society, particularifed in the lift annexed.

of any improvements which may occur for future en-
couragement, and particularly for the prefervation of
the trees, when planted,

•• • • of nurferies within the county aad extent of fales,

Price

x SUGGESTIONS, &c.

Price of timber andftate of it, in the county,

Quantity of bog and wafte ground,

Poflibility and means of improving it,

Obflacles to it and bed means of removing them,

Habits of induftry, or want of induftry among the people,

The ufe of the Englifli language, whether general, or how far

increafing,
Account of towers, caftles, monafteries, ancient buildings, or

places remarkable for any hiftorical event,
Churches — refident clergy, glebes and glebe houfes,
Whether the county has been atfually furveyed, when and

whether the furvey is publifhed,
Weights and meafures, liquid or dry — in what inftances are

weights afligned for meafures — or •vice verfat
The weight or meafure, by which grain, flour, potatoes, butter,

£c. are fold.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

GEOGRAPHICAL STATE AND CIRCUMSTANCEg.

Page

1. Situation and Extent • I

2. Divifions - - - - 2

3. Climate - - - - 6

4. So/7 and Surface - - "7

5. Mines and Minerals - - 17
CM/ • -21
lro;» Or* - - - - 24
Clays, fuch as are ttfed for brick or pottery 25

CHAP.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. II.

AGRICULTURE.

Page
SECT. I. Mode of Culture - - -29

Obfervafions - - - 32

2. Extent of Culture , and of each Species of

Grain fowed - "34

3. Courfe of Crops - -40
Obfervations - - "42

4. Ufe of Oxen - ~ 44

5. Nature and Ufe of Implements of Huf-
bandry - - 46

6. Markets for Grain - - ~ 53

7. Ufe of green food in winter - ~ 54

CHAP. in.

ri - . \_rx 'tAi) k,..\'.» v

jc -.

PASTURE.

.SECT. I. Nature of Paflure - '57

2. Breed of Cattle — hoivfar improved - 58
• how far capable of

further improvement - - 6\

3. Markets and Fairs for Cattle - ib.

SECT.

CONTENTS. xiii

Page

SECT. 4. General Prices ,v«» ~ - 63

5. .Mwfe of feeding Cattle - - 64
Cattle t bow far houfed in 'winter - 67

6. Natural Gra/es - 70

7. Artificial Grajjes - •" T "74

8. Mode of Hay-making - "75
Obfervations - - "79

9.' Dairies — their produce - 8 1

Obfervations - - - 82

I o." Prices of Hides t Talloiv, Wooly and

Quantity fold - - - 85

CHAP. IV.

FARMS.

SECT. I . Size of Farms - - - 90

2. Farm-hotifes and Offices - g$
Mode of repairing Houfes and OfficeSy

•whether by Landlord or Tenant - 97

3. Nature of Tenures - "99

4. General State of Leafes - - roo
Of particular Claufes in Leafes - IO2

5. Taxes or Cejfis paid by Tenants ~ 104

6. Proportion of working Horfes or Bul-

locks, to tbeftze of Farms - 105

SECT.

li7 CONTENTS.

Page

SECT. 7. Generalize of Fields and Enclofures 106

8. Nature of Fences - . - 107
Mode of hedge-rows, *nd keeping hedges 1 09

9. Nature of Manures - - III
IO. Mode of Draining - - 115

CHAP. V.

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

SECT. I. Roads and Bridges - - 118

2. State of Navigationr and Navigable

Rivers - - - 131

3. State of Fifheries - • 134

4. State of Manufactures - 135

A

Of encouragement to themt and the pe-
culiar aptnefs ofthejituationfor their
extenfton ••, - - 137

Lift of Bleach-greens ]*•• - 138

5. Population ,.«^V' .•'/ - 142

CHAP.

CONTENTS.

CHAP VI.

RURAL ECONOMY.

SECT. i. Prices of Wages, Labour, and Proviftons 143
2. Habitation , fuel, foody and clothing of

the lower rank ; their general coft 1 46

CHAP. VIL

GENERAL SUBJECTS,

SECT, I . Number and Size of Villages & Towns j 58

2. State of Tithe, its general amount on

each Article — what Articles are ex-
empt, and "what charged by modus - 161

3. Ufe of Beer and Spirits — whether either,

or lahich is tncreafing - - 161

4. State of Education, Schools, and Chari-

table Inftitutions - - - 163

5. Ofabfentee and reftdent Proprietors - 167

6. Of Circulation of Money or Pamper - 171

7. Of Farming or Agricultural Societies ib.
S- Of Milk of every kind - 172

b SECT.

i CONTENTS.

Page
SECT. 9. Of Plantations and Planting - -174

Of the Effecls of the Encouragement here-
tofore given to Planting by the Society,
particularized in the Lift annexed - 178

Of any improvements , -which may occur
for future encouragement^ and particu-
larly for the prefervaiion of Trees when
planted - - 181

10.- Of Nurferies within the County, and

Extent of Sales - - 183

1 1 . Prices of Timber, and State of it in the

County - - - - - 187

12. Quantity of Bog and Wajle Ground I 89
Poflibitity and means of improving it - 190
Obftacles to improvement, and the be/I

infant of removing them - 197

13. Habits of induflr^ or want of indu/lry

among the Peop.'e - 199

14. The ttfe of the Eng'ijh Language — whe-

ther general, or how far incretfing 20 T

15. Account of Towers, Cjft!es, Mon.if-

teries, Ancient buildings, or places re-
markable for any hijlorical event - 202

1 6. Churches Rr/ident Clergy- — Glebes,

and Glebf-houfes - » 205

SECT.

CONTENTS.

Page
SECT. 1 7. Whether the County has been acJually

furveyed when and whether the

Survey is publi/hed • 206

1 8. Wights and Meafures, liquid or dry-

in what inftances are Weights af-
figned for Meafures — or vice v<rfa tb»

19. The Weight or Meafure, by which

Grain, Flour, Potatoes, Butter, &c.
are fold - 207

APPENDIX.

- " ' t " i

n Account of Lord Mountjofs Improvements at Rajht
and the manner of carrying them into execution, from
the year 1778, to the frefent time,

SECT. I . Seminary and Nurfery - - - I
2. The general Plan of fettling the great
outlines of the Demefne and its appen-
dages , ... - 4
5. Modes ofencloftng - x.« „, , - • 7
Louth fence » - - - 1 1
Sunk fence ~ »"%^''. " " J7
Drains as Fences in baggy and fivampy

fituations - ~ '•-'•j- - - 2*

CONTENTS.

Page
Living Fences -without a gripe or

trench - - . - - 24

Temporary dead Fences, made princi-
pally of Scotch fr, cut away at theftze
of eight or ten feet, or -when it begins
to injure plants of more value - 3 1

Common paling of poft and rail, Jbeep-

hurdles, &c. - - "34

4. Preparation of the Boils for planting 35
J. An account of the management of an
Oak wood, luhich had been for many
years on the decline, prior to the year
1792, : • -52

6. Of the advantage offowing potatoes, as

a preparative to ajjljl thefpeedy growth
of Plantations', and alfo, for the mojl
effectual mode of laying doivn bad lands
to the greatejl perfection - "57

7. A description of the management 'of the

batiks of the river at Raft, fo far as
it accompanies the demefne - - 6 1
S. An Account of Ta/k, or Piece-ivork,
together "with a comparifon between
it and common Day Labour, with
fome remarks on labouring Tools and
Implements - - - - 74

SECT.

CONTENTS. xhc

Page

9. Manner of training up Boys, fo as to
become ufeful,Jteady Labourers, with
a number of ways to employ them to
the beji advantage the year round.
Alfo, feveral Modes, by which old
Men, when partly pajl their labour,
may be applied to advantage to them-
felves and their Employers - - 8 1
Obfervations with refpeSl to old Men
and their families — the manner of
employing them — with remarks on
dn hofpital intended to be ereftedfor
their reception - - - - 92

STATISTICAL

STATISTICAL SURVEY

OF THE

COUNTY OF TYRONE.

CHAP. I.

GEOGRAPHICAL STATE AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

SECT. 1 . Situation and Extent.

J. H E county of Tyrone is inland, being bounded
by the county of Donegal on the north, and north-
weft; by the county of Londonderry, on the north,
and north-eaft; by part of Loughneagh, and the
county of Armagh, on the eaft ; and by the coun-
ties of Monaghan^and Fermanagh, on the fouth, and
fouth-weft.

The county is very irregular, and much pointed
and indented in its circumference. The greateft ex-
tent from north to fouth is from Donnelong, on
the borders of the river Foyle, to Slieve-Beaygh
mountain, on the borders of the county of Monaghan,
being an extent of 33 miles; in Englifli meafure-
B ment

2 STATISTICAL SURVEY

ment 42 miles. The greateft length from eaft to
weft is, from the borders of Loughneagh, in the
parifli of Arboc, in the barony of Dungannon,
to the extremity of the parifti of Farmonomungan,
joining the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh,
being in extent 43 miles ; in Englifh meafurement
54.8 miles. Meflrs. M<Crea's map of the county,
made out in 1774, 1775* and 1776, and Dr. Beau-
fort's memoirs agree perfectly with the above ftate-
ment.

According to Dr. Beaufort's ftatement, the accuracy
of which we have no reafoa to fufpeft, the coun-
ty contains 467,700 acres, and, of courfe, 724 fquare
miles j in Englifh meafurement 751,387 acres, being
equal to 1163 fquare miles.

SECT. 2* Dtviftoru.

THE principal divifions are into baronies, namely;
Barony of Strabane,' to the north.

of Dungannon, to the eaft.

of Oogher, to the fouth.

of Omagh, partly to the weft; but a large

portion of it lies between the baronies of Strabane
and Clogher, and meets the barony of Dungannon
on the eaft.

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 3

The above baronies are divided into parifheg,- as

follows.

. ,

• • ^ *

The barony of Strabane contains,

.L'id

1. Donaghedy.

2. Leckpatrick.

3. Caamus.

4. Urneyj a fmall part in Donegal.

5. Ardflra.

6. Upper Bodony.

7. Lower, do.

8. Cappagh.

9. Cumber; only a fmall part of this in the county.

T^f barony of Dungannon contains t

1. Liflbn, partly in the county Derry.

2. Kildrefs.

3. Derrylorne. lit) ,s"

4. Defertcreat.

5. Artray.

6. Ballinderry, partly in the county Derry.

7. Arboe.

8. Ballyclog. jans'^.i

9. Donaghendry.

10. Clannoe.

11. Tullyniflcal, V.

12. Drumglafs.

B 2 13. Killymon.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

*•* f*

13. KUlymon.

14. Clonfeckle.

15. Pomeroy.

1 6. Donaghmore.
17. Killifhill.
1 8. Aughaloo.

The barony of Closer contains,

,. Donacavey, or the parifti of Fintona.

2. Clogher.

3. Errigle-Keeran.

^ _ Frough, V. partly in the county Mona-

ghan.
5. Aghalurcher, partly in Fermanagh.

The barony of Omagh contains,

\

T i. Jfarmonraagnirk.
2. Clougherny.
o. Dr^omragh, or parifh of Omagh.

/

4. Dromore.

5. KUfkeery.

6. Longfield, lately divided into two Uringst
rn i, Farmonomufigan.

Total number of parijbes*

Barony of Strabane. 9

_. .- -- of Dungannon. 1 8 -

Barony ot

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 5

Barony of Clogher. 5

'• • of Omagh. 7 .

39 in the whole.

There are only 35 parifhes, properly within the
county, as only a fmall portion of the remain-
ing four parifhes are marked within the limits of
the map of the county.

Except the pari(h of Tullynifkal, and the parifh
of Errigle-Frough, (both marked V. to denote a
vicarage) the whole of the parifhes are rectories.

Eccltftaftical divifton*

Belonging to the diocefe of Armagh, there ar«,
160,500 acres.
20 parifhes.

19 benefices.

20 churches.

13 glebe-houfes.
6 glebes, wanting glebe-houles.
Belonging to the diocefe of Derry, there are>
233,100 acres,
ii parifhes.
II benefices,
13 churches.

B 3 9 glebe-

6 STATISTICAL SURVEY;-;- riO

~JL glebc-houfos. . ,

2 glebes, wanting glebe-houfes.
Belonging to the dioccfe of Cloguer, there are,
68,000 acres.
, 4 parifhes.

7fl5^^en^CeS'

5 churches,
t iif*, g^be-houfes.

2 glebes, wanting glebe-houfes.
The total of acres, in the ecclefiaftical diftrifts of
the county, appear to be. 463,700, being 4000 acres
lefs than the grofs amount of 467,700, which 4000,
I take for granted, are abbey-land, or fuch lands, a»
are not fubject to tythes.

C f-r

SECT. 3. Climate.

THE latitude of a place does not always determine
the climate j fo with this county, whofe main latitude
is about

.3 ' t

The great variety of foil and furface, throughout

the county, caufes a great variation in the climate.
Wcfterly winds are moft prevalent the year round ;
hence follows the great humidity of our air, from
being fituated fo near the Atlantic Ocean.

o

Our autumns are generally very wet, and unfa-
vourable to the faving of crops of hay and corn.
November is fomctimes a favourable month.

/!

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. ^

It is the inconftancy of the feafons we have moft
to guard againft ; either extremes are never known
to be intolerable.

The times of common occurrences in hufbandry
are, in a great meafure, determined by the climate.
Oats are fown from the middle of March to the
firfl of May; barley during the whde month of
May ; flax-feed about the fame time. The hay har-
veft, kt the weather be never fo favourable, is gene-
rally kept too late, .-j nr :

SECT. 4. Soil and Surface.

• rijssojG

;:•»(! ' ; I Jl

IT would be found an endlefs tafk to enumerate
the great variety of foils and furfaces within the
county ; the following (ketch may, however, be de-
pended upon.

,11* L"V/

The mountainy parts are generally fhallow, wet,
and four ; in other parts dry, hufky, and peaty,
the depth feldom exceeding fix inches. In fome pla-
ces the fubftratum is tenacious, and hence we find
the tops and fides of mountains generally wet and
fpongy. In other parts, the fnbftratum is a black,
folid bog, which is equally as tenacious as ftrong
clay foil, and of courfe prevents the water frtim
finking, by which means the farface is equally as

bad.

* STATISTICAL SURVEY

bad as in the former cafe. But where the fubftra-
tum is open rock, gravel, or any other porous
body, through which the water may readily pafs,
the furface is always dry and wholefome, and very
well calculated for young Aock in fummer. Moun-
tains of the latter defcription are always j valuable
to the owners, as they get a better price for feeding
the flock, which are fent to them generally in May,
than thofe poffefled of land of the two firft de£
criptions ; when the wet mountain lets only at five
or fix {hillings a /um*t the dry mountain claims ten
(hillings, and fometiraes more.

Soils of the foregoing defcriptions are peculiar to
the baronies of Strabane and Omagh ; the baronies
of Dungannon and Clogher are, generally fpeaking,
of as good a quality of land, as perhaps any in the
kingdom. A large traclt of the weft parts of the
barony of Dungannon, and of the north part of
the barony of Clogher, may be ranked with the
mountainy parts of the baronies of Strabaqe and
Omagh.

The

* A phrafe moft commonly ufed in this county ; a
cow three years old is a fum ; a two year old and one
yearling a fum ; three yearlings a fum ; a horfe is in forae
parts a fum and a quarter, but is mod commonly a fum.
A fum, bead collop, and ball, are fyncnimous, according
ID different countries.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 9

The furface of the whole county is wonderfully
diverfified, hill and vale being the prevailing cha-
rac>er.

The mountains of the greateft magnitude are in
the barony of Strabane. The vaft chains of the Mun-
terloney mountains, ftretching into the county of Derry,
arc the moft confiderable ; Mullaghcairn,- or Cairn-
togher, with Befly Bell, and Mary Gray, and many
others are very confiderable. Mullaghcairn is the
higheft mountain in the county, which I have prov-
ed; the next to it is Knockfowel, part of which
is in the county of Derry. To the above may be
added the mountains of Ballygawley, on the weft
of the barony of Dungannon, and Morley on the
weft of the barony of Clogher.

In order to give the reader a more comprehenfive
view of the foil and furface of the county, I fhall
fet down Omagh, the affize town, as a common
centre ; and proceed with the principal roads, through-
out the county, to the extremities of it. But firft,
I fhall take a circular courfe, which will include
part of the barony of Omagh, the whole of the
barony of Clqgher, and more than two parts of
the barony of Dungannon. In the different excur-
fions, the crops ufually followed (hall be remarked,
which will, in fome meafurc, give an idea of the
quality of the foil.

Between

io STATISTICAL ^URVEY

Between Omagh and Dromore, dUVance about
feven miks, the lands are, in general, light and
gentle, very much undulated. In many parts the
foil inclines to a reddiih colour, a great indication
of fertility. Potatoes, flax, and oats, are the prin-
cipal crops i in fome fpots barley ; about the towa
of Dromore, the foil is not calculated for the lat-
ter. Limeftone is fcarce ; but as far as lime has
been tried, it has been found to anfwer extremely
•well. Vaft quantities -of afhes are made from the
peaty foils, which are iri this direction tolerably
plenty, though the bogs are not numerous or ex-
tenfive.

Lime/tone is not found nearer to Dromore than
the parifh of Longfield, which abounds in that ar-
ticle, but the want of good roads renders it pre-
carious, and of courfe very expenfive.

From Dromore to Fintona, diftance about five
miles, light foil ; appears extremely well calculated
for fheep, as the fubftratum is in general fand and
gravel, which, of courfe, render the furface found
and wholefomc. Crops ; potatoes, oats, and flax, or
rather potatoes, flax, and oats in rotation, becaufe
in few fituations, in this courfe, flax will not anfwer,
unlefs fown immediately after potatoes, which is
almoft univerfaliy the cafe in their mountainy foils.
Two crops of oats in fuch fituarions are ufually
taken off after flax, which is wrong, as the laft
crop is frequently not worth reaping.

Between

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. u,

Between Fintona and Five-mile-town, diftance about
feven miles ; about the former, the foil is thin and
cold, the fubftratum much inclined to ftrong tena-
cious clay. Near this town, a good plan of cutting
out a bog for prefent economy, and future profit, is
fpiritedly purfued by Mr. Eccles, which deferves
particular notice, .fince fo good a fyftem, I believe,
is not to be met with in the county, except near
Verner's ferry, on the borders of the Black-water,
which feparates the county of Armagh from this
county.

About half way between the above towns is a large
mountain called MurJey, which makes a great and
ftriking feature in the barony of Clogher. This moun-
tain affords a great capability for improvement, the
furface being in general a rich peaty foil, with a fub->
flratum of reddifti clay mixed with innumerable fmall
Hones. To render this mountain profitable, nothing
more need be done, than to mix the upper and lower
foils, which could be performed at little expence, fince
the fubftratum lies only at a fmall diftance from the
peat, or rich moor, the depth of which feldom exceeds
a foot. Nothing can fupport this obfervation better
than the fides of the road through the mountain,
where the foils were mixed in forming the road from
the water-tables. The white clover fprings immediately,
with many other ufeful grafles. This circumftance is
not peculiar to this diftricY; it is common throughout

many

ix STATISTICAL SURVEY

many of our mountains, but the effects are here moft
confpicuous; though I could not difcovcr the lead
particle of limeftone-gravel, which abounds in almoft
the whole of the low-lands in this barony, and which
I fhall prefently take notice of.

In the flat country, below this mountain, which is
rich and extenfive, the foil is capable of producing as
good crops as any part of the kingdom ; generally a
deep foil, abounding with limeftone and limeftone-
gravel, but the latter is but very fparingly attended to.
The general crops are potatoes, barley, oats, and flax,
and the rotation of them is moft commonly as here fet
down, with this difference, that two or three fucceffive
crops of oats are taken after barley ; blit here this fyf-
tem is more pardonable, than in the foils of the county
in general. Some patches of wheat are to be met in
the barony of Clogher, the culture of which might be
extended to a large fcale, as the foils, in general, of
this neighbourhood are peculiarly fuited to that grain.

From Five-mile-town to Clogher, diftance about
five miles ; foil remarkably good for grafs and corn ;
abounds with limeftone and limeftone-gravel.

From Clogher to Augher, diftance about two miles ;
foil (hallow, and inclining to a reddifh hue •, limeftone
fcarce ; crops, potatoes, flax, and oats.

From Augher to Aughnacloy, by Killybrick, &c ,
diftance about fix miles ; foil mallow, inclining to clay,
very tenacious ; crops, chiefly potatoes and oats, fome

flax,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 13

flax, but not abundant. Though the foil about Killy-
bricfc and Favoroyal is, in general, cold, wet, and (hal-
low, yet timber trees, in general, fucceed very well.
Some patches of barley about Aughnacloy; but this
grain is not much favoared by the foil of this neigh-
bourhood.

From Aughnacloy to Callidon, diftance about fix
miles ; all gentle fwells and fertile vales ; abundant
crops of hay, oats, barley, potatoes, flax, and fome
rye j foil inclining to red, and, in many parts, abounding
with limeftone and limeftone-gravel ; fome marie to be
met with in the fertile vales.

From Callidon to Benburb, diftance about fix miles
along the Blackwater, and on to Blackwater town,
which lies principally in the county of Armagh. In
moft part of thofe diftrifts the foils are fertile and well
calculated to every kind of grain peculiar to the coun*
ty, and, perhaps, to the kingdom, if judicioufly ma-
naged. The exertions of Do&or Richardfon, of Clon-
feckle, near Blackwater-town, in the line of farming,
particularly on green crops, fully fhew what the fertile
foils of the major part of the barony of Dungannon
are capable of producing.

From Blackwater-town to the Moy, Dungannon,
&c. is beautiful and fertile, almoft beyond defcription.
Every kind of crop fucceeds well, when the weather is
at all favourable, as the fault of a bad crop can never
be imputed to the foil ; I wifh the fame obfervatkm
would hold good with refpeft to good management.

From

!4 STATISTICAL SURVEY

From Dungannon to Coal-ifland, and along the ca-
nal towards Vecner's ferry, &c. 5 foil in general thin
and poor ; fcanty crops of potatoes and oats.

AgaJn1, ta^Dtingannon to Gook's-town, Stewart's-
town, See.; foils in general <tee^ and ferule % gene-
rally produce every kind of grain and vegetable, pecu-
liar to the county, in great abundance. Very few hills
or mountains of any ^magnitude are within a confidcr-
able diftance of Dungannon,' particularly in the direc-
tion of CookVtown, Stewart's-town, Tullyhog, &c.

From-DtrtigSmion almoft the "whole Way to SiS&nile-
crofs, diftance about fifteen 'miles ; almoft ' a continued
fcene of dreary bog and mountain. And again, from
the latter village to within two or three miles of
Omagh, an extended flat bog, of feveral thoufand
acres, which is fuppofed to be the moft extcnfive in
the county ; I am fure it is the moft unprofitable, and,
from its fituation, the moft difficult to be improved.

Here ends a circle through part of three baronies. I
fhall now proceed upon the different roads leading
from Omagh through moft parts of the county.

"From Omagh to Ballygawley, diftance about twelve
miles ; potatoes, flax, and oats ; very thin, light foils.
The fame may be faid from Ballygawley to Dungan-
non, diftance about ten miles.

To Augher and Clogher, diftance twelve miles ; foil
and furface nearly the fame as on the Ballygawley
road, and, of courfe, fo are the crops*

p**n To

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. iy

To Fintona, diftance from Omagh about fix miles ;
foil in general good, dry, and much undulated ; pro-
duces, in general, good and certain crops.

To Drumquin, Derg, and Clady, the latter about
twenty miles dillance from Omagh. Except Within
two miles of the town of Omagh, the whole of this
courfe exhibits nothing but one continued fcene of
dreary mountain ; though the country for feveral miles
round Drumquin was, not more than forty years ago,
very well wooded, the remains of which are ftill vifible»
It is a foil, in general, peculiarly adapted for planting,
both for aptnefs of foil, fituation, and eafe in inclofing.
To Newtown-ftewart, diftance feven miles ; the
whole way an indifferent foil, thin, fubftratum ftrong
and tenacious. Much bog and mountain occur in this
direction, on both fides of the river. Between Omagh,
and the north part of the demefne of Rafti, there are
large trafts of excellent feeding-land, along the river
on either fides. Except fome fpots about Newtown-
ftexvart, there is little or no good land along the
banks, the whole of the way to Strabane, except fome
trifle on the weft fide of the river, near that town.
The banks in many parts are fteep, and of very little
value, except for planting, for which purpofe they are •
extremely well calculated.

From Omagh to Gortin, diftance about feven miles.
Near Omagh a bog of feveral hundred acres, which
will in time be of great advantage to that town : at

prefent

\t> STATISTICAL SURVEY

prefcnt it is in a bad ftate, but is, however, very capa-
ble of being improved, which, no doubt, will (hortly
be the cafe. Good roads is the firft ftep towards the
improvement of bogs, in which the bog under con-
fideration is not deficient : fome excellent roads are
made, and others are in contemplation.

The remainder of the way to Gortin, except about
two miles through Lord Mountjoy's improvements, is
nothing but a continuation of rocky and barren moun-
tain, romantic and pifturefque to the higheft degree.
In moft of thofe rocky features there are fertile veins,
where timber-trees, fuch as beech, larch, and Scotch
fir, would flourifli apace.

At Gortin, or rather over the village as you go from
Omagh, there is a moft extenfive view of many of the
Munterloncy mountains. The village of Gortin may
be confidered the capital of this immenfe region. Be-
fore the woods were cut down, the fcenes about Gor-
tin muft have been truly piclurefque, and efpecially the
banks of the rivers and brooks, which fituations the
wood chiefly occupied. Very little wood at prefent to
be feen in this part of the country, except the woods
of Carrick, the property of Lord Mountjoy, which are
in a very flourifhing ftate, and kept in the higheft de-
gree of prefervation. But to return from this digref-
iion ;

From Omagh to Green-caftle, Cook's-town, &c.;
almoft the whole way is bog and mountain. In ap-
proaching

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 17

proaching Cook's-town, however, the foil mends con-
fiderably, and the magnitude of the mountains dimi-
nifhes. The lands every where about Cook's-town are
of a good quality, and produce abundant crops ; the
town-parks, with the approaches to them from the
main ftreet, are well imagined, and very judicioufly
laid out.

To enter into a minute detail of the great variety of
foils in this county, would require a large volume;
and, after all, perhaps, fufficient juftice might not be
done in point of accuracy, fmce it is well known, that
there are many parifhes in the county, fully defcriptive
of all I have here endeavoured to explain, and which,
I candidly confefs, is far from the degree of juftice the
fubjeft deferves.

SECT. 5. Mines and Minerals.

IF, under the head Mines and Minerals, we include
lime, and other fpecies of ftone, we ftiall find this
county very rich in many ; but as lime and freeflone
are of the moft general ufe, I (hall confine my obfer-
vations to them. But, before I prqceed any further, I
beg leave to remark, that, in making furveys of coun-
ties, or of large diftricTrs, the fituations of limeftone
, quarries fliould be marked upon the map of the furvey.

c Thefe

1 8 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Thcfc remarks might be further extended ; good free-
ftone quarries might be noted, marie, &c. Such ob-
fervations by the furveyor, which could not take, up
much time, would be found of great advantage, in
pointing out thole hidden trcafures. Clofe inveftiga-
tions of thofe fubje&s may materially ferve to fhew the
landlord the true value of his property. Many other
advantages would refult from this kind of fpeculation,
which at prefent I muft omit to fet forth, and proceed
to {hew the fituation of fome of the principal quarries
and mafles of lime and freeftone.

In the barony of Strabane, there are the following
lime and freeftone quarries, with many others of lefs
cote.

At Lifnagir and Lifnacannan, near Lord Mountjoy's
demefne, and about a quarter of a mile weft of the
poft-road, are two excellent limeftone quarries of great
extent, and peculiarly calculated for the improvement
of land, of which his Lordfhip's tenants are thoroughly
fenfible, fmce they carry it fix or eight miles to differ-
ent parts of the eftate.

Mary Gray mountain, eaft of the river Struel, and
within a mile of the town of Newtown-ftewart,
abounds with limeftone of a good quality; and the,
quarry is fo circumftanced, that it can never be an-
noyed by water, which is of fingular advantage in
the working of any quarry.

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 19

The Gallions, between Newtown-ftewart and Du-
glafs-bridge, are very rich in limeftone, which is al-
lowed to be of the beft quality for building of any in
the county.

The above quarries, with others more inferior, are.
upon the Newtown-ftewart eftate, the property of
Lord Mountjoy; and alfo two celebrated freeftone
quarries, one at Cofeik, within three miles of New-
town-ftewart, and the other at Tallynure, on the river
Struel, within a fmall diftance of the demefne of Rafh.
To the former quarry a great part of the building of
Baron's-court, for cut ftone, -was indebted. At Du-
glafs, on the eaft fide of the Struel, and at the Suine,
on the weft fide of the fame river, are excellent free-
ftone quarries, capable of being moulded into any
Jhape ; the latter fupplied Baron's-court buildings with
a great quantity of cut ftone.

At Rufkey, within a mile or two of Dunnymanagh,
there are immenfe quarries of limeftone, extending a
great length along a rivulet. This chain of limeftone
appears to be connected with the great limeftone
quarry called the Butterloop, in the midft of the Mun-
terloney mountains, which I {hall, in another place,
have an occafion to fpeak of.

In the barony of Dungannon, about Cook's-town and
Stewart's-town, limeftone is in great abundance, and
alfo about Dungannon, and in many other parts, par-
ticularly at Benburb, whofe quarries appear inexhauf-
c 2 tible.

*e STATISTICAL SURVEY

tible. I have obfcrved a chalky fubflance to adhere to
much of the limeflone about Cook's-town, which does
not render it the worfe for either manure or cement. If
the flone be broken very fmall, and applied to land,
it is found to anfwer very well without calcination.
Here, and throughout a great part of this barony,
limeftone is burned with culm, or fmall coal, inflead
of turf. At Benburb, culm generally fells at 1 8/. by
the ton, and the lime-meafure here is thirty-two gal-
lons, which is commonly fold at is. -j^d. per meafure
roche, or unflacked.

This barony is by no means deflitute of freeflone,
which is fully demonflrated by the towns of Dungan-
non,jCook's-town, &c.

The barony of Omagh is not very rich in limeflone;
the principal quarries are in the parifti of Longfield,
which are inexhauflible, as are alfo quarries of free-
flone of an excellent quality. The mofl part of the
county is fupplied with mill-flones from the rocky
mountains about Drumquin, in this parifh. Mill-flones
are fcldom got in regular quarries in this neighbour-
hood ; they generally are hewn out of fingle detached
rocks. Mountain or grit-flone is befl calculated for
mill-flones.

About Clogher, and many parts of the manor
of Aughentaine, and alfo about Ballygawley, both
in the barony of Clogher, are very rich in Jimeflonc,

Freeftone

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 21

Freeftone does not appear to be plenty, or of a good
Duality, in this barony.

Coal.

Coal-ifland, in the barony of Dungannon, is the
only part of the county, where coal-works are carried
on with any degree of fuccefs. When I faw the col-
liery in the fummer of 1 800, five pits were working,
feemingly very induftrioufly. There is no fire-engine
here, nor does it appear, that the works are much im-
peded by water. There appears, however, to be a
great want of encouragement to this bufmefs : the ca-
nal at prefent is in a wretched ftate, choaked up with
mud and weeds. The approaches, alfo, to the colliery
might be materially improved, of which they (land in
, great need.

Near Cook's-town fome coals were raifed; but,
from 'the fituation, I am apt to believe, they mull al-
ways be attended with much expenfe. Near the town
of Dungannon fome pits were funk, and, I believe,
fome years ago much coal was raifed. Here a fire
or fleam-engine was erefted in the fummer of 1 800 ;
a pit was then finking in the new town of Dungannon,
or very convenient to it, from the fituation of which
there is much to be apprehended, from water annoying

the work,

Withia

»* STATISTICAL SURVEY

Within two miles of Drumquin, in the barony of
Omagh, there appear llrong indications of a rich coal-
mine, fituated, I believe, on Mr. Godfrey's eftate, ad-
joining fome church-land belonging to the fee of Der-
ry. In May 1800, I fpent fome time there on fpc-
culation.

Tradition fays, that a water-fpout had, many years
ago, fallen on the fpot, where the coal now appears ;
no doubt, defigned by providence for the good of
mankind. Through time, and in confequence of the
impreffion made by the great body of water, which the
fpout produced, a fmall brook took place, which at
this time is funk upwards of one hundred feet ; fuch
is the yielding quality of the foil of the mountain,
where this phenomenon was fuppofed to have hap-
pened.

It appears to me, that finking a few pits, or
ftiafts, backwards in the mountain, would be the
mod likely way to afcertain the depth of the ftra-
tum of coal ; and, if the thicknefs of the mine was
found fuffkient to be at the expence of following it,
inftead of finking fhafts in the ufual way, the work
might be carried on from the face of the bank, at
the furface of the ftream, where the coal appears,
accompanying the water, in a continued layer, from
nine to eighteen inches thick, ftill encreafing in thick-
nefs, as it advances, in a direction nearly horizontal,
rather rifmg , which is a good omen.

There

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 23

There is a large fcope of the ftratum vifible, per*
haps between three or four hundred feet, before it
difappears. From this circumftance there is reafon
to fuppofe it runs horizontal, or nearly fo, through-
out the mountain, or perhaps throughout all the
mountains in this part of the country.

Part of Lough Erne is within eight or nine miles
of this place, in a ftraight line. A canal carried
circling round the mountains, in the befl line for a
canal, probably might be double that diftance.

It is faid, that the waters of Lough Erne are
higher than the neighbourhood of the coal mine;
this, however, might be proved. From the great
number of brooks throughout this mountainy country,
it is very probable, that a plentiful fupply of water
might at all feafons be procured ; but this point
fhould be well afcertained, before an undertaking of
this kind fhould be fet on foot.

A perfon, (killed in Canal works, might be appointed
to take the levels, examine the aature of the foil,
afcertain the quantity of water, that might be procured
from the rivulets and brooks in the fummer feafon,
with other ufeful points neceflary to be known. The
expence attending all this would be found but trifling,
when compared to the many advantages, which might
follow from fuch an undertaking.

There are evident figns, of this country abounding
in iron ore ; and fuch a colliery as the above, if it

fliould

24 STATISTICAL SURVEY

fhould be found to anfwer, would, no doubt, encour-
age the fearching for mines.

The quality of the coal is excellent, having been
tried by feveral. I have tried it myfelf, and found it
to agree with the favourable reports I have had from
others.

The following accounts I have had from Mr. O'Neil,
an old refident of Drumquin, whofe veracity I have
no reafon to fufpeft. That fome years ago he had
been examined by Mr. Camac, a well known enter-
prizing gentleman in the mineral kingdom, refpefting
this bufinefs 5 that a Scotch engineer had taken the
levels, and in fome meafure afcertained the whole ex-
pence to be about twelve thoufand pounds, the diftance
of the line, propofed for the canal, to the nearcft
point of Lough Erne, to be about twelve miles j that
in a fevere winter, which happened fome years ago,
and when it was difficult to procure turf, the Rev.
Mr. Daniel, of the parifh of Longfield, ufed the
coal in qucAion, in common, throughout his houfe.

Iron Ore.

Frnm the fulphureous and ferruginous appearances
of water in many parts of this county, there is reafon
to apprehend, that iron mines might be procured in
large quantities j but the want of the neceflary fuel

for

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 25

for fmelting, either wood or coals, render this article of
no value, even if found on the furface in ever fuch
large quantities. Canals might, in a great meafure,
remedy this, as by them the ore might be conveyed
convenient to coal, fince wood is out of the queftion,
and of courfe will be fo for many years to come.

It is commonly reported, that iron ftones have been
found, through the mountains of Munterloney, which
have been worked into good iron in common forges ;
but this wants confirmation.

Clays, fuch as are ufed for Brick or Pottery.

In treating of foils in general, perhaps the article,
C/ay, might be brought in with fome propriety ; but
confiderihg, how unequal pure clays are to the pur-
pofes of vegetation, without the afliflance of other
foils, I prefume a feparate difcuflion may not be
thought improper in this place.

Almoft every parifh and town-land affords clay ca-
pable of making bricks of various colours, but the
pale brick is deemed the mofl durable.

About Fintona, in the barony of Clogher, good floor-
ing and ridge tiles are made ; garden pots, and a great
variety of crockery ware for country ufe. The befl
pottery in the coupty, and perhaps in the kingdom,
is within a mile of Coal-ifland^_on the road to Ver-

ner's

*<$ STATISTICAL SURVEY

ner's ferry, in the barony of Dungannoo. Here arc
manufactured all forts of rough crockery ware, fire
bricks, and tiles for malt and oat-kilns, of as good a
quality as any imported.

The clay, before it is baked, is of a dirty white ; the

bcft of it is made into fmall oblong pieces, of about a

i

pound each, which is dried to the fun, and fold on the
fpot at a penny each. It is ufcd as a fubftitutc for ful-
lers earth, for cleaning leather breeches, &c. For this
purpofe it is fent to many diftant parts, and brings a
profitable return.

SECT. 6. Water.
\

THERE are few counties in the kingdom better
fupplied with water, than this county. The Black-
water accompanies it for upwards of thirty miles,
dividing it from the counties of Monaghan and Ar-
magh for the whole length of that courfe, and at
length falls into Lougneagh at Maghery.

The principal river is nearly central in the county,
and goes under various names ; the part of it, which
lies above, or, to the fouth of Omagh, and fomewhat
north of the town, goes by the name of Gammon, or
Camaun. From thence to Newtown-ftewart, it goes by
the name of Struel, which appears to be newly coined.

Between

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 27

Between Newtown-ftewart, and Strabane, and fo on to
Lifford, it goes by the ancient name, the Mourne ; and
from thence forward to Londonderry, by the general
name of the river Foyle.

In its progrefs through the county it receives fome
confiderable rivers, and brooks, or, as they are here
called, burnes, innumerable, as every mountain produ-
ces its part of a brook, and almoft all the brooks in
the county ultimately join the river Mourne.

At Omagh, or a little to the eaft of it, two confider-
able rivers meet, namely, Drumragh, and a mountain/
river; in the neighbourhood of this junction, I fuppofe
the name Gammon is afTumed, the word being derived
from crookednefs, or fudden bends, which here occur
frequently. Below Omagh, about two miles, the Poa,
or the Fairy water joins. Near Newtown-ftewart, two
confiderable rivers fall in, namely, the Gortin, and
Glinnelly rivers, the junction of which is at Corick
•woods, about three miles eaft of Newtown-ftewart. At
Ardftra, the river Derg joins ; and below Strabane
near Lifford, comes in the river Fin, which divides
this county from that of Donegal, as far as the village
of Clady.

The lakes of this county are poor and infignificant,
if we except Loughneagh, which only mears a fmall
portion of it ; the lakes at Baron's-court feem to be
the largeft, and are by far the moft interefting in
the county, as being, or compofing part of the

Marquis

sS STATISTICAL SURVEY

Marquis of Abercorn's demefne, and which at mofl

feafons of the year appear to great advantage.

A fmall lake at Augher, in Sir William Richard-
fon's demefne, is beautiful, and happily circumftanced.
There are feveral finall lakes, or rather pools, in the
baronies of Dungannon, Clogher, and Omagh, but
very few in the barony of Strabane; I believe there
are not more than two or three in the latter barony ;
at lead, J do not recolledt any more.

CHAP-

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 29

CHAP. II.

AGRICULTURE.

SECT. I. Mode of Culturt.

FROM the great variety of the foils of this
county, it muft follow that there are various modes
of culture.

I believe there are not better potatoe and flax farmers
m the kingdom, than thofe of Tyrone in general are ;
the only branches of hufbandry they excel in, or have
any pretenfions to. And, though we feldom find large
tracts of potatoes together, yet we meet with innumer-
able fmall patches throughout the county, in many
parts almoft up to the fummits of the highefl moun-
tains. This is a ftrong indication of the populoufnefs
of the county.

The fame obfervation holds good with refpeft to
flax, as it is as common for the poor man to have a
)ot of the latter, as of the former, fmce without both
fee could not exift. It muft, however, be remarked,

that

30 STATISTICAL SURVEY

that there are many mountainy filiations, which may
anfwer for potatoes, where flax would have no chance;
in fuch, oats always follow potatoes, as there barley
would not fucceed. It is an old remark, that, " where
barley thrives, flax is fure to fucceed after it."

Oats are mofl commonly fown on one ploughing,
•which is performed fometimes before, but mod com-
monly after Chriflmas; but this mode is obferved only
in good barley foils, and moil commonly after it, and
fometimes after flax. In mountainy foils, where oats
follow potatoes, as has been already obferved, plough-
ing never takes place till immediately before the time
of fowing.

Twenty (lone is the ufual allowance of oats to the
plantation acre (I always mean the plantation acre),
which generally returns eight barrels, of eighteen ftone
to the barrel. Sixty Hooks, of twelve flieaves to the
flook, are reckoned a good crop for an acre to pro-
duce ; and, when fodder is at a reafonable rate, the
value of the flraw is about thirty {hillings, but it is
mofl commonly higher. The flraw is confidered to be
equal to the expence of ploughing, harrowing, reap-
ing, and making up.

As, in good land, flax generally fucceeds oats, two
ploughings are always given ; the firft before or after
Chrifttnas, and the fecond juft before the time of fow-
ing. Forty gallons is the ufual allowance for an acre,
and one-fixth lefs for a Cunningham or Scotch acre-,

the

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 31

the latter being the common meafure, by which the
farmers regulate all the land let to poor cottiers, in the
corn-acre way (a phrafe, ufually underftood in this
country to denote a yearly take, or letting the land
only for one crop), though the farmer himfelf may rent
his land by the plantation acre. This is a grievance on
the poor, which certainly fhould be redrefled.

It is very common to fow flax after barley, when
the land is not in good heart ; and, in fuch cafes, the
fucceeding crop is oats, and then the land is fuffered to
reft for three or four years in a ftate of nature, moft
commonly without affiftance from grafs-feeds of any
fort.

Potatoes are generally planted on lea-land, plough-
ing for them being very feldom praftifed, efpecial-
ly by the poorer clafs; but this praftice is chiefly
confined to the baronies of Strabane and Omagh,
which, I dare fay, are equal to two-thirds of the whole
county. The farmer finds great advantage in giving
rough ground to the cottier, who muft either put up
with it, or want. When the land is ploughed, and
fufficiently pulverifed, the crop is generally double
that produced, in the ufual way of planting on the lea.
However, though the poor man may be much forely
diftrefled, by being every year obliged to plant rough
land at the farmer's option, yet the community at large
reap the benefit of it, as land is fooner gained, and
brought into a profitable courle of cultivation.

The

ji STATISTICAL SURVEY

The induftry, with which the poorer clafs fet about
collecting manures, is moft praife-worthy ; a full ac-
count of which ftiall be given in its proper place,
under the article Manures, which fee.

Obfervations en the foregoing Seftion.

IN lea ground, two fucceffive crops of potatoe*
would be found of more general advantage than one.
To the owner of the land, perhaps, in fome cafes, one
crop only may be more for his interefl, as he will have,
of courfe, more rough ground brought into culture, thau
he could have by taking off two fucceffive crops. If
the foil be ftrong, and difficult to pulverize, two pota-
toe crops fliould certainly be preferred, without an in-
tervening crop.

But the farmers of this country are remarkably fond
of barley crops, as they are always a ready money arti-
cle j indeed they are frequently bought up by private
diftillers, feveral months before they are reaped ; this
temptation frequently fuperfedes every other fclid ad-
vantage.

Half the quantity of manure, ufed for the firft crop of
potatoes, will ferve for the fecond, and the latter never
fail in being moll abundant j and, if the drill fyftem
be followed, there will be a great faving of feed and
labour.

By

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 33

By following this fyftem it is very obvious, that the
quantity of food may be confiderably encreafed, though
not fo much land may be brought into cultivation in
the fame fpace of time. I am not, however, perfectly
clear, but more grain may be obtained, on account of
the good preparation the land will undergo, by taking
off two crops of potatoes, than in the ufual way of
taking only one crop.

A country may be overftocked with barley, and it is
too frequently the cafe in this kingdom, the effects of
which are forely felt by the lower clafs, from the im-
moderate ufe of fpirits, when it becomes fo cheap, as to
be within the reach of every common labourer. But
the cafe is different with refpeft to potatoes ; there
cannot be too many of them. As- long as Britain re-
tains a navy, there will be a demand for pork. Pota-
toes are not only the food of man, but are alfo that
of horfes, cattle, pigs, and poultry; fheep, alfo, are
eafily taught to eat them. _ f

One great advantage to farmers and labourers may
derive from having plenty of potatoes, as, in fpring,
milk and butter is always fcarce j beef and mutton,
at that feafon, are entirely out of the reach of the
lower order ; pickled pork may be had upon cheap
terms, when potatoes are plenty. A pig, killed at
Chriftmas, may go a great way in fpring, by pick-
ling part of it, inftead of making bacon of the whole,
as is ufually done. A pound of pork, in fpring,

D will)

34 STATISTICAL SURVEY

with leeks, oatmeal, greens, &c. would go further
than two pounds of bacon in a family, and would*
be found confidcrably more nourifhing.

SECT. 2. Extent of Culture^ and of each Specif* of
Grain foived.

BEFORE I proceed on this fubject, I beg leave to re-
mark to the Board, that it is my humble opinion, this
fectton might be fomewhat imperfect, without includ-
ing potatoes in the difcuflion i therefore I (hall take
the liberty of giving them a place with the grain.

It is impoffible to be accurate on this fnbject, with-
out making an actual land furvey ; and this could only
ferve for one feafon, fmce the quantity of land, under
culture, mull always vary according to circumflances,
fuch as the encreafe or decreafe of population, &c.

Perhaps the bed method of determining this point
is, by attending to Doctor Beaufort's Memoirs, where
he ftates the county to contain 28,704 houfes, which
ftatement at this day is fufficiently accurate, notwith-
ftanding the fuppofed reduction of the inhabitants
by emigration, raifing militia, &c., which, in the
whole, are fcarce worth attending to. I believe, with
many others, that the county is more on the encreafe

than on the decreafe.

From

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 35

From feveral views I have taken in different parifhes,
I am dearly of opinion, that the number of perfons, or
rather the average to each houfe, is rather over than
under fix; but I (hall abide by that number, which
would make the whole of the inhabitants of the coun
ty equal to 172,224.

"What remains to afcertain is, to (hew what quantity
of land is fufficient to fupply a family, confifting of fix
perfons, the year round. This, from repeated obfer-
vations in feveral parifhes, I have determined fuffi-
ciently accurate to anfwer our prefent purpofe.

The cultivation, neceflary to fupport a family of the
above defcription (no matter whether part be children
or not, as children wafte food, and are fuppofed to be
equal to grown-up perfons), I ftate as follows:

3 acres of oats ; - Quantity of feed, 60 ftone.
\ ditto, potatoes, - ditto, - 80 ditto

f ditto, barley, - 'CfU'j ditto, - 8 ditto
4 ditto, flax, - ditto, - 15 gallons

^ ditto, garden and haggard.

4| total cultivation, which, multiplied by 28,704
houfes, gives, for land in cultivation, 129,168

acres, of which the proportion is ;

<• > .«
For oats, - - 86, 1 1 2 acres

— potatoes, - - 14,352 ditto 6.

— barley, - 14,352 ditto & :

— flax, - 10,764 ditto £>

— gardens, &c. - 3,588 ditto &

129,168 ditto

a 2 The

~

/% ]/!*~"-
/n^

j6 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The above account fhews, that a confiderable deal
more than one-fourth of the county is in cultivation ;
the whole number of acres in the county, according to
Doctor Beaufort, being 467,700.

In taking a general view of the county, this great
tract of cultivation does not appear to occupy fo much
ipacc, as what in reality is the cafe ; the reafon is, that
mountainy and hilly lands raeafure more to the eye,
than flats and low fituations, which are, of courfe,
chiefly occupied in culture.

It has been (hewn, that 3 acres of oats require 60
ftone of feed} 86, n 2 acres will require 1,722,240
ftone, or 95,680 barrels, of 18 ftone to the barrel.

Half an acre of potatoes requires 80 ftone of feed ;
14,352 acres, by the fame rule, will be found equal to
2,296,320 ftone, or 114,816 barrels, at 20 ftone to
the barrel.

With refpect to the quantity of land, barley is equal
to potatoes, which, at fixteen- ftone to the acre for
feed, will be found equal to 229,632 ftone, or 14,352
barrels, at 16 ftone to the barrel.

Forty gallons of flax-feed are ufually fown on an
acre; 10,754 acres will require 229,632 gallons, or
6,145 hog(heads, allowing 70 gallons to the hogfhead;
but this meafure is never uniform.

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 37

The whole may be thus Jlajed,

Species.

Acres.

No.of bar-
rels JbiveJ.

Aver,
per acre,
barrels.

Amount,
barrels.

Oats.

86,112

95,680

7*

602784

C tgo'id <i*i
l_bad land.

Potatoes.

M.352

114,816

80

1148160

Barley.

I4.352

M»352

10

143,520

Flax.

10,764

6145*

»

* HcgJbeaJt-

Garden, &c.

3588

Here it may be neceflary to remark, that the gar-
den and haggard is commonly the fame, but is al-
ways filled with crops in fummer? moft commonly
cabbage. This part only ferves to fhew the quantity
of land, counting nothing on the feed fowed, or
the produce, as is ihewn in the {ketch above flated.

In the foregoing ftatement, half an acre of oats is
allowed for feed, and a fmall quantity for horf^s, whofe
allowance of this article indeed is moft commonly
fcanty and precarious; four barrels of potatoes are
alfo deducted from the produce of the half acre,
for an allowance of feed for the next feafon; the
half acre of barley makes no part of the food of
the family, yet ferves to fhew the extent of culture
and quantity of feed fowed; and the reafon is, b£-

caufe

Thirty- fix barrels of potatoes* are the common
.produce of half an acre, after deducting four barrels

38 STATISTICAL SURVEY

caufc this grain generally follows potatoes j indeed it
is always the cafe in good land.

Two and a half acres of oats I place againft a houfe,
or fix in family ; the produce in meal, upon an ave-
rage, 17$ cwt. allowing iiolb. to the hundred, which
for oatmeal is the general ftandard, being with more
cafe turned into pecks of lolb. without fractional
parts. This allowance will be found nearly one
pound per day, to eaqh perfon for the year round.

for feed. This allowance in the grofs, to the whole fa-
mily, will be found better than 4|lb. daily, to each
individual. Between meal and potatoes, the daily food
for each perfon will be found to exceed 5|lb.
which, with the help of the garden in fummer, may
be confidered an ample allowance. Pigs and dogs,
of courfe, muft fall in for their (hare; the latter, from
their great number, certainly deftroy more food than
the former ; but this wafte of food our country rare-
ly considers as a grievance. How many pigs might
be fed, throughout the kingdom, with the food
thrown away upon ufelefs dogs, which are, by far
the greater part, a pert to the community.

J .*• • <b i ' ' •

f & c<A»/iwar>&G'oy #£t+*v :

* Of 20 ftone to the barrel ; for eafe in calculation, I
prefer the 20 ftone barrel, though the ftandard of the coun-
ty is generally 40 (lone to the barrel.

4

f

To

60

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE, 3^

In this place it may be necefTary to remark, that,
fo far as barley immediately follows potatoes, the cal-
culation will hold good; but this is not always the
cafe, fmce, in mountainy fituations, oats muft necef-
farily follow potatoes; however, in fome cafes, where
the foil is very good, it is common to fow barley
after the laft crop of oats (which fhall be ftiewn
in the next article); but for this, a dreffing of ma-
nure muft be ufed. This additional crop of barley
I fhall let (land, againft the want of barley crops
in mountainy fituations.

I believe it is fcarce neceflary to remark, that
very few cottiers are exaftly circumftanced accord-
ing to the above ftatement; cottiers, in general,
have not a third part of the allowance here fet
down, from the farmers; which foall be taken
notice of in its proper place; the difference mud
be purchafed, moft commonly by the induftry of the
loom.

The quantity of flour ufed, or, which is the fame,
the wheaten bread made uie of, by the better fort
of people, and particularly in the principal towns,
may be confidered as a draw-back from the above
ftatement; but the very few, who are accuftomed
to wheaten bread, make but a fmall bulk, when
compared to the community at large.

SECT.

40 STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 3. Courfe of Crops.

i. Courfe, but not the mod general is;

1 oats.

2 do.

3 flax.

4 oats.

The above is moft commonly followed in lands
formerly taken in, and which hate been allowed to
reft for a few years after the firft courfe. The fecond
rotation, and fometimes the third and fourth, is ge-
nerally the fame as the firft. This is a moft abomi-
nable fyftem; the land is never fuffered to reft any
length of time, and the laying down with clover, or
any kind of grafs-feed, is generally out of the quef-
tion.

Except about Strabane, and Omagh, very little at-
tention is paid to the laying down with grafs-feeds.

2. The following courfe is the moft univerfal, and
is by far the moft rational, particularly for the ba-
ronies of Strabane and Omagh.

1 potatoes, upon lea land.

2 barley, upon one ploughing in April, or May.

3 oats, upon one ploughing about Chriftmas.

4 flax, upon two ploughings, the firft about Chrift-
mas, and the next immediately before the time of
fowiog, which is generally about new May.

5th. Oats,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 41

5th. Oats, and then the land let out for a few years
as before. If the land be in good condition, barley
generally follows this crop of oats, but the foil muft
be highly manured; after this follow oats, and then
flax, and fuffered to reft as before.

Here are eight fucceffive crops running, without
any kind of meliorating crop.

There are many however, who follow a better fy£-
tenv, they flop after the laft crop of barley, by which
means the land is let out in good heart, and, of courfe,
will come round for a fecond courfe in a fhorter
time.

To this practice, if the fowing of grafs-feeds and
clover, when the latter might be thought to fucceed,
was added, 'much benefit would certainly enfue.

3d. Courfe, commonly followed in mountainy fitu-
ations.

1 potatoes.

2 oats.

3 oats.

In fome mountainy fituations, a third crop of oats
is taken off, but this rarely happens.

In boggy marfhy fituations, a fourth fyftem is fol-
lowed, which I look upon to be the moft profitable
of any.

Part of the foil is burned for alhes, fufficient to
manure a crop of potatoes. Two crops are generally
taken off, and then it is laid down, moft commonly with

black

42 STATISTICAL SURVEY

black oats, which frequently lodge, and rot in wet
feafons. Notwithftanding this, a moft luxuriant verdure
foon takes place, without any affiftance from hay-feeds;
the white meadow grafs (Holcus lanatus), being pecu-
liar to fuch foils, foon occupies the furface.

This mode of bringing in land has of late years
been very much attended to, which the people find
to their advantage, in point of gaining annually a
confiderable acquifition to meadow land, the want of
which is the greateft inconvenience this county la-
bours under.

Otfervations.

If, inftead of always following potatoes with barley
in good foils, we were occafionally to introduce wheat,
no doubt we would get into a better habit of living,
with refpect to food, than is at prefent the cafe. The
leflfening the confumption of fpirits, and the getting
into a mode of ufmg wheaten, and rye bread, (which
fhould be generally mixed, for the ufe of labour-
ing people) are two objects of great importance to
the community. Oatmeal is not calculated for making
bread ; it is well known, that a pound of it will go
farther in a family, made into hafty pudding, or ftira-
bout, according to the general phrafe, than a pound
and a half made into bread ; and yet, notwithstanding
all this, I find there is a confiderable deal more meal

ufed

OF THE COUNTY Ofr TYRONE. 43

iifed in bread throughout the county, than otherwife.
The people of the province of Leinfter are very fen-
fible of this, and, very properly, convert the greater
part of their oatmeal into ftirabout, and ufe wheat and
rye, and fometimcs peas, for bread. The foregoing
grains are commonly mixed, and, when fo, are called
in fome parts braccas, as in the county of Kildare, and
in other parts mejlint as in the county of Louth.

It is faid, that the foils of this county are not calcu*
lated for wheat and rye, and particularly for the former.
I know they are not generally fo, but it is very noto-
rious, that many of them are, from fome fuccefsful
trials, which have been lately made in the neighbour,
hood of Omagh, the foils of which are by no means
deemed fo well calculated for wheat, as a large por-
tion of thofe of the baronies of Dungannon and Clogh-
er, which, in my opinion, are as good wheat foils as
any in the kingdom. A ftrong abiding loam, inclining
to limeftone-gravel, is allowed, by the beft judges, to
be moft favourable to wheat, which is in great abund-
ance in the above baronies. In every part of the
county are to be found fpots of rich bog, which pro-
duce abundant crops of potatoes. In all fuch places,
rye would certainly fucceed, after a potatoe crop : but
by far the beft economy would be, to have rape after
potatoes, as part of fuch grounds are in general burned
the year before, to manure the potatoe crop. The laft
crop, or that after rape, (hould be rye.

The

44 STATISTICAL SURVEY

T.he fpring is the feafon of fevere trial for food
for cattle : a little rape at that time would be found
of infinite ufe, the procuring of which is altnoft in
the power of every farmer : the feed is of little or
no value, and the foil is prepared to his hand by the
Jate crop of potatoes.

Wheat and rye ftraw will laft double the length of
time, for thatch, as oat and barley ilraw j this would
be found of the utmoft confequence, in point of en-
creafmg manure.

From what I have faid upon this head, I beg it may
not be underftood, that I wUh to leflen the quantity of
oats raifed : if horfes, pigs, and poultry were fully
ferved, the whole would be found little enough, with
the addition of the wheat and rye, that might be
raifed .

SECT. 4. Ufe of Oxen.

VERY little ufe is made of oxen in the county. Some
years ago, in Lord Mountjoy's demefne, oxen were
found of great ufe for ploughing deep foils, where it
was neceflary to plant, which was performed by the
Kentifti wheel-plough, drawn by fix bullocks, which
commonly were harnefled by the yoke placed to the
{boulder of the animal. This fubject, with many others
relative to improvements, I mean to referve for a fepa-

rate

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 45

rate chapter, which fhall include the bulk of the im-
provements of Rafh * demefne and its appendages, as
it is apprehended, that a curfory view of thofe exten-
five improvements might not do fufficient juftice to the
fubjecl:, nor would the reader be able to comprehend
them in fo clear a light, as if brought under one gene-
ral head.

It is not uncommon, in many parts of the county, to
meet, among the farmers, fmart aclive little bullocks,
employed in the Hide-car (which fhall be taken notice
of in the next feftion), drawing turf, manure, lime-
ftone, &c.j and, from the habit of being in company
with horfes, they move as fafl as them. It alfo fre-
quently happens with a poor farmer, who may have
the misfortune to lofe one of his horfes in fpring,
to be obliged to join a bullock with a horfe to
plough his land; indeed there are frequent inftances
of his being obliged to yoke his cow for the fame
purpofe.

In a mountainy country, as this is, and where the
farms in general are fo extremely fmall, horfes will al-
ways fuperfede oxen in cultivating the foil. In level
countries, and where there are large farms, where a
long, fleady courfe of tillage is the principal objeft,

oxen

* Rafh is the prefent name, which is derived from a rath, or
Danifli fort. It is in contemplation to change the name to
Mountjoy Park.

46 STATISTICAL SURVEY

exen can be only employed to advantage.

The common trace and collar is the general mode of
harnefling in ploughing.

^a..

SECT. 5. Nature and ufe of Implements of Hujbandry.

VERY little can be fatd, in general, in favour of our
implements of hufbaudry.

The common plough is a moft wretched implement;
it performs very badly, and, from its conft ruction, is
very difficult to draw. Inftead of having the coulter
in a line with the land fide of the fock, or plough fhare,
it is generally placed an inch nearer the land, or to the
left hand ; and, inftead of the coulter being fet a little
before the fock, it is placed rather behind ir, fo that,
by this means, the draught is confiderably encrcafcd.
On account of the point of the fock not being guarded
by the coulter, the former is always made of iron, in-
flead of metal, which is always attended with trouble
and expence. From this mode of fixing the plough-
irons, it is pkiin there are two obftruclions to encoun-
ter with, in place of one : the fock rather opens the
land firft ; the coulter cuts after, but never a clear or
fair open furrow, which may be eafily conceived.

Some gentlemen there are, however, who follow a
better fyftem. A plough got fome years ago from
Colloo, one from Lord Longford in the county of

"Weftmeath,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 47

Weftmeath, and one from Mid-Lothian in Scotland
(all at Rafh), are beginning to open the eyes of the
neighbouring farmers. Thefe acquifitions, with the
fpirited exertions of Mr. Buchanan, near Omagh, who
is moft indefatigable in the ufeful purfuits of agricul-
ture, I hope will, in a fhort time, reform our fyftem ;
indeed already there are vifible appearances of a re-
formation.

Almoft as little can be faid in favour of the harrow,
as of the plough. There is only one kind in general
ufe ; it confifts of four baulks or main pieces, con-
taining twenty pins or tines, and is commonly drawn
on the angle. Sometimes two harrows are fattened to-
gether, efpecially in dry weather, and at the time of
feed-fowing ; in this cafe, two cattle are made ufe of,
yoked abreaft. The fingle harrow is commonly drawn
by one beaft.

In ploughing, more than two horfes are feldom
ufed, and, in many fituations, that number is fufficient.
It is a well-known facl, however, that the fcanty crops
of oats we commonly meet with, and particularly the
fourth and fifth in courfe, may be chiefly attributed to
(hallow ploughing. There cannot be a more clear in-
flance of this, than what has repeatedly occurred at
Ram, in laying down the fmall diftricls occupied
by farmers and labourers, who knowing, that they
would be obliged to give up at ftated periods, ftiewed
no mercy, but cropped on every year with exbaufting

crops,

48 STATISTICAL SURVEY

crops, of courfe, oats and flax. But, notwithftanding
the extreme poverty, in which they left the land, one
deep ploughing, performed by four or fix ftout cattle,
never failed to yield an abundant crop. But to return;

About twenty years ago, very few wheel-cars were
to be met with, except in the neighbourhoods of prin-
cipal towns, fuch as Dungannon, Omagh, and Stra-
bane j now every farmer, of any note, is poflefled of
one or more ; though, in many fituations, it can never
be applied fo ufefully as the common flide-car ; not-
withftanding, the farmer, who is able, feels a pride
in having a wheel-car, though frequently of not much
more ufe to him, than that of going occafionally to
markets or fairs.

In the hilly and mountainy parts of the country, the
flide-car muft always prevail, as being capable of ac-
cefs, where a wheel-car would have no chance of act-
ing. The price is from 3.;. y\d. to 5^. $d. when bought
at the fair or market, and it will lad, with care, three or
four feafons, but muft be frequently iupplied with new
feet, which generally coft fixpence-halfpenny a pair :
but more of this, when I come to treat of the general
prices of timber.

Two and one-half cwt. is generally the load of a
flide-car, three of which are deemed equal to that of
a wheel-car. The whole expence of a wheel-car is
about four guineas, which may laft five or fix years,
according to the manner it may be employed.

To

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 49

To a perfon, accuftomed to wheel-cars, the flide
ones, at firft view, muft appear aukward, which, in-
deed, was the cafe with myfelf fome years ago ; but
now I am thoroughly convinced of their great utility
in mountainy fitoations. Even in countries not over
mountainous, I am not altogether clear, but the flide-
car mould have the preference. It is amazing to find
with what celerity a fmall horfe, worth about forty
millings, with one of thofe fimple vehicles, will get
through fo much bufmefs in a feafon, in drawing ma-
nure, turf, limeftone, &c. In deep hills, rough, un-
even, and fwampy fituations, the flide-car may be
ufed, where the other could have no chance to fuc-
ceed. The average expence of a wheel-car, with wear
and tear, may be about a guinea a year, whereas that
of the other may not exceed half a crown.

The reader, who may not be acquainted with the
flide-car, even by the name, may conceive fome idea of
it from the following flcetch.

The body, from a, to a, is ufually the length of that

of a wheel-car, according to the fize of the beaft ; the

fame may be underflood of the breadth. The body is

E made

50 STATISTICAL SURVEY

made of oak, alder, birch, or any othfer wood which
may be convenient. The rungs, if, b, b, bt are generally
oak or hazel. The car is commonly ufed for fome
time before the foot is applied, and, upon the applica-
tion of which, the fide of the car is thus reprefented.

a

e. e.

When the {haft of the car is raifed to ay (the fup-
pofed height when the beaft is yoked), the fpace ct d,
will be found horizontal, or at leaft it will take that
direction, when the car has been fome time at work.
In drawing over hard foils, the feet foon wear out,
aud muft be frequently replaced. The ftraps or belts
et ft are fometimes of iron, but moft commonly gads,
made of hazel or fallow.

Spade and Shovel. — Some years ago, fcarcc a good
fpude was to be found ; at prefent it is quite other-
wife, as every town of note is plentifully fupplied with
that article from Dublin and other parts. The (hovel
is the common one, peculiar to every part of the king-
dom, which, for ditching and draining, is certainly the
belt.

A mill, for manufacturing fpades and /hovels, has
been lately eitublifhed at Fintona, by Mr. Hugh Kelly

of

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 51

of that town. I find, from fair trial, that the fpades
are as good as any, which have been brought from
other parts. At Newtown-ftewart, by Mr. Bar tin of
that town, another fpade and (hovel-mill is about to be
fet up.

Pick-axe and Crow-iron. — Formerly the pick-axe was
feldom ufed in finking drains and ditches ; the crow-
iron was the chief implement for that purpofe. The
former is at prefent in moft general ufe, being lefs la-
borious to the workman ; befides, in moft cafes, it is
t?eft for quick difpatch. In heavy ftrong foils, and
where large ftones interfere, the latter is preferred,
being more powerful for weighty works.

Forks, rakes, reaping-hooks, fcythes, &c. are in
common with other counties.

I cannot pafs over a fimple implement, peculiarly
adapted to this county, and which, I believe, is tole-
rably general through the North, though not fo io
other parts of the kingdom. The old Irifli name is
Jkroghoge ; the word /krogh being generally ufed for fod.
I (hall here call it a fcraw-cutter.

It is ufed for cutting fcraws or fods, to lay on the
houfes, between the wattling and the thatch, which
contribute very much to keep them comfortable and
warm, and alfo faves thatch. The fods are cut about
two feet broad, and from an inch to two inches thick;
the length is determined by the depth of the roof \ for
example, a roof of fourteen feet in depth will require

12 a fbd;

51 STATISTICAL SURVEY

a fod of fixteen feet, as it muA lap over the vertex,
and come down to the outfide face of the wall. They
are rolled upon a (lick, and carried up the ladder by
two men, who perform their work very dexteroufly.
An aftive man can cut from thirty to forty fods of the
above dimenfions in a day, and the general price is a
penny a fod, but he mufl aflifl to lay them on the roof,
and fit them there, which requires fome degree of in-
genuity. Under is a fltetch of the fcraw-cutter.

c .

The crofs piece a, 2 feet,

Brace, b, i foot, 8 inches,

Length from ct to dt 4 feet 6 Inches,

from d, to s, 7 inches,

f rom ft to g, 10 inches, and about the

fame in breadth. The rife, or upfet, from </, tog, is
to be con fide r ably more than that of the bed of a
fpade.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY "OF TYRONE. 53

SECT. 6. Markets for Grain*

ALTHOUGH there are feveral market towns through-
out the county, yet very little grain is fold at any of
them. Oats and barley are generally fold by fample.
Oatmeal and potatoes are the chief articles of food,
fold in the public markets. The principal markets
are, Dungannon, Stewartftown, Cookftown, Augh-
nacloy, Augher, Fmtona, Omagh, Newtownftewart,

and Strabane ; there are a few others, but of very

7
little note.

Flax-feed abounds in every market, in fpring, not
only in market towns, but even in fmall villages, and
detached houfes through the country. It is always
bought from the merchant by the hogfhead, which
generally is from fixty to feventy gallons ; it is retailed
by pecks and gallons ; five of the latter are fuffici-
ent to fow half a rood, or twenty fquare perches of
land, being in the proportion of forty gallons to the
acre.

Moft commonly, great profits are made by retailing
flax-feed j I have known them to amount to forty per
cent.

Some years ago, in confequence of premiums granted
by the Dublin fociety, or the Linen board, large quan-
tities of flax-feed of Irifh growth were fown ; but this
praftice, with great propriety, has been laid aiide.

SECT.

54 STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 7. Uft of green food in •winter.

FEW in the county know what is meant by green
food, much lefs have they any knowledge of the appli-
cation of it.

Some are very induftrious in planting large quantities
of cabbage in their gardens, which they never let go
to lofs, as the cows and pigs are fure to be ferved
by what the family cannot make ufe of ; this about
Chriftmas affords a temporary relief. In fpring
which is the trying feafon for cattle, as at that time
fodder of every fort becomes fcarce, the only re-
fource for green food, if I may fo call it, is the
tops of furze, which are ufed in large quantities for
horfes. The young tops are pounded, or bruifed,
in a {tone mortar; but this operation is very tedi-
ous, as it will take a man, the greater part of the
day, to prepare food for two horfes. When bruifed,
they are mixed with a little oats, and make ex-
cellent provender, which all our farmers fully expe-
rience. A machine, or fome improvement, upon this
head, would be found of infinite advantage to the
public. I have feen flax broken, for the fcutchers of
a. flax-mill, by wooden fluited cylinders, and am of
opinion, that furze might be bruifed on the fame prin-
€iple. This might be worth the confideration of fome
ingenious artift.

Inftead

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 55

Inftead of green food, oat-chaff and fmall potatoes
are boiled together, which are well known to be
wholefome and nourifhing for cattle and pigs, and
never fail to encreafe the quantity of milk. The milk
is alfo encreafed by boiling hay in water, which en-
creafe is more or lefs, according to the quality of the
hay; the clofe jointed grafTes, in general, afford the
richeft hay-water, of which the bent grafTes form not
the leaft part.

There is a fpecies of grafs very common in all low
fituations, and efpecially in rich bogs, called the creep-
ing bent grafs, the agroftis ftolonifera of Linnaeus : from
the faccharine and fucculent quality of this grafs, it is
extremely well fuited for making hay-water. The
natives call it the foreen-grafs ; the joints are very
numerous, and ftrike root at every one ; it creeps
along the furface to a great diftance, attaching itfelf to
the perpendicular fides of drains and bog-holes, or
any other fituation, where its numerous roots may
chance to grafp. The beft way of encreafing it is,
to cut the hay with a knife, or rather with a ftraw-
cutter, which if fown like hayfeeds, in moift fituations,
and covered with about half an inch of rich boggy
foil, in moift weather, every joint will fucceed, as I
have more than once experienced.

It is not eafy to collect the feed pure, nor is it apt
to ripen well. A fuller defcription under the article,
Natural grafts, which fee.

It

56 STATISTICAL SURVEY

It would be unpardonable in me, were I to quit ihis
fubjeft, without taking notice of Dr. Richardfon's fyf-
tem of couries of crops, and green food, in the parifh
of Clonfeckle, and barony of Dungannon. When I
was there in July, 1 800, I faw fome crops of rape,
managed in a mafterly manner, and with a perfeft
view towards economy. This gentleman feems to
poflefs, in a great degree, both the fpirit and talent
for ufeful farming.

CHAP.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 57

i$~-f wi i»

CHAP. III. -• tiiw

•

:d JOQG~

PASTURE.

ifter, r>*J i rr :.

of Pa/lure.
aqrJb bk'cjfi ijli .knc ,b-5loq« i

FROM the mode of letting lands reft a few years,
in fome meafure to recover naturally, without the a£
fiftance of clover and hay-feeds, or either, good paf-
ture-land cannot be expected. The principal paftures

-

are thofe, which the plough and fpade have not hither-
to been able to attack ; namely, hblmy * land, con*
fidered too wet and precarious for tillage ; rocky and
fkrubby land, out of the reach of a farmer to bring in-
to culture; mountainy foil, deemed not capable of
bringing crops of corn to maturity; and bog and
marfhy foils, as far as cattle are able to make their
way into them, and, in attempting of which, many are
loft.

The above, with what the cattle may bes able to
pick up, after the crops of corn arc carried off, chiefly

compofe

* Low flat land, Ctuated generally in the vicinity of brooks
and rivers.

5» STATISTICAL SURVEY

compofe the bulk of the pafture-land, except about
towns, where generally there is fome attention paid to
the fowing of hay-feeds, but rarely clover.

It is a univerfal practice to let in cattle among pota-
toes, fome time before the ftalks are withered. A
more deftruftive fyftem cannot be conceived, as the
lofs in the crop, by adhering to this method, muft be
always confiderable. The root is never at maturity fo
long as the {talk continues green ; befides, the cattle
tread the land to fuch a degree, that frequently a great
part of the crop is expofed, and, if it fhould efcape the
froft, is, notwithftanding, otherwife materially injured.
The foil is alfo rendered {['iff by the cattle walking
over it, which, of courfe, muft always encreafe the
expence of digging out the potatoes. Add to this, that,
if the land be retentive, or inclined to clay, water will
lodge in every impreffion made by the feet of cattle,
which, in a fliort time, will caufe the crop to rot.

. :.

r

(_

SECT. 2. Br«d of CattU-hw far improved.

THERE is very little variation in the breed of black
cattk, and efpecially in the mountainy parts of the
county. They are of various colours and (hapes, bur
generally fraall, as heavy ftock could not fubfift upon
the fcanty fare of our mountains, being principally

young

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 59

young heath, or bedery a common name for heath with
the natives, and a coarfc kind of carex grafs, which
fprings up immediately, after burning the heath, ia
Ipring, which in many parts of the county is a com-
mon practice, to the great deftru&km of game, but
more particularly groufe.

The common cufrom is, with the occupiers of moun-
tainy trafts, to let the grafs for the fummer feafon, for
fo much a beaft, or by the fum, according to the coun-
try phrafe, to the inhabitants of the low lands.

Horfes, from los. to 15^.
Cows, from 5^, to los.
Sheep, from is. to 2/.

•
In Glenchordial, between Omagh and Gortin, one

of the appendages of the Munterloney mountains, graz-
ing lets fomewhat higher, it being allowed to be the
beft feeding mountain in the county.

At the fall of the feafon, generally in October, great
numbers of the horned cattle are killed, and fold in all
the country fairs and markets, not by weight, but mod
commonly by hand or view, at from 3 ox. to 3/. a car-
cafe. By the country people it is called horfe-beef,
becaufe it is carried to market on horfeback. The
poorer clafs are the general purchafers, and three or
four of them frequently join in a carcafe. Some are
brought home, and fed on ftraw during the feverity of

the winter.

•

From

$0 STATISTICAL SURVEY

From this treatment, we cannot expert any improve-
ment in the breed of cattle, fo far as relates to mouu-
tainy pafture, which, indeed, compofes a great part of
the pafture of the county, particularly in the baronies
of Strabane and Omagh. Many die, even in the fum-
mer months, through extreme poverty, and not a few
die of diforders, which, no doubt, proceed from the
fame caufe.

No pains are taken to improve the breed of cattle,
nor would it anfwer any good purpofe to do fo, till a
reformation be firft made in the mode of pafture, and
more bogs reclaimed, becaufe, in the prefent ftate of
pafture, the native cattle are found more certain, than
flock brought from the fouthern or weflern counties.

Though our milch-cows are far from being well
fhaped in general, they are, notwithftanding, common-
ly good milkers, to fecure which the people take infi-
nite pains. If a pcrfon happens on a bad milker, he
fells her again as foon as poffible, and fo continues
buying and felling, till he finds one to anfwer : this is
not attended with much expencc or lofs of time, as the
fairs are fo numerous and convenient throughout the
county.

The horfes are alfo badly fhaped, though very dura-
ble, and capable of undergoing a great deal of fatigue,
upon fcanty allowance. We fometimes meet a better
kind of horles, which the farmers ride and work occa-
Conally, but thefe are generally bought at remote fairs.
Fermanagh fupplics this county with fome good cattle.

Breed

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 61

,

Breed of Cattle — how far capable of further improvement.

•

It has been remarked, in the preceding article, that
to attempt to improve the breed of cattle, till better
pafture be introduced, would anfwer no good end;
therefore it is needlefs to dwell on this fubjeft. Before
any material improvement can be made in flock of any
fort, a better fyftem of laying down land, with judi-
cious courfes of White and green crops, muft firft take

place.

•

SECT. 3. Markets and Fairs for Cattle.

PERHAPS there is not another county in the kingdom
better fupplied with fairs than this.

In January there are

ii fairs.

— February

ii ditto

— March -

9 ditto

--r April

6 ditto

— May - " -~

24 ditto

— June --'j-^j -

1 6 ditto

— July - . -

9 ditto

— Auguft -

1 8 ditto

— September

6 ditto

— October

1 6 ditto

— November

24 ditto

— December

9 ditto

— — 159 in the year.

Black

62 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Black cattle, fheep, and pigs, are to be found in
every fair, and at all feafous j and in the fummcr
months, in the principal towns, new-calved cows and
fpringers are commoaly fold on market days. Sheep
are alfo fold on market days, efpecially of late, fmce
the army began to be quartered throughout the prin-
cipal towns and villages.

Both fairs and markets are generally fupplied with
the common country breed; but, from Auguft to the
beginning of November, a much larger and better fort
are to be met with in the principal towns ; thefe arc
brought from other parts. In May, wethers are
brought from the Weft by jobbers, which, in a few
weeks, are fold to butchers. This is, in general, a pro-
fitable kind of traffic ; fheep of this defcription, laid in
at May for 25^., will fell out, the Auguft and Septem-
ber following, at from 32^. to 40^. befides the fleece,
•which may be ftated at four or five fliillings more.

Fairs for horfes are much more limited, than thofe
for iheep^aud black cattle. The following are the
principal.

Strabarte.

jMiy — confiderable ; good cattle, and high priced.

Dungannw.

Carnteil — con fide rablc.

Jjal/ygaw/ey.

Oniagh.

— coofiderable, the fummer fair only.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 63

F'rve-mile-toivn.

Beraugh.

Dunnelong — confiderable.

SECT. 4. General Prices.

•

THE price of flock varies very much, nor can there
be any general rule laid down to afcertain this point.
Forward feafons, and the ftate of provifions, are the
fureft guides to judge by. In very dear feafons, fuch
as the years of 1800, and 1801, milch cows fold at an
immoderate price. I have known fome of the common
breed to rate fo high as twelve guineas, the milk being
of great relief to the poor in thofe fevere times ;
whereas, on the other hand, dry cows brought but a
low price, though both feafons were very promifing,
and turned out remarkably well for grafs.

Times of plenty, and the profpeft of a forward fea-
fon, never fail to raife the price of dry cattle. A beaft,
fnppofed not to weigh more than 3! cwt. (i2olb. to
the cwt.) when made up for fale in November, gene-
rally colts from 5/. to 61. the preceding May, though
in very poor condition. At ^d. a pound for the beef,
and about 50^. for the hide and fat, the whole may be
fet down at 7/. 15^-.; fo that, from this ftatement, un-
lefs the beef exceed 3^. by the pound, the profit can-
not be reckoned fufficlent for the fummer's grafs ; but

a great

64 STATISTICAL SURVEY

a great deal is made of land by after-grafs, and feed-
ing through ftubble-land, &c.

Common working horfes are always dear in
fpring, on account of the great hurry of labour,
which never fails to prevail at that feafon. A bealt,
which, in the fpring feafon, might have coft 6/.,
probably may be fold, the October following, for 3/.
This great variation in the price of horfes arifes from
the fcarcity of winter food, as very few of the fmall
farmers can afford better food, in winter and fpring,
than oat-ftraw, and the tops of young furze, as has
been already noticed.

Common fheep, bought in at May for I5/., fell, the
October following, at from 2o/. to 25/.; but this muft
be underftood in good low-land foils, and not in moun-
tainy pnes ; the fleece is generally worth 3^. Five
deep are allowed to a plantation acre. There is more
profit on fheep and lambs, than on wethers, when the
lambs fucceed, which is not always the cafe ; the lamb
and the wool are fuppofed to be cleared, both worth
about i2.f.

SECT. 5. Mode of feeding Cattle.

THROUGHOUT moil parts of the county, and parti-
cularly the bed-improved parts of the baronies of Stra-
bane and Omagh, black cattle are houfed during the

heat

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 65

heat of the day in fummer, merely for the objeft of'
encreafing manure, and not to guard the cattle againft
too much heat, of which there is fcarcely ever any
danger, our fummers in general being quite the re-
verfe. This fyflem is chiefly confined to milch cows,
the young ftock being generally fent to the mountains,
to remain there the fummer and autumn half-year.

As the ftock of grazing among the farmers and la-
bourers is feldom abundant, they are very induftrious
and careful to pick up every bit of foil they can
make out about ditches, &c. Cabbage-leaves and po-
tatoe-ftalks, as foon as the latter article becomes fit
for ufe, ftill help for food and manure, and encreafe
the quantity of milk and butter.

For want of good fences to protect the crops, the
cattle are alfo houfed at night j this, of courfe, adds
to the fund of 'manure. With me it is a doubt, if
the farmers were even poflefled of fufficient fences,
but they would ftill prefer the practice of keeping
their cattle houfed at night in the fummer feafon, on
account of having an opportunity of encreafing their
fund of manure. Still, however, this confideration
fhould by no means prevent the introduction of good
fences for many ufeful purpofes, which, in this place,
it is not my province to dwell upon.

About towns, where fields and parks are in general

fecurcly fenced by dry ftone-walls or quickfets, cows

are fuffered to lie out at night in fummer and autumn,

F and,

66 STATISTICAL SURVEY

and, in favourable feafons, to the latter end of No-
vember.

I have often heard this fubjeft talked over by the
better informed people, whether it be wifer economy
to have the cattle houfed in the fummcr feafon, as
above ftated, or let them remain out altogether. There
might be many reafons given for and againft both fides
of the queftion ; but I believe, by weighing all ma-
turely, that houfing is the beft economy. The other
mode, perhaps, in fome inflances, might be found beft,
but this fhould be chiefly underftood for the neigh-
bourhood of towns ; but the misfortune is, that the in-
habitants of fuch places fcarcely ever pay the leaft at-
tention to the manure of cattle, by collecting it frefh,
fhortly after it falls from them, and before it becomes
too dry, which renders it entirely unfit for the pur-
pofes of munure. This neglecl: is the chief caufe of
the numerous rank and infipid tufts of grafs we meet
about towns, and other parts, where this bufinefs is
not fully attended to. Some, however, break and fcat-
ter the dung when it becomes dry, but this is of little
or no ufe, as it then becomes quite exhaufted, and the
rank tufts are not prevented from taking place.

With refpecT to the feeding of horfes, the fame ad-
vantage, as far as relates to manure, cannot be obtain-
ed, as from black cattle, fince the manner of feeding is
more precarious. When not at work, the horfe is ge-
Herally fpancelled, or tied by a rope to a ftake, on the

road

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 67

road fide, or in fome corner of a field under crop.
When at work, fome fcraps of foil are made out for
him between working hours, and the fame commonly
at night-time.

Sheep are not ufually fed on the low lands in the
fummer feafon ; they are generally fent to the moun-
tains for fix mpnths, from the firft of May to the fir ft
of November, but, if the weather fliould fet in fevere,
not fo long.

Cattle, hoiu far Jjoufed in Winter.

The weather points out to the people when to houfe
their cattle. In order to fave fodder, which is always
a fcarce article, they keep them out as long as poflible,
or fo long as the weather will permit. Many far-
mers have their cattle comfortably lodged, both cows
and horfes ; as to bullocks or oxen, there are but few.
In very fevere weather, the fmall fcattered flocks of
flieep are fometimes looked after, but are moft com-
monly fuffered to range through the country in com-
mon, and many of them are utterly loft.

In very fevere weather, the young ftock of black
cattle are collected into fome out-houfes, or fhel-
tered fituations, where they are treated as well "as
the nature of the cafe will allow.

In order to fave fodder as much as poffible, the
farmer feldom threfhes more on one day, than what his

F 2 cattle

68 STATISTICAL SURVEY

cattle are able to confume the fame day; this bufi-
ncfs is generally performed by the fervant boy on morn-
ings and evenings, before and after his day's work.

Whatever little ftock of hay there may be, it
generally referved till fpring, and that chiefly for
horfes, who at that feafon mull work very fevere,
in order to expedite the fpring bufinefs, which is, in
general, very preffing, between oats, barley, flax,
and potatoes.

As to the poor cottiers, who generally derive un-
der the farmers of all denominations, their mode of
feeding their cows, in winter, is very precarious and
uncomfortable j fome, according to the rule of cot-
take, or cottiers -take, may have half an acre of oats,
which commonly produces thirty ftooks of ftraw, of
twelve (heaves to the (look. Such as are fo circum-
ftanced confider themfelves very well off, though
this allowance is not more than half fufficient for
the feafon, as thirty Hooks of ftraw feldom weigh
more than 10 or 12 cwt., and a ton, of either
hay or ftraw, is two fmall an allowance for a cow,
for the fcafon. As hay is generally out of the cot-
tager's power, he muft buy as much more ftraw as
his cot-take produced, otherwife his cow muft ftarve;
the average price of ftraw is eight pence a ftook, fo
that ilxty ftooks, wfut is fuppofed to have off the cot-
take, and what he muft buy, may amount to forty (hil-
lings •, and the fummer's grafs, unlcfs mountain}' pafture,
':• vommouly the fume.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 69

Bat many there are, who are far from being fo com-
fortably circumftanced as the foregoing. Without any
kind of a cot-take, but the bare walls of a cabin, fre-
quently without even a fmall garden, the poor man
mutt ftruggle through life; but almoft every labourer
is alfo a weaver; when the linen trade is good and pro-
vifions cheap, he does tolerably well, fo far as potatoes
and oatmeal are concerned, but is generally ftraitened
for milk and butter; the latter, indeed, the poor
feldom ufe.

As to the manner of houfing in winder, cottiers' cows
generally fare better, with refpeft to warmth, than
thofe belonging to farmers, as one houfe generally an-
fwers for the family and the cow. Miferable as this
circumftance is to relate, it is really fact, and will hold
good throughout more than the one third of the pea-
fantry of the county.

Till men of property fet fome plans on foot to al-
leviate the condition of the poor, there can be no
chance of improving their fituations; fky farmers, or
under tenants, who are generally underftood to be
farmers of the lowefl denomination, and are moft com*
monly thofe, from whom moft of the labourers, and
the pooreft clafs of the weavers hold their cot-takes ;
•what can be expected from a fet of beings, who are
for the greater part fully as wretched as the cottiers
themfelves? I find myfelf wandering from my fubjecTr,
but I requeft the reader's indulgence for a few words

more.

A fanner

70 STATISTICAL SURVEY

A farmer, who may occupy ten or fifteen acres, of
perhaps bad land, is neither a farmer nor a cottier;
he is much worfe flouted than a cottager, placed in
a comfortable, caly fituation, immediately under the
lord of the foil, with certain privileges, fufficient to
fupport himfelf, and family, fo far as relates to po-
tatoes, flax, grazing, and a fmall garden, with a little
hay, or, for want of it, a certain allowance of ftraw ;
for thefe the labourer can afford to pay a better rent,
than the petty farmer is able to pay for his land. By
this fyftem, the landed property will be encreafed, the
individual cottier made happy and comfortable-, this
uill excite induftry, will create wealth j and thus the
community at large can never fail of benefiting by this
mode.

X"*0

SECT. 6. Natural grafts.

I believe all the natural grafles peculiar to the king-
dom are to be met with in this county; it is at leaft
the cafe, as far as I could learn. Upon this fubjeft,
with the inveftigation of other plants indigenous to the
county, I have, for fome years back, fpcnt fomc time
and fpeculation; the refult of which I hope, one day
or other, to fet forth, though I cannot fay, that I ftiall
be able to add a fingle fpecies to the collection at
GlufTnevin, according to the catalogue I have feen of
that collection. ^-2

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 71

The Fefcue and Poa grafles are the mod numerous
in found foils, in which fituations the vernal grafs
is never wanting. In rich reclaimed bogs, both fpecies
of the white meadow grafs always flourish, though in
any foil, newly laid down, they profper for two or
three years ; but in dry fituations they foon give way
to the above, which, with the white clover, moft com-
monly compofe the principal mafs ; bat the latter is al-
moft peculiar to every fpot, which in general fupplies
all defects in the verdure of the furface, where clay is
at all concerned.

According to the received fyftem, clover is not
ranked among the natural grafles ; but as many of them
fupply the place of the moft valuable grafles, at leaft
ib far as relates to pafture, I fliall here confider them
in the fame light, that farmers ufually do.

A perennial clover, in England commonly called^
cow-grafs, here known by the name of horfe-fham-
rock, is frequently met in detached tufts, in flrong
foils, and cold clays. This is a moft valuable plant,
and fpreads faft. Seeds-men frequently impofe the
feed of the red clover for this article, which they
may readily do, as, by barely infpecYmg the feeds of
both, they are not eafily diftinguifhed, at leaft by
common obfervers. In this county, in dry feafons,
the feed ripens very well ; a few ounces of it might be
foon collected, which in two or three feafons, by good

management

7» STATISTICAL SURVEY

management and clean culture, afford a plentiful Tap-
ply. A ftock of pure feeds might foon be procured,
by feparating the roots.

The famous foreen-grafs, already mentioned as a
fubftitute for green food, I muft in this place make a
few more remarks upon."

lu making roads through our mod fpongy and
\vorft of bogs, we frequently find this fpecies take
place naturally, in the courfe of two or three fea-
fons, in the bottoms and fides of water-tables and
ditches, and along the footways, between the gravel
and the edges of the fences. Upon fcouring thofe
drains and ditches in fpring, and cafting the fluff
with the mangled grafs In queftion upon the furface
of the bog, we find a ftrong permanent foil foon
formed. But I find, where this work has been per-
formed early in autumn, that the good effects of
fwarthing over fooner take place. The reafon is
plain, becaufc a dry fummer, following the fpring
operation, prevents many of the roots from ftriking
anew. Thefe obfervations, which are really fa£r,
Ihew clearly, how much this femi-aquatic grafs might
be turned to our advantage, with little trouble or ex-
pence. I have frequently known this grafs to fhoot
upwards of twenty feet in a feafon, and produce
plenty of roots at every joint, which are always nu-
merous ; but in rich bogs, the joints arc further apart

than

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 73

than in barren bogs, but the whole fummer's growth,
in the former cafe, together with an uncommon degree
of luxuriance, is always found mod confiderable.

Great advantages might be derived from timothy
grafs, by encouraging, and confining it to the foil it i*
bell calculated for, and where other grafles of greater
repute, though perhaps not defervedly fo, would not
fucceed. It is not common ; fometimes, however, we
meet it in ftrong, four, clay foils, commonly in de-
tached groupes, in which fituations the feed, in favour-
able feafons, comes to maturity.

Some years ago, I got a confiderable quantity of this
feed from America, and fowed it upon a very ftir? clay
foil, which retained water almoft perpetually, and was
fo fituated, that draining was found to be of very little
ufe ; yet, notwithftanding, the grafs flourished, and is at
this day as pure and as free from other grafles, as the
firft year after the feed had been fown, which is fo far
back as the year of 1792. The foil is now perfectly
dry and firm, though no fubfequent draining, or any
other improvement of the furface, had fince taken
place.

It is very fingular, that I never have been able to
fave any perfect feed from that procured from Ame-
rica, though I have perfectly fucceeded in raifing per-
fect feed from the native growth.

Bulk for bulk, the feed of this grafs weighs heavier
than any of our natural grafles.

It

74.

It was formerly in great repute in England, from
vrhence it found its way to America, where, I am told,
it is confidered as one of the moft valuable grafles in
that country. When better known here, I make no
doubt, but it will become a favourite alfo. For work-
ing horfes it makes excellent food, but I find it is not
over favourable to the dairy.
<ov: t»y?'iWii ,v'3<nm<rr --i ;i'.:/nr»»>i» t j-

SECT. 7. Artificial Grn/es.

EXCEPT red and white clover, I cannot find, that
any artificial grafles have been attempted in this
County. White clover is fometimes fown feparate, but
moft commonly mixed with red clover j but very little
of either is raifed in the county, by way of artificial
grafles ; the former foon covers the furfac* without
being at the trouble of fowing, and the latter we
commonly find in patches, in dry, wholefome foils,
and fometimes mixed with the perennial red clover, or
cow-grafs, and frequently accompanied with the com-
mon trefoil ; fo that there are four fpecies of clo-
ver, generally ranked as artificial grafles, frequently
found growing fpontaneoufly together, perhaps within
the compafs of one fquare yard ; nor is it uncommon to
find more kinds of clover within the fame fpace.

Mr. William Rofs, of Strabane, defervedly merits
great applanfe, for his flcilful management of red and
white clovers on a deep bog, which had been cut out.

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 75

The principal top-dreffing was foaper's-wafle. This
ufeful citizen has fhewn many proofs of his know-
ledge and good economy in farming and irrigation, or
watering of meadow and grafs lands, in the vicinity
of Strabane.

m

SECT. 8. Mode of Hay-making.

1 . j ('.»-"•- " - < • " * *" "*

THE fmall lap-cock, of about ten or twelve pound
weight, made up green is the common practice of the
county, and alfo of the greater part of the North of Ire-
land i experience having taught the people, for many
years, that the large grafs-cock, generally followed
through many parts of the kingdom, is by no means
the mode fuitable to this county, and particularly in
wet feafons, which are too frequently fo a,t the feafon
of the year, that hay is ufually made up here, being
feldom earlier than the firft of September, except in
new laid down upland, moft commonly in the vicinity
of towns, where manures can be fpared for meadows.
In fuch fituations, from the beginning of July to the
beginning of Augnft is the ufual time for hay-making;
but in all cafes of managing hay harvefl, this work is
never attacked early enough by the common farmers,
who are not under the controul of gentlemen, or of fuch
as are better informed than themfelves. There is one
reafon, why the farmers permit their hay-grafs to re-
main

76 STATISTICAL SURVEY

main fo long before they cut it ; it is this ; about the
beginning or latter end of April, their ftock has con-
fumed the whole of the fodder, the meadows are
therefore kept open and grazed, until near the begin-
ning of June, a bad practice ; confequently were the
farmer to cut the hay, earlier than the latter end of
Auguft, or beginning of September, the crop would
be very fcanty, thefe months being reckoned for the
growth of grafs. — Remedy — Let the farmer propor-
tion his ftock to the quantity of fodder he may have,
which I believe is very fcldom the cafe.

When I firft faw this method of hay-making prac-
tifed in this county, I muft confefs, I thought it moft
abfurd, trifling, and tedious ; but I was foon convinced
to the contrary, from a little experience and local
knowledge.

The firft thing to be done, after the hay is mown, is
to go over the fwarth, and collect any weeds that may
be, which at that time is eafily done. In low-land mea-
dows, rufhes and fprit are generally the articles moft
injurious to hay •, and, as thefe are always longer than
the grafs, they projcft fomewhat beyond the bulk of the
iwarth, and may be readily felefted from it. Both rufti-
es and fprit make good thatch, and as that article is al-
ways fcarcc, great pains are taken to collect them for
that purpofe. But when rufhcs and fprit are not over
abundant, the farmers are not anxious to collect them,
"but let them mix with the general mafs j fome benefit

accrue*

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. fj

accrues from the addition of the fprit, but none at all
from the rufties, which dwindle away, before the hay is
brought into the haggard. Indeed at beft hay of this
defcription is only fit for dry cows, and a running ftock
of black cattle. Rufhes are not fo good for thatch as
fprit, the latter being tubulous, and of courfe better
calculated to difcharge rain water than the former,
which is pithy.

In collecting the prime part of the grafs, after being
mowed, for hay-feeds, much attention is fometimes
paid; but this can only take place in the firft or fecond
crop, after the land has been laid down ; for future
crops yield but very little feed. The white mea-
dow grafles are always moft prevalent, and are moft
fought after. In new laid down grounds of almoft
every defcription, the white meadow grafles generally
predominate, for the firft and fecond feafons, and
fhoot longer than the other grafles, which gives, aa
advantage in feparating them from the general mafs, as
they project beyond the bulk of the fwarth. Of this
difpofition thofe, who wifli to colle£r, the feeds pure,
avail themfelves, before the fwarth be broken out or
fcattered. It is tied up in fmall {heaves, and placed to
dry like ftooks of corn, till the feeds are ripe, and fit to
threfti out. So much for economy with refpeft to faving
grafs-feeds, but to return : .

The great art, in making hay from natural grafles, is
to break out the fwarth thoroughly, by hand, and not
by the lazy way of tofling it about with forks, and

forkri

78 STATISTICAL SURVEY

flicks, as is the cafe in the great hay countries in moft
parts of the kingdom. Sometimes the fwarth is fuf-
fercd to remain for a day, before it be broke out, and
fomc let it remain longer ; but fuch, as underftand this
bufincfs perfectly, break out the fwarth immediately
after the mowers, be the feafon dry or wet, unlefs the
latter prevails too much, in which cafe the mowers
are, of courfe, flopped.

In good weather, grafs, cut in the morning, is made
into lap-cocks in the afternoon, unlefs it be very heavy
forced grafs, in which cafe more time muft be allowed,
and frequent turnings. The feafon always determines
the fize of the cocks ; in good weather, they may be
about eighteen inches in the bafe diameter, but con-
fiderably lefs in broken weather. When the weather
is very much broken and unfettled, which is, indeed,
often the cafe, the cocks are made hollow, fo as to re-
ferable a lady's muff, which figure has the power of
turning the rain, befides admitting a thorough paffage
for the air.

If the weather be favourable, the hay will be fit, in
a few days, to make up into large cocks, generally
about half a ton. It rarely happens, however, that
hay can be got up thus fuddenly, as the feafon for
mowing natural meadows feldom takes place before
the middle of Auguft, and, too frequently, not till the
firft of September, when, moft commonly, the autum-
nal rains greatly retard this bufincfs ; in this cafe, the

little

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 7^

little lap-cocks have always the advantage over every
other fyftem of hay-making.

It is amazing to find, what flavery and hardlhip
thofe cocks will endure, before they are materially in-
jured. I have frequently known ' them to remain a
month together in the lap-cock ftate, and, after all,
to have fuffered very little.

The whole fecret is, in making thofe cocks fecure at
firft, and forming them into an even convex, to turn
the rain with the greater eafe, and frequently changing
their fituation, without breaking the firft fhape given
to them, whilft the grafs was green and frefh. If ever
the furface be broken, after the lap-cock is firft made
from the frefh grafs, the hay will furely fufFer in bad
weather. It is the incruftation, which the frefh grafs
foon acquires after being formed into lap-cocks, that
fecures the whole, and in which lies the whole fecret;
and this (hews how necefTary it is to lap the hay as
foon as pollible after being cut.

In the hay-yard a rick is preferred to a cock, as the
expence of thatching is lefs ; and, when hay is not cut,
but pulled, there is certainly lefs wafte in a rick.

Obfervationt.

A prejudiced notion almoft univerfally prevails
throughout the county, and, I believe, through moft
parts of the North of the kingdom, namely, that natu-
ral

*o STATISTICAL SURVEY

ral meadow, fuch as is fituated along brooks and
rivers, &c. fliould not be mowed till after the dog-
days, which may happen earlier or later in the feafon,
but are generally confidcred to be between the id and
2oth of Auguft. This obfervation may fometimes hold
good, but it very frequently happens that, immediately
after the dog-days, wet weather commences j befides,
the oat-harveft ufually takes place about this time, or a
little after, fo that both works interfere at once, which,
of all things, fhould be avoided as much as poffible,
as, in cafe of both meeting, the one muft certainly give
way to the other, and, by fuch bad management, one,
or, perhaps, both, are materially injured, or, at beft,
got over in a flovenly manner.

By being contented with one-third lefs hay, and
taking a proper advantage of the fcafon, fo as to have
the other two-thirds fecured, before the prefs of the
oat-harveft fhould take place, would be found by far
the beft economy.

The above evil arifes from the fodder being con-
fumed fo early in the fpring, which obliges the people
to let their cattle have the run of the land, intended
for meadow, perhaps to the firft of June. Green food,
in the fpring feafon, would moft effectually preveo,t
this difagrceeble circumftance.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE- 81

SECT. 9. Dairies — their produce.

As far as I can learn, there is not a dairy in the
county, for the public fale of milk and butter.

The produce is chiefly milk and butter, as very little
cheefe is made, except a little for family confumption,
which is of an inferior quality. Butter, in the fummer
feafon, is to 'be had frefli in every town and village,
moft commonly at a dear rate, fometimes fo high as a
(hilling a pound of eighteen ounces. It is a common
practice with huxters and dealers, to reduce the pound
of eighteen ounces to fixteen ounces (the ftandard), be-
fore they retail it to the public. This is a grievance,
which might be eafily remedied by the firft fellers, by
making their pound only fixteen ounces, fmce they
alone are the fufFerers, and not the confumers.

All the butter, the farmers can fpare in the fummer,
is generally made up for winter and fpring ufe ; the
produce of the county is generally confumed within
itfelf. The maxim of the common people is, to live
on buttermilk in fummer, and referve the butter for
winter; this is certainly good economy, but it is not
literally followed.

Such part of the milk, when churned, or what is

commonly called butter-milk, as can be fpared from

G ths

*z STATISTICAL SURVEY

the family, is generally fold to labourers and poor
weavers, commonly at one halfpenny a quart in fum-
mer ; and befides, the butter-milk is generally adulte-
rated with water, with which the poor people mud
difpenfe or want. Many farmers are, however, very
liberal in beftowing part of the butter-milk to the
poor.

Vaft numbers of calves are reared throughout the
county, which is the principal caufe of butter bearing
fuch high prices ; a fecondary caufe is, the army fta-
tioned through the principal towns.

Observations.

In countries, where milk and butter fell at high
rates, there is no mode, by which a farmer could make
more money, than by keeping a public dairy, or rather
fupplying cows, for that purpofe, to a dairy-man.

In many parts of the kingdom, the farmer fupplies
the dairy- man with a certain number of cows, at fo
much per cow, from the firft of May to the firft of
November j and, if a cow fhould not prove to be a
good milker, the farmer muft fupply a good one in her
place. It is a fettled point between the parties, that
each cow muft give fo many quarts of milk in the
twenty-four hours, dimmifhing, of courfe, as the feafon
advances.

Five

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 83

Five guineas a cow I confider a price for the feafon,
by which both parties might have very ample profits.
This ufed to be the price Tome years ago about
Drogheda, when milk and butter were cheaper than
at prefent. But, in order to make this fubjecl fome-
what intelligible, I (hall fuppofe five guineas a cow to
be a medium throughout the kingdom.

For this purpofe good grafs, and changes of pafture,
fhould be kept up by the farmer ; this, from the nature
of the contraft, muft neceflarily follow.

I fhall fuppofe the cows bought in the beginning of
May at feveo guineas, and fold out in November at five
guineas ; in this cafe there is a lofs of two guineas,
but the dairyman pays the farmer five guineas, which
leaves a clear profit to the latter of three guineas*
Now as there muft be good grafs kept up, as already
obferved, I (hall fet down three acres againft two
cows, which (hews the farmer to be paid two guineas
an acre for his land ; and, in cafe his rent be twenty
fhillings an acre, it is clear his profit muft be very con-
fiderable, even allowing for lofTes incident to all cat-
tle. This immenfe profit may thus be made, without
fcarcely any expence attending it.

I (hall ftate the dairyman's return as follows, which
I confider more under than over the true ftatement,
which, in this inftance, cannot be accurately afcer-
tained.

G^ "One

• ~~sri- •

* ' i J_£>^----

I ^ - 2 /7^/. / v6 2 ^^ ^ JZ$r&&* •&&&*l

.

*/? ' . /£. s\ .

$4 STATISTICAL SURVEY

£• *; *-

One pound of butter a day, for fix

months, at $d. - 6 16 6

Twelve quarts of butter-milk, as ftated

for butter, a day, at 4</. -308

£•9 '7 *
Deduct five guineas, 513 9

£•4 ' 3 5

1 /hall fuppofe the number of cows to be

twelve, - - - -'<**'," 5° * °

One man, and two women, to attend the

dairy, I fhall fet down at - - 20 o o

£-3° * °

The farmer's return on twelve cows, 36

guineas, - - .*«& 40 19 o

Dairy-man's return, - *& ^3° ' °

£.10 18 o

From the above ftatement it appears, that the far-
mer's profit is more confiderable than that o/ the
dairy-man; but, upon the other hand, the latter runs
no hazard, for, if a cow ftxould die, or meet with an
accident in the field, he is not to be the fufFercr.

The farmer has another advantage i he may make-
fomething of his land, in the winter months, by fhecp,
aad a running ftock of black cattle. But the great

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 85

point, ui favour of the farmer, is, how much his land
will be improved by following this fyftem.

It muft naturally occur to thofe, who might be in-
clined to purfue this fyftem, that the vicinity of towuS
•would be found moft eligible, on account of the vaft
number of labourers and tradefmen, who live in fuch
places, without having any means of keeping a cow ;
as, of courfe, all the town-parks muft be occupied by
the wealthier part of the inhabitants.

SfcCT. 10. Prices of Hides , Tallow^ Wool, and
£>tiantity fold.

HIDES. — This article varies very much with refpeft
to price. In times of war, hides are always higher
than in thofe of peace. Though this faft may appear
ft range, from the great quantity of beef, that muft be
exported in the former cafe, yet fo it is, and always
holds good. From this it muft be inferred, that war
encreafes the value of leather to a confiderable degree.
The price alfo differs according to the weight of the
hide j one weighing eighty pounds may coft at the rate

of 4O.c. by the hundred weight; when another, of

/

feventy pounds, may coft only 35^. by the fame

weight. The tanners have rules to go by, according
to particular weights. A cow-hide fells generally
higher, Weight for weight, than that of a bullock.

The

*6 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The reader will pleafe to obferve, that I mean green
or unJrcfled hides. The hide of a horfc fells for
very little; it is ufually bought by hand, IJT. or 6s.
being the ufual price for the hide of a middle-fized
horfe. Forty fhi II ings a hundred (i i2lb.) is the me-
dium price for the hides of black cattle in general.
Calf-fkins are generally fold by hand, from 3-r. to 5/.
It is impoffible to ftate, with any degree of accuracy,
the number of hides fold in the feafon, fince the flcin of
every bead that may die is difpofcd of, whether by a
regular courfe of flaughtcriug, or by accident, or dif-
orders. Some years, cattle fall off in greater num-
bers by diforders, than in others. The profpeft of a
fcarcity of fodder caufes a greater number of cattle to
be llaughtered, than would otherwife have been the
cafe.

Though there are a great number of fmall tan-yards
in the county, both in towns and country, yet a vaft
quantity of tanned leather is annually brought from
Dublin to all the principal towns. The Dublin leather
always fells for a higher price than that manufactured
in the county. Some years ago, a great deal of leather
ufed to be fent to Dublin and elfewhere, but this prac-
tice is now almoA given over. The great fcarcity of
tanner's bark is likely to bring the tanning trade into
difrepute. At prefent, almoft all the bark ufed in the
county is imported. Mr. Hamilton's wood, in Mun-
terloncy, for many years back afforded the principal

fupply

OF THE COUNTY. OF TYRONE. 87

fupply of bark, but at prefent thofe woods are nearly
cut down.

Great encouragement fhould be given for raifing
birch and black fallow, for temporary relief} the price
of the bark of birch and fallow is half that of oak.

Tallow. — There *s lefs variation in the price of this
article, than in that of the former, as foap and candles
are uniformly ufed, both in this and the neighbouring
counties, which alfo contribute to regulate the price
of tallow.

Tallow at prefent bears a good price, as it has done
for fome years back; the medium price is 3!. per hun-
dred, (of 1 1 alb.) though it is fometimes fold by the
long hundred (of raolb;) but either modes make no
difference to the feller or purchafer, as the price by
the pound is always underftood. If candles rate at pd.
a pound, tallow ufually fells at 6|d. per Ib. and foap ip
proportion, but the latter is not fo high as the former,
at leaft the common foap it not, but bleacher's foap is
dearer than the common fort.

The quantity of tallow fold depends upon the num-
ber of cattle killed, for fuch as die through poverty
produce but very little tallow.

Soap-chandlers are but few, but manufacturers of
candles are in every town and village. No regular ac-
counts are kept of the quantity of tallow, or fuit
bought in, fo that it would be found impotfible, in this
place, to form any accurate ftatement of the quantity
annually fold.

As

88 STATISTICAL SURVEY

As far as I can learn, the county is fufficient to fup-
ply itfelf with foap and candles.

Wool. — Sixteen {hillings a ftone may be cotifidered
the average price for wool, for the laft ten years;
i61b. being ufually allowed to the Hone. By retail
wool generally fells at from i4d. to i8d. per pound.

The county is by 'no means eminent for fhtep, and
fuch as they are, in no great quantity. Small fcnt^erdd
flocks are to be met with, in the mourttainy parts, in
fummer, which in winter, are difperfed through the
low-lands, without any diftinction, fo as not to be con-
fined to any particular diftrift; for at that feafon, a
kind of run-deal? through many parts of the county,
(and particularly the baronies of Strabane and Omagh)
takes place, for want of good fences. If the owners
know the number of their fheepj and have fome
private mark on them, by which they may be able to
diftlnguifh them from their neighbours', they giv£
themfelves no further trouble about them. In heavy
fnows however, every pcrfon endeavours to collect his
little flock to his habitation, but in this they are often
difappointed.

From the precarious manner, in which fheep are
bred in this county, and as the owners of them gene-
rally

* Run-dealt or run-deal, is a term ufed, when feveral par-
ties are joined in a town-land, or part of it, without any per-
manent meaning. Cattle in fuch filiations graze in common,
but the crops are divided only by a narrow margin, of about
a foot broad, left uoploughed*

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 89

rally manufacture the wool for their own ufe, it is im-
poflible to form any calculation as to the quantity fold.
In every fair-town, large quantities of wool, from the
weft of the kingdom, are to be met with, during the
greater part of the fummer feafon, of which no regular
entries are ever made, as it is in a great meafure fold
by retail.

The wool of the country, and all that is brought
into it, is chiefly made up into cloth, blankets, and
druggets. The farmers, who are in general linen-wea-
vers, confume the greater part of the cloth, and blan-
kets; the druggets are worn by the poorer dafs of
women; the cloth is generally yard wide, and of a
very good quality. The people are all expert in dyeing
for their own common purpofes; they dye various
colours, but blue is their favourite.

The labouring part, and the pooreft of the weavers,
provide themfelves with coarfe cloth, or rather fr'ue
in the country (hops; they fometimes buy a cloth cal-
led ratteen, which commonly wears well. In the
{hops alfo, the poorer dafs is principally fupplied with
coarfe blankets and (lockings, which are chiefly manu-
factured in Connaught. The county of Donegal fup-
plies large quantities of coarfe ftockings.

CHAP.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

CHAP. IV.

FARMS.

SECT. i. Size of Farms.

THE fize of farms differs very much throughout
the county, mountainous farms are generally of great
extent, and are feldom divided in themfelves, or even
from each other. It is common for feveral perfons
to be concerned in one town-land, in the way of com-
mon, or run-dale, as it is ufually called; each perfbn
to pay a proportion of rent, fuppofe a fourth, or a
fifth, as the cafe may be; this determines the quantity
of land each is to cultivate for his own part ; but the
cattle run in common, and the number, to the fhare of
each pcrfon, is alfo determined by his proportion of
the rent.

This fyftem is attended with many inconveniencies
to the land-holder, and is the greateft impediment to
improvements. There is no emulation for draining,

enclofingj

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 91

enclofing, liming, or carrying into execution any per-
manent improvements, as long as this fyftem exifts,
fince none of the party have any divifion, which may
be properly called their own. If one perfon fhould
be difpofed to improve, another, or perhaps the whole
party, may be averfe to it, and thus the bufinefs of
improving the farm is dropped altogether.

Among the many claufes in leafes, one to oblige
tenants to divide their farms mufl certainly be of ufe.
I believe there is a law in exiflence, with refpeft to
mearings, which backs an aftive tenant, if he mould
be difpofed to make up his part of the mearing, though
his neighbours fhould be againft it. I fee no reafon,
why an aftive, enterprifing man, who may be con-
cerned in the run-deal fyftem, fhould not have the
law to fupport him, as that relative to mearings.

Wherever divifions have taken place among tenants
occupying fuch tradls, improvements are very confpi-
cuoufly gaining ground, and efpecially in cafes of long
leafes, or when the tenant has an aflurance, that his
land will be let to him again, at a reafonable rent, at
the expiration of his leafe.

The low lands of the eftates of Newtown-ftewart
and Aughentaine, the property of Lord Mountjoy, are
in general well divided, and in many parts well planted
with thorn quicks, and timber trees. Farms vary in

flze

02 STATISTICAL SURVEY

fizc from five to fifty acres, and they are much
greater in the mountainous parts.

In thofe eftates for many years back, leafes of no
more than twenty-one years could be given by the
two laft proprietors; yet, notwithftanding, the tenants
went on with fpirit and induftry, in the improvement
of their farms; this they did, from a confidence they
had in a good old modus, namely, that their land
would never be given away to another tenant, fo long
as they were able and willing to pay a reafonable
raifed rent ; this confideration has had alfo a good ef-
fect, with refpeft to dividing the town-lands into fub-
<!ivifions, fo as that each individual knew his own
part to a certainty. It is now in contemplation to give
leafes of lives and thirty-one years, which, no doubt,
will be found a more powerful inducement for the te-
nants to improve their farms, than the prefent fyflem
of twenty-one years.

As a fpecimen of the induftry of the tenantry
of the Newtown-ftcwart eftate (confiding of near
twenty-four thoufand plantation acres) perhaps in this
place it may not be improper to ftate the following
fact, which I can vouch from my own kuo\vledge.

From 1795 to 1799, both years included, it is well
known, that the difpofitions of the yeomanry of the
kingdom were but very little turned towards improve-
ments, at leaft by far the greater part of them ; yet
Vithin the above periods, I have given, from the nur-

feries

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 93

feries at Rafh, upwards of one hundred thoufand foreft
trees, to the tenants of the eftate, principally oak, afh,
alder, birch, fycamore, and mountain afh. The greater
part of the above were planted in the faces of new ditch-
es quick-wife, and generally mixed with thorn quicks.
The timber trees were in general four years old, being
two years tranfplanted, and always cut clofe after
being put iato the ditches. A trufty experienced per-
fon from the demefne always fuperintends this bu-
finefs, to fee that the plants be fecurely bedded,
moulded, &c.

I mention this circumftance, in order to fliew, how
little the people of this part of the county were tainted
with bad principles. Since the troubles ceafed, howe-
ver, they have more than doubled their diligence, in
every fpecies of improvement within their fphere.

The county may be faid to confifr. of three degrees
of farms. The greater part of the baronies of Dun-
gannon and Clogher are compactly divided, from ten
to forty acres, and the fences are in general good.
Farms of this defcription never fail from being of the
mofr. general ufe to the community, becaufs the middle-
man* is moft commonly out of the queftion, in farms
of this defcription.

The next degree of the fize of farms is that fre-
quently beyond the reach of the holder to manage, or

make

* The middle-man is next the landlord, who lets tha
land to under-tenants at a rack-rent.

94 STATISTICAL SURVEY

make the moft of, by fair labour or induftry. Hence
arifes the baneful practice of taking in under-t -nants ;
no matter how poor, or of what character, provided
the middle-man gets his rent; but in this he is fre-
quently difappointed, and often little lamented. Thofe
wretched under-tenants work the land by repeated
cropping, till it is capable of yielding no more ; they
then generally run away, with whatever fpoil they can
make, moft commonly a year's rent.

There are iome iuftances however, where the mid-
dle-man may be of more general ufe to the community
than the landlord. If the former be poflefled of a long
lucrative leafe, his intereft in the foil may be better
than that of the latter ; in this cafe he will find it his
intereft to deal reafonably with fteady under-tenants.
A lord of a foil, which perhaps he never faw, nor
intended feeing-, with a receiver, who may be alfo a
flranger to every kind of country bufinefs, and whofe
knowledge is confined to that only of receiving rents,
and contriving the beft ways and means to augment
them i are not the moft likely perfons to promote the
general welfare of the community. For this county,
it is very fortunate to have but few, if any, of that
dcfcription.

The third degree of farms are commonly too fmall.
Though this fyftem is not altogether fo deftruftive to
the land as the former, yet it is a bar to a regular
courfc of induftry. The man, who holds a few acres,

perhaps

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 95

perhaps of bad land, can make no figure as a farmer ;
his fituation as a labourer, with a comfortable cot-
take immediately under the lord of the foil, is much
preferable, having no difficulties to encounter, nor
being under any difagreeable anxiety.

•:;

SECT. 2. Farm-koufes and Offices.

THERE is much more attention paid to dwelling-
houfes throughout the county, than to the offices be-
longing to them. In many parts, the dwelling-howfes
are built with lime and Hone ; but by far too many
are built with clay-mortar as a cement. In the angles
of the houfes, jaumbs of doors, &c. lime-mortar is
commonly ufed, in order to ftrengthen the walls ; but,
notwithftanding, the walls frequently bulge outwards,
wherever clay-mortar is concerned.

In the barony of Dungannon, many houfes are built
of clay, or what they call mud- walls, but, in general,
in a flovenly manner, by no means equal to the mud-
wall houfes we frequently meet with iu the county of
Dublin. When mud-wall houfes are well built, they
are much warmer than houfes built of lime and ftone ;
they are not, however, adapted -for this county, as the
clay is not well calculated for the purpofe of build-
ing ; but the principal caufe is, that they confume too

much

96 STATISTICAL SURVEY

much ftraw for thatch, &c. on which account they
leflen the quantity of manure, a practice we (hould
Always guard againft.

Walls of ftone houfes are generally built too nar-
row to fuppott the roof, and efpecially when die
mixed cements are ufed, that is, partly lime- mortar,
and partly clay-mortar. The fide-walls feldom exceed
twenty-two inches in thicknefs, and the end-walls
about two feet. The fide- walls mould be two feet
four inches at bottom, and reduced to twenty-two
inches at top, which is generally at the height of fevea
or eight feet from the furface. The battering, or re-
dudVion of the thicknefs of the wall, mould be all on
the outfide, and the infide face fliould be perpendicu-
lar ; an inch of battering, to every foot in height, is
not too much. This is the moft effectual means to
prevent the walls from bulging or fpreading. The
fame precaution mould be ufed in houfes or cabins,
when the roof is hipped, or half hipped ; but, through
the county, the generality of houfes are built with
thorough gables.

There are fome flated hoofes and offices to be met
with in fome parts of the county, which, from appear-
ances and other circujnftaoccs, are likely to encreafe.
The few already built fufficiently prove, what faving
there may be in the article of draw, one-third of
-which, I dare fay, is applied to thatching throughout

the

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 97

the county ; but, if" dating became once univerfal, this
quantity would, of courfe, go to encreafe the fund of

manure.

«

Mode of repairing Houfes and Offices t whether by Landlord
or Tenant.

THE repairing of houfes and offices generally falls
upon the tenant ; there are very few inftances to the
contrary ; hence we find buildings in general fo much
out of repair, or repairs done fo flovenly.

Where the tenures are but fhort, and renewals at
all precarious, it cannot be expected that the occupier
will be at any great expence, in point of building or
repairing houfes ; his only object muft be, how to
make the moft he can of an uncertain tenure.

All the covenants, that may be entered into at the
taking out of ftiort leafes, are of little or no effect with
refpect to buildings. If there are buildings, the en-
ibrcing the keeping of them comfortable, or in any
kind of decent order, is out of the queftion ; a thou-
fand excufes will be made out by the tenant for non-
performance, and the landlord has no remedy left, but
to turn him out, and, in doing this, he has a chance of
lofmg part of his rent, and, probably, may meet ano-
ther not better than the former.

There are only two effectual means of fecuring com-
fortable buildings, and, in fact, to have any degree of

H juflice

98 STATISTICAL SURVEY

juftice done to farms-, namely, long leafes, or, a cer-
tainty of the occupying tenant always having the pre-
ference given to him at the expiration of a fhort leafe.
The fyftem of giving long leafes (fuppofe thirty-one
years, or three lives) is certainly the beft mode in this
county, as there is feldom found that degree of con-
fidence between landlord and tenant, which in Eng-
land has been Co happily experienced for ages back,
and, in -all probability, will be the cafe to the end of
time. How happy would be the fituation of thoufands
of our yeomanry, were they upon the fame footing of
many of the Englifh, in point of good underftanding
between party and party, or landlord and tenant ?

In many parts of England, a good old rule is punc-
tually obferved, namely ; one-third of the produce of
a farm for the lord of the foil ; one-third for wear and
tear j and one-third for the cultivator of the foil. Here
\vc have but few inftances of this equitable mode.

In England there is nothing more common, than to
have no leafes at all between parties, but only to go on
from year to year, ajid raife the rent occafionally, as
the nature of the cafe may be, or fliall be found agree-
able to the parties concerned.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 99

SECT. 3. Nature of Tenures.

I TAKE for granted, that the information, required
on this head, chiefly alludes to cottiers, and the poorer
clafs of farmers. Tenures, refpedYmg the better clafs
of farmers, I ftiall referve for the article, General Jlatc
of Leafes.

The tenures of the cottiers, who derive under the
farmers, and are by far the moft numerous of the
labouring clafs, are in general very miferable, though
the greater part of them are weavers, but do not pur-
fue that trade regularly.

The cot-take generally confifts of half an acre of oats j
half a rood, or twenty fquare perches of flax -, from
half a rood to a rood of potatoes j grazing of a cow ;
moft commonly a miferable cabin, and bog privilege
for turf, from twenty to forty kimes, and fometimes a
fmall garden. Five pounds a year is generally paid
for the above. The farmer ploughs the land for oats
and flax, and fometimes puts out the dung for pota-
toes j and, if he gives the manure, the cot-take is fel-
dom lefs than five guineas.

The general rule is, that the labourer pays the far-
mer in work, inftead of cam ; and the latter is fure to
make his bargain fo, as that the fpring and autumn

H 2 feafons

X

fbo STATISTICAL SURVEY

feafons muft be the times of payment. Many of the
farmers are weavers of the firft rate; thefe are fuch as
keep three or four looms in their houfes, and have
poorer weavers alfo at work for them; in this cafe, the
latter generally pay the former the amount of the cot-
take in weaving ; moft commonly, part is paid by
weaving in the winter feafon, and part by common la-
bour in the feafons already mentioned.

SECT. 4. General State of Leafes.

TWENTY-ONE year leafes are moft prevalent through-
out the large eftates -, there are, however, many leafea
of other defcriptions, but very few lefs than twenty-
one years, except bifhop's leafes.

In travelling through the country, the lands, held
under long leafes (fuch as thirty-one years, or lives,
which I confider long), are eafily diftinguifhed from
thofe of ftiort tenures, from the advanced fhte of the
improvements, fo confpicuous in the former. But this
obfervation only holds good, where no third perfon is
in queftion, which, indeed, is too often the cafe, as
fuch part of the land, held under rack-rent, can never
improve, fo long as it remains fo circumftanced.

A large portion of the county is biftiop's land, fub-
jeft to various modes of renewing leafes, but all of

ftiort

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 101

fhort tenures j yet, notwithftanding, we find farmers
very comfortably fettled in well-built habitations, and
frequently with fome planting about them. This chief-
ly arifes from the punctuality of renewing, and, proba-
bly, from the lands not being over-let, and that the
progreffive rife is more regular and uniform than in
other cafes. But this obfervalioo is very limited j it holds
good fo far as the tenant holds a complete farm from
the bifhop, fufficient only to fupport himfelf and fa-
mily. By far the greater part of bifhop's lands are
rented by gentlemen, and opulent farmers, in large
tracts j hence, of courfe, the third perfon muft ftep in,
whole fate muft, in general, be more deplorable, than
when circumftanced under other cafes of rack-rent.
In this there can be no redrefs, on account of the
(hortnefs of the tenure ; whereas, in cafe of an under-
tenant deriving under the fecond perfon, with a long
leafe, he may have fome chance, b.ecaufe this fecond
perfon has a good iatereft in the foil, perhaps a better
than the lord of it, which has been already obferved.

There are inftances of bifhop's intereft being pur-
chafed ; I do not know, how far this may tend to alle-
viate the diftrefs of the third perfon ; it depends, in a
great meafure, on the humanity of the purchafer.

From hence it is evident, that the improvement of
bifhop's lands can never keep pace with their proper-
jies, except upon a confined fcale, as has beer* re-
marked.

loi STATISTICAL SURVEY

marked. Glebes, unlefs fuch as are wholly impro-
priate, have no better chance than bifhop's lands.

Of particular Claufes in Leafes.

It would be found an endlefs talk to enumerate all
the claufes, inferted in the leafes given by the different
proprietors of the county. Almoft every man of landed
property has his own particular claufes. Thofe in com-
mon are the following.

1. A referve to the proprietor, and his affignees, of
all manner of game, and other royalties, mines and
minerals, as coals, quarries of all forts, fprings, wa-
ter, water-courfes, turbaries, and all timber, whether
over or under ground.

2. Covenant to do fuit and fervice at manor-court,
and to grind corn at manor-mill.

3. To join with neighbouring tenants to make fuffi-
cient fences.

4. To make new ditches, and plant trees and
quicks.

5. To permit landlord to fearch for mines.

6. Not to alienate or mortgage, under penalty.

7. To oblige tenants to reflore to the premifes all
dung made thereon.

8. To exhibit and prove lives in leafes, to exift at
dated periods.

Innumerable

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 103

Innumerable other claufes might be named -, but
there is one in particular, which, in my opinion, fliould
be fcouted altogether, at leaft from the generality of
leafes. This is the claufe, which binds the tenant to
fupply duty men and horfes, and other dues, too fhameful
to mention. Men and horfes are always exacted at
bufy feafons, which muft act againft the tenant. The
lofs of a few men and horfes, in a dormant feafon,
might not be much felt; but this is not the object of
the landlord, becaufe cutting and drawing home turf,
corn, &c. are the works principally laid out to be per-
formed by duty.

I have had many opportunities of obferving the ef-
fects of this kind of duty, and, on the whole, I am cer-
tain, that the landlord is rather a lofer, than a gainer,
by this kind of dealing. A dinner, and plenty of
whifkey, are generally given upon thofe occafions ;
and, when it is confidered how little work is done, the
balance will moft commonly be found againft the land-
lord. The tenant is generally bound to give fo many
men and horfes, and he will take care to come as late
in the day as he can, and work as little as poflible for
the remainder of the day : with him a day's work is
the object, and the lefs he does, he looks upon to be
the better for himfelf. In fome cafes, the tenants are
bound to perform duty upon a different footing from
actual day's work : the landlord muft have his works,
as fpecified in the leafe, performed by the tenantry in

common,

fe4 STATISTICAL SURVEY

common, according to the rent they pay j but, let the
obligation, or the mode of performing this bufmeis, be
as it may, it is always attended to with the greateft re-
luftance. The fooner this feudal relick is abolifhed, the
better it will be found for all thofe concerned ; though
I am not without apprehenfion, that many of my
readers will not join me in opinion.

Inftead of filling up leafes with poor infignificant
claufes, which anfwer no fubftantial end, fome good far
lutary claufes might be introduced ; fuch as binding the
tenant, under a fevere penalty, to drain, enclofe, lime,
marie, &c.; alfo, to attend to certain courfes of green
and white crops. Such are the claufes, by which both
parties would foon find benefit ; and with which, on a
certainty of reafonable leafes, tenants would chcarf ully
comply.

SECT. 5. Taxes or CeJ/es paid by Tenants.

THE taxes are; cefles for the fupport of roads,
bridges, &c. The cefs for roads is laid on the barony,
to which they belong •, other cefles on the county at
large. Though thofe taxes are fometimes confidered
a grievance, yet, in general, they are paid more chear-
fully than any other fpecies of tax, both on account
of the benefits the public derive from roads and
bridges, and alfo the advantage the circulation and re-
turn of money is to the tenantry of eltates, who are

always

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 105

always the executers of the public works ; fo that
the money they pay returns back to themfelves.

Hearth-money and window taxes are always con-
fidered a grievance among the poorer clafs, and are
frequently paid with murmur and difcontent, as their
ideas are, that no future advantage can derive to them
for money fo laid out; they never confider, that fuch
taxes are for the fupport of a government, which pro-
tecls them and their property.

There are other taxes fettled by acls of veftry, for
the repairs of houfes of worfhip, paying fextons, &c.;
but thefe affecl: the individual, only in a very fmall
degree.

SECT. 6. Proportion of •working Horfes or Bullocks,
to theftze of Farms.

WITH refpecl: to the proportion of cattle to the fize
of farms, there is no fixed ftandard or rule. A farm
of twenty acres may require as many cattle to cul-
tivate it, as another of fifty acres, according to the
quantity of arable land the farm may contain. Few
bullocks are made ufe of. Except in large farms, two
or three horfes are about the number ufually employ-
ed. Very little ploughing is performed till after Chrift-
mas, of courfe the fewer cattle are necefTary. Draw-
ing turf and manure occupies more time in the year,
than ploughing. Occupiers of fmall farms generally

lend

io6 STATISTICAL SURVEY

lend and borrow horfes, to and from each other, and
efpecially -when the farmer has but one horfe, which
in fmall farms is frequently the cafe.

SECT. 7. Generalize of fields and enclofures.

FIELDS and enclofures vary according to circum-
ftances. In the vicinities of towns, they are general-
ly fmall, from one to five acres and upwards.

The nature of the fituation is frequently (or fhould
be) a guide for the fize of enclofures ; expofed afpects
require enclofures to be fmall, the better to fecure fhel-
ter, and wet fwampy land muft be always improved
by fmall enclofures ; at leaft the expence of draining is
leflened. Thefe are points, pretty well underftood
by the generality of the farmers of this county.

Upon a great fcale, the beft improved parts of the
county, with refpeft to regular and ufeful enclofures,
are the greater part of the baronies of Dungannon,
and Clogher.

Between Omagh and Drumquin, for two or three
miles from the former; and from Omagh to Dromorei
and alfo from Omagh to Fintona, may be fet down
in general, as being well divided, and in fome partt
planted with quick-fet, but very few foreft trees. The
farmers throughout Lord Mountjoy's eftate, chiefly in
the barony of Strabane, are making rapid 'ftrides in

point

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 107

point of enclofures, generally fmall, from one to fix
acres; and very few enclofures are formed, without
being planted with thorn quicks, and timber trees.

About Cooks-town the enclofures are very regular,
and jfcjicioufly laid out in town-parks, and upon an
extenfive fcale, which, with many other ufeful and ex-
tenfive improvements, reflect the greatefl honour oa
the late and prefent proprietors.

SECT. 8. Nature of Fences.

THE nature of fences varies with circumfiances,
or locality of fituations. ''.^ 1

In mountanous fituations, where flones are plenty,
dry walls, badly built, are commonly made ufe of.
Where culture is in queflion, this mode ferves two
ends, namely firfl, by clearing the land of flones, and
fecondly, for fences to divide it ; on this account, if the
flones be found very numerous, the enclofures are
made fmall, and the wallf very thick, at bottom
fometimes four feet, and commonly four feet high.
This the farmers confider a cheaper mode, than that
of drawing part of the flones away altogether, in
which they are perfectly right when over-flocked with
flones, which in thofe fituations is ufually the cafe.

When flones are not found fufficiently plenty to
form dry walls, fod-walls are introduced, fometimes

When

ro$ STATISTICAL SURVEY

with a Aone foundation ; the fods are laid edge-ways,
and built about four feet high, and fometimes topped
with furze. Such perifhable walls require to be re-
newed every fecond or third year, but this is not cen-
tered expenfive, as the old fods mixed with dung,
and fometimes lime, anfwer extremely well for ma-
nure for potatoes, and fometimes as a top-drefling for
grafs-land.

Bogs and fwampy fituations are generally divided
from arable land by large drains, fo as to divide the
fummer pafture, and confine the cattle to the bogs at
that feafon ; but this mode is chiefly confined to fertile
bogs, as fpungy quaking bogs are feldom acceffible,
except in very dry feafons.

The mode of fencing by common ditches is in ge-
neral very bad ; they are fo ill built, that they frequently
tumble down the firfl winter after being built. The di-
menfions are always too fmall, five feet wide, and
three feet deep, for the gripe is the general fize; of
courfe, the bank muft be very poor. For want of an
off-fet,* the thorn quicks, if planted at all, are left quite
t>are after the firft winter, and too frequently little

pains

*An off-fet, or fcarceraent, (the latter is the country phrafe)
is a fpace, which fliould be left between the verge of the gripe,
and the face of the bank, from fix to twelve inches, accord-
ing to the nature of the foil, or the petition of the ditch.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 109

pains are ever taken afterwards to afford them any
relief. About towns however, we fometimes meet
with good hedges, which are better attended to than
throughout the county at large : this is owing to the
narrow fcale townfpeople are generally concerned in,
and the neceifity they are under of fecuring their fmall
concerns, on account of the high rents they ufually
pay. Though about towns they never attend to the
leaving of a fcarcement, they notwithftanding, by pa-
tience and perfeverance, get up the hedge through
time; if the ditch fhould flip or give way, which in-
deed is almoft always the cafe, they patch up from the
bottom of the gripe, with fods, ftones, &c. to meet
the quick.

Hence it is plain, that for feveral years there muft
be perpetual trouble and expenfe, whereas a reafon-
•able fcarcement would have faved both.

When I come to treat of Lord Mountjoy's im-
provements at large, the article, fences^ (hall be fully
treated of, according to the different modes, which
were found neceflfary to be adopted in thofe extenfive
concerns.

Mode of hedge-rows, and keeping hedges.

Hedge-rows are rarely met with in this county,
»nd the few, which occur, are but flovenly managed.
In mod cafes they are let to run at random, without

taking

MO STATISTICAL SURVEY

taking any pains to manage the trees, by directing
their heads to the right or to the left, fo as to affift
the quick-fet with a free circulation of air; which is a
fecret our people know nothing of. In fome cafes the
trees have been lopped too feverely, and in many in-
ftances have been pollarded, to the great deftruction
of the timber.

In fhort there is very little attention paid to the
old timber, in hedge-rows, fcarce as it is. I hope
however, it may not be the cafe in future with the
young growth, as moft of the farmers and others, who
plant, have got into the habit of planting quick-wife,
moft commonly mixed, with thorn quicks, inftead of
planting tall, aukward, and ill rooted ftandards at the
backs and tops of ditches, where they are always ex-
f ofed to cattle and other infults and accidents. As to
the keeping of hedges in a neat, garden-like order,
cither by fquare or taper clipping, it is quite out of the
queftion, except in fome particular places, fuch as
about towns, and fome few farm-houfes of the fail
clafs ; but all are attached to the old mode of cutting
hedges, which caufes them to be always bare at bot-
tom. Hedges are feldom cleaned more than one or
two feafons, after being planted, and then are left to
chance.

The precarious manner of procuring thorn quicks,
from Dublin, very often of a bad quality, and ai-
med always materially injured, by being too long out

of

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. in

of ground, with bad packing, and at the mercy of
indolent carmen, muft be always a bar to this improve-
ment, but of this I (hall fpeak more fully in another
place.

SECT. 4. Nature of Manures*

UNDER the article Mode of Culture, I have made
fome remarks on common manures, to which I refer.

With refpeft to mixed manure, (a kind of compoft
commonly made up of common dung, mud, or mire,
backs of ditches, fcrapings of flreets and roads, and
other materials, fuch as can be collected, and fome-
times lime) the farmers and cottiers of this county are
not inferior to thofe of any part of the kingdom. The
abundant crops of potatoes to be met with, in all parts
o,f the county, are convincing proofs of what induftry is
ufed in the various ways and means of collecting ma-
nures, becaufe without manures, in our very beft foils,
there can be no chance of fecuring a tolerable crop of
potatoes, and the mixed manures are always found the
beft, and if a little lime can be added, it is found ftill
better ; but lime alone, without being mixed with other
materials, is not found to anfwer for potatoes in mod
cafes •, but there have been inftances of ftrong old leas,
when early ploughed, and roche lime turned in, produ-
cing

it* STATISTICAL SURVEY

ting large crops of potatoes, without any additional
manure. To anfwer this end moft effectually, the beft
fcafon to plough in the lime is July or Auguft, and let
the land remain in that ftate till fpring, when it (hould
be ploughed again, and well harrowed, the better to
mix the lime effectually.

The practice of burning moory foils, and rich black
bog, is univerfal throughout the county, nor did I ever
hear of any caufe of regret from purfuing this fyftem,
which in this county is very ancient. Excellent crops
of potatoes are generally procured by this mode, and
•that frequently without any other additional manure.
Dung and comport, however, are mod frequently mix-
ed with the a fh.es, and fometimes lime, as, in this cafe,
corn crops are certain to fucceed after potatoes, at leaft
One good crop, which would be found uncertain, had
•the potatoe crop depended upon the afhes alone.

No manure operates more powerfully the firft feafon
than aflies, nor is there any fpecies of manure lefs
abiding.

Manuring meadows by irrigation or watering, is
finding way faft through many parts of the county.
From the trials, which have been already made, and
the great benefits refulting from them, there Is every
reafon to hope, that this falutary fyftem will fhortly
become general.

Confidering how rich this county is in limeftone, yet
lime, as a manure, is upon a limited fcale. Binding

claufes

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE* 113

claufes in leafes would, no doubt, remedy this in fonae
meafure. If inrtead of the forry lime-kilns, commonly
called pot kilns, which we find (battered through the
county, fubftantial draw-kilns were introduced, there
would not be the leaft danger, but that lime would foon
become a univerfal manure. For many years back, I
have had roche lime, from ten pence to thirteen pence
a barrel, of thirty-fix gallons, whereas it is a well
known faft, that the farmers, in general, pay from one
fhilling and eight pence, to two {hillings and two pence,
in their peddling way of working their pot-kilns.

A lime-kiln of what I call the compofite kind, or that
compofed of partly an inverted cone, and partly a cylin-
der, is certainly the beft conflruftion. The beft in the
county is at Rafh, defigned feveral years ago by the late
biftiop of Clogher, which conduction has fmce extend-
ed to other parts of the kingdom. The dimensions of the
kiln at Rafti are as follows : the conical part eight feet
high, and the diameter at bottom about eighteen inches ;
the cylindrical part of the fame height as the cone,
making altogether fixteen feet. The diameter of the
cylinder, and of courfe the largeft diameter of the cone,
is eight feet. ri he fuel ufed is turf, and, when well
attended, it will turn out about fifty barrels of roche
lime, in the twenty-four hours. There is a lime-houfe
attached to this kiln, of forty feet by twenty, height of
the walls fourteen feet ; it is flated, and colt in the year
1791 fixty guineas. The kiln was built feveral years
i before,

rx4 STATISTICAL SURVEY

before, and coft fifty-fix pounds. If built at this time,
they certainly would come higher. Were I to build
another kiln, and that my fituation could afford it, I
would prefer twenty feet, for the whole height, to fix-
teen feet, or I would rather have the cylindrical part
eleven feet, and the conical part nine feet.

A kiln of this defcription, when well attended, might
afford lime fufficient for perhaps thirty or forty farmers
of the firft rate. Now fuppofe the whole coft, at this
day, might be about two hundred pounds, furely this
fum laid on forty large farms, in addition to the rents,
could never affect the farmers in any degree, propor-
tionable to the advantages they would derive from
always having lime at certain and cheap rates.

In purfuaucc of an original plan of the late Lord
Mountjoy's, a large lime-kiln and lime-houfe are now
building in a central part of the eftate of Newtown-
flew art, the object of which is to fell lime, to the
tenantry of the eftate only, at a reafonable price, not
exceeding fourteen pence a barrel. This cannot fail in
obtaining the defired ends, namely, in enabling the
tenant to lay on more lime than what he could, in
other refpedts, ever have any chance of doing, and of
courfe in raifing the value of the landed property. The
good effects, which may arife from this mode, cannot
be doubted ; they are already fufficiently proved by a
fimilar practice, followed for fever al years back by a
neighbouring gentleman, Mr. Stewart of Stranorlar,
in the county of DonegtL

Marie

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 1 15

Marie is rather fcarce in the county, particularly in
the baronies of Strabane and Omagh ; nor do I find
it is a favourite objeft of the farmers, though I have
experienced wonderful effefts from it, feveral years
ago, in the demefne of Rafh, on a dry foil.

Many parts of the baronies of Dungannon and
Augher abound with lime-Hone gravel, yet I find it
is not ufed in any proportion, equal to what it fhould
be.

SECT. IO. Mode of Draining.

OPEN drains are in common ufe, only temporary to
fave the crops in moift fituations, when the latter end
of the fpring happen to be wet.

The fecret of hollow draining is very little under-
ilood in any part of the county, much lefs the inter-
cepting, or cutting off fprings. Sod drains are not
known in the county.

Some farmers, in forming ditches, take advantage of
the fituation of the ground, fo as to anfwer a double
purpofe, namely, that of enclofmg and draining, but
this fyftem is by no means purfued fo fully as might
be wiftied for ; it is however gaining ground.

Though, in point of conveniency and regularity, the
following the courfes of fprings with ditches, fo as to
i 2 anfwer

ii6 STATISTICAL SURVEY

anfxvcr the purpofe of both enclofing and draining, may
be confidered an aukward manner of difpofing of the
fields and enclofurcs, yet, in wet and expofed fituations,
it fliould be preferred to any regular mode, for the fol-
lowing good reafona. Firft, draining the land is con-
fiderably, if not wholly dirainifhed, by the act of en-
clofing : fecondly, flicker is rendered more complete,
by following the natural and meandering courfes ot
the fprings : and, thirdly, when thofe ditches are
planted with foreft-trces, the fhelter is not only more
complete, but the whole fpace, as far as the improve-
ments are carried on, appears a folid body of planting
from many points of view.

By attending to thofe natural circumftances, and
planting a few trees in the interfeftions of fields, which
might be always done at very little expence, both
beauty and profit would always be the reward of the
proprietor.

In general, attention is paid to the draining of fertile
bogs, fo far as they are connected with, or lie conveni-
ent to arable land. In fuch fituations, immediately at
the junction of the bog and arable, the foil fcarcely
ever fails to be rich and fertile, and particularly if the
arable rifes boldly over the bog. Draining in fuch
cafes is not the great objeft of the farmer ; his aim is
manure for his farm, in which he is feldom difappointed.
Some more prudently attend to both objects, manure

and

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 117

•and draining the bog below, and, in fuch fituations,
natural fprings frequently occur, and are in general
eafily intercepted.

When I come to treat of Lord Mountjoy's improve-
ments at large, I (hall have an occafion to enlarge upon
this fubjefr, that being the only part of the county,
where this fpecies of improvement is carried on to any
great extent.

u8 STATISTICAL SURVEY

CHAPTER V.

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

SECT. I. Roads and Bridges.

ROADS and bridges are generally well attended to
by the gentlemen of the county, many of whom are
excellent judges of fuch public works, and take great
pains to have them well executed. Very few counties
in the kingdom can boaft of better or more convenient
roads ; fome parts of the poft road, however, between
Monaghan and Strabane are an exception ; but thofe
parts are intended to be improved. I have accompa-
nied Captain Taylor, fome time ago, on the port-road
between Omagh and Newtown-ftewart, and then ap-
proved very much of the new line he adopted •, but fmce
having weighed this matter well, I am flrongly of opi-
nion, that the propofed line fliould be on the eafl fide

the

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 119

of the river, the whole way from Omagh to Newtown-
ftewart. The limits of this work cannot afford to fhew
my reafons in this place, but, if called upon at a future
time, I {hall be ready to anfwer; but to return:

Be fides the accommodation of the traveller, and
the ufe of ro^ds from town to town, to mills, &c.
other objefts fhould be in view. The principal are
limeflone quarries, and the means of being able to
get into extenfive bogs, to carry off bog-timber,' which
at prefent (and it muft be the cafe for many years) is
the chief refource of the whole country, for cabins,
Joom-timber, and many other purpofes.

No fpecies of improvement could tend more to
ferve the community at large than the above; many
thoufands of acres might be limed, which for want
of roads to the quarries are given up. The more land
is brought into culture, the more difficult it is to get at
Jimeflone quarries, becaufe the carriage of limeflone
generally takes place in the fummer feafon. It is uni-
verfally allowed, that limeftone could be procured
twenty years ago, upon much eafier terms than at
prefent, as at that time very little grain or potatoes
were in the mountainous parts, to prevent the carriage
of limeflone; hence the great neceffity of making
roads, and the fooner the better.

All perfons, whofe property lies convenient to a
good limeflone quarry, fhould exert themfelves, in
having roads conduced, as well as thofe, on whofe

lands

STATISTICAL SURVEY

lands the quarry or quarries are. It (hould be * ge*
neral caufe; they fhould go further, by cheerfully and
unanimoufly contributing to put quarries in jjood
working order; firft, by giving a power of keeping
them dry, when neceflary; fecondly, by finking fo as
to be able to work upon a fair face to advantage, and,
of courfe, by being able to get at the beft part of the
itone, -which is generally the loweft in all quarries;
and thirdly, by employing intelligent perfons, to fee
that all be fairly carried into execution. Such a per-
fon might have the general charge of roads for a cer-
tain diflrift, and for dividing and regulating bogs
amang tenantry. I fpeak from confiderable experience
of the utility of luch a perfon, and efpecially where
there is a large landed property, and a numerous
tenantry.

Without an enumeration of fome of the principal
quarries, I could not, with any degree of accuracy,
point out the feveral roads, that {hould be introduce d,
merely an account of the carriage of limeftone.

The county is rich in limeftone quarries, generally
of an excellent quality for land. Here I fliall men-
tion fome, to which roads would be found of the
greateft advantage.

In the barony of Strabane, between Gortin and
Dunnamanagh, is a famous quarry called the Butter-
loop, fituated between a clufter of the Munterloney
mountains, and fome of the firft magnitude in the

county.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 121

County. The greater part of the limeftone is carried
on horfeback in fmall creels, or cretes, containing
about two hundred weight. Roads to this quarry
might be made at very little expence, as the materials
are always to be found upon the fpot; and, though tha
general character of the country for many miles is
mountain, yet every mountain has its valley ', through
moft of which roads might be conducted with the
greateft eafe. It would be for the intereft of the coun-
ty of Londonderry, to contribute to a road leading to
this quarry, as that county is rather fcarce in limeftone,
in the part of it, which lies neareft to this quarry.
Wilmount, within two miles of Dunnamanagh,
abounds with limeftone. Roads from this place into
the interior parts of the mountains of Munterloney
•would be found of great ufe.

Near Newtown-ftewart are quarries of great extent,
to which roads in fome directions are very much
wanted.

Drumquin in the barony of Omagh is very exten-
five in limeftone, and the county for feveral miles
around it is deftitute of that article. Roads throughout
this whole country would be found of the greateft ad-
vantage.

There are many other valuable limeftone quarries
throughout the county, fuch as Ballygawley, Cookf-
town, &c.

In my different excurfions through the county, I
have remarked (and indeed it is invariably the cafe),

that

122 STATISTICAL SURVEY

that, where limeflone is moft plenty, there the roads are
few, and, in general in bad order. Claufes in Icafcs,
obliging tenants to contribute towards making roads to
iimeitone quarries, under certain rules and reihkTions,
might probably be of ufe ; but, if not done in a general -
way, I doubt it would be found difficult to bring par-
ticular individuals to comply. I only give it as a hint.
As to roads in general, much expence and ufeful
labour might be faved to the public, by farming them;
that is, "by affigning a certain "Siftance to one or more
perfons to keep in repair, after being firfl fecurely
made. This mode is followed through many parts of
England, and, I find, is now praclifed in parts of the
barony of Dungaunon with good effecl.

Throughout the kingdom, roads and bridges always
interfere with the two bufy feafons of the year, name-
ly, fpring and autumn, as thefe are the feafons the
judges are on circuit. The labourers, who Ihould be
employed in tilling the land, and faving the fruits of the
earth, are too often taken up in finifhing off public
works, before the judges enter the county.

From this circumftance is is plain, that much incon-
reniency and unneceflary expenfe arife; and too fre-
quently the food of man and beaft is loft, or much da-
maged, by not being able to attend to it in due feafon.
If the roads were parcelled out into certain diftrifts
at an annual fum, fuppofe fix pence a perch, more or
lefs, as the cafe might require; the farmers, who are

likely

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 1*3

likely to be~the undertakers, would find it their intereft to
lake care, that their public works fhould not interfere
with their private bufinefs, at lead, fo as not to check
the fpring and autumn works. In this cafe they would
jjrepare materials occafionally, and have them in rea-
dinefs to lay on at every favourable opportunity.* By
fuch judicious management much advantage would
accrue to the public, and we would feldom find bad
fpots in roads, which in the prefent cafe too frequent-
ly occur. Road-overfeers, (I mean the under ones)
according to the prefent mode, never find it their own
private intereft to attack a breach in a road, or fet
right a pipe or a gullet, which may have got out of or-
der, or let off water from ditches or water-tables, or to
do. any other trifling matter that may occur, and which
if early attacked, the coft is nothing in comparifon to
the letting fuch jobs lie over from affize to aflize.

The farming of roads &c. would remedy all thofe in-
conveniencies, becaufe, the moment the undertaker found
any thing amifs, it would be his intereft to fet it right

immediately,

* Soldiers ftationed in different quarters might be ap-
plied to great advantage, to make and repair roads in time of
peace ; the good effects of which have been long ago expe-
rienced in the highlands of Scotland. The farmer by this
means might be eafed of the weight of county cefs ; the fol-
diers would have more pay than ufual, and, what would be
found better, his time would be better employed than in
the dram mop; the military road, in the county of Wicklow,
may ferve as a rule to go by.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

immediately, as the laying out of money in due feafoD
is always found the cheapeft way of going to work.

It would alfo be found good policy to allow the
farmer or undertaker that part of the road, which may
lie next to his own land ; by which means, he would^
be the more induftrious to clear his ground of ftones,
•which to him would be a defirable advantage, and of
general benefit to the public, fince the more land is
cleared, the greater, of courfe will, be the extent oi
culture.

There is no reafon, why a new road fliould not be
contracted for in like manner. In all cafes, inspectors
are abfolutely necefTary. An active perfon employed in
this manner, of approved judgment and fidelity, would
do away at once petty road-overfeers, and would not
be attended with perhaps one fifth of the expence;
as the former might anfwer for a whole barony,
at fuppofe twenty pounds a year, which would make
only a fmall figure in paying the number of overfeers
ufually employed in the fame diftruft.

Contracts, of this nature fliould not be for a lefs
term than feven years, to keep roads in repair; if only
for one or two years, contractors will have ao perma-
nent intereft in the work, and of conrfe they will not
take fuch pains to do it well, as if the terms had been
longer. Indeed, the longer the term of contract is, the
better; it acts upon the contract or in the fame man-
ner as a long leafe does on a farmer, which requires
no demoQjftration.

How

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 115

How far the country might be enriched by intro-
ducing more roads is evident, not only from the ufe-
ful purpofe of cheapening the carriage of limeftone,
but alfo the great advantage of being able to procure
bog timber at a much cheaper rate than the prefent.

Extenfive bogs we find richer in timber than fmall
fcattered patches, and the great bogs invariably afford
more bog-fir than bog-oak, the former being of three
times the value of the latter. It is alfo found, that tim-
ber is in larger quantities in the middle of large bogs,
than at the edges; hence the neceffity of making roads
quite through them.

I have been often an eye-witnefs to fcenes of ftrug-
gling and great fatigue in getting out logs of timber to
the hard land, frequently at the diftance of a mile from
where the bog was found. Roads would certainly
cheapen this bufinefs, not to mention the many other
advantages, that would naturally follow the introduc-
tion of them. It is in vain to fet about reclaiming ex-
tenfive bogs, without firft forming roads, and making
large drains and water-tables. A bog may be drain-
ed in fome ineafure, but how are hard materials for
covering them to be brought in, without roads ?

Under this head, I beg it may be underftood, that I
principally allude to flat extended trafts of red fpongy
bog, moft commonly in a floating ftate, which, of all
fpecies of bogs, are the moft difficult to improve; but
more of this under its proper head.

126 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Before I difmifs this fubjeft, I fhall beg leave to fog-
geft to the gentlemen of the county of Tyrone a plan,
•which, I apprehend, might not be attended with much
expenfc. They are now in pofTeffion of the map of the
county, made out by Meffrs. William and Conyng-
ham M'Crea, in the years 1774, 1775, and 1776.

Since that time, a great number of roads have been
made throughout the county, all of which are ufeful,
and many of them materially fo. In order to render this
map more complete, I apprehend, that all the roads,
which have been introduced fince it was finished,
might be furveyed, and laid down upon it. When this
part of the work fhall be completed, the gentlemen may
go further j a copper-plate might be made out, and a
great many impreflions ftruck off. The plate fliould
be the property of the fubfcribing gentlemen, and any
new lines, that may be introduced hereafter, might be
delineated on the plate, and thus have new impreflions
made out occasionally.

I am informed, that artifts will agree to make out
the engraving, and ftrike off the maps, by allowing
them a certain number for their own emolument. The
certainty of this may be eafily known, by applying to
any of the eminent print -fellers.

Bridges.

A great miflake in bridge-building is, that the piers
and abutments are not well attended to, in having

them

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 1*7

them funk fufficiently deep. More bridges, pipes, and
gullets have given way through this caufe, than through
all other caufes put together. In clayey and Tandy fitua-
tions, the courfe of the river or brook is perpetually
changing ; therefore too much precaution cannot be
taken to guard againfl accidents, that frequently arife
from fuch caufes. Where the current is rapid, there
the more care fhould be taken in finking deep ; but fuch
files for bridges fhould be avoided as much as poffible.

Every day's experience {hews us, that bridges arc
much more fecure in dead or fmooth running water,
than when conftru&ed on fords, or near them, and
efpecially upon the upper fide.

Bridges are, in general, built too narrow. The fink-
ing of foundations, centering, and mafon-work, between
a bridge of twelve feet wide, and one of eighteen feet,
bear not the fame proportion, of two to three, in point
of expence; that is, if a bridge, twelve feet wide,
fhould coft aoo/., it does not follow, that one,
eighteen feet wide, fhould coft 3007. ; this every per-
fon, the leaft converfant in bridge-building, mufl
know.

In this county, it is only throwing away public
money, to introduce cut-flone coping on the battle-
ment, as the country people carry it away, and few of
the road-overfeers give themfelves any further trouble
about it. Stones, placed edgewife, of about a foot
high, and reaching quite acrofs the wall, are prefer-
able

128 STATISTICAL SURVEY

able to cut ftone, as there is no temptation for ftealing
the former, and this part of the work comes as cheap
as any other part of the battlement ; whereas cut ftone
cofts from 8d. to i/. a foot, running meafurement, ac-
cording to the thicknefs of the wall.

The fide-walls of fmall bridges, commonly called
pipes, or gullets, are generally built of lime and ftone :
where fuch are only flagged over, this precaution is al-
together unnecefTary. By finking well, where the cafe
may require, and ufing heavy materials at bottom, a
dry wall is fully as fecure as a wet one, or that built
of lime and ftone, which, from much experience, I
know to be the cafe.

There is more foul play and tricks ufed in bridge-
building, than in making of roads. Mafons find it
their intereft to make bad work, in order that the job
may the fooner come round again, and common road-
overfeers are feldom ftiarp enough to prevent this
fraud; hence the great ufe of intelligent honeft iu-
fpectors.

I have, more than once, experienced inftances of the
foundations of bridges being undermined, previous to
floods, in order that the whole fabric might tumble
down ; nor have I ever known road-overfeers to be
any way active in detecting fuch villainy. Indeed, fo
long as overfeers have a double intereft in public
works, we cannot expect much fair play, for many of
$he overfeers themfelves are alfo the executers, and,

where

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 129

where that is not the cafe, their friends are. I am very
far, however, from fuppofmg, that all the under over-
feers of the county are of the fame caft ; many of them I
know to be men of ability, and poflefled of liberal fen-
timents. It is not the men, who have the charge of
public works, that are fo much to blame, but the fyf-
tem adopted, and the partiality, that I am forry to find
fo prevalent through the whole county ; and the only
fure way of preventing this evil is, in my opinion, the
appointing of iufpeftors, and farming the roads.

I have introduced, in the neighbourhood I live in, a
fpecies of bridge, fome years ago, which I find to an-
fwer extremely well for a fmall mountainy brook.
When the water is low, the whole of it pafTes under ;
and, in times of floods, part goes under, and part over
the bridge. The pafTenger, notwithftanding, is feldom
flopped, as mountainy floods foon fubfide; they fel-
dom laft longer than an hour or two ; and, in roads
not very public, it feldom happens that any perfon may
go that way during the flood ; and, in cafe a perfon
fhould pafs during that time, if on horfeback, he may
ford it ; if on foot, there are ftepping-ftones con-
venient.

This kind of bridge may be built for one-third lefs
than in the ufual way, where the fituation may be
found anfwerable j and, if well executed, is aever fub-
jecT: to be out of repair : it is only calculated, however,
for opens, which are intended to be flagged, inftead of
fmall arches.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

I

8

|

i

^

-I
§

V

c

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 131

In the feclrion, acrofs the pipe or gullet, the ftiape of
the road will appear thus, and give fome idea of the
quantity of water, that may be difcharged over it.

"Roatl.a.

The pipe is capable of difcharging fix cubical feet of
•water, and the fegment, a, bt is equal to nearly ten
cubical feet. But there is no neceffity of being con-
fined to one pipe ; more may be introduced, if the cafe
fhould require it, and the excavation made in propor-
tion. Inflead of flags, logs of oak may be ufed, which
•will laft for ages.

SECT. 2. State of Navigations and Navigable Rivers.

THE navigation from Strabane, for upwards of three
miles, where it falls in with the river Foyle, is cer-
tainly of infinite fervice to the county, on account of
cheapening the carriage of goods of various forts, from
' K 2 Dcrry

ij2 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Derry to Strabane, the whole of the way by water. I
underftand, that it is in contemplation to lengthen the
canal a confiderable way further down the river, in
order to avoid fome flioals and fand-banks, which, in
dry feafons, much impede the navigation.

There come up from Derry goods of various forts,
fuch as timber, coals, iron, flax-feed, liquors, groce-
ries, &c. There go down from Strabane, linen1,
corn, hides, tallow, potatoes, turf, &c.

The navigation, from Coal-ifland, near Dungannon,
to Lough Neagh, in length about three miles and -a
half, is at prefent but indifferently attended to; in many
parts it is almoft choaked up with weeds. The chief
ufe of this canal is for conveying coals from the col-
liery. Some timber and other articles are brought up
to Coal-ifland, which are difperfed through the coun-
try on cars and horfes.

V|:; r-:~ «;<
The only navigable river in the county, except the

river Foyle, is the Black-water, which runs from
Lough-Neagh to Black-water town, diftance about ten
miles by water. In this courfe there are two or three
fhoals, which require to be removed. The boats are
from twenty to eighty tons burden, and bring to
Black-water town feveral kinds of goods from Newry
(from which town there is alfo a canal to Lough-
Neagh), fuch as timber, iron, coal, culm, dates, afties,
(alt, &c., and bring back barley, oats, and ,fometimes
potatoes, and alfo linen cloth, as there are two

or

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 133

or three extenfive bleach-greens in the neighbourhood
of Black-water town. Armagh is only four miles from
this village, with almoft a dead level the whole way ;
a canal, of courfe, would be found quite practicable.

A canal, made from Verner's ferry, or from the
Moy to Dungannon, both about the fame diftance, not
exceeding five miles by land, would render the county
of Tyrone completely well circumftanced, perhaps as
much fo as any county in the kingdom. A few years
have (hewn, of what infinite advantage the Strabane
canal has been, and is likely to prove to the community.
A canal, from either of the above places to Dungan-
non, could not fail in producing the like effeft, lince ,
the country, for many miles about each of thofe prin-
cipal towns, is nearly alike circumftanced, with this
difference, that Dungannon is quite furrounded^ by
bleach-greens, which is one principal reafon for intro-
ducing a canal. Situated as thofe towns are, at both
extremities of the county, renders them very advan*
tageoufly fituated for trade; either of them being within
twenty miles diftance of any part of the county, and,
confidera,bly nearer to all thpfe parts moft eminent for
the linen trade. Linens might be at once fent by water
to Dublin, to England, or to any other diftant part, in-
ftead of fending them on cars to Dublin, which at pre-
fent is the common mode. Dungannon is at prefent,
apd has been for many years back, a flourifhing

town;

134 STATISTICAL SURVEY

town ; how far a canal would add to its profperity,
requires no demonflnuion.

I have not fufficiently examined the country about
Dungannon, fo as to be able to form any idea of the
beft line for a canal, or how far water might be fe-
cured in quantity fufficient to feed it ; but the latter, I
conceive, there could be no doubt about, from the
great number of extenfive bleach-greens all through
the neighbourhood, the wafle water of which muft be
very confiderable.

SECT. 3. Sttfe of Fi/fjeries.
I KNOW of no regular fiflicry in the county, except

V

that near Strabane, which is confined to falmon. This
is immediately under the infpecYion of the perfons, who
rent the royalties of the rivers, which ultimately fall
into the river Foyle.

Though there are fevere fines and penalties againft
poaching, or killing of fifh unlawfully, yet vafl depre-
dations are always committed by idle fellows, who
make this bufmefs a great part of their occupation.
The moft deftrucYive way of dcftroying fifh is, by
night, with lighted faggots or ftraw, at the time the
falmon are about to fpawn, or emit their young.

Thofe, who pay for privilege of fifliing, would ac"l
well for themfdves and the community, if, inftead of

paying

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 135

paying yearly falaries to water-keepers, as they are
called, they would allow them the full amount of the
fines fettled by law. I have tried both ways, and
found the latter to fucceed completely.

SECT. 4. State of Manufactures, whether encreafmg.

THERE is no manner of doubt, that the linen manu-
facture is daily encreafing, notwithftanding the great
number of people leaving the country for America
/every year, and alfo the number to fupply the militia.

There cannot be a greater proof of the encreafe of
jthe linen trade, than the great rife of flax land. About
ten years ago, half a rood, or twenty fquare perches
(generally Cunningham meafure, lefs, by nearly one-
feventh, than plantation meafure), let at 8s. : now (in
1802) the fame quantity of land frequently brings
double that fum. Another circumftance clearly points
jout the encreafe of the linen trade : common labour-
ers, who were not much in the habit of weaving fome
years ago, generally work out two or three yards of
linen at night in the winter time, after the common
day's labour is over. I mention this, to fhew'the in-
duftry of the people ; and many of this defcription are
obliged to work at common labour for their employers
in the day time, at leaft for a great part of the feafon,

From

136 STATISTICAL SURVEY

From a long refidence, and an intimate knowledge
of this country, I can afferr, that at leaft one-third
more land is now occupied by flax, than what had
been ten years ago, which is a convincing proof of the
cncreafe of the linen manufac>ure ; the great rife on
linens, of late years, is another. Every day the in-
duftry of the people is gaining ground on bog and
mountain, particularly the latter ; and it is alio noto-
rious, that, ten years ago, as much land was taken up
with crops of potatoes, oats, and barley, as at this
day ; this alfo fhews, how much the cultyre of flax
has been extended of late years.

At CookVtown, a muflin manufacture is eftab-
lifhed, and is likely to fucceed. At Strabane, by Mr.
Rofs, corduroys, and other articles in the cotton way,
are manufactured to no fmall extent. In the barony
of Clogher, much druggets are made for home con-
fumption, but there is no regular eftablilhment. Near
Coal-ifland, in>the barony of Dungannon, and at Fin-
tona, in the barony of Clogher, are coarfe manufac-
tories of earthen-ware, tiles, fire-bricks, &c. In every
town, and in many villages, foap and candles are ma-
nufaftured, and even in fome country places.

°f

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 137

Of encouragement to them t and the peculiar aptnefs of
the fttuation for their extenfton.

Some years back, the Linen Board gave premiums
for the encouragement of flax-feed of Irilh growth;
the practice of fowing Irifti feed, however, has been
difcontinued, for reafons known to the growers, who
mufl be certainly well acquainted with the difference
between foreign feed, and that of Irifh growth •, nor
is it likely, that they would prefer paying fuch high
prices for foreign feed, if they found the Irifh growth
to anfwer the main end, which is that of having the
good quality of the flax iii view.

I do not know of any fcheme, that could tend to
encourage the linen trade, more than that of faving
of fuel in bleaching. The quantity of turf, that is an-
nually ufed in the county, is moft aflonifhing.

I am furprifed, that fome enterprizing bleacher, be-
fore this time, has not taken a hint from Count Rum-
ford's fyftem, which could not fail in anfvvering the
defired end.*

In fome bleach-greens, upwards of 10,000 kiflies of
turf are annually confumed, or an area, at leaft equal
to 1 1 ,000 cubical yards, of made up fuel, fit for con-

fumption.

* At the Linen-hall, in Dublin, an apparatus is fet up for
tbe faying of fuel.

STATISTICAL SURVEY

fumption. Sixty kifhes of turf is a reafonable allow-
ance for a cottier, fo that one bleach-green confumes
as much fuel as 166 cots. This is a ferious confede-
ration, and fhould be an objeft worthy of the attention
of all thofe concerned. I make no doubt, but fur-
naces, properly conftrufted, might fave four-fifths of
the fuel confumcd at prefect.

$7>f following ejlablijbed Bleach-greens will ferve to Jl)ew
the prefent Jlate of the Linen Manufafturc in the County.

Names of Bleacher j. Placet of abode.

William Shaw, - Caftle Caulfield, near Dungannon.

James Guaherty,
Duffin and Co. -
Thomas Rodman,
William Grier, -
Thomas Grier, -
Robert Grier,
John Grier, - -
John Wilcock, -
Ditto (two), - -

Cook, -

James Grier,
Thomas Grier, Jun. Ditto.
J. Patterfon, - Ditto.
James Cook, - Ditto.
John Kenny, - Ditto.

Dungannon.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Redford, near Dungannon.
Dungannon.

Ditto.
Near CookVtown.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Namts

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 139

Names of Bleachers. Places of abode.

William Anderfon, near CookVtown.

A. Stewart, - - Coal-ifland.

Brown & Sloane, Ditto.

Thos. Grier & Co. Ditto.

William Pike, - Ditto.

. . Purcel, - Brookfield, near Dungannon.

Jackfpn & Eyre, Blackwater-town. Thefe have two
more bleach-greens adjoining, in
the county of Armagh.

John Chambers, Omagh.

Smiley, - Near Strabane.

Quin, - - At Duglafs-bridge, below New-

town-ftewart.

Sproule, - Spa-mount.

With fome others, now eftabliftiing, or in contempla-
tion of being fhortly fet on foot.

My information, with refpeft to the bleach-greens
about Dungannon and Cook's-town, was from Mr.
Wilcock of Dungannon, an eminent bleacher.

Some bleach on their own account; th'at is, they
buy the linen cloth. Others bleach for the country,
at fo much a yard ; but the greater number bleach for
themfelves, and for others.

There are flill many eligible fituations in the county
for bleach-greens, many of which, no doubt, will
fhortly be occupied, from the rapid progrefs of the

trade.

The

i4o STATISTICAL SURVEY

. The following fituations, among many others, arc
commodioufly fituatcd for water, afpecl, and fuel.

Three or four, between Lord Mountjoy's demefne,
at Rafh, and Newtown-flewart, on the river Struel.

One at Drumquin, by removing a corn-mill, and
placing it a quarter of a mile below the village, where
the fall and fituation are much preferable to the
prefent.

One or two on the Poa, or Fairy-water, between
Poa-Jjridge and Dodean-bridge.

One above Mr. Chambers's green, near Omagh.

Several might be introduced, along the river be-
tween Omagh and Fmtona, and from Ballinahatty to
near Dromore. The fituations are very good along
thofe rivers, but in fome parts turf is rather fcarce.

I have already mentioned drugget j here I beg leave
to recur to this article, the encouragement of which
would be found of the greateft advantage to the lower
clafs, both as to wearing apparel, and keeping them
fully employed, at a feafon when flax may fqmetimcs
be out of the reach of the poor.

From the beginning of June, till towards the firft of
September, is the moft dormant part of the year for
/pinning of flax. The poor people's flock, or what

they generally grow themfelves, is commonly fpun by

f
the firft of June ; and the remainder of the feafon, till

the new flax comes in, is commonly fupplied by flax
purchafed at the markets, or elfewherc.

During

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 141

The above period, therefore, is that, in which the
poor might be, in fome meafure, employed in fpin-
ning of wool, as at that feafon it is generally procured
upon cheaper terms than flax. Betides, fummer wea-
ther anfwers beft for fpinning wool. A fpinner can
manage flax by the light of the fire only ; wool re-
quires more regular light : hence the latter is the beft
fubjecT: for the long day.

But there is another confideration of great confe-
quence, trifling at firft view as it may appear. The
root of the common fern is at this feafon replete with,
an oily glutinous fubftance, which is well known to
make an excellent fubftitute for oil or butter, without
which wool cannot be manufactured, unlefs the fern-
juice be made ufe of. A pound of wool requires a
quarter of a pound of butter, or the fame proportion
of oil, to prepare it for fpinning, which may be faved
by attending to the exudation of the fern, when cut
up in fmall pieces. Perhaps it might be an objeft
worthy of chemical enquiry, to find how long this
juice might be preferved, and how to prepare it for
that purpofe. So far as I could learn from the com-
mon people, the root is cut into fhort pieces, bruifed
in a mortar, and then put into a cloth, and prefTed out.

I have feen beautiful pieces of drugget, made up in
this country by houfe-keepers. When thickened in
the tuck-mill, it is warmer, and lafts longer than other-
wife : in this cafe, two parts are generally compofed of

wool,

r4i STATISTICAL SUR.VEY

wool, and one of flax-, in the ufual way, the wool and
flax arc equal.

I hope our northern farming focieties, when more
generally eftablifhcd, will attend to this hint.

SECT. 5. Population.

DOCTOR Beaufort's Memoir, of his map of Ireland,
makes the number of houfes to be 28,704. From a
great number of views, that I have taken in differ-
ent parifhes, I find the average of perfons to each
houfe rather exceeds fix, which number, by allowing
fomcthing for emigration, I (hall abide by, fo th^t the
whole of the inhabitants may be fet down at 172,224;
a great population indeed, which, I believe, is very
near the truth. *

CHAP.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 143

CHAP. VI.

RURAL ECONOMY.

SECT. t. Prices of Wages t Labour, a

SEVERAL caufes affeft the rates of wages and
provifions. Since the introduction of militia and yeo-
men, the value of labour has been confiderably raifed.
Alfo, when the linen trade is good, the price of labour
is tyre to rife, as moft of the labouring clafs are alfo
weavers. In fpring and autumn, labour is always
higher than at other feafons. Labour is always higher
about towns than in country places; yet moft labourers
prefer the latter, as the jobs are generally long and
fteady, and provifions are to be had upon more reafon-
able terms.

It may appear fomewhat ftrange, that, when pro-
vifions are higheft, common labour is always found
loweft, and efpecially if the linen trade be on the de-
cline. Singular as this may appear, it is a faft that i«
fully known, and the principal caufe is obvious : the

farmer,

i44 STATISTICAL SURVEY

farmer, in order to fave provifions, endeavours to get
through all, or part of the labouring work, by his
own family, which was almoft univerfally the cafe
in the years 1800, and i8ol.

Talk-work, alfo, makes a material change in the
price of day labour, as a good labourer can earn
more money by the former than by the latter; of
courfe, he will prefer the mode, by which he can
make molt.

Farmers generally feed their labourers, and, on that
account, the wages are low, commonly fix pence half-
penny a day, except in the time of harveft, when they
generally get a /hilling a day. But by far the greater
number of the farmers get their labour done upon a dif-
ferent footing, as the cottiers are obliged to work for
them to a certain extent, to pay for .their cot-takes; and
the farmers are always fure, that the number of days
fpecified muft be ferved in the bufy feafons. Sometimes
contracts between farmers and labourers are fo made,
as to work a certain number of days in each week,
throughout the year, but this mode is not common.

Either for common labour or talk-work, no regular
fteady rules are eftablifhed throughout the couaty, ex-
cept in lord Mountjoy's improvements, which ihall be
noted in their proper order, when I come to treat of
that place.

The middle prices of provifions for the Lift ten years
ending December 1 799, may be ftated as follows.

Oatmeal

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 145

/. s. d.

Oatmeal, a peck of iclb. - - o i o
Potatoes, by the Hone 003

Beef in winter, of a bad quality - 002^

in fummer, generally good. - 004'^

Mutton the year round, from 3^. to 004

Pork, in winter, - - 003^

Bacon, - - .- 006

Herrings, by the 1 20, from 3/. to 046

Salmon, from 3^. to - -004

but in winter falmon is generally fold by hand, or at

fo much a price ; but this kind of falmon is of little

or no value.

d.
New-milk, in fummer, by the quart - i£

. in winter - "3

Butter-milk, always bad, and dear.

Frefti butter, of i8oz. to the Ib. from ~}d. to 10

Cheefe generally bad, from 6d. to 8

The loaf is never in proportion to the price of grain
or flour. If the (hilling loaf in Dublin be 61b. the
fix-penny loaf, in all the principal and petty towns of
this county, feldom weighs 2lb; all rules and regula-
tions, relative to this bufmefs, are generally over-
looked by thofe, who ftiould put them in force.

SECT.

1 46 STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 2. Habitation , fuel, food, and clothing of
the lower rank; their general cojl.

THERE are two denominations of lower ranks, uni-
verfally to be met with.

The firft comprehends fuch as have fmall farms,
by far too limited to make out a fupport in any de-
gree comfortable, perhaps for more than one half of
the year, and too frequently not fo much. Many of
this clafs are under-tenants, or what is commonly cal-
led the third man, and fometimes the fourth and fifth,
and too often more fteps removed from the lord of
the foil. The further the diftance from the landlord,
of courfe the greater muft be the poverty of the laft un-
dertaker, as every occupier muft, or is fuppofed to
have profit in the land.

The fecond clafs are chiefly cottiers, who frequently
derive under tenants, of different degrees, down from
the lord of the foil. Many of this defcription are wea-
vers, as well as labourers. This clafs of people are
generally more comfortable than the former, as they
run no rifque, and have but little to lofe. But the

under tenants (commonly called fky-farmers) are by

•
far the mod miferable part of the community, as has

been obferved in another place.

With refpecl: to ^habitations, they are in general very
bad, and efpecially fuch as are occupied by cottiers,

who

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 147

•who commonly engage only by the year, and from
year to year. Sometimes the cabin is built by the far-
mer, commonly of ftone and clay mortar, and fome-
times of fods only. In the barony of Dungannon,
fome fcattered cabins are built of mud, or yellow clay
mixed with ftraw for litter, but thofe cabins are poor-
ly made up; the roof is generally of bog fir, or bog
oak, and thatched with oat or barley {haw, and
fbmetimes with rqfties and fprit, heath, broom, refufe
of flax, &c.

But the moft general way of building cabins is by
both parties, that is, by the farmer and labourer, in
which cafe the latter is allowed fome abatement in the
firft year's rent. Sometimes the whole is built by the cot-
tier, and in this cafe a whole year is generally allowed
for the trouble and expence of building, which is ge-
nerally from three to five pounds. We feldom find
the cabins of the poor fubftantial or comfortable, and,
•when built according to the laft cafe, little can be ex-
pected in point of either, fince the poor labourer has no
permanent intereft, but only from year to year. Hence
we find fo many cabins perpetually going to deftruc-
tion through all parts of the country.

I have remarked, that a cabin may be built, for from
three to five pounds; the difficulty of procuring the
roof, of bog timber, is the greateft the builder has to
encounter with. The woods of Munterloncy are almoft
cut down, which, for many miles round, and for a great
L 2 number

i48 STATISTICAL SURVEY

number of years back, fupplied the country with tim-
ber for roofing, cars, and plough timber, with every
, other article the country flood in need of; now the
principal dependence is on the bogs, the procuring tim-
ber from which in their prefent ftate is always attend-
ed with many difficulties. The thinning of Lord
Mountjoy's improvements is now beginning to afford
the country fome relief, which, of courfe, will en-
creafe every year; alder, birch, fcotch and fpruce firs,
and mountain a(h, are the only articles, which can be
cut away at prefent, to eafe more valuable timber;
thofe articles are from fourteen to twenty years
growth, and are well calculated for cabin building,
and many other domeftic purpofes. Regular prices
are fixed for every article fuitable to the country,
•which (hall hereafter be explained, when I come to
treat of the improvements at large; here I fhall only
take notice of fuch articles as are commonly made
ufe of in cabin building, this being the fubjecl under
confideration.

In the neighbourhood of Omagh, and within a
reafonable diftance of the improvements of Rafti, a
cabin of the following dimenfions may be built for
the tinder prices.

14X«4 feet

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 149

24 X 14 feet in the clear, fide-wall 6 feet, 2 gables.

£• '• d.
Stone, and clay-mortar, - i 10 o

Three couples, or principals, - 015 o

Three dozen of ribs, - - -o 15 o

Two wheel-car-loads of wattles, - - o 5 5
One brace-tree or beam, to fupport a

chimney, - -080

The above articles are procured from
the improvements.

Two door-cafes of bog-oak, -044

Two doors of foreign fluff, - - Q 8 8

Two windows, cafes, and glazing, with

lead-light, - - - - -066

Thatch, I fet down at - i o o

Labour of roofing, thatching, £c. - o 15 o

£-6 7 ii

A cabin, of the above defcription, is reckoned in
this country a refpeclable and comfortable manfion for
a cottager.

Fuel. — Turf or peat is univerfal, and to be procured
almoft through all parts of the county upon reafonable
terms. It frequently happens, however, that, in mofl
towns, this article is extravagantly high, though fuch
towns may be furrounded with bogs. This arifes from
a kind of monopoly, as many individuals have ufurped
a right to large trafts of bog, which the poor are too
often deprived of. This fhould be made a fubjeft of

ferious

jjo STATISTICAL SURVEY

ferious enquiry by gentlemen of landed property, in
whom the royalties of bogs are moft commonly inverted.
Coal is ufed at Strabane and Dungannon occafionally.
I believe, by all leafes, the tenants have no right to
more privilege of bog, than a reafonable allowance for
their own confumption ; notwithftanding that they
may have large trafts annexed to their farms, all of
which the lord of the foil may difpofe of at pleafure.
If, inftead of fuffering tenants to engrofs large trafts
of bog, as they ufually do, to the great detriment of
the poor, landlords would fet about to quarter and
parcel out fuch trafts, and particularly iu the vicinities
of towns and villages, they would foon experience the
good effects, of it. In many fituations, the acre-
able rent would be found to exceed that of the beft
arable land in the fame neighbourhood. There is a
very ftrong inftance of this between Dungannon
and Verner's ferry, where there is a very exten-
fivc bog judicioufly laid for fale by the acre, and
•which, I am told, lets on an average at the rate of two
guineas by the acre, and is by no means of a good
quality. Here the proprietor makes a good yearly re-
venue ; the poor are accommodated for many miles
round ; and, by the good manner of cutting out the
bog upon a regular face, great future benefits may de-
rive from meadow and pafture.

Genera/ Co/I. — The cofl of fuel depends, in a great
meafure, on the distance it is to be brought, as the

price

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 151

price of horfe-labour is always high, feldom lefs than
half a crown a day.

Sixty kifb.es is generally the allowance for a cottier,
the kifh being equal to a cubical yard, but it is general-
ly heaped as high as it can be conveniently carried, and
efpecially when the turf is of a light fpongy quality.
The ufual price for cutting, and making up ready for

burning, is 14.;. by the hundred.*

£• '. d.
Forty kifhes, being confidered equal to a

hundred, - j i o

Drawing, at ten turns a day, «• - o 15 o

The above is pretty near the average of the country
parts of the county ; but, in fome towns and villages,
the cafe is very different ; the kifh is feldom lefs than
is. id., and often, in winter time, fo high as 2s. 8±cl,
Regular modes, of parcelling and dividing bogs, can
alone eafe the inhabitants of towns of this grievance,
at leaft to a certain degree, as numbers of the towns-
people would find it their interefl to cut their own
turf, and, confequently, the poorer clafs belonging to

towns,

* A hundred of turf is equal to forty wheel-car-loads, or
1 20 flide-car-loads. Twenty clamps, eight feet long, four
feet wide, and fix feet high, tapering to the top like the roof
of a houfe, are equal to a hundred, and in which flate they
are generally fold ; the meafurement to be fettled in four day?
after the clamps are made.

iji STATISTICAL SURVEY

towns, who might not be able to cut turf, might buy
upon cheaper terms, when the bulk of the inhabitant*
were in the habit of cutting for themfelvcs.

Food. — Potatoes and oatmeal are the chief articles,
which compofe the poor man's food the year round.
In the fcvere years of 1800 and 1801, large quantities
of barley-meal were ufed, without which half the peo-
ple muft have ftarved. Before thofc periods, barley-
bread was quite unknown.

The poorer clafs cannot afford to ufe much butter,
being obliged to fell the greater part of it, in order
to purchafe neccflaries, which they want, fuch as
foap, candles, tobacco, fait, &c. In fummer and au-
tumn, milk is chiefly ufed ; the remainder of the fea-
fon, herrings are rooft common with the poor.

Sometimes a pig at Chriftmas may fall to the lot of
a family, but this is not often the cafe, unlefs potatoes
are plenty. Two or three labourers frequently join in
purchafing a cow in November, which generally cofls
6/., and in return get il. for the hide and tallow.

The general prices of food are given in the pre-
ceding fecYion, to which I refer.

Clodthing.— Although a good deal of woollen cloth
is made up by the farmers for their own confumption,
yet a fmall portion of it falls to the lot of the lower
clafs. Common frize, bought at the country {hops, is
the general cloathing for the common labourer, at leaft
for the coat and great coat. This frize is chiefly

brought

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE, 153

brought from Connaught ; here it is coloured on dyed
according to fancy, but blue is the favourite colour of
nil clafles. Tickens, cheap corduroys, &c. are com-
monly worn for waiftcoat and breeches.

The women commonly wear druggets and coloured
linen for coat and petticoat, and the cloak is generally
of fome cheap ftiop-cloth, chiefly of a grey colour, tho'
they affect fcarlet, when they can afford the price.
The young wpmen are fond of yellow and green fluff
petticoats. Shoes and (lockings are only fecondary
confiderations ; on Sundays and holidays, and going to
fairs and markets, they are always worn by the wo*
men, both young and old.

General Co/1. — Some years ago, cloathing was con-
flderably cheaper than at prefent.

£. '• *

A middle-fized man will require 8 yards
of frize, or any other narrow cloth, for
a coat, waiftcoat, and breeches, - o 1 8 8

Trimmings, 5-r. 9' */.j taylor, 41-. ^d. - o 10 i7

Two fhirts, loj-.; flioes $ s. 6d.'t two pair

of (lockings, 4 s. 8 d. - -102

Hat, two years, 3^. 3^, - - -017!

Great coat, two years, 1 6 s. - -080

It is feldom the cafe, that a labourer, or even a mid-
dle-rate farmer, is thus comfortably cloathed at once j

the

I54 STATISTICAL SURVEY

the above, however, may ferve as a ftatement, which is
tolerably accurate, according to the prices in 1800 and
1 80 1 ; but I fhould be flill nearer the truth, were I to
add another pair of coarfc (hoes or brogues, which
would bring the expence to 3/. 4/. id. inflead of
2/. i8/. id.

Womens' cloathing is alfo confiderably higher at
prefent, than was the cafe fome years ago. Drugget,
which formerly fold at i /. a yard, now fells at i /. 4</.,
and, when ftriped, a penny or two-pence more in the
yard; but, in this ftatement, I fuppofe the drugget
plain.

£. '• '•

A middle-fized woman will require eight

yards for coat and petticoat, - - e 10 8

Making up, -022

A grey cloak, - - - -0118

Making up, - - o i i

Shoes and ftockings, - - -056

Other wearables, - - - - o 6" o

If the coat be of cotton, and the petticoat of quilted
fluff, the price will be higher ; and, if the cloak be
fcarlet or crimfon of the cheapeft forts, it will ftill add
to the expence, perhaps up to 2/. 5;. or 2/. icxr.

Farmers'

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 155

Farmers' fervant-girls appear very fmart on Sundays
and holidays ; and, at fairs and markets, linen or cot-
ton gowns are common with this dafs, and petticoats
and fhort cloaks of the former", which they contrive to
Jpin for themfelves, after complying with the talk they
are obliged to perform for their employers.

The induftry, with which this clafs apply themfelves,
is moft worthy of praife ; they are generally obliged
to fpin a dozen of two-hank yarn in the day, befides
fome drudgery in the houfe ; yet they make out time to
fpin a little for themfelves weekly, which in the feafon
amounts to fomething, fo as to afford them fuch wear-
ables, as have been already mentioned, with other ne-
ceffary articles. Inftead of doing a little for themfelves
daily, and in order that the wheel might be always
fully employed, the ufual mode is, to give up five days
clofe application to the employer, fo as to fpin fix
hanks in that time ; the fixth day is their own.

From this account, an acYive girl may fpin for her-
felf fifty-two hank^, or dozens of yarn, in the year,
which may be rated equal to fifty-two yards ; nor is it
uncommon to find numbers of this clafs, who are
equal to this induftry, and fometimes more.

It has been {hewn, under the article Extent of Cul-
ture, that a family, confiding of fix, would confume, in
the feafon,

1 cwt.

156 STATISTICAL SURVEY

£. '•

J.

1 7 , cwt. of oatmeal, here I

fliall fay,

IO IO

0

36 barrels of potatoes,

-

-90

c

Fuel I have ftated to be,

-

. I 16

0

£. <•

d.

Mens' cloathing,

- 3 4

i

\Voraens' ditto, -

- I 17

i

The reft of the family, fay,

.--.3 °

o

Q 1

2

£-29 7

The drawback for the cot-take, in point of
provifion, may be thus ftated, after de-
dufting feme allowance for feed.

jr. ,. d.

Half an acre of oats, - -220
One rood of potatoes, - -4100

6 12

It may be thought a matter of furprife in other
countries, how a cottier, with fix in family, could be
able to make out 22/. \$s. 2</., with many other inci-
dental occurrences.

In this coanty, and throughout all the North of Ire-
land, fo far as the linen trade is in a profpcrous way,
the difficulty is eafily anfwered; the wheel and the

loom

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. tj?

loom anfwer all. If a farmer's fervant-girl be able to
clear 52^.* a year, befides her wages and maintenance
from the farmer, what muft a united family of fix per-
fons do by their induftry in the fame time ?

* I take for granted, that fifty-two yards of fine linen will
be equal to 5 2s., clear of all expenfe.

CHAP.

158 STATISTICAL SURVEY

CHAP. VH.

GENERAL SUBJECTS.

SECT. I. Number and Size of Villages and Towns.

THE barony of Dungannon contains the following
towns and villages.

1. Dungannon, one of the mofl profperous towns in
the North of Ireland in the linen trade, nor is it inferior
to any for its rapid progrefs in building. When the new
town will be completed, Dungannon altogether will
have no equal in the North. In the buildings there is
one fault, which generally prevails, and that is, that
the houfes are narrow, which, in buildings in general,
is certainly bad economy.

2. Cook's-town, tolerably eminent in the linen trade.
The muflin manufacture is likely to take place here.

3. Aughnacloy ; linen and yarn*

4. Stewart's-town ; ditto.

5. Callidon.

6. Pomeroy.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 159

6. Pomeroy.

7. Moye ; extremely well fituated for trade, having
the Blackwater river navigable, fo far as Blackwater
town, from Lough Neagh.

The above are the principal towns in the barony j
the following are the villages.

1. Orritor.

2. Tullyhog.

3. Dunnaghy.

4. Brackogh.

5. New-mills.

6. Coal-ifland ; navigation might be improved.

7. Donaghmore ; brewery and mill for preparing
barley.

8. Caftle-Caulfield.

9. Eglifh.

10. Car nt eel.

11. Benburb; a famous Kmeftone quarry.

The Barony ofClogher contains,

1. Clogher.

2. Augher.

3. Ballygawley.

4. Five-mile-town.

5. Fintona j good linen market.

The above are fmall towns, but of more conle-
quence than country villages.

160 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The Barony of Omagh contain f^

mt

3. Omagh, the affize town.

2. Dromore.

3. Trillick.

4. Ballinahatty,

5. Six-miie-crofs.

6. Killetor.

7. Derg-bridge ; bleaching might be eftabliflied.

8. Drumquin; bleaching might likewife be efta*-
blifhed here, by removing a mill.

The above are villages, except Omagh.

The Barony of Strabane contains,

1. Strabane ; a good market town for many articles,
and efpecially cloth.

2. Newtown-ftewart ; a good market for cloth and
yarn. Several bleach-greens might b« eflablifhed on
the river Struel, between this town and Omagh.

3. Dunnamanagh.

4. Ballimagorry ; fituation for a bleach-green.

5. Ardflraw-bridge ; ditto.

6. Gortin.

7. Claudy ; a fituation for a bleach-green.
Except the two firft, the above are fmall villages.

Strabane is at prefent improving ; its canal is
the chief caufe. Newtown-ftewart is moft eli-
gibly fituated for improvements of many forts.

SECT,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 161

SECT. 2. State of Tithe t its general Amount on each
Article — what Articles are exempt, and -what charged
by Modus.

UPON this fubjeft I have but very little to fay, with
refpecl: to any new light, that might be thrown upon it.
Much has been faid by others, with regard to reform-
ing tithes, &c., which, in my opinion, can anfwer no
material end.

"With refpeft to this county, I find, in general, a
very good underftanding between the incumbents and
the people. Some let their tithes during their incum-
bency ; fome yearly, at fo much an acre, feldom ex-
ceeding two fhillings for good arable and meadow.
Others lay on fo much an acre againft oats, barley,
hay, flax, and potatoes.: the three laft articles are, in
general, let at moderate terms, frequently not acreable,
only fo much by modus. The moft general way is by
yearly compofition ; nor could I learn, that the extra-
vagant prices of provifions, in the years 1800 and
1 80 1, made the leaft alteration in the raifmg of tithes
throughout the county. When let by compofition,
large and fmall tithes are of courfe included in the con-
tradl, though the latter are feldom of any material con-
fequence to the incumbent.

M The

162 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The following is a lift of fmall dues, given by a
neighbouring clergyman as a very old cuftom in
his parifh, but never exafted. I fuppofe the fame
holds good in moft parifhes throughout the diocefe,
and alfo not demanded; at leaft I never could learn,
that they were.

Modus. — Turf 6d. ; garden is. id.\ Eafler dues 4</.;
a new-milch cow yd.\ ftripper cow $\d.\ ftieep or
lamb \d.\ foal 6d. Marriage is. 6V.; chriftening is.
6d.\ burial is. Each tradefman is. yearly.

Oats and barley are the principal articles, on which
an acreable charge is made ; the former from 4^. to
dr., and the latter fometimes as high as 8/.; bw thi*
fflodc is not general.

SECT. 5. Ufe of Beer and Spirits — whether either t of
which is encreajtng.

THE extreme dearth of food, in part of the year
1799, and the whole of the years 1800 and 1801, put
a total flop to the diftilling of fpirits, and, in a great
meafure, to brewing.

For many years back, fpirits have taken the lead of
malt liquor in a confiderable degree. I am not alto-
gether clear, but the quantity of fpirits, diftilled in this
county for the laft forty or fifty years, was more than

double

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 163

double the quantity of beer brewed. I am certain,
when all the private liquor is confidered, the compa-
rifon will not be thought furprifing.

At prefent it is a pleafant reflexion to find, that the
fcene is about to be altered, and that in a fuperior
degree, in favour of malt liquor. The number of
breweries lately eflablilhed, and about to be fitted up,
is a convincing proof, that malt liquor is taking the
lead, or at leaft bids fair for it. Another circumftance
is the rapid demand brewers have, infomuch, that few
of them will give any credit.

The following are eftabliflie4 breweries*

One at Dungannon, on a large fcale.

Two at Donaghmore, near Dungannon.

One at Stewart's-town.

One at Aughnacloy, on a large fcale.

One at Newtown-ftewart.

Two at Strabane.

SECT. 4. State of Education, Schools^ and Charitable
InftitutiottSt

A SCHOOL, under the patronage of Mr. Stewart, &c.
I am informed, has been eftablifaed at Cook's-town
fome time ago.

At Rafh, under the protection of Lady Mountjoy,
and Mifs Gardiner, a fchool for twenty-four girls has

M 2 been

164 STATISTICAL SURVEY

been lately eftabliftied. Sewing, fpinning both linen
and woollen, manufacturing ftraw hats, &c. are the
chief occupations of the girls ; nor are their moral
duties neglected, but, on the other hand, ftri&ly at-
tended to.

With refpeft to education, attainable from day-
fchools by the lower clafs, very little real benefit can
be derived ; as, when children are able to perform any
fort of work, fuch as herding of cattle, they are then
taken from fchool. From the age of fix or feven, to
that of ten or eleven years, is the ufual time for chil-
dren to be kept at fchool ; at this early period they
acquire but littk, and that little is generally forgotten,
before they come to the age of underftanding.

Even the children of farmers and others, above the
level of common labourers, fare but very little better
than thofe of the lower clafs ; as their fituation in life
obliges them to early habits of induftry, without which
rents cannot be paid.

From night-fchools alone, real benefits, to the fore-
going clafTes, are moft likely to derive. What I /hall
here offer on this fubjeft, is founded upon confider-
able experience.

An extenfive night-fchool has been eftablifhed, un-
der the fanftion of the late Lord Mountjoy, for the
purpofe of inftrucling the labouring boys of the de-
mefne, being principally planters. This has been an
early inftitmion of his Lordfhip's, fo far back as the

year

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 165

year 1783, and has continued to flourifti and profper
to this day.

It generally commences about the firft of October,
and continues to the firft of February, and fometimes
later. Hours of attendance, from fix in the evening to
ten or eleven o'clock at night. A guinea a month is the
matter's falary, for any number of boys not exceeding
fixteen, which is the higheft number allowed. The
boys are always divided into clafles, and three or four
guineas are allowed in the feafon, to be diflributed in
fmall premiums, fo regulated, that every individual may,
at one time or other during the feafon, come in for one
or more. This mode not only has for its object the
ftirring up of emulation, but enables them to purchafe
paper and candles, as a reward for their diligence.

The hope of obtaining premiums for the time to
come, or for the next winter feafon, has an amazing
good effecT: during the fummer months, as they are as
induflrious as poffible, betv/een working hours, to keep
in mind, or rather encreafe, -what they have acquired
the preceding winter ; and, the better to enable them
to do this, they are generally allowed, from ten to two
o'clock, to inftruct each other, in fuch parts of the de-
mefne as they may choofe to refort to : but when this
indulgence is given, which only takes place in the
longed months, they go to their work at five in the
morning, and quit at feven, or, perhaps, half after
feven in the evening.

The

166 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The refult of this falutary infliturion has proved
demonftratively its good effects. Within the laft fif-
teen years, many ufef ul perfons have been lent to va-
rious parts, as planters, Sec.

But the great objeft is, the preventing of idlenefs,
•which is always beft accompli flied, by filling up the
/craps of tittie.

Many fimilar inftitutions might be adopted through-
out this extenfive and populous county, though, per-
haps, not with equal facility; yet they could not fail in
being productive of a great deal of good. When we
(hall have the happinefs of feeing farming focieties
established, they, no doubt, will coiifider this object.
Much might be done by contributions at houfes of
worfhip. Grand juries might alfo countenance inch
inflitution§.

I often regretted to find Cuch a number of children,
both male and female, occupied the greater part of the
year iu herding cattle ; but this wretched habit is
not peculiar to this county. This muft be fubmitted
to, till our fyftcm of enclofmg becomes more perfecl.

But fince, in our prefent expcfed fhite, thofe little
herds* are indifpcnfibly necelTary, we fhould endea-
vour to fill up their vacant time as ufefully as poflible.

From

* Herds, or fucli as have the charge of cattle, moft com-
monly turn out indifferent labourers.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 167

From nine or ten o'clock in the morning, till two or
three in the afternoon, in the fummer feafon, the cattle
are houfed, for the purpofe of encreafing manure :
during all this time, thofe, who have the charge of
them, do nothing but idle away time. In every dif-
tricl, a country fchool-mafter is to be found, and a
fmall pecuniary matter would anfwer to pay for a few
hours each day for the fchooling of thofe children j
this might alfo be an object for farming focieties, &c.

SECT. 5. Of abfentee and rejident Proprietors,

THERE are very few proprietors in the county, who
may be confidered as total non-refidents, or, at leaft,
fuch as live altogether out of the kingdom. For in-
ftance, Lord Belmore has feveral properties in the
county, yet he is fet down as a non-refident, becaufe
he lives in a neighbouring county ; the like may be
faid of others. Some there are alfo, who have pro-
perties in the county, yet refide on rented farms in
other parts of it ; yet here I do not confider them as
actual refidents, they not living on their eftates. There
are feveral clergymen,pofTelTed of confiderable property,
txclufive of church livings, which are rjere omitted al-
together, as the account of the number pf parities is
given under the article Ecclefiajlical Divi/iont and which
compofe a large portion of the county, when joined to
bifjiop's lands.

1 68 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Tkt following is a Li/t of the principal Proprietors.

Abercorn, Marquis of
Archdall, , Efq.

Bateman, — — — , Efq. R.

Bailie, , Efq. R.

Belmore, Lord

Blackard, >, Efq.

Buchanan, John, Efq. R.
Brabazon, , Efq.

Crawford, Henry, Efq.
Colhoun, - , Efq.

Crawford, John, Efq.
Callidon, Lord, R.

CaulEeld, , Efq. R.

Charlemont, Lord

Earne, MefTrs. R.
Ecdes, Daniel, Efq. R.

Fergufon, Sir Andrew
Forfyth, , Efq. R.

Gladftanis, George, Efq.

Galbraith, , Efq. R.

Gorges, Hamilton, Efq. R.
Gage, Mrs.

Gorman, , Efq.

Hamilton,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 169

Hamilton, James, Efq.
1 — , Sir John

, William, Efq.

, Hon. A. C. R.

Irwine, Gorges, Efq.
> Henry, Efq.

Johnfton, Charles, Efq.
Knox, Hon. Thomas, R.

LifFord, Lord
Lendrum, James, Efq. R.
Lighten, Sir Thomas
Lowry, Robert, Efq. R.

,Mrs. R.

Lindfay, Robert, Efq. R.

M'Caufland, John, Efq.

, Oliver, Efq.

M'Clintock, , Efq.

Montray, John, Efq. R.
Montgomery, Hugh, Efq.
Maxwell, Warren, Efq.
Mountjoy, Lord
Moore, Nathaniel, Efq.

• , John, Efq.

Malone, Mrs.

Northland,

p7o STATISTICAL SURVEY

Northland, Lord, R.

Perry, George, Efq.
Pettygrew, Robert, Efq. R.
Powerfcourt, Lord

Richardfon, John, Efq.

, Sir William, R.

Reynell, Richard, Efq.

Strong, , Efq.

Saville, , Efq.

Stewart, John, Attorney General
Stewart, James, Efq. R.

Tradennick, — - — • , Efq.
Verncr, James, Efq.

White, Francis, Efq.
Waterford, Marquis of

Thofe, marked R. may be confidered fteady refi-
dents, or, at leaft, they live the greater part of their
time in the county. Befides the above, there are a
great number of freehold properties in perpetuity, but
comparatively fmall; the occupiers of which, with
very few exceptions, live on their properties, and are,
of courfe, a ufeful part of the community.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 171

SECT. 6. Of Circulation of Money or Paper..

THE great perfection, to which the linen manui-
failure is brought to throughout the county, but more
particularly in the barony of Dungannon, caufes a
great circulation of ready fpecie. Except with principal
bleachers, and linen merchants, paper currency is not
common. In towns, fmall notes are pretty general.
With refpecl to weavers, and the lower manufacturers
of linen, ready cafli is the only currency.

Of jobbers in cattle there are many ; with thofe, of
courfe, nothing is to be met with but hard money, as
paper, in our fairs and markets, is never taken as cafh.

On the whole, a fmart circulation of hard fpecie pre-
vails, between dealers in cloth and yarn, jobbers, &c.

SECT. 7. Of Farming or Agricultural Societies.

NOTHING, in the way of farming or agricultural fo-
cieties, has yet appeared in the county ; it is, however,
a pleafing reflection to think, this may not be long the
cafe, as the minds of the people are of late much
turned that way.

SECT.

i7» STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 8. Of Mills of every kind.

I BELIEVE there are only two flaur-mills in the coun-
ty, one near Dungannon, and the other near Strabane ;
but the wheat, manufactured in both, is principally the
produce of other parts, as at prefent very little of this
grain is grown in the county.

The beft mill in the county, for manufacturing oat-
meal, is at Cook's-town, which, with very little ex-
pence, might anfwer for a flour-mill.

A capital mill for wheat and oats was built a few
years ago by Lord Mountjoy at Rafh, and there is no
doubt, that the neighbourhood will foon afford plenty
of wheat to fupply it.

I counted no lefs than 124 mills in the county in
1800. Grift-mills are the common names that mills
go by, 'but this is underftood only of fuch as prepare
oatmeal and malt, and fometimes barley for bread,
which was univerially the cafe in 1800 and 1801.

It is not eafy to point out, with any degree of accu-
racy, the number of effective mills in the county, as fo
many of them are perpetually out of order, fome de-
tnolifhing, others repairing, &c.

In order to afcertain, as nearly as poffible, how
many mills, kept regularly to work, might be equal

to

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 173

to the fupply of the county, I felefted fix in different
parts of the county. I found thefutton,* annexed to
the fix mills taken together, amounted to about 28,000
acres, between arable, pafture, &c. The county con-
tains 467,700 acres ; fo that about one hundred mills,
kept fully employed, may be deemed fufficient for the
county.

There are mills of other defcriptions, fuch as beetling-
mills, one of which muft be at every eminent bleach-
green ; tuck-mills, for thickening woollen cloth, and
fometimes drugget, which are plentifully eflablifhed
throughout the county ; flax-mills, for icutching flax ;
but thefe are not fo numerous as the quantity of flax,
raifed in the county, feems to require, nor are they
conftrufted, in general, to the advantage they are ca-
pable of, fmce it is well known, that, by means of
fluted cylinders, flax or lint might be broken at the
fame time. This would fave a great deal of fevere la-
bour, which, according to the prefent mode of break-
ing flax, or preparing it for the fcutchers, is unavoid-
able.

To the above may be added a plating-mill, for mak-
ing fpades and (hovels, at Fintona, and one about to

be

* Sutton is a certain diftrid claimed by mills, in virtue of
leafes or agreements between the lord of the manor and the

miller; fometimes a whole manor, at other times a half
manor, &c.

j74 STATISTICAL SURVEY

be fet up at Newtown-flewart ; but thefe have beert
taken notice of in another place.

As in all countries, many of the mills of this county
are great nuifances ; if better conftrafted, much fewer
would anfwer. There is no end to the difputes be-
tween parties, on account of the injury lands fuftain by
mill-dams, &c.

How far fteam-engines might remedy this inconve-
niency, is a matter I (hall leave others to judge of. I
(hall only remark, that the firft coft would be found
the only material expence, as fuel is fo plenty, particu-
larly in the baronies of Omagh and Strabane. By
adopting fleam- engines, many acres of choice meadow-
land might be faved to the public.

SECT. 9. Of Plantations and Planting.

CONSIDERING the extenfive properties in this county,
and the eligiblcnefs of many parts of it for planting, yet
we cannot boaft much of the progrefs of this neceflary
improvement.

At Killymoon, a great deal had been formerly
planted, and, of late, additions have been made. It
would be much in favour of the extenfive plantations
of this place, had judicious thinning taken place many
years ago. It is not yet too late ; much may flill be

done for prefeot and future emolument.

At

OF THE COtJNTY Ot TYRONE, 175

At LhTeri, the feat of Mr. Staples, near Cook's-town,
the planting Is very profperous : but there is only part
of thefe improvements in this county ; the remainder
lies in the county of Derry.

A confiderable fcope has been planted by Lord
Northland, and his fori Mr. Knox, within the lafl
twenty years, which is at this time in a thriving flate.

Lord Callidon has planted confiderably in the orna-
mental ftyle, and, in general, with good tafte. •

Mr. Montgomery planted confiderably near Augh-
nacloy.

Sir William Richardfon planted, with good tafte,
his demefne at Augher, and the plantations are in a
flourifhing flate.

Mr. Montray, at Favoroyal, near Augher, is in pof-
feflion of large tracts of natural woods, which are ma-
naged in an economical manner.

At Clog her, the bifhop's demefne and deer-park af-
ford fome old timber ; but this beautiful demefne has

been much injured in this, its chief ornament, fome

. \

years aga.

Mr. Eccles, near Fintona, has done a good deal in,
the way of planting, and fo has Mr. Lendrum.

The Rev. Mr. Hill has great merit for his tafte ia
planting and ornamenting about his glebe-houfe, in the
parifh of Longfield, near Drumquin.

Mr. Lowry has planted a confiderable number of
trees at Pomeroy; but his fituation requires much

planting, and in very heavy maffes.

Mr.

176 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Mr. Stewart, the Attorney General, has planted
with tafte and judgment, in a mountainous fituation at
Athenree, near Six-mile-crofs j and, like a real planter,
he is laying a good foundation, by eftablifhing his own
nurfcries.

The Hon. A. C. Hamilton has planted confiderably,
from time to time, at Behrum-cafUe, near Gortin.

The Marquis of Abercorn has, and is planting
largely, at Baron's-court, near Newtown-ftewart. I
cannot learn, that he claimed any premiums from the
Dublin Society, but I am certain, from the extent of
his young plantations, he was frequently entitled to do
fo. On the whole, Baron's-court is ftrongly planted,
and all the plantations are going on profperoufly. It
is to be hoped, that the Marquis will perfcvere in his
original plan, namely, that of planting out the greater
part of the north fide of Befly-Bell mountain, which
overlooks his demefne. Greater difficulties have been
fairly conquered by Lord Mountjoy within thefe lail
fourteen years.

I might have mentioned feveral other improvements
upon fmall fcales. On the whole, the people are be-
ginning to look forward, and fee what is their real
intereft.

With very few exceptions, the foregoing have been
undertaken within the laft fourteen or fifteen years ;
and it is a pleafing reflection to find, how much the

face

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 177'

face of the country has been in that fhort time im-
proved, in confequence of thofe plantations.

The following fketch may ferve to fhew the extent
of Lord Mountjoy's planting at Rafti, near Omagh,
fmce the year 1779. But firft I muft remark, that no
regular account has been kept of the number of trees
planted, or the quantity of land taken into plantation,
prior to the year 1791, as in that year the "cTaimVTof
premiums on the Dublin Society commenced.

:fr:r*;b lo/l
. ( J

Of

ITS

STATISTICAL SURVEY

Of the Effefts of the Encouragement heretofore given to
Planting by the Society particularized in the Lift annexed*

Premium planting.

Planting not
claimed.

YEARS.

A.

P.

TREES.

TREES.

[n 1791 and 1792,

II

3

19

35,212

6,882

— 1 792 and 1793,

23

o

JO

76,087

'3>674

— 1793 and 1794,

12

3

20

3I.708

16,031

— 1794 and 1795,

29

2

3°

65,603

11,190

— 1795 and 1796,

33

c

0

84,550

1, 660

— 1796 and 1797,

3'

0

25

86,910

6,067

— 1797 and 1798,

16

I

jo

44,45°

18.535

— 1798 and 1799,

3°>43°

— 1799 and 1800,

7

0

c

20,040*

7,488

— 1800 and 1 80 1,

12

I

31

39>4i°

24,805

I78

2

•'5

483,970

136,762

A. R. r.

178 2 35

68 o o

100 O O

141 o o

487 2 35

Premium planting, 483,970 trees.

Not claimed, - - 136,762

Prior to 1791, - - 200,000

Old woods. —

- - 820,732

Bcfidcs

* J>Jo premium granted, being under ten acres.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 179

Befides the above, there were given to the tenants
of the eftate, fince the year i795> upwards of 100,000
tranfplanted trees -, and, from the commencement of
the improvements at Rafh to the foregoing year, I
dare fay, there were double the number here men-
tioned given out, of which, however, no regular ac-
count has been kept. Without exaggeration, 300,000
trees were made prefents of to gentlemen, fince the
year 1784.

The article, alluding to the account of premiums, is
perfectly accurate, both as to the quantity of land, and
the number of trees ; but the plantations, formed be-
tween 1791 and 1 80 1, both years included, for which,
from local caufes, premiums could not be claimed, are
only fuppofed to be, according to the ufual mode of
planting here, fair tranfplanted trees, not lefs than four
years old, and at leaft once tranfplanted, at about the
diftance of fix feet apart, which is found nearly equal
to 2000 plants to the acre ; but premium planting is
n^ver confined to this number.

The plantations, formed prior to the year 1791, are
fuppofed to be equal to one hundred acres ; if fur-
veyed, I dare fay they would amount to more. Thefe
arc fuppofed 2000 plants to the acre at prefent, but
exceeded that number confiderably fome years ago, as
a large portion of this part had been originally under
nurfery, which had been from time to time thinned

N 2 OUt i

I8o STATISTICAL SURVEY

out ; and, of late, cutting out, inflcad of thinning by
tranfplanting, took place.

For the laft twenty years, there never were lefs
than fix acres of fair well eftablifhed nurfery at
Ra(h, for the fupply of the improvements, &c. By
doing the plants full juftice in point of room, an acre
may afford annually 20,000 plants, as 40,000 are not
too many for an acre, when completely flocked ; fo
that, by letting the plants remain two feafons in the
nurfery, there may be always an annual fupply of
20,000 ; but this muft be underftood of gentlemens*
nurferies, who may be fuppofed not fcarce in ground ;
but it is quite otherwife with nurfery-men, who com-
monly overftock their nurferies, and, of courfe, the
plants are too much drawn up for want of room.

Six acres of nurfery, according to the above ftate-
ment, would produce, in twenty years, 2,400,000
plants ; and I have fhewn, that

820,732 trees were planted in the demefne ;
100,000 fuppofed to have been given to tenants.

920,732 , $ j

This (hews a great difference, between the fuppofed
produce of fix acres of nurfery in twenty years, and
the number here flated,. which can only be accounted
for by the great quantities of trees put out as nur-
feries

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 181

feries (now maffive plantations), prior to lypij and
what were given as prefents to the gentlemen of this
county and others,

Of any improvements^ ivhich may occur for future en-
couragement, and particularly for the preservation of
Trees •when planted*.

Without clofe attention to the following requifites,
it is in vain to plant.

Complete fencing, and guarding againft cattle. Pre-
paring the foil according to circumftances, particularly
in rendering it fufficiently dry, when it is naturally too
wet. Encreafmg flicker by every means, where ne-
ceffary ; and planting judicioufly the different fpecies
of plants, agreeably to the foils a,nd afpefts they are
beft calculated for.

The different modes, made ufe of for the encourage-
ment and prefervation of plantations, fhall be fully
ftated, when I come to treat of Lord Mountjoy's im-
provements at large, to which I fhall refer as a model,
that has been found, from feveral years experience, tQ
have completely anfwered the end^

It is in the power of the Society to adopt a mode,
by which planting cannot fail of being conftderably
improved.

Hitherto^

i8i STATISTICAL SURVEY

Hitherto, no reftricYions have been laid on the fize
or age of plants, under the head of premium planting,
and, of courfe, vaft quantities of feedlings have been
planted, fmce the commencement of this faltttary in-
ftitution.

Seedlings in general are not calculated for our foils,
upon the great fcale of planting. It is in vain to pur-
fue the fame modes here, as are pracYifed in Scotland,
and other parts of Great Britain ; the luxuriance of
our foils, in general, points out the abfurdity of the
fyftem.

The Society requires, that a certain number of
plants muft be firft planted to each plantation acre,
and that a given quantity muft be kept up for a certain
number of years. When feedlings compofc part of
fuch plantations, they muft be narrowly watched from
time to time, in order to keep up the quantity fpecified
by the Society.

I know, from much experience, that this mode in
the end becomes very expenfive, and that at the lofs
of many thoufauds of trees, which might otherwife be
laved ; and, after all, the defired end is fcarcely ever
completely anfwered, at leaft, not fo effectually, as if
the planting had been formed, the firft day, of regular
well-conditioned tranfplanted trees, that would at once
defy the luxuriance of our fpontaneous growth, and
give no further trouble, after being fairly planted, till
the operation of thinning Ihould take place.

The

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 183

The improvement I beg leave to fuggeft is, that the
valuable trees, fuch as oak, larch, Spanifh chefnut,
beech, fycamore, elm, afti, pine, &c. fhould at leaft be
once tranfplanted, and that for two feafons before they
are put out for good j fo that, in moft cafes, the plants
fhould be four years old at that time, which, for the
generality of deciduous trees, is certainly the beft age.

In this cafe, the number of valuable trees might be
limited to one thoufand to each acre, which might be
replaced, in cafes of accidents, agreeably to the term
fpecified by the Society.

I would lay no reftraint upon any quantity of infe*
rior timber the Society might think proper to allow,
over and above the number above ftated, fuch as birch,
alder, mountain-afa, &c.; thefe, with fome of the pop*
lar and fallow kinds, are free growers, and capable of
taking care of themlelves, though put out as feedlings,
or cuttings.

SECT. 10. OfNurfmes tutthlnthe Bounty , and
of Sakf<

THERE is not a nurfery for fale within the county,
though few counties in the kingdom are better calcu*
lated for that purpofe. I am fully convinced, that
planting would go on rapidly, were there only a few

eftablifhed

184 STATISTICAL SURVEY

cftabli/hed nurferies, where planters might refort to,
without being at the expeoce of fending to diftant
parts. It is not the price that ever deters men, who
only plant upon a fmall fcale, but the diftance of car-
riage, and the hazard of fuffering by bad packing,
and of the plants being too long out of ground. Thefe
are certainly fomc of the principal caufes of planting
not being more general, and not any pecuniary views.

In the coutfe of my agricultural excurfions in 1800,
and 1 86 1, I have had many unpleafant reflections, in
travelling over waite tracts, which are fcarcely calcu-
lated, or ever can be, for any purpofe, except for plant-
ing, and where little or no expence in enclofing would
be found neceflary, particularly in rocky fituations,
where large Aones are in plenty, and might be eafily
collected to form rough dry walls.

The firft great point to attend to, fhould be to give
every kind of encouragement to nurfery-men, con-
fining them only to common articles, fuch as thorn-
quicks, am, oak, beech, larch, fir, fycamore, alder,
&c. Grand juries and farming focieties might do
fometh'ng by way of encouragement, as well as the
Dublin Society.

Were nurferies eftablimed fufficiently numerous,
gentlemen would be induced' to plant one hundred
trees for the one they do at prefent ; and, when plant-
ing becime general, there would be no temptation for
ftealing, fmce it is a well-known fact, that, when any

article

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 185

article becomes plenty, the temptation for pilfering
diminishes in proportion to the encreafe of the article.
I dare fay, when potatoes were firfl: introduced, it was
found difficult to fave them from the common people.
I know, from experience, that, when the turnip fyftem
was firfl eftablifhed at Collon, by the Right Hon. John
Fofter, for the firfl feafon vaft quantities ot them were
taken away by the common people ; but it was foon
found, that, by giving up a fmall part of a field for the
purpofe of fupplying every poor perfon, who might
want a few turnips, and giving a little turnip-feed to
fuch as might be difpofed to fow it, it foon put an end
to any thing like pilfering.

So, with refpecl to timber-trees, if nurferies were
eftabiifhed, fo as to make thefe articles general, and
that gentlemen would turn their thoughts upon .divid-
ing with their tenants, or otherwife encourage them to
raife or purchafe plants, we would, in a very little time,
find all people difpofed to purfue one common caufe.
This, with long leafes, and other encouragements,
would foon make a great change in favour of planting.

I have often turned my thoughts, with refpeft to the
moft eligible fituations for nurferies in the county.
Strabane, Omagh, Aughnacloy, Clogher, and Dun*
gannon, appear to me the beft ; not only on account
of finding at thofe places favourable foils and fitua-
tions, but alfo of dividing the county tolerably regular,
and, in general, convenient to the neighbouring coun-
ties,

186 STATISTICAL SURVEY

ties, which could not fail of finding material advantage
from fuch fituations.

Befides the encouragement already mentioned, given
by the Dublin Society, &c., much might be done by the
gentlemen of landed property, without being at any ma-
terial expence to themfelves. A kind of guardianfhip
over the refpeftive nurferies is as much as might be
expected from them or their agents ; to fee that the
fales might go on regularly, the prices fettled once a
year, and proper returns of ftock made out, with other
ufeful regulations.

The nurfery, we fliall fuppofe at or near Strabane,
might be patronized by the Marquis of Abercorn, the
Bifhop of Derry, the Hon. A. C. Hamilton, Sec.

That at Omagh by Lord Mountjoy, Lord Belmore,
Mr. Stewart the Attorney General, &c.

That at Aughnacloy, Clogher, or probably Fintona,
by Lord Belmore (as he has extenfive properties in the
county), Sir William Richardfon, Mr. Montray, Mr.
Montgomery, Mr.Eccles, &c.

That at, or near Dungannon, by Lord Northland,
Mr. Knox, Lord Powerfcourt, Lord Callidon, Lord
Charlemont, Mr. Stewart of Killymoon, &c.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 187

SECT. II. Prices of Timber t and State of it in the
County.

THE prices of timber are very high, and it is difficult
to procure upon any terms. The Hon. A. C. Hamilton's
woods, in Munterloney, for many years back afforded
the chief fupply to the county for cabin-building, flide-
cars, ploughs, &c., but thofe woods are now almofr. cut
down. The woods were chiefly of oak, and will, of
courfe, be a confiderable time before they come round
again, as the time limited to keep cattle out, after
being cut, is by far too little, not more, I underfland,
than eight years. Indeed cattle fhould never be fuf-
fered to get into woods at any period.

At prefent a couple, or principal, for a cabin of fix-
teen feet wide, cofts from 5 s. to 8s. ; a dozen of ribs
for a cabin, from 6s. to i os. j a flide-car 50-., and fo on.
The timber is never fold by the foot from thofe woods,
as the dimenfions are too fmall for that purpofe.

Afh is remarkably fcarce; it is chiefly ufed for
wheel-cars and ploughs : the fluff for the former
ufually cofts two guineas, and the latter from 1 2-r. to
16.;. : many of the latter are made of oak and birch,
but afh is much better for that purpofe. Afh is fre-
quently fold by the cubical foot, at fo high a price as

3s- 3^

Foreign

188 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Foreign fir at this time (1801) fells at Strabane fo
high as 61. per ton.

The chief reliance the county has, is upon bog-fir,
which many of the bogs produce in great plenty, but it
is in general attended with great difficulty and expencc
in being able to manage it, for want of roads, and pro-
per conveniences to raife it. This timber Is fometimes
fold at half a crown the cubical foot, for the purpofes
of loom-timber and mill-fhafts, but bog-timber in ge-
neral is fold by bulk, efpecially bog-oak. Even-grained
bog-fir is looked upon to be full as good for roofing
and lofting ftables, &c. as foreign fir or pinej it makes
excellent laths, and, when beaten out into fmall fila-
ments, is found to anfwer for ropes, which are princi-
pally ufed for cording of beds, and, in damp places,
will laft confiderably longer than hempen ropes.
Twenty yards is the ufual length for a bed-cord,
which is commonly bought for iod. The roots and
fragments of the bog- fir are ufed for this purpofe, and
it is a kind of trade with many poor people in the
vicinities of bogs.

It has been ftated, under the article Habitation, ft^lt
foodt &c., how far the thinning of Lord Mountjoy's
improvements ferves the country, fo -far as alludes to
cabin-building. Here I (hall only add a few articles,
ufed for other purpofes.

A

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 189

£>- s- d-
A flide-car of fpruce-fir, - ,m» ^ -033

Car-feet of birch or alder, per pair, - o o 6-J
A ladder, from twelve to eighteen feet, of

fpruce-fir, from 6s. 6d. to - - o 10 o

A plough of birch, - - . - - o 12 o

A two-horfe harrow of birch. - -080

*

Shovel, and fork-handles, of afh, each, o o 6|

Swingle-trees of afh, each, - - o o 6£

Rakes, finiftied, of afh, each, - -oil

Turf-kifhes of various forts, each, -066

Manure-kifhes, each, from 2s. id. to -044

Potatoe-bafkets, each, from 6d. to - o i p

rtofJtir a'ii-o 'rj^ro '"•* Mo >?» to oiD?r. : ?.:; .
SECT. 12. Quantity of Bog and Wajle Ground^

IT is not eafy to afcertain the quantity of bog and
•wafte ground throughout the county ; and, even if it
could be actually made out, it would only anfwer for
one feafon's information, as every year adds confider-
ably to the quantity of land brought into culture, mea-
dow, and pafture.

Perhaps, within the lafl twenty years, this county
has made as rapid a progrefs, with refpeft to the bring-
ing in of wafte land, as any other in the kingdom, and
particularly mountain ; yet a vaft deal remains to be

done,

STATISTICAL SURVEY

done, and much oF what has been done is dill capable
of further improvement:

Poffibility and means of improving it.

To enter into a minute detail of the different pracVi-
cal modes, neceflary to purfue for the improvement of
the great variety of foils of this county, would require
a large volume, which, however, at a future day, I
hope to fet forth in another work, now in tolerable
forwardnefs. At prefent I fhall only ftate a few ob-
fervations, relative to the great outlines of reclaiming
unprofitable land.

I have already treated largely on the fubjecl: of roads;
but the nature of the objec> under confideration re-
quires me to fay a little more here. It has been ob-
ferved of what infinite advantage roads are, in help-
ing to get at bog-timber, limeftone, &c. Now, in
cafe of bog-timber and limeftone being altogether out
of the qucftion, and that a large fcope of bog or moun-
tain was in contemplation of being reclaimed, the firft
object the cultivator fhould have in view, after drain-
ing, are roads, to draw forward materials to reclaim
foch parts ; therefore draining and making of roads
fhould go hand in hand, fince their dependance on
each other is fo nearly connected.

It is the public who pay for roads, and there is
no doubt that every encouragement fliould be given to

then,

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 191

them, to make the moft they can of every circumftance,
that may naturally occur in their refpeclive diftrifts,
for the improvement of their lands.

Since timber is at prefent fo extravagantly high, and
the profpeft of a fupply of it, for domeftic purpofes, fo
very remote, every advantage ftiould be taken, to ac-
commodate the public with the kind of wood, that
naturally offers in almoft every bog in the county,
enough, I dare fay, to fupply the country for ages ;
but the extreme difficulty of being able to get at it,
when raifed, renders it, in many cafes, dearer than
foreign timber, when all the trouble attending it is
confidered. £.« .^

Among the various means of improvement, none
appears more effectual than watering or irrigating land,
when at all practicable. It is, indeed, a very pleating
reflexion to find, what rapid ftrides this ufeful im-
provement is making of late. But, as might be ex-
pefted, the people in general are ignorant, both of the-
proper application, and execution of the work', but,
no doubt, they will foon fall into meafures fo nearly
connected with their real interefts, and where fo little
{peculation is neceflary to remove every doubt of ha-
zard or rifque. It is the genius of the people of thefe
parts, to embrace immediately any improvement, in
•which a fpeedy return of gain is the prevailing objeft ;
among which the fubjeft under confideration is one
of the utmoil importance, fince the expence is nothing,

when

STATISTICAL SURVEY

when compared to the great benefits to be derived,
and efpecially, when the work is executed in a good-
manner.

Farming focieties, no doubt, will always encourage
this fpecies of improvement.

Mr. Stewart, of Stranorlan, in the county of Done-
gal, has fet a good example on foot, with refpcft to
draining and irrigation. He brought over from Staf-
fordfhire a perfon, who has given a ftrong fpecimen
of the good effefts of irrigation, and, of courfe, has
let a good example to others. This perfon is now
(1802) actually employed, at fo much a year, by the
Rapkoe farmers' foclrty. Indeed I may date the com-
mencement of irrigation, done in a workman-like man-
ner, from Stranorlan, in the year 1800, which was the
commencement of Mr. Stewart's operations.

I am very far from being againft importing perfons
from England and Scotland, for the purpofe of water-
ing, or any other improvement j but, upon the othe*
hand, in fome particular inftances, I approve of it. In
general, however, I apprehend, that this country would
reap more folid advantage, and that in a (hortcr time,
by fending perfons to thofe parts, and particularly to
the Lothians of the latter.

The fubjeft in queftion admits of fo many modes of
performing it, that it would take up a volume to do it
any degree of juftice, and, after all, much would re-
main to be done. There is fcarcely a fpot, which does

not

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 193

not require fome mode peculiar to itfelf. There is,
however, one circumflance, which muft always be
complied with where necefTary ; otherwife watering,
inftead of improving land, will injure it, and render it
worfe than before the operation took place. This is,
the effeft ually getting clear of fprings, and flagnated
xvater, before irrigation be attempted.

The great point to confider is, to cheapen the work
as much as poflible, where draining is necefTary prior
to watering, as many of thofe drains, neceflary to drain
the land, may be alfo found ufeful to aft as conductors
or leaders, to anfwer irrigation ; that is, when the aft
of irrigation is not going on, many of the drains may
perpetually aft in draining.

There has been a good deal {aid of late, on the fub-
jeft of draining, by Elkington and others, to which I
refer. In many cafes, great accuracy in levelling is re-
quifite : the fpirit level is not in the power of every far-
mer, and even if it was, few underftand the application
of it. The common mafon's level is tedious ; for ex-
pedition, the ifofceles triangle is the beft, and is as ac-
curate as any : with this a man can level almoft as faft
as he can walk, attended by a boy to carry pins, to
Aick down where the level may point out.

There

<94 STATISTICAL SURVEY

There is a great deal in habit in any undertaking ;
fo with levelling ; a good eye never fails to facilitate
this kind of" btifmefs.

In 1801, I found a great number of Lord Mount-
joy's tenants bufily employed in watering their mea-
dows and pafture-grounds. As it was the firfr. year,
of courfc it was managed in a flovenly and imperfect
manner. I flngled out a perfon, who was in the habit
of watering for fome little time before in the demefne.
This man has an exceeding good eye, and has alfo a
great liking to irrigation, which is every thing. I fent
him, with his fi tuple triangular level, through the ef-
tate ; and, in the courfe of a few weeks, he made a
wonderful reformation in the ideas of the people, fo
that now the greater part of them are practitioners,
and irrigation is become quite a fcience among them.

I only mention this circumftance as a hint to im-
provers, as every neighbourhood in the kingdom muft
have fome perfons, whofe abilities are fuperior to
thofe of others, and therefore it ftiould be the object
of the proprietors to felect them.

The advancing of money to poor tenants, at the time
of taking out a leafe, would, no doubt, in many in-
ftances, produce a good effect, in forwarding the means
of improvements, or rather placing the money on fuch
a footing, as to be occafionally laid out on improve-
ments, according to contract.

Tenants

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 195

Tenants in general are fo wretchedly poor, that a
great length of time elapfes before any permanent ad-
vantage can derive to them from the improvement of
their farms. Indeed it is too frequently the cafe, that,
during the whole courfe of the leafe, for want of
means or ability, the farm does not yield probably
one-fourth of what it might have done under good
management, and laying out fome money early, for
ditching, draining, liming, &c.

Inftead of the landlord being a lofer by this mode,
he would find, at the expiration of the leafe, a great
benefit, and encreafe of property.

If, for example, a farm confifls of twenty acres, at
io/. a year upon^a thirty-one years leafe, let the laud-
lord, for the firft fifteen years, advance 3/. a year, to
be laid out in draining, liming, &c. The next fixteea
years, the rent may be raifed to 1 3/. a year. By this
mode, the landlord will be nothing out of pocket ; and
it is very plain, that no intereft, accruing from 45/.,
could be equal to the encreafed value of the land, at
the expiration of the leafe.

There might be other modes adopted, to enable the
tenant to get on, according to circumilances ; I only
fuggeft this as a hint.

It is evident, that long leafes muft be a powerful

means of improving lands. Upon fhort leafes, fuch as

twenty-one years, men have no fpirit to get forward,

and efpecially where confidence does not exift between

o 2 matter

r96 STATISTICAL SURVEY

matter and tenant, which, indeed, is too often the
cafe.

Farming focieties may produce a good effect, by
giving premiums, and alfo by employing perfons,
Hulled in the improvement of bog and mountain, to
inftrucl the people.

Much might be done with refpeft to burning of lime
upon a large fcale. Public lime-kilns fhould be intro-
duced, and fome bounty or premium offered ; indeed,
without them, lime would find its own level, by charg-
ing a reafonable price. This is fully demonftrated by
Mr. Stewart aforefaid, who built a kiln feveral years
ago, and continues to fell the lime to his tenants at a
reafonable rate, and to tenants of other eftates at a
more advanced price than what he charges his own.
The good effects, produced by this inflitution, foon
became evident throughout his eftate, fmce, for every
barrel of lime, that had been formerly laid on the land,
twenty barrels have been ufed fince the eflablifhment
of the kiln.

From my own knowledge of this county, I am in-
clined to believe, that, by eflablifhing lime-kilns, and
felling at a reafonable rate, it would be found one of
the beft improvements that could be introduced.

A barrel of lime, containing thirty-fix gallons,* ge-
nerally cofls from 1 8</. to 2s. The carriage of lime-

ftone,

* The barrel fhould be forty-two gallons.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 197

ftone, for perhaps three or four miles, renders this arti-
cle extremely high, as the ftone is confiderably heavier
before than after it is burned. The true plan, there-
fore, is, to have the lime-kiln built as convenient to
the quarry and bog as poflible, particularly to the
former.

At a public lime-kiln, where bufinefs is well at-
tended to, there will feldom happen any difappoint-
ment ; whereas there is no end to the delay and trou-
ble attending lime burned in the ufual way, in little
forry pot-kilns,* which are perpetually out of order.

Fully convinced of the utility of a public kiln, I
have engaged in this bufinefs upon a large fcale, and
am convinced, that I ftiall be able to fell lime at
a barrel the year round.

Qbftacles to improvement , and the beft means of removing
them.

The means of improvement, being underftood and
complied with, muft, in fome mqafure, remove the
obftacles.

Tht

* A pot-kiln is nothing more than a hole dug out of the
fide of a dry bank, built up with ftones, without any cement,
one fide of which muft be broke (up for the purpofe of getting
out the lime, when burned. Thefe kilns are of various files,
but feldora exceed thirty .barrels of roche-lime.

I9S STATISTICAL SURVEY

The following feem to be among the groateft obfta-
cles to improvement.

Rack-rent appears to be the moft diftrefling to the
community at large, but particularly to the cultivator
of the foil, and never fails to affeft the head landlord
in fome degree. The more intermediate tenants there
are, between the lord of the foil, and the perfon who
cultivates it, the worle for both, becaufe it is very evi-
dent, that every perfon, who may have a claim or an
intereft in the land, will, of courfe, have fome profit.
This clearly points out, that the landlord is not paid
the real value for his land, and that the under or
lowed tenant pays a great deal too much.

Happy would it be for the profperity of the king-
dom, if no perfon was concerned in land, except the
lord of the foil, and thofe, who aftually cultivate it.

Agents, not acquainted with country bufinefs, may
be confidered a great bar to improvement. The im-
provement of land depends very much upon the acti-
vity and knowledge of agents.

I believe it is a general cuftom throughout the king-
dom, to exaft duties of men and horfes from the te-
nantry of eftates, to bring home the landlord's fuel,
corn, &c.; I know it is generally the cafe in this
county. IB another place, under the article, General
Jlate of Leafes, I nave pointed out fome objections to
this modej here I have only to remark, that I confider
it a great impediment to induftry, becaufe fuch as are

bound

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 199

bound to fulfil fuch petty engagements, muft always
attend at feafons when their own works are moft
preffing.

The fituations of many mills are alfo great obstacles
to improvement.

There is another circumftance, much complained of
by farmers in general. They have a notion, that bog
and mountain, newly reclaimed, muft become fubject
to tithe, fo fbon as they are brought into a ftate of cul-
tivation. I underfland, that fome fecurity is fettled by
law for new improvements ; of this, however, the
people are in general ignorant.

SECT. 13. Habits of indij/tryt or want of indujlry
among the people.

IT is rare to find more induftrious people, than thofe
of this county generally are. The want of induflry
proceeds more from not having the means of being in-
duftrious, than from the inclination of the people to-
wards idlenefs. In trafts, capable of producing corn,
potatoes, and flax, we find few Specimens of floth of
inactivity ; both men and women are ufefully employed
At night, in the winter time, it is very common for a
labourer to make 6d. or SJ. by weaving, after his day's
labour. Girls, of nine or ten years of age, generally

make from is. to it.-6d. a week by fpinning.

It

200 STATISTICAL SURVEY

It is only in the mountainous parts that we find any
thing, that appears not induftrious. In thofe parts, the
management of potatoes, oats, and turf, is chiefly the
outer work, which occupies the men only part of
the year; the remainder is generally employed in
weaving.

Whenever tafk, or piece-work, occurs, it never fails
to excite induftry.

The hardfhip the poor people, who occupy moun-
tainous parts, labour chiefly under is the want of flax,
as many mountains are not fit to produce that article ;
therefore they muft purchafe, frequently at a dear
rate. Perhaps there is no way, by which the poor
could be more materially aflifled, than by laying up
Jlores of flax when cheap, and felling it to them at
the firft coft; this might be a confideration worthy of
the attention of farming focieties and others.

The various exertions, ufed by many in collecting
manures, are furprifing. I have frequently found half
an acre of potatoes in the pofleffioB of poor families,
who had not a four-footed beaft except a cat or dog ;
and all made from mud or mire, aflics, rufhes, fprit,
tec. Broom and furze, in ftrong clay foils, anfwer
extremely well for manure for potatoes, and of thefe
the poor take advantage where they are to be found.
I have known good crops of potatoes produced from
common heath or heder.

SECT.

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 201

SECT. 14. The ufe of the Englifh Language
genera lt or hoiu far increa/ttig.

EXCEPT through the wilds of Munterloney (chiefly
in the barony of Strabane) the Englifli language is
moft prevalent ; indeed throughout {he county it is
gaining ground every day. The Roman Catholics arc
the only feft, who are fond of fpeaking the Irifh lan-
guage, and with them too it is wearing off very much.

The people of this county in themfelves differ as
much, perhaps, as thofe of feparate kingdoms. The
people of the baronies of Dungannon and Clogher are
much more poliftied, than thofe of Strabane and Omagh
generally are. The inhabitants of Strabane and its
vicinity feem quite a different race of people from thofe
of Munterloney,' who are in the fame barony. In
like manner thofe, in and about Omagh, differ from
the parifhes of Tarmonmaguirk and Tarmonomungan,
in the fame barony. This pbfervation holds good with
refpecl to all the towns, and country parts.

SECT.

202 STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 15. Account of Towers, Ca/lles, Mono/ler'tu^
Ancient buildings t or places remarkable for any hifto~.
ricol event.

I DO not recolleft having met a round tower in the
county, or any remains of one ; and although round
towers are peculiar to many parts of the kingdom, yet
very few of them are to be met with in the North.

Old caftles are numerous, but in general they appear
to have never been of much confequence, or of any

*

confiderable ftrength ; many of them, however, are
partly compofed of a very ftrong cement, and almofl
impoflible to reduce, even with gun-powder.

The following are the moft confiderable in the
county.

One in the town of Newtown-flewart, but not very
ancient. Another near the town, circularly built, and
of great antiquity. This, we are informed, had been
the refidence of the kings of Ulfter. Part of this old
caftle projects eight feet beyond its bafe, and ha$ the
appearance of being fufpended in the air, fo great is the
ftrength of the cement, which keeps the flones to-
gether.

At Baron's-court, near Newtown-ftewart, is an o!4
caftle, liinilar to that in the town, and it appears to be of

about

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 203

about the fame antiquity. We are informed, that both
were burned by the Iriftx in 1641, and even at that
time inhabited. A fourth caftle is faid to have been
cear the town, but at prefent we can make out no
traces of it.

Kerlilh caftle, near Drumquin, appears to be very
ancient, and is of confiderable extent.

Two old caftles near Dunnamanagh, in the barony
of Strabane.

Benburb, on the borders of the county, in the ba-
rony of Dungannon, appears to be the largefl in the
county. It is built on a limeftone rock, upwards of
120 feet nearly perpendicular, over the Black-water,
which at the caftle forms nearly a right angle, fo that
two fides of it were completely fortified by nature.
Though the materials for building are here remark-
ably good, both lime, fand, and Hone, yet the caftle
was but weakly built, the cement was bad, and the
Hones commonly of the pebble kind.

At fome diftance from the caftle, in the village of
Benburb, is a^mall ancient building, which appears to
have been a watch-houfe belonging to the caftle; this
is ftrongly built. Another fmall building, near the
latter, feems to have been intended to fupport a fun-
dial.

At Augher, in Sir William Richardfon's demefne, is
a beautiful old caftle upon a fmall fcale, which is kept
in tolerable prefervatioo.

"''( but -"*/«

ao4 STATISTICAL SURVEY

The caftle of mod confequence in the county, is that
of Mountjoy, or Mountjoy-caftle, on the borders of
Lough Neagh, which is indeed a fine venerable pile of
building.

From the great number of town-lands throughout
the county, of which the word cajlle makes part of the
name, fuch as Caftle-town, Caftle-rody, Green-caftle,
&c. we have reafon to conjecture, that numbers of
cafllcs formerly exifted, of which, at prefent, we can
trace nothing but the names. This obfervation is
not peculiar to the county of Tyrone ; it is general
throughout the kingdom.

Except old caftles, other ancient buildings are very
rare.

As to monafterics, though a confiderable portion of
land is tithe-free, yet I do not recollect having feen
the remains of any old monaftery.

Danifh forts and Druids' altars are very numerous ;
th< former are held in great reverence by the common
people, in any of which we feldom find the traces of
the plough or fpade. The planting of fuch confpicuous
fpots would add much to the beauty of the country,
and the fencing of them would be attended with very
little expence, as they arc fo circumftanced, that the
fence is already in a great meafure completed, or at
leaft might be made fo with very little trouble. There
are few places where trees would profper better, the
foil having been originally collected and brought there

from

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 205

from other parts ; and on this account, and from its
never being broken up, we frequently find it both deep
and rich.

There are other monuments to be met with, held in
great veneration by the lower clafs, and particularly
thofe of the Roman Catholics, fuch as ftone crofles,
many of which are filled with hieroglyphic figures,
and holy wells, as they are called, where people make
ftations, or perform a kind of pilgrimage. The com-
mon people not only aft this kind of mummery, as they
fuppofe, for the falvation of their fouls, but give the
waters to their cattle, at certain feafons, as an antidote
agaiaft diforders, which probably do not exift.

SECT. 1 6. Churches — Reftdent Clergy — Glebes, and
Glebe-houfes.

WITH very few exceptions, the clergy are all refi-
dents. /There may be fome inftances of pluralifts, but
this is not common in this county at prefent. As to
glebes and glebe-houfes, the queftions are anfwered in
the firft chapter, under the Divifions of the county.

SECT.

*c<5 STATISTICAL SURVEY

SECT. 1 7. Whether the County has been aftttallyftir-
vfjed — when and whether the Survey is publijbed?

IK the years 1774, 1775, anc* !77^> a farvey of the
county was made out by Meflrs. William and Conyng-
ham M'Crea. A very accurate and well executed map
was made out for the gentlemen of the county about
the fame time, which is always to be feeft in the
Grand jury room of the county, at the time of the af-
Czes, for the purpofe of infpeftion.

Under the article, Roads and Bridges^ I have taken
notice of this fubject, with refpcft to the manner of
improving this map, to which I refer.

SECT. 1 8. Weights and Meafures, liquid or dry — in
•what htftances are Weights ajfignedfor Meafures — or
verfa.

tar, and treacle or molaflcs, liquids are fold
by menfure; thefe articles are generally ibid by weight.
Honey is fometimes fold by weight. Selling by weight
is preferred, in order to avoid wafte, becaufe thofe
glutinous fubftances adhere, in a great degree, to the
veflcls, in which they are meafured •, fo that, by firft

weighing

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE. 207

weighing the veflels, in which they are intended to be
put, wafte is effectually avoided.

Oats and potatoes are occafionally meafured, be-
tween parties in the country, but very feldom in the
public market.

SECT. 19. The Weight or Meafure, by ivhich Grata,
Floitry Potatoes, Butter, t°fc. are fold.

GRAIN is commonly fold by weight in the public
market, but oats are ufually fold by meafure be-
tween farmers, and efpecially feed-corn. Six ftone, of
I4lb. avoirdupois, is reckoned equal to a meafure of
oats, and three meafures, or eighteen ftone, to a barrel.
When bought or fold by weight, the price is com-
monly fettled by the ftone. Seven ftone is confidered
equal to a meafure of barley, and three meafures, or
twenty-one ftone, are equal to a barrel; this is alfo
ufually contracted for by the ftone. Twelve ftone is a
barrel of malt, which is always fold by weight. Bar-
ley is feldom fold at the public market ; private diftil-
lers buy vaft quantities of it by private contrail, and
by fample.

Flour is fold by the hundred weight, of eight ftone,
or 1 1 alb. j it is alfo retailed by the ftone, and by the
pound.

Oatmeal

208 STATISTICAL SURVEY

Oatmeal is ulmoft univerfally fold by the peck of
lolb. by retail ; twelve pecks being equal to the long
hundred, or isolb., which is the ufual flandard for
oatmeal. In fome parts oatmeal is fold by the fcore,
\thich is equal to two pecks, twenty of which are
confldered a barrel of meal, being equal to 3 cwt.
2 qrs. 8lb. of the fhort hundred, or i I2lb.

Potatoes are generally fold at market by the (lone,
but the farmers fell large quantities in the country by
the meafure, which is reckoned equal to eight ftone ;
but, when heaped, as is the ufual cuftom, the meafure
generally exceeds nine ftone. A meafure of potatoes
weighs more in winter, than in fpring or fummer ; the
fame remark will hold good for oats. Oatmeal cer-
tainly encreafes in weight by age, but fmce that article
is fold by weight, there is no danger of the poor fuf-
fering. In general, throughout the county, forty ftone
of potatoes is equal to a barrel.

Frefli butter is ufually fold by the pound of eighteen
ounces ; but failed butter is fold by the ftandard
pound of fixteen ounces.

Flax-feed is always fold by the gallon when retailed,
and by the hogfhead when fold by wholefale. The
hog(head contains from fixty to feventy gallons.

Hides and tallow are fometimes fold by the fiiort
hundred, or ii2lb., and alfo by the long hundred, or
i2olb. ; either of which cannot afFeft the buyer or
feller, as the price by the pound is always underftood.

Candles

OF THE COUNTY OF TYRONE, 209

Candles are fold by the pound, and foap by the
Hone and the pound.

Notwithftanding the murmuring, refpefting weights
and meafures in other counties, I think in this county
there is no juft caufe for complaint^ fince the pound
of fixteen ounces, and the flone of fourteen pounds,
are fo well underftood, by which the foregoing and
many other articles are governed. I fcarcely know of
any exception, unlefs in wool and frelh butter; the
former is rated at i61b. to the ftone, and, whether
fold by wholefale or retail, the price is generally gen
verned by the pound,

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX.

An Account of Lord Mountjoy's Improvements at Rajh)
and the manner of carrying them into execution, from
the year 1778, to the prefent time*

SECT. I . Seminary and Nurfery*

EARLY in the year 1778, the firft ideas for the;
improvements took place ; but, for the two firft years*
little more was done, than the eftabliftiing of fem'ma-
ries and nurferies, which, confidering the great extent
of the defign, required to be upon a large fcale.. It
was not the fupply of the demefne alone, to raife trees
for, that was in contemplation, but that of many large
mafles of planting throughout his Lordfhip's eftates in
this county, amounting, in the whole, to about 36,000
plantation acres. Thofe objects, with that of being
able to fupply a numerous tenantry with fuch foreft-
p 2 trees

2 APPENDIX.

trees as were found durable, required to keep up ex-
tenfive and regular courfes of feminary and nurfery.

It was foon found necefTary to eftablifh nurferies in
various parts of the demcfne, in order to fave the ex-
pence of carriage, and alfo to give the young plants a
habit, from their infancy, to bear the different ex-
pofures they were intended for, with a certainty of
luccefs. This fcheme was found to anfwer completely j
indeed, upon fo large a fcale, it would be wrong to
confine the nurfery to one or two particular fpots.

The Right Hon. John Fofter, no doubt, was the firft
who eflabliftied nurferies and feminaries, to any great
extent, in his own demefne at Collon, in the county of
Louth ; and it is to him alone we are indebted for
this, and many other falutary inftitutions.

The late Lord Mountjoy was one of Mr. Fofter's
earlieft pupils, with refpeft to planting; and time and
perfeverance have (hewn, that his Lordfhip made a ra-
piu progrefs, not in planting alone, but in various other
improvements, fuch as draining, enclofing, laying down
grounds of various dtfcriptions, embanking, &c. Thefe,
with ftvcral other improvements (many of which fall
within the plan fuggefted by the Society), I fhall in this
place endeavour to make clear.

At the commencement of the improvements, vaft
quantities of fcedlings were ordered from Scotland and
other parts. This was done with a view of faving, or
rather gaining two. feafons, as the plants, fo purchafed,

were

APPENDIX. 3

were fuppofed to come round for planting out for good,
two years fooner than thofe raifed from feeds fown at
the fame time that the feedlings were ordered. In fome
inftances this precaution anfwered; but, in general, the
feedlings, railed upon the fpot, proved vaftly fuperior
to any of thofe imported; and at this time (1802) there
is no comparifon at all between the feedlings, got from
Scotch and Englifti nurferies (generally two years old),
and plants raifed here from the feed, notwithftanding
the difference of two years in point of age.

In fix years we find, that feedlings in general, raifed
upon the premifes, get the afcendancy over two-year-
old feedlings, which were imported, and put into nur-
fery the fame day the feeds were fown ; fo that it is
much better to wait patiently for the coming round- of
the plants raifed upon the fpot. The truth of this af-
fertion I (hall fubmit to any of our great planters, who
are in the habit of importing feedlings, and have alfo
eftablifhed feminaries of their own.

What is here advanced is principally with refpect to
feedlings imported from Scotland and the north of
England ; 33 I would by no means have it underftood,
that there could be any material lofs, in point of time,
fuftained by purchafing feedlings from Irifli nurferies,
when fituated at a reafonable diftance, and when care
be taken in packing, and difpatch ufed, between the
times of taking up the feedlings, and pu.ting them into
the.nurfery, or, what anfwers fully the fume end, tha

moulding

4 APPENDIX.

moulding of them fecurely till put out. Between thefe,
and phots raifed from the feed in the planter's own
nurfery, there will be found very little difference, pro-
vided the qualities of both are equal; this I know
from long experience.

SECT. 2. The general Plan of fettling the great outlines
of the Dcmefne and its appendages.

HAVING fettled the general plan for feminaries and
fiurferies, the next care was to afcertain the great out-
lines of the demcfne, with the appendages and interior
plantations.

This was not the work of a day -, many days and
hours were fpent on this fpecularion, with clofe appli-
cation and intenfe ftudy. At length the general plans
were fettled, and the work went on regularly and
pleafantly.

The demefne contains about two thoufand Irifti
plantation acres, with many confiderable appendages.
It was alfo in contemplation to plant between three and
four thoufand acres in ftrong mafles throughout the
eftates. Though the latter was fettled, and regu-
larly regiftered, yet it was only intended as zjlock to
work upon, when a great redundancy of nurfery-trees
«ould be fpared from the improvements of the de-

mcfoc,

APPENDIX. 5

«

mefne, &c.» or when the works of the demefne fhould
be brought to fuch perfection, as to be able to under-
take the intended plantations throughout the eftates.

At this time (1802) the demefne and its appendages
are fo far advanced, that the planting of about fifty
acres would complete the whole, and this in grouping
and (lender plantations, as finifliing touches, the great
maflive planting being all completed.

It is not eafy to fay with accuracy, how many acres
there are of folid planting, as every feafon there arc
more or lefs planted, which never fall within the pre-
mium planting, or that reported to the Dublin Society.
I am fure I may not be far from the truth if I fay five
hundred acres ; though, by taking a fuperficial view,
it would appear as if one half of the whole extent had
been planted ; but this circumftance is owing to the
{welling and undulating difpofition of all the grounds,
both in the demefne and its environs.

This account may ferve to ihew, what induftry
and perfeverance can do in a fhort time. Twenty-
two years back, from the prefent year (1802), may
be confidered the commencement of the improve-
ments ; and, for progrefs, and high prefervation, I
am fure they are equal to any in the united king-
dom. Raifing flicker, judicioufly improving the
foils, planting out young, and adapting the plants to
the foils and afpefts, were the great objefts to attend
to, and which were the principal means of the rapid

progrefs,

6 APPENDIX.

%

progrefs, made by all the plantations belonging to
Lord Mountjoy. But I need not have faid any thing
with refpeft to the progrefs, as this point fufficiently
proves hfelf.

During the above period, I can to a certainty declare,
that it did not exceed five pounds to make any altera-
tion or deviation from the general plan, firft digefted
and arranged. Hence the good effects arifing from
fetting out upon a cool, mature, and deliberate plan.
I wifh, the fame could be faid, with propriety, of all
the improvements throughout the kingdom.

The nurferies, &c. being fettled, there was no time
to be loft for cuclofing, and preparing the foils intended
to be planted. It was a general rule to enclofe and
plant the higheft and moft expofed fituations firfl,
•which are chiefly the weft, fouth-weft, and north-weft,
ihefe being the points moft neceffary to guard againft.
Another rule was much attended to, namely, to enclofe
fome time before the planting took place, and alfo, to
drain, where the foil required it. It was very com-
mon to enclofe and drain for three feafons before the
planting commenced, by which means the nature x>f
the foils was entirely changed ; fheltcr and draining
having afted fo powerfully, and the furze-feeds, fown
pn the backs of the ditches, becoming complete fhelter
in three years ; and the fluff, caft out of the drains,
went a great way in deepening the foil. But more of
this io its proper phot.

SECT.

APPENDIX.

SECT. 3. Modes of ehdofmg.
i^\

1. Common ditches.

2. Louth fences.*

3. Sunk fences.

4. Drains in boggy and fwampy fituations.

5. Living fences, without a gripe or a trench.

6. Temporary dead fences, made principally of Scotch
fir, cut down at the age of ten or twelve years.

7. Common paling, by poft and rail, and by (heep-
hurdles.

i . The common ditch is chiefly adopted for all the
interior parts of enclofures and plantations. The gripe
is generally feven feet wide at top, and two feet at bot-
tom, and, where the foil will bear it, five feet deep on
the perpendicular. An off-fet or fcarcementf is always
introduced, from fix to twelve inches broad, according
to the nature of the foil, or the pofidon of the bank ;
if the ground falls away from the bank, fix inches for
off-fet will anfwer ; if the reverfe, twelve inches are
generally allowed} and, if the bank be on level ground,

or

* So called by the writer, from a Ipecimen feen by him,
many years ago, at Rofy Park, in the county of Louth,
upon a fmall fcale, but executed in a neat and workman-like
manner.

f A common phrafe in this county for an off-fet.

S APPENDIX.

or nearly fo, between fix and twelve inches are ufually
left.

Upon a great fcale, the ex pence of weeding ditches,
for three or four years after they are made, becomes
very confiderable ; this expence is in a great meafure
faved, by introducing a courfe of ftones from fix to
twelve inches high ; but, previous to this, all the vege-
table foil of the off-fet, and, alfo, the foil to the thick-
nefs of the courfe of ftones, is caft back, to be conve-
nient to bed the roots of the thorn quicks in. Another
fmall courfe of ftones is generally laid over the quicks,
after being fecurcly bedded in good foil. By ufing
thefe precautions, and always planting ftrong thorn
quicks, never lefs than four years old, having been two
years transplanted into nurfery before they are put into
the ditches, the expence of weeding becomes next to
nothing; and, even if the whole face of the bank fhould
moulder away by the weather, the quicks are never in-
jured, as the ftones effectually fecure the roots, which,
in the common way of ditching, without off-let or
ftones, never fail to be materially injured.

The only objection people in general have to this
kind of ditch, is, on account of cattle, particularly
fheep, being able to walk along the off-fet; a few
ftones, laid on the off-fet, may prevent this, or, for
want of ftones, a flight bearding of bru(h-wood of any
fort. A better hedge is obtained in two years, by plant-
ing four-year-old quicks, than can be in four years, by

only

APPENDIX. 9

only planting two-year-old quicks. Timber-trees afr«
feldom planted with quicks in the demefne.

The fliape of the ditch, when finifhed, is thus.*

In a few years, -when the hedge becomes ftrong,
which is moft commonly the cafe the third year, the
fpace a, b, cy according to the line a, c, is floped and
drefled, and fo is the bank d, et to the ftone-courfe at^*.
Both flopes are drefled with the fward, between bt and
ty and fwarth borrowed from any neighbouring fpot »
but, when the fward is fcarce, hay-feed will anfwer ;
it is common to ufe the fward on the face of the bank
from dy to et and fow the dope, at cy with hay-feed.

This mode always produces a good effect, and it is
rery evident it is economical. It is chiefly confined,
however, to where the foil is difpofed to wet or moiC-
ture 5 for, where it is perfectly dry, and there is no
hazard in filling the ditches, the hedges are cut down

al

* Coft from 2s. to 2t. 6J. by the running perch ; and,
•when the (loping and dreffing takes place, the price by the
perch is from ^d. to 6d.

io APPENDIX.

at once, after they have attained to fnfficient ftrength,
and the banks levelled in. The dead thorns are placed
to the front of the quick-line, about two feet from it,
which effectually fecures the young growth from cat-
tle, till it becomes fufficiently ftroog, which is moft
commonly the cafe in two or three feafons. This an-
fwers very well, where there is no temptation to carry
off the dead thorns for fuel, but here turf is in great
plenty. In placing the dead hedge, it leans fomewhat
outwards from the living hedge, which makes it more
fecure againft cattle, and admits of more air, as the
living hedge advances ; a circumftance which fhould
always be attended to, from the moment the hedge is
cut down.

In fome inftances, hedges have been cut down
within about three feet of the furface, and the fide-
fhoots of what remained worked in to thicken it. I
am not an advocate for this fyftem, as a complete fence
afterwards is with great difficulty infured, fince a re-
gular taper-fafhion, from the bottom, cannot, without
much trouble and expence, be accomplifhed ; whereas,
by cutting down the hedge at once, all this inconve-
niency is avoided, fince the young growth may be
eafily managed, and kept within bounds. However,
where perpetual fences are neceffary, which, in pafture
and meadow grounds, muft be always the cafe, and
where there is a hazard of carrying away the dead
hedges for fuel, the cutting down of hedges, at a cer-
tain

APPENDIX. ,U

tain diftance above the furface, feems to be the moft
rational mode.

2. Louth fence. — Inftead of a wall, built of lime and
ftone, this fpecies of fence has been adopted feveral
years ago; firft, on account of its being one-third
cheaper built than a wall j fecondly, it can be executed
by common labourers ; and thirdly, as it may be
planted with thorn quicks when found necefTary.

It was calculated, that a ftone wall, of eight feet
from the furface, would coft 2/. 8/. ^d by the running
perch. Upwards of two miles of the Louth fence
have been made, and the average did not exceed \6s.
by the running perch. In a circuit of between feven
and eight miles, which is about the extent of the de-
mefne-fence of Rafh, the difference between \6s. and
2/. Ss. 3</. amounts to a large fum ; but the applying
fo much money among the labourers of the neigh-
bourhood, inftead of mafons indifcriminately collected
from many parts, was an object of confequence to the
labouring poor, which the ever to be regretted late
Lord Mountjoy never loft iight of.

The

'1* APPENDHC.

The under flcetch may ferve to give the reader an
idea of the manner of building this kind of fence :

2. 6

To every foot in height, there are two inches and a
half of a batter or flope, in the face of the ftoae
vork from a to £, making in the whole one foot, eight
inches, from the perpendicular ; the thicknefs of the
wall at bottom is two feet fix inches, and reduced to
about ten inches at top, which is always covered with
a fod, to project a little over the face of the wall, and
may be produced to any length down the bank, or the
back F.

If the triangle a d r, be not found fufficient to form
the bank F, the ground may be excavated further to g,
er towards it.

This flcetch is reprefented as if built on level ground,
«r nearly fo. When the ground rifes bold behind the
fence, lefs ftuff will be necefTary to form the back, and
wft verfa. The cheapeft way of building thefe fences

is.

APPENDIX. 13

ft, when they are placed againft the hill, and in fuch
fituations there is no hazard of finishing them off at
once ; but when the whole of the back muft be form-
ed, as is the cafe in the annexed fketch, two feafons
are neceflary to complete them, in order to give the
mould time to confolidate.

The greateft care muft be taken in building this kind
of fence by a frame or gauge, which muft be reduced
on one fide, and perpendicular on the other ; or, if the
back part of the frame leans a little from the perpen-
dicular towards the wall, it will be found {till better.
But the fafeft manner of building this kind of dry wall
is, to have the frame in two parts, one four feet high,
and another about three feet, which, with a double
courfe of fods, will raife the wall to nearly eight feet,
which is the height ufually adopted here. In making
the gauges, the beft way is firfl to make one to the
fall length of about feven feet and a half, and cut it
after to the lengths required ; this will be found the
moft accurate way. A range four feet high may
be firft carried on to any length, and afterwards come
on with the fecond range, in which the ihort gauge is
to be ufed.

Perhaps

I4 APPENDIX.

Perhaps the under (ketch may ferve better to ex-
plain this, than all I have faid.

After tbe frame be made, it may be cut at a, a,
•which is the fureft method to have it made accurate ;
however, where the back requires but little fluff to be
caft to form it, and that it is intended to finifh off io.
one feafon, the frame may be left of the whole length,
and, in that cafe, one of the crofs bars at a, a, may be
omitted. In any cafe, the workmen will prefer the
Ihort frame, as it is mote manageable than the other.

From what has been remarked, the fhuation mutt
always determine the depth of the ground to be cut
away ; in proportion as the bank rifes behind the wall,
the more cutting will be neceflary, and the lefs filling
will be required. Where the fituation is level, or
nearly fo, two feet below the iurface is the ufual depth

to

APPENDIX. 15

to fink for the foundation, and the ground afterwards
floped fo far as may be found neceflary to form the
bank. I by no means advifc that any fluff fhould be
collected from behind the wall, to affift the forming
of the bank, where there might be any hazard of in-
juring the foil when intended to be planted, or that it
had been already planted, which here is almoft univer-
fally the cafe as far as this kind of fence is completed,
or where it is intended to be introduced.

At Rafh the planting has gone on fo rapidly, and
particularly on the weft and north-weft afpefts, where
the Louth fences are principally adopted, that to wait
for the completion of them would keep the planta-
tions back, and retard their progrefs. Common ditches
were therefore adopted and introduced, exaclly in the
direction in which the Louth fences were to run. In
this cafe the only objeft was to form a ftout bank, with
an off-fet, and quicked as formerly defcribed, without
letting any regard to the depth or form of the gripe,
the depth of which feldom exceeds three feetj the
reafon of which {hall prefently appear from the fol-
lowing (ketch.

JSrcrface

The

itf APPENDIX.

The folid, a,b,c, is made ufe of for the back d; or
as much fluff as may be necefTary may be procured to-
wards e\ ft ftones or bru(h-wood to fave the quicks gt
and prevent cattle from creeping up on the face of the
ditch.

After fome time, when leifure ferves to build the
Louth fence, the folid lump ht is cut away, which ad-
mits of a fure and folid foundation for the (lone-work.
But, the feafon before this operation is to take place,
in cafe the quicks fhould have got too ftrong, it is nc-
ceflary to cut them quite clofe, in order to have a
young growth, capable of being bent down in a hori-
zontal direction, to comply with the ftone-work. But
when the ftone-work reaches within about three inches
of the quick, a thin fod fhould be laid on the flones j
the fame precaution fhould be ufed over the quick,
which prevents it from being cut or galdtd by the
{tones either above or below, which would foon be the
cafe without taking this remedy. I fhould have re-
marked this precaution before, in building thefe fences,
where temporary ditches are not in queflion ; but it
would naturally occur to any intelligent perfon, who
Jias feen any fences faced with ftone, where the quicks
are perpetually breaking off for want of a free circula-
tion of the fap.

For my own part, I am a great advocate for this
kind of fence, as an outward boundary to a demefqe.
Even without being quickcd, it is proof againft man

pr

APPENDIX. 17

or beaft, and is certainly lefs fubjcct to decay than a
wall built of lime and ftone.

Befides its cheapnefc and Simplicity, there is another
object, fufficient to recommend it. The beauties of
plantations and dreffed grounds are, in a great mea-
fnre, loft to the fpedtator from the outfide of a de-
mefne, by a continued dreary wall, which never fails
to tire the imagination, and offend the eye ; the Louth
fence may be occafionally kept low, fo as in fome mea-
fure to partake of a funk fence ; and, if quicking the
face be adopted, which I by no means infift upon, the
quicks are eafily kept down to the level of the wall.

3. Sunk fence. — Situated as the demefne is, this kind
of fence was obliged to be adopted, and that upon an
extenfive fcale. A public road of great refort accom-
panies the demefne for upwards of two miles, which,
being common to feveral of the approaches, and being
fortunately placed fo as to give no offence, or in any
part of it to appear a nuifance, was of courfe con-
tinued, and widened from the original breadth to that
of fixty feet; or at leaft it is now fo far advanced, that
little remains to complete it.

As the demefne lies on either fides of this general
approach, and the views to the grounds, the river,
and the plantations, with many other interefting ob-
jects, are fo numerous and exquifite, that it was judged
unpardonable to conceal any object, that could be
fhewn to advantage, funk fences, therefore, were
0^.2 adoptedj

1 8 APPENDIX.

adopted, and have been already carried on to a con-
fiderable extent, and are at prefent in a progreffivc
(late.

Hitherto the expence of the funk fence was found
to be nearly the fame, by the running perch, as that of
theLouth fence, namely, about i6/., divided as follows;
4/. for the excavation, los. for ftone-work, which in-
cludes quarrying, drawing, and building, and 2s. for
doping, dreffing, and fodding.

In feveral parts, fmall bogs and quick-fands oc-
curred. In fuch places, great precaution was ncceflary
to fecure the foundation, which was done by bedding
ftrong hurdles, made principally of oak, under the
ftones ; the hurdles are commonly four feet broad,
and the centre of the wall is always placed on the cen-
tre of the hurdle. The largefl ftones are made choice*
of for the foundations, both for this and the Louth
fence, and more particularly fo in foft foils, or where
the,re is any hazard of one part fubfiding more than
another. Another precaution was found neceflary,
both in cafes of Louth and funk fences, namely, two
feafons are allowed to fini(h the ftone-work, where
the foundations are not good, or appear doubtful. The
wall is generally raifed three or four feet high the
fir ft feafon, and the year following is finifhed off. It
was alfo found neceflary to leave a fmall fpace un-
Wilt, at the junction of the firm and boggy foils, as
the wall, when built on the latter, was always found

to

APPENDIX. 19

to fubfide confiderably, and, of courfe, drag the work
on the hard ground with it, without being thus guard-
ed. When the fettlements are found to have ceafed,
then thofe opens may be filled up, but not till then.

The reducement, or batter to the front, is the fame
as that allowed to the Louth fence, and the back of the
wall is kept perpendicular, or rather inclining a little
from the perpendicular towards the centre, as formerly
remarked in the Louth fence. "Workmen mould be
narrowly watched with refpeft to this part of the
work -, they think, when a fair regular feftion is made
in the bank a confiderable way, that it may be fully
furficient to guide them ; and that, if the ftone-work
fhould even lean a little towards the bank, fo as to pafs
the perpendicular, no material accident would take
place -, I know, however, from experience, that, in the
hardeft and firmed foil, this praftice cannot be de-
pended upon ; fo that the gauge and plummet muft be
always attended to.

So much for funk fences in point of ornament ; or
rather (here), as to their admitting to view innumerable
ornamental objects, which, by adopting any other mode
of fence, would be for ever loft, at leaft in fome
meafure.

In the inclined plane, this fence differs fomewhat
from the common funk fence, by which means it is
found more difficult to afcend, which is the great point
to guard again ft.

The

APPENDIX.

The flope of the common funk fence is ufually made
according to the dotted line, a, b. It is plain, that a
perfon has more power to get over the fence from the
plane, a, r, than from any part between ct and d; be-
cauie, in the firft inftance, the perfon would naturally
take advantage of fome part between a, and r, to Aep
from i but any part of the fpace between c, and dt is
too remote from the wall to extend the legs.

There are a great many funk fences of fmaller dimen-
fions, to turn cattle only, already completed through-
out the demefne j fome in aft of making, and others
in contemplation. No ground can be better difpofed,
ro favour funk fences, than thofe of Lord Mountjoy's
demefne. With other early regulations, thofe of funk
iences, to divide the grounds, both for profit and
beauty, were not forgotten. All this was found ne-
cefTary, previous to determining the various interior
plantations, as, by fo doing, fome expence might be
faved, in curtailing the length of the line of the funk
fence, by projecting or making ftrong prominences in
the line of planting, without in the leail infringing on

the line of beauty.

To

APPENDIX. ti

To divide the whole of the drefled grounds of the
demefne, will require near one thoufand running
perches of funk fence, at iis. a perch. What has
been completed coft about that fum. The general
dimenfions are; height of wall, fix feet and a half;
extent of excavation, from ten to twelve feet.

Here it is a very pleafing circumftance, that in all
this great fcene of drefTed grounds, when completed,
and divided by funk fences, not a fingle bridge, or
other contrivance, to lead from one divifion to another,
will be found neceflary, fo as to crofs the fence. Each
extremity of every funk fence has fallen, or is intended
to fall, in with feme plantation ; fo that the communi-
cation, from one divifion to another, is carved out
through the plantation, in a curvilinear manner, fo as to
conceal the gate, which is always placed at the moil
prominent point of the curve.

a, The gate, made in the mofl fimple manner, of a
few a(h rungs, not much ftronger conftrufted than a
fheep-hurdle, but made fo wide, as to admit of a load

of

22 APPENDIX.

of hay or corn. Sometimes advantage is taken of fome
tree to hang the gate to, and it not unfrequently hap-
pens, that another tree may correfpond to (hut it to ;
and there have been inftances of trees falling in to an-
fwer for heel-pofts for the gate.

4. Drains as Fences in boggy and fwatnpy fttuations. —
Where it may be neceffary to introduce fences of this
defcription, they muft be done with patience and cau-
tion, as, if performed the firft feafon, they feldom fuc-
ceed, being fubject to flip and give way at the fides,
and to fwell upwards at bottom.

The ufual mode here is to fmk them about two feet
and a half the firft feafon, which is moft commonly
done in fummcr weather. The weight of the fluff,
thrown out of the drain, ferves to prefs out the water
of the fpace under ft, and thus by degrees it becomes
folid. In many cafes three feafons arc found neceflary
to accomplifti this buflnefs.

Thofe fences are generally made double, forming
between a fpacious bank thus.

By thus intercepting the water on both fides of the
bank, it in fome time becomes folid, and fit to nourifh

trees,

, APPENDIX. 23

trees, chiefly alder, birch, mountain am, and woolly
poplar, all of which are extremely ufeful for the
country.

Not more than from a foot to eighteen inches in
depth fhould be caft on the furface of the bank ; in,
cafe it be a fpongy red bog, more would render the
whole a caput mortuum. Befides the ufe of the fluff"
caft on the bank, for the purpofe of prefling out the
water, it alfo ferves to rot the furface, and render it
more capable of nourishing trees, than it would other-
wife do, and to render the whole more fertile ; all the
furfaces are made to meet, that is, the furface of the
bank, and thofe of the drains.

By computing the area of the drains, and the foli-
dity of the bank, or the fluff caft up, it would appear,
that, at eighteen inches deep, the latter would only be
equal to about one-half of the former ; experience,
however, proves the contrary ; fo fubjecT: is all fpon-
gy bog to be reduced, when diverted of the fluid,
which, for the greater part, compofes it.

The reader will pleafe to obferve, that the inner
fides of the drains are more, floped than the outfidc
ones ; the reafon is obvious, as they have a greater
weight to fuftain.

Two fhillings a perch is the ufual price allowed for
the large drain, and eight-pence for the fmall one.

Furze has been found to fucceed in thofe banks,
when they become fufficiently dry, but rooted plants

anfwer

14 APPENDIX.

anfwer better than the fowing of the feed. Thofe of two
years old are always to be had in great plenty from the
backs of new ditches, -where they are moft commonly
too thick. Furze, in fuch fituations, not only ferves
the purpofe of (helter, but alfo has a great power of
abforbing the crude juices.

It is fcarcely neceflTary here to mention the preparation
of the foils infide of thofe banks for planting, as that
does not belong to the prefent fubjeft, and (hall be
taken notice of in its proper place. I (hall only re-
mark, that the interior parts are carved out into a
number of quarters by drains, the (luff taken out of
which is always caft on the furface, for the purpofe of
tolling it, as in the former cafe, but not near that
depth, perhaps not more than three or four inches, as
the cafe may require.

It is, however, of the utmoft confequence to the
future profperity of the whole of the interior planting,
to fet about early and vigoroufly with the fences, and
outfide planting, which here I (hall call a belt or
fcreen, to fecure and bring forward the other parts.

5. Living Fences "without a gripe or trench. — By living
fences I mean fuch as form a fence at once, planted
on the furface, which are principally adopted in the
bed finiflied parts of the demefoe, or in fituations,
which may forbid common ditches, or any fpecies of
clumfy fence. At Rafh thcfe are numerous at prefent,
and are intended to be carried on to great extent.

For

APPENDIX. 35

For this purpofe the common white-thorn is chiefly
preferred, of which regular nurferies are every year
formed, fo as to have always a fucceffion, as the de-
mand is conftaut. Here it is common to plant two
fucceeding crops of potatoes, after forming a planta-
tion ; this is generally performed by labourers, and for
their own ufe, in fituations convenient to them. After
this treatment, the foil muft be in fine order. The
fecond crop of potatoes is generally drilled. The
ftrongeft two-year-old quicks are made choice of, and
put out in lines at about four feet apart, in a meander-
ing manner, to avoid the trees. Here the plants com-
monly remain three or four feafons, but the firft, 4nd
fometimes the fecond crops of potatoes or cabbages are
planted in the intervals, which is always in favour of
the quicks, and alfo of the plantations. By the time
the plants have flood three or four years in the nur-
fery, they are generally four feet high, which is about
the height wiftied for. Hence it is plain, that little or
no expence attends this practice, as the labourers ma-
page it, on account of the crops. A few draggling
(hoots annually clipped off, to give the hedge a taper
habit, is the only expence, from the time of planting
the nurfery, to that of the hedge.

One thoufand quicks will go over fifteen perches,
and, at that difhnce, will form a. very clofe hedge.

,* X;-

>*$'•/+

26 APPENDIX.

£• '• '•
One thoufand quicks I fet down at - - o 3 3

Digging and preparing fifteen perches of

a trench, - - '_ . " * . -026
Raifing, carriage, and planting, - ' • o 3 4
The value of the feed, and trouble in fe-

minary, planting, nurfery, &c. - • 9 2 6

This (hews at a view, which I am fure I have over-
rated, that fifteen perches of a complete fence may be
had at once for i is. 'jd.

This fyftem, once eftablifhed, and regularly kept up,
is well known to have cheapened the article fences to a
great degree.

Honeyfuckle and fweet-briar are always mixed with
thefe hedges ; a circumftance not fo eafily complied
with in making common ditches.

But here there is another refource for forming
hedges of this defcription in a more expeditious man-
ner, but not altogether fo cheap.

In going over extenfive chains of plantations, it
often happens, that the whole of any particular chain,
or firing, could not be completed in one feafon, nor
perhaps in two or three feafons ; in fuch cafes, to fe-
cure every feafon's planting, crofs fences were necef.
fary to introduce, though for only temporary purpofes.
All fuch fences were planted with quicks, the fame as
the permanent fences, with this difference, that no

ftones

APPENDIX. 27

{tones were introduced at bottom. The objeft, in in-
troducing quicks in thofe temporary fences, was, in,
order to have them ready trained, and faftiioned for
hedges in the courfe of a few years, when the ufe of
fuch fences became unneceffary. The faft is, that
hedges, thus raifed, anfwered the fame end as if they
had been raifed in a regular nurfery, and at fomewhat
left expenfe.

But, -in order to eftablifli the roots equal to thofe,
raifed in a regular nurfery, the backs of the ditches
are in fome meafure cut away, fo as to be able to get
at t{je roots of the quicks, .which are cut with a {harp
inftrument within about a foot of the ftem, and then,
two or three inches of frefti mould are put over the
roots, which caufes them to throw out a great num-
ber of additional fibres. In this ftate the plants re-
main for two feafons, by which time they are gene-
rally furnifhed with roots and fibres in as great per-
fection as they could have been in the beft managed
.nurfery.

In fome inflances, where the foil is dry, and (hel-
ter is not eflential, the ditches are levelled at once,
and the roots cut and prepared as above flated ; but,
without thofe advantages, the firft method is always
practifed, fmce the part of the bank, left unlevelled,
affords fome fhelter, and, by leaving the gripe open,
.keeps the foil in the ufual medium of drynels.

la

28 * APPENDIX.

In order to iecure ftrong and durable hedges, to
form fences at once, another expedient has been often
pracYifed with fuccefe. The demefhe originally abound-
ed with fraall farms, many of which were well planted
with white-thorn and fome timber-trees, and, very for-
tunately, almoft all the ditches were either curved, or
otherwife meandered, fo as feldom to appear ftiffor
formal. In levelling thofe ditches, many of the
timber-trees and old thorns were of courfe fufrered to
remain. Indeed the whole of the latter was left un-
difturbed at the time of levelling the ditches, and their
roots prepared by Shortening them, and ufmg a large
portion of rich foil to excite plenty of new fibres.

Such thorns, as were judged proper objects to
ftand for lawn platitfy were riot touched or docldred*
at the roots; the tops were only lightened, and fo
fafhioned, as to give them a propenfhy to fpread,
which requires both flcill and pains, and a little pa-
tience. But fuch thorns, as were intended to form
new hedges, were cut down within three feet of the
fnrface, and, in two feafons after, were formed into
hedges, with as much fafety as plants of four or five
years of age regularly raifed in a nurfery. Hedges,
of forty years (landing, have been thus managed here
with the greateA fuccefs.

But

* A phrafe of the writer, which he wiflies to have un-
derftood generally in preparing large plants for ornament.

APPENDIX. 29

But thorns, thus prepared, anfwered here another
material end, namely, the fecuring of fcattered, group-
ing, or detached trees from cattle. Upon a large fcale,
there would be no end to die expence and repairs of
common paling, and, even when done in the beft man-
ner, it carries with it a ftiffnefs and famenefs, that never
fail to give offence. Either black or white thorn re-
moves every inconveniency of this nature; and this,
fcene is furtner embellifhed by planting with the thorns
honeyfuckle and fweet-briar, a mode generally purfued
in forming hedges of every defcription, and efpecially
near places of refort.

The fame confideration, of doBoring thorns, natu-
rally led to another ; it was foon found out, that every
kind of foreft-tree, with care, was capable of being
treated in the fame manner ; fo that here that fyftem
was put in practice fourteen or fifteen years ago, and
has been fmce carried on, more or lefs, every year, ac-
cording to the number, that may be neceflary to keep
up a fucceffion, or rather to be in readinefs as the
grounds are laid down.

The method, principally 'adopted of late years, is, to
leave a Efficiency of ornamental plants in nurferies at
the feafon of thinning them. When left about fix or
eight feet fquare, crops of potatoes are occafionally in-
troduced, the neceflary preparation for which fuffi-
ciently prepares the roots of the trees for the forego-
ing

jo APPENDIX.

ing purpofe. This fyftem, for many reafons, is better
than the former.

The method firft purfued was, to feleft fuch plants,
as were deemed! proper objefts for ornamental plant-
ing, through the plantations, that had been formed
fome years before. Oak, fycamore, wytch elm, beech,
lime, and wood-maple, are generally made choice of;
the height commonly from eight to twelve feet. At
the time of doclonng or managing the root, the head
is alfo attended to, by fhortening, if neceflary, and
cutting away aukward branches, and alfo giving room,
fo as to enable the plant to fpread before it be put out
for good. But here it is neceflary to remark, that
neither the prepared thorns, nor the trees to be protect-
ed by them, fhould by any means remain longer than
two feafons between the time of dofloritigt. and that of
planting out ; otherwife a fecond operation will be
found neceflary, which, of all things, fliould be
avoided.

For a tree of the foregoing fize, with five or fix
flout thorns to protect it, a hole of eight feet in dia-
meter is generally allowed, more or lefs, according to.
the fize of. the roots. Old doRored thorns generally
carry bulky roots, on which account the hole requires
to be large; indeed the holes cannot be too large.
When the foil is poor, two or three carts of good
earth are introduced. Planting, according to this
mode, almofl univcrfally requires additional foil.

In

APPENDIX. 31

In countries where thorn-quicks are fcarce, which is
always the cafe throughout this county, much might
be made by attending to the fuckers produced from
the roots cut off, in flubbing and levelling ditches.
Thoufands of fine plants fpring forth from the roots
left, and thofe are always produced near where the
incifion was made, or where they have been maimed.
The more the roots are cut and mangled, the more
abundant will be trie crop of young thorns. If the
roots are cut into lengths of a few inches, and covered
with two or three inches of good foil, in a bed or drill,
they will produce fine plants ; but this is not peculiar
to the white-thorn.

To thofe of extenfive experience in country bufinefs,
the foregoing hint may be deemed unnecelfary; but,
to this county ia particular, it may be of fome ufe.
Five hundred plants, thus raifed, will reach further in
a ditch, than one thoufand feedling plants of two years
of age, and will make a completer fence, in a (horter
fpace of time. Of this particular many of Lord Mount-
joy's tenants are thoroughly fenfible, as they would
prefer the fuckers to the feedlings, though they fhould
be at the expence of collecting the former, while the
latter were ready counted to their hand without any
trouble or expence.

6. Temporary dead fences, made principally of Scotch frt
cut away at theftze of eight or ten feet^ or ivken it begins
to injure plants of more value. — Very^ ftrong and formi-

& dable

' 32 APPENDIX.

dable fences, againft man and beaft, are made of this
article. They are now only beginning ; but, from the
great quantity of fir and other trees that muft necefla-
rily be cut away, this fpecies of fence no doubt will be
generally adopted, efpecially in backward and remote
parts of the demefne, and in the other improvements.

I call it a chfvaux-de-frife fence ; it is made fimply
thus. A trench, about two feet deep, and three feet
•wide, is dug out, in which the trees are placed up-
right, generally about two feet apart, fo that when the
branches are cut, at about the diftance of eighteen
inches from the ftem, they will crofs each other, form-
ing alternately both acute and obtufe angles, and alfo
projecting the horn-work at front and rcre* The lower
tier of korns are always let down below the furface,
the better to ftrengthen the fence ; and, when the mould
is put in, the whole is well rammed, in performing of
which much pains muft be taken, left any of the horns
{hould be broken, which would fpoil all.

The under (ketch may in fome meafure a/lift the
reader, in forming an idea of this fingular fpecies of
fence.

The

APPENDIX. 33

The Scotch fir, a, is only reprefented as having the
whole tier of branches, which, in the execution, is the
cafe throughout. The dotted lines, b, fhew the part
of the fir under the furface, where part of the lower
tier is reprefented alfo below the furface, to keep it
firm, as has been already obferved. In fome cafes the
whole of the lower tier is below the furface, and when
that takes place, the fir is let down to the fecond tier ;
this is necefTary in boggy or fandy foils, which may be
difficult to comprefs.

In forming this kind of fence, the laft two years
growth is cut away, being confidered too weak. la
general, two years growth is below the furface, and
the growth of four or five years appears above it, after
cutting off the weak growth.

It is fcarcely neceflary to remark, that the more luxu-
riant the trees are, the greater the diflance they may
be placed afunder, and vice verfa.

In dry fituations, permanent fences of thorn, beech,
&c., of a fmall fize, are generally placed behind this
cbcvaux-dt-frife work, which, in the courfe of four or
five years, becomes fubflantial enough to guard againft
cattle, this being about the period the temporary fence
will laft. In moift fituations, alder and mountain-afh
are introduced, and, after being two feafons planted,
are formed into a kind of hoop, four feet above the
furface, which is found to mike a complete fence
againft cattle, when the other has gone to decay. In

R 2 many

34 APPENDIX.

many inftancrs, honeyfucklc, fwcet-briar, all forts of
common briar, dog-rofes, Sec. are let in with the tem-
porary hedge j this contraft produces a moft (hiking
effeft, and, by the time the dry hedge is decayed,
thofe articles become a moft formidable fence. When
this plan is adopted, which muft be always in dry foils,
the back hedge is altogether omitted.

On the whole, this is a very cheap fence, fincc it is
attended with little more trouble than that of planting
a common hedge. "When hedges are to be formed
behind, the beft way is to open the drill or trench, to
the breadth of five feet, by which means both the dead
and the living hedges may be carried on together, and
thus prevent the opening of a fecond trench, which
would only ferve to loofen the ground about the horn-
work.*

The fluff, ufcd in this fence, is not fufficient for ribs
for cabins, (heep-hurdles, common paling, &c.; and
as it muft be cut away at certain periods, it would, of
courfe, go to lofs, to prevent which, the above ufe is
found the moft eligible.

7. Common paling cfpoft and ra\ltjhtep~hurdlest tsfc. —
Except to enclofe corn and hay-ftacks, turf, &c., very
little ufe is made of common paling : the foregoing
fence fuperfedes it, and is performed confiderably
cheaper •, befides, the materials, neceflary for a ftrong
paling, are fold to the country-people, for cabin«r

building,

•* This phrafc is fometimes ufcd inftead of chtvaux-de-frtfe.

APPENDIX. 35

building, to confiderable advantage to the proprietor,
and with infinite fervice to the whole country.

Great ufe is made here of ftieep-hurdles, not only
for folding fheep, but for many other puiyjfes, fuch
as fecuring the floping parts of funk fences, which
have been made through drefled grounds, fur rounding
old quarries and fand-pits, which require to be filled
and drefled in fome time afterthe furrounding grounds
have been laid down, and where the ufe of them is
found neceflary after that operation.

For thefe, and a hundred other purpofes, fheep-
hurdles are ufed; they are eafily placed up, and foon
taken down, when not wanted. Here they are made
of oak faplings ; it would be only throwing away tune
to make them of any other young Huff, which may ne-
ceflarily be cut down, as they would laft no length of
time. Four (hillings a dozen is the ufual price paid
for making them, and a dozen will extend four perches
in length.

Several other fpecies of fence might be mentioned,
according to fituations and circumftances, but the fore-
going are in moil general ufe.

SECT. 4. Preparation of the Soils for planting*

Many were the expedients made ufe of, to prepare
the foils, and promote the planting of the extensive

and

36 APPENDIX.

and varied improvements of Rafh. The four following
I ftiall briefly ftate, being the moft general.

i. Soils, that came within the power of the plough,
were trenched by the Kentifh wheel-plough, drawn
by fix bullocks in the yoke fafhion. This kind of pre-
paration anfwered completely fo far ; but there was
another object in view, namely, as the ploughing was
performed deep, a vaft number of ftones were dif-
covered and procured, which otherwife would have
been for ever loft; by this management they ferved to
build a great part of the Louth fence, already fpoken
of.

There were about fifty acres of this defcription pre-
pared for planting. The operation, it is true, was te-
dious ; I dare fay not more than a rood of ground
daily was ploughed. The plough was attended by fix
or eight able labourers, befides the ploughman and
driver. The men were provided with long oaken
poles, (hod with iron, which ferved as levers to turn
out the rocks, which the plough difcovered. Crow-
irons were ufed for raffing -the fmaller IVones. All
ftones, that appeared above the furface, were pre-
vioufly taken up, and carried away before the plough-
ing commenced.

Upon the whole, this was found a cheap mode of
procuring ftones, as the parts where they were ufed
lay very convenient. Had the diftance exceeded a

mile,

APPENDIX. 37 ;

mile, this plan would have been given up, as ftones re-
gularly quarried would have come cheaper.

There is at this time a very material difference be-
tween the growth of the trees, where the foil was thus
treated, and in fimilar foils, which had no preparation
at all. It is at leaft as the proportion of ten to fifteen
in favour of the trees where the land was ploughed ;
that is, trees planted ten years ago, where the foil was
prepared as above, are now (1802) fully as forward as
plants put out fifteen years back, without any prepara-
tion. How long this great afcendancy may continue
to prevail, time only will tell.

2. Large fcopes of dry, hungry, (hallow foils ; fome
almoft covered with broom, furze, and other fponta-
neous growths, in a ftate of naturs. But the greater
part was formerly occupied by little farmers, who knew
that their inheritance was only to be of fhort dura-i
tion, and, of courfe, worked out the foil to the loweft
ebb.

To trench or plough foils of the foregoing defcrip-
tions was thought unneceffary, as that, of courfe,
would only render them Hill lighter, and, confc-t

quently, unfavourable to planting.

i

In the firft cafe, clofets were formed through the na-
tive brufh-wood, of different ftiapes and fizes, fo as to
contain from ten to thirty plants, more or lefs, at about
three feet apart, and often nearer, but fcarcely ever to
exceed that diftance. Five thoufand plants to the acre are

not

3« APMNDI3T.

not uncommon in fuch fituations, where they are hfgh,
and much expofed to the weft, &c , which, indeed, is
generally the cafe throughout all the elevated planta-
tion! here. In thofe high fituations, larch, beech, and
Scotch fir are principally made choice of, and in all
fituations oak is never omitted, though in the dry hun-
gry ones it gets on tardily for fome years; but, through
time, when fhelter becomes eftablifhed, and the foil
rendered firm and compact by being at reft, it is fur-
prifing to find how rapidly the oak will get on ; it
feems fuddenly to appear, after a certain period, as by
enchantment.

The natural {helter, afforded here, required much
attention to make it ufeful, without becoming injurious
to the young plants : it was neceffary to have them
narrowly attended, and to cut away all draggling (hoots
of the fpontaneons growths, that might whip, or other-
trife injure the young plants. This wc»k fhould never
be omitted before the commencement of the autumnal
ftorms, at which feafon plants are apt to fuffer moft by
the intrufion of their encroaching neighbours, which
Ihould never be fuffered to gain the afcendancy over
the new-planted trees; otherwife all is loft without
redemption. !? * *•

In four or five feafons the young plantations gene-
rally out-top the native growth; but it is neceflary for
feme time longer to keep down the brufh-wood, for,

fo

APPENDIX. 35,

ib long as it finds air, it will get forward, and caufe
the lower parts of the young plants to become naked j
fo that the true way is never to fuffer the fpontaneous
plants to get a-head in the clofets ; and the margins,,
left for flielter, may be taken away by little and little,
as the young trees can afford. The nearer the Scotch
fir are planted to each other, the fooner the native
plants will difappear ; but it is better economy to put
in plenty of valuable timber at the beginning, than to
depend wholly on Scotch fir, or any other fpecies of
pine, except the larch, fince, in time, they make but a
poor figure and return, in point of profit, when com-
pared to others.

I believe it is fcarcely necefTary to obferve, that, in
thofe and all other expofed fituations, without plant-
ing very young, there could be no chance of fuccefs.
Oak, beech, birch, hornbeam, fycamore, &c. never ex-
ceed four years, being generally two years transplanted.
Scotch fir and larch are commonly put out for good at
three years, in which cafe they are put into nurfery at
one year old ; but this fyfkm is only confined to the
very expofed fituations.

Now that I am treating of expofed fituations, I fhall
mention a circumftance of fome importance, which
occurred a few years ago, and which was the ef-
fect of chance, rather than of premeditated fpecu-
lation.

Some

40 APPENDIX.

Some fecdling-beds of Scotch fir grew uncommonly
thick and luxuriant the firft feafon. It was judged
that, if let to remain tv.ro feafons in the feed-bed,
which is the ufual time, they would be of little or no
value. The great luxuriance was caufed by a large
portion of turf -afhes being ufed in the comport, a hint
•which has been fmce improved upon, and found of
infinite fervice for many kinds of feedlings.

A number of beds were prepared to receive the
plants, which were intended to be thinned out. The
plants were raifed by a fmall three-pronged fork, ca-
pable of raifing only as many plants as occupied about
two fquare inches, perhaps from twenty to forty plants.
la fhort, about half the plants were taken up in this
manner, and the void fpaces immediately filled with
good mould. Inftead of bedding out the plants, thus
raifed, individually, they were planted out in fmaller
clutters, from four to eight in number, more or lefs.
Thefe clufters were placed at about nine inches apart,
fome promifcuoufly, and fome in lines } the latter I re-
commend, unlefs the foil be extremely clean.

The plan propofed was, that the plants bedded out
fhould be lined out, and formed into a regular nurfery
the year following; but behold, when that was at-
tempted to be put in practice, the fcheme failed, for
the roots were found to be fo matted and interwoven
together, that any attempt to feparate them was found
impracticable, without injuring the whole. Of courfe

they

APPENDIX. 41

they were fuffcred to remain for another feafon, when
they were put out for good in cluflers, without any at-
tempt to feparate them.

The confequence of this fpecies of planting was, that
in three years it made a fuller figure in expofed fitua-
tions, than planting in the common way had done in
five feafons. In fuch fituations what we want is, to
cover the furface as foon as poflible, and, of courfe,
create ihelter, and for both this method is extremely
well calculated. It is idle to imagine, that we fhould
debar ourfelves from timber in future by following
this plan -, every experienced planter knows, that, if a
feed-bed of any fort was fufFered to go on its own
•way, a fufficient number of plants would furvive, and
kill all the reft ; and in the prefent inftance this is fully
demonflrated, fince only one ftem can now be traced
from thofe clufters, which were firft planted out here,
being only fix years prior to the prefent year (1802).*
. Since the above difcovery, this practice has been
continued here, but is principally confined to Scotch
fir, that being the beft calculated for expofed fituations.

One

* This mode has an advantage over the common one, in-
afmuch as the wind has little or no power of dtfturbing the
plants, they being balanced from the furface for feveral years.
The writer never experienced an inftance of any of this cluftcr-
planting (a name which he has adopted) ever yielding to
ftorms, whereas thoufands give way every feafon when put
out in the common way, and, in high moid fituations, are per-
petually loofening by ftorms.

42 APPENDIX.

One hint begets another. Every kind of underwood
may be put out io clutters, or ftrong bodies together,
inftead of planting it fmgly. Back grounds may be
filled, in forming fhrubberies, 8cc. with ftrong mafTes
of lilac, laburnum, fyringa, &c.; and many other ad-
t antages may be taken, where fhrubs and underwood
are plenty.

I am not without feme apprehenfion*, that many of
my readers will look upon this mode to be a moft
flovenly one, and, as it were, a wilful wafte of plants.
So they may •, but then it fhould be confidered, how
much time is gained by this method, and how little is
the hazard we run; befides, Scotch fir is always a
cheap article j ten thoufand plants may be procured
from one pound of feed, which in Scotland feldom
cofts more than three (hillings. But to return to the
fccond part of this fubjeft.

On the worn-out grounds, occupied by farmers and
labourers, there was nothing more to do than to en-
clofe and plant; as trenching or ploughing, as has
been obferved, would only ferve to render the foil
lighter, which was chiefly the greateft fault of thefe
grounds. Here, in general, fhelter was to be created,
which is ufually done by lowing broom and furze-
feeds, fometimes in crooked or zig-zag lines, but moft
commonly in patches. The latter mode in general
fhould be preferred, as the broom particularly makes
a ^onfpicuqus fliew the fecond year, and, be/ides the

flicker

APPENDIX. 43

fhelter it affords, gives a warmth and chearfulnefs to
the whole during the year round. The violence of the
winds is more completely broken by fowing in patches,
than in lines, as the fhelter, afforded by the latter
mode, is only partial ; the young plants are alfo more
eafily preferved from being Twitched by the broom, in
Cafes of patches, than in thofe of lines.

Though heretofore the practice of fowing furze-feed
id* patches has been adopted, yet the end, for which it
was intended, had not always the defired effect. It
never makes fo rapid a progrefs, or, at leaft, is lefs
confpicuous in patches, than on the backs of ditches,
in the fame fpace of time. On the back of a ditch it
\vill make a figure, and afford flicker the fecond fea-
fon ; whereas, in patches, it performs little of either in
lefs than four years, by which time the plantation ge-
nerally affords itfelf fufficient (belter. The end of
anfwering the protection of game is alfo frequently
defeated, and efpecially where Scotch fir is thickly
planted, which, in high fituations, is here always the
cafe. So foon as the Scotch fir begins to meet, from
that period there is an end to any advantage arifing
from furze fown with a view of fhelter through plan-
tations j fo that, on the whole, broom fhould be pre-
ferred for temporary flicker ; but on the backs of
ditches furze-feed fhould be always fown in preference
to broom, on account of the great length of time it
lafts when regularly cut. Here it is always fowa

broad-caft

44 APPENDIX.

broad-cart over the whole of the back of the ditch, fo
that one-half may be cut whilft the other part remains
for {helter, by which means complete fhelter is never
wanted. In four or five years after fowing, the part
of the furze next the thorn-quicks is commonly cut,
which always gives the latter the afcendancy for the
time to come. A quart of found feed is fully fufficient
for thirty perches broad-caft, but confiderably lefs will
anfwer, when fown in a drill.

In this place it may not be amifs to remark, that the
Scotch fir, ufually put out in clufters, as ftated in this
fection, is moft commonly planted in grounds of the
latter defcription, or thofe formerly occupied by far-
mers and labourers, as not being much fubject to
luxuriant weeds, or to fuch fpontaneous growths as
the former.

3. Thin, wet, fpouty foils, in general much expofed.
To encreafe the depth of foils of this nature, and
alfo to drain and render them wholefome, for the re-
ception of plants, were the chief objects to attend to.

From foils not more than three or four inches deep,
with a hard fubftratum, almoft impenetrable to water,
little could be expected. Draining was found of little
or no advantage to fuch foils ; in foinc mcafure it
ferved to carry off the redundancy of water, but very
little encreafed the depth of the furface.

Recourfe, therefore, was had to another expedient,
which anfwered both ends, namely, draining, and

deepening the foil.

One-

APPENDIX. V45

One-third of the furface was ftripped, and laid upon
the other two-thirds, caufing the two fwards to meet,
the better to reduce them. This encreafed the, depth
of vegetable foil from four to fix inches, over which
two inches more of the fubftratum was thrown up,
which gave a depth, for planting, of eight inches. The
laft covering not only encreafed the depth, but ferved
to give weight and ftability to the whole.

In performing this work, it was of little confequence
whether the furrows and ridges were formed crooked
or ftraight ; they were fometimes one way, and fome-
times the other ; the difpofition of the ground always
directed the courfes of the ridges ; up and down hill,
where the land was not over fteep or fudden ; but,
where the ground tended abruptly, the direction was
always carried obliquely to the hill, the better to pre-
vent the foil from being waflied away.

This mode varied according to circumflances. Where
the foil was much difpofed to moifture, the breadth of
the furrows was three feet, and that of the ridge fix
feet ; but, in foils more dry, the breadth of both were
encreafed, in order to prevent the drought from taking
place too much in the fummer feafon ; a precaution
which in many inftances was very neceflary, as no-
thing could be more eflential than to guard againft
both extremes.

This work was always performed one year at leaf!
before the planting took place, by which time the fur-
faces

46 APPENDIX.

faces of both the ridges tod furrows were thoroughly
reduced, and the ftifF foil, which was caft at top, had
the lull benefit of the winter's froft and Aunmer's
fun. As this work was generally performed in autumn,
it frequently had the advantage of two winters and
one fummer, to ameliorate and form a good abiding
foil, very fit for the reception of plants ; con fider ably
more fo, than had it been planted the fpriog imme-
diately after the operation.

Here it may not be amifs to remark, that fpring-
planting is almoft univerfally followed ; experience
having long ago pointed out, that thofe foils and af-
pefts are not calculated for autumnal planting.

Ground, prepared as above, is generally managed
for -J. an acre ; being at the rate of 61. an acre, if the
whole had got a thorough trenching, which practice at
the commencement took place in raifed trenching,* as
it is termed. It was, however, foon difcovered, that
the raifed trenching became too dry in fummer ; nor
was the quantity of vegetable foil, that the filiations
afforded, applied fo effectually for the nouriftiment of
the trees, in the latter, as in the former cafe. Thefe
confiderations, with the great difference in point of ex-
pence, gave, of courfe, the preference to the former
mode.

The

* Raifed trenching is preferred in wet foils, and the trees
are planted without levelling the ground, and left always in
that ftate.

APPENDIX. 47

The fourth and moft univerfal fyftem of planting, in
mountainous and expofed fituations, was purfued ac-
cording to the following plan.

Small ditches were made in feveral directions, fome-
times crooked, at other times ftraight, but moft com-
monly of a winding difpofition, always taking an ad-
vantage of the fituation and expofure. There were
three principal objefts in view, namely, the draining of
the foil ; the creating of /helter ; and fecuring a fuffi-
ciency of earth to nourifo the trees. The more ex-
pofed, the nearer it was neceflary to introduce the
ditches ; but for brevity fake I (hall fet down the ave-
y rage diflance at twenty-one feet apart. An acre, ac-
cording to this diftance, contains 320 perches of
ditch; and, by allowing fourteen trees to the perch,
the number to the acre is found equal to 4,484 j one
thoufand of which, at leaft, were always oak.

Oak, afti, and fycamore, were chiefly preferred for
the main or permanent timber ; beech was fometimes
introduced, but this article does not bear cutting, when
put into the faces of ditches, fo well as the foregoing.
Inftead of planting alternately, the different kinds were
put in, in groupes; but I fhould have remarked before,
that great quantities of mouritain-afli, alder, birch,
poplar, &c., were introduced in ftrong bodies between
the valuable plants, varying all the articles (except the
oak, which was univerfal} according to the natu'rc of
the foil.

•s The

4& APPENDIX.

The Order of planting may be eafity undcrllood from
the following {ketch of four divilions, which I (hall
fuppofe equal to four fquare perches.

1

L

*f*ft '' i

5

ri

1 l°l 1 ! 1

11 11

~" t

a1 'o ' _

w'o1 ' a I

o' S

T

r

'

_ «~

0

"3

>iit 1

. w

* -r

-Vrt ?.>. |L ; I s>

I

,YlO«|-

d

?

|o

1 1 till

1 1 ! -I

...i

[l

~~i ^ i ' a ' o

i a ' rs1

'a

» ••

o

SBO

.

C3

4

-

-

0

-

. nW

-.w

_

8

_

^

?

-

1 1 1

" ' i ii i i

, ,

a

S« O1 S

JTpT ^s1

c *

O

d

*

'vcri I .

«, reprefents oak, two or three in a group.
at ' . afh,;fr,om three to fix ditto.
/, fycampre, two or three ditto.

•4.jJ .(^r^ - !i«: till ufi ^'»:{1"V (>?n;..^ SIC

It is not at all ncceflary to be exact with refpeft to
the inferior kinds planted in the intervals, as they are

to

APPENDIX. 4?

to be cut away when they begin to interfere with the
others; the more that are put in, the better. Sometimes
Spanifh chefnut and wytch ehn are confidered among
the valuable kinds, but for the former the foil muft be
good, and naturally wholefome, which in thofe fitua-
tions we feldom meet. A(h is always put in plenti-
fully, becaufe it is a good article for fale whilft young.

The general breadth of thofe fmall ditches is three feet
and a half, and the depth from eighteen inches to two
feet, and they are made for 4^. a perch, being equal to
5/. 6s. Sd. an acre. The furface of the gripe is ftripped,
and laid under the quick, with the fward downwards;
the remaining good foil is caft over the fward, part
under, and part over the quick. This might be per-
formed in autumn, and the ditches may be fmifhed in
the courfe of the feafon. The ftronger the plants are,
the better, as, when cut, the ftroager they will (hoot ;
I often planted them fo thick as a walking-ftick. They
(hould be cut before they are put in, but it is necefTary
to go over them again, after the ditch is finiftied, t6
drefs and fmooth off any wounds, that they might have
received during the operation. The faces of thofe
ditches are always fronting the eaft as much as pof-
ifible, in order that the bank may afford the more fhel-
ter. The banks are always fown with broom-feed,
broad-call.

This mode may appear to be expenfive, but I (hall
prefently Ihew to the contrary.

S 2 It

jo APPENDIX.

It is about teu years ago fluce this fyfteui was firft in-
troduced, and fince that time there have been upwards of
ouc hundred acres planted, according to it. From part
of the early planting, one tboufand of the inferior trees
per acre have been cut away, which fold for 8/. fa. BJ.
for the purpofc of (hovel and fork handles, which is
only valuing them at two-pence each, clear of all ex-
pence, but they frequently fell confiderably higher;
good ones fell at four-pence each. But the profit does
not end here, as the future growth of the timber, thus
difpofed of, will for feveral years anfwer many pur-
pofes, fuch as turf-creels, &c., for which there is al-
ways a great demand. But the thinning of the afh
will, in a fhort time, bring more than double the
above.

It is now clearly underftood, and I am fure that I
jun under the mark, when I fay, that, in fifteen years,
each acre will return 2o/., and this by cutting away
only fuch inferior fluff, as would, if fuffered to remain,
irrecoverably deAroy the principal timber, which, of
courfe, will require thinning in its turn, ,but not till
confiderabie profit may be made of it.

In fhort, this is the moft profitable fyflem for moun-
taia planting I know of; and its effects, as being pic-
turefque, are already fully demonftrated here. Such
planting affumes a fuller appearance in five years, than
any other fpccics of planting, in fimilar foils and fitua-
tions, would have done in fevcn or eight years.

At

APPENDIX. 51

At the time this practice was begun, the idea of
planting the clofets or intervals was out of the quef-
tion, the foil in general being fb wretchedly bad ; but
two or three years made a wonderful alteration in it
for the better ; and every year, in proportion *s the
(helter is encreafing, and the drainage effected by the
fmall ditches operating, the foil is becoming better and
better ; fo that thofe clofets are filled up from time to
time with more valuable timber, fuch as larch and
beech, and fometimes Scotch fir, to enliven the fcene,
and afford feme variety for a few years.

It would be an endlefs performance to enumerate
the different fecondary modes of planting made ufe of
here, as many of them differ very little from fuch as
are practifed in other parts. My chief object was to
point out fome of the moft difficult undertakings, in
order to fhew what induftry and perfeverance may ac-
fomplifh, and that in a few years. But before I take
leave of this fubjefc, I beg leave to lay before the
reader the method followed with refpeft to an oak
wood, which had been partly on the decline, and, ot
<;ourfr, was cut down tome years ago.
-aofll-*b ^Jll.Ji-d c iW / • r. -.:

52 APPENDIX.

SECT. .5. An account of the management of .an Qalt ii'codt
•which had been for many years on the decline , prior to
the year 1 792, at -which period the following fcbemc

•wat .commenced.

BETWEEN ninety and a hundred acres of {haggling
oak woods about ten years ago exhibited a miferable
picture, being by far the greater part fo far decayed,
that the bark could not be dripped off in furamer at
the ufual time of cutting down oak; fo that it was a
matter of indifference what feafon the trees were cut
down at, fince no profit of any account refulted from
the bark.

There were various opinions and conjectures, pre-
vious to the cutting down; it was almort univerfally
•agreed, that, fince the oak had given up, no new fpe-
cies would lucceed, the foil being fo dry and exhaufted,
and that it was better to let the oak continue in the
ikate it was, to linger out its exiftence. Thefe futile
advices were laid aftde, from the well known laws of
nature, as it is a fact, that requires but little demon-
it ration to prove, that every plant is capable of fearch-
ing for juices moft congenial to its own fupport. It is
a very weak argument to advance, that, becaufe the
oak declined, other plants (hould not fucceed ; the
former had abforbed all the nourifhmcnt from the

foil,

APPENDIX. 153

foil, that was congenial to itfelf, but left ample allow-
ance of other juices fuited to different kinds of foreft-
trees, which, fmce the above period, is fully evinced
from the rapid growth and vigour of every article put
out.

As the fituation was very much expofdd to the weft,
/belter Avas a great object ; on that account all the
under-growth was preferved, which confifted chiefly
of heath and whortle-berry ; but thefe articles being of
a very humble growth, and only occurring partially,
recourfe was had to another expedient to raife fhelter,
which was, not to plant for two feafons after the oak
had been cut down ; that is, that there fhould be two
years growth of the fuckers produced from the ftools
of the oak fo cut, which, in general, afforded fufficient
fhelter.

Larch, beech, and Scotch fir, were the chief articles
put out, as the foil is of a dry hard nature ; but at pre-
fent a great number of the latter are cutting away
from the earl'ieft planting, to give room to the larch
and beech, which are going on moft vigoroufly. In-
deed, contrary to expectation, many of the oak, cut
down, are Out-topping every other kind ; thefe, of
courfe, are encouraged, and fuffered to enjoy their
birth-right.

From a defire of not making thofe tracts too naked
of a fudden, at the time of the general cutting, many
trees were fuffered to renuiu, where there was any

appearance

54 APPENDIX.

appearance of health ; but fince, this praftice has been
found not to anfwer fully the end it was intended for ;
the trees fo left made but very little progrefs, and the
early planting, even in the fpace of ten years, has al-
ready overwhelmed them ; and now, when it is abfo-
iutely aeceflary to cut them down, there is a great dif-
iiculty in getting them through the young plantations ;
fo that, on the whole, it is much better to cut down all
the oak fmack-fmooth the firft day (which mode is put
in practice here of late years), uulefc Ibme particular
reafons demand the contrary.

The holes were always made immediately before the
planting took place, as the foil was fo fcanty, that, by
making them any length of time prior to the planting,
it would be found much reduced by the weather, and,
from its nature, would receive but little benefit from
the influence of froft. Indeed, of late years, the mode,
that is ufually followed in fuch fituations, is, to have
two men making the hole, chopping the whole of its
contents within itfelf ; two more follow planting, and
fcooping the mould towards the edge of the hole, fo as
to leave a fufficient cavity to receive the roots of the
plant. By this means, not a particle of the mould
efcapcs through the heath and other fpontaneous
growths. The furface and under-ftratum of the holes
are incorporated together ; and, if the feafon fliould
prove very dry, the furface of the hole is mulched

with

APPENDIX. 55

with mofs, which is always found in great plenty upon
thefpot.

It is needlefs to obferve here, that planting very
young muft be preferred; and that clofe attention muft
be paid for a few years to the plants, till they get the
afcendancy of the native growth ; fpring planting is
alfo found to fucceed beft.

Perhaps in this place it may be acceptable, ta relate
a circumftance relative to the application of lime on the
ftumps of oak-trees, immediately after being cut down.

Since the year 1 794, the following pra&ice has been
invariably attended to with fuccefs, fo far as time has
proved the refult. I (hall only mention one fubjeft,
which may ferve for the reft.

In fpring 1 794, a ftool, or group of oak, confiding
of five Items, all of which were fo far decayed, that
there was no chance of the bark ftripping, had they
been left uncut till fummer, at the ufual time of taking
off the bark, were cut quite clofe to the furface,
or fo near it as the old flock could bear the operation.
One gallon of lime, quite frefh (being a few minutes
before flacked), was ufed for the five trees; it was
fcattered over the furface of the ftumps, and a few
inches round their edges ; the whole was immediately
covered over with fods, keeping the fward part upper-
moft.

The (hoots, which were produced the fummer fol-
lowing, were the moft vigorous I ever faw, even from

Hocks

56 APPENDIX.

flocks in full Vigour and prime of life. Nor were tlwp
produced about the edge of the flump, as is afual in
common cafes, -but at forac diftance from it. The
fhoots alfo were produced confiderably fewer where
the lime had been ufed, than where it had not, and, of
courfe, they grew more vigoroufly.

It appears from this experiment, that the fmall por-
tion of lap, which remained in the roots and (lock,
was effectually feared up, and prevented from being
exhaled at the natural time of flowing; as from the
moiiture the lime loon became incrufkJ, and acled as
a kind of cement, and, of courfe, prevented fuckers or
young fhoots from being produced, at or near the
edges of the flumps, which Is mofl common, as al-
ready obferved.

I mention this for the information of thofe, who may
be concerned in the management of decayed woods ; a
circum fiance, which has been fairly proved very well
worth attending to. The five flems only took one gal-
lon of lime ; a barrel of forty-two gallons (the fland-
ard) would go over, by this proportion, 210 trees ; an
allowance of timber in moft cafes fufficient for a plan-
tation acre.

Mofs, or any other moift covering, that may not be
blown off by the wind, will anfwer as well as fods ;
and, if none are convenient, any mould will do ; but,
at all events, the lime muft be covered, and kept fo.

SECT.

APPENDIX. 57

V .- -SZI ?

SECT. 6. Of the advantage of fowing potatoes, as a pre-
parative to affijl the fpeedy growth of Plantations, and
alfo}for the moft effectual mode of laying down bad lands
to the greatejl perfection.

rr; itu'o} 3?i ot!'* .-.-••# t '•..->

BRINGING in land by fowing potatoes thereon, has
been purfued here for many years back, with great ad-
vantage and benefit, both to the proprietor, and to the
individuals who derive under him.

Within the laft fifteen or fixteen years, prior to
1802, upwards of 150 acres have been fown with
potatoes, chiefly by the labourers of the demefne ; per-
haps fifty of the above number of acres were planted,
and the remainder laid down.

In the former cafe it is ufual to plant firft, and to
fow potatoes immediately after, the fame year, in order
that the trees may gain time. The firft feafon, it rarely
happens that the foils are fufficiently loofe and me-
liorated, to admit of fetting the potatoes in drills ;
therefore the common bed-falhion is adopted ; but, in-
ftead of making the furrows ftraight, they are fre-
quently curved, fo as to avoid the trees, and that they
may always be fecured within the ridge, the better to
have the full benefit of the moiflure, and reap every
poffible advantage from the good foil.

In

£8 APPENDIX.

In this place it is rather unneceflary to remark, that
the plants muft be of a tolerable fize at the time of
planting them out, otherwife the potatoe ftalks \vould
overwhelm them. I fhall only obferve, that the trees,
when put out, are not lefs than three feet in height,
and that very few of the pine kind are' planted in thofe
cafes, except larch, which is not fo fubjeft to fuffer in
the foliage as the other fpccies are.

The fecondj and foractimes the third and fourth
years, it is uiual to drill out potatoes, in the fame foil
where they have been bedded or ridged out the firft
feafon ; nor is it uncommon to have a crop of turnips
the laft feafon, which generally fucceeds very well.

It is needlefs to remark how rapidly plantations,
thus managed, get on ; but this fyftem mull be con-
fined to particular fituations ; in expofed ones it can-
not be put into practice, as, by keeping the foil loofe
for fuch a length of time, it could not be friendly to
young plantations, from what they muft fuffer by
florms. In ftrong abiding foils, not much expofed, this
mode can only be introduced to advantage.

In the fecond cafe, or that of preparing land for lay-
ing down by fowing potatoes, experience has fully
evinced the great advantage of it io this demefne, and
efpecially on coarfe, boggy, and marfhy foils, where
tbis mode of preparing them for laying down is gene*,
rally and fuccefsfully followed.

The

APPENDIX. 59

r^he ufual mode i&ihis. After the fuperabundant water
end Brings (if any) are cut off, a certain portion of the
furface is burned,, to aflift in the manuring for pota-
toes j indeed very often the crop entirely depends upon
the quantity of afties fo procured, without any afliftance
from other manures, and generally very plentiful crops
are produced the firft feafon. Two jfocceeding crops
of potatoes are always • taken off > the fecond crop is
generally drilled, and, of caurfe,'a fmali portion of ma-
nure ferves ; but this manure is commonly compofed
pf^ich mould and dung; ames, hemjg.fcldoin ufec} the
fecond feafon, ancUiefpecially where they have been
ufed the ^receding year, as it is wdl known they are
too exhaufting upon foils, if copioufly applied, from
the great propenfity they have of abforbiug the native
oii from the foiL :-OTmoD orh fc

Oats is the ufual crop to lay down with, with plenty
of hay-feeds, chiefly of the wbite meadow kinds, which
arc found to thrive beft, and laft longeft, in mofl of
thofe foils.

For the firfl crop of potatoes the labourers are not
charged, but for the fecond crop they pay at the rate
of forty (hillings an acre. The crop of oats the third
year is worth 4/. an acre, clear of all expence ; fo that
this brings a yearly profit to the proprietor, during the
operation, of thirty (hillings annually, allowing an an-
"nual rent of ten (hillings an acre for the original value
of the land, had it not been brought into a courfe of

culture

<fc> APPENDIX.

cultnre at all, which, indeed, is rather highly rated.
Lands of this defcription, after being laid down, let
from two to four guineas an acre for meadow.

In neighbourhoods thickly inhabited, as this is, there
can be no doubt of being able to procure people fuffi-
ciently numerons to fow potatoes every feafon upon a
large fcale -, and had this mode been adopted twenty
years ago, about the time of the commencement of lay-
ing down the grounds, many pounds would have been
faved to Lord Mounrjoy.

In larrds of the foregoing defcription, thi3 mode is
the 'cheapeft, and moft effectual to bring them into a
profitable flaie. Even in the yery beft foils, I am con-
fident that the taking off two fucceflive crops of pota-
toes will always be found the beft economy, both for
the proprietor, and the community at large. If this
fyftem was fully and univerfally eftabliftied, there could
fcarcely be any danger of the poor fnffering, or expe-
riencing the like diftrefs they underwent in the years
1800, and 1801; nor could the country be overftocked
with potatoes at any time, if the feeding of cattle with
them were more univerfally adopted. If the poor man
had fix or eight barrels of potatoes to fpare, from the
ftock generally allowed for his family, how better
could they be applied, than for the fupport of his cow,
and efpecially in thofe parts, where fodder is moft
commonly very fcarce ?

SECT.

APPENDIX.

:, ao t»Jvq ^dj io tofihiA -ro li-' .laxd

-»7 biffi ,1^0 S3.U3 ti£?y ,

SECT. 7. ,/f defcription if the management of the Ixinks sf

.,$e river at Rajbt fa far as it accompanies the •detfi€fnet

an extent t including all its "windings^ tf nearly t-wt m&f

J *

*

^-.51l'''i>V ^{f]*J

SEVERAL years ago this weighty bufmefs ws.6 under-
tftkc»5^s is was iforrfeea that^uulefi. ^e inipediments,
which obftrnSeddie regular oourfe'<rf the water, weife
removed, the beauty of the Tjvef:wo|ild be in a gfedt
meafoce lofb^ aa-d the prkicipal parts of tfee-adjiieflt
grounds foared, .and rendered almoft «felefs, froai tfcfe
long continuance of the back-water, whkVby reafon
of the high banks' aloag. the river, Usould not efcapCj or
back into the bed of the river, when the water fell,
fubiided therein.

The firft point moft neceflary to confider was, how
todjfpofe of thofe banks, or lips, to the beft advantage,
iwhkh almoft accompanied tlie river through the de-
mefne, and always near, and parallel to it.

Where the ground happened to lie hollow, or lo«r
behind the Up, there was no difficulty in difpofmg of
the fluff to advantage, as it was either wheeled &
carted back, fo as to make the general fall to the river
as abrupt as the nature of the place could admit of, ia
order to prevent the like accumulation of land for the
time to come. But, previous to the taking away thofe

banks,

62 APPENDIX.

banks, the good foil or furface of the parts, on which
they were intended to be laid, was taken off, and re-
ferved for a top-dreffing for the whole, when brought
to the intended fliape. This precaution was the more
neceflary, fince thofe banks were principally compofed
of barren fands, and of themfelves not capable of fup-
porting any agreeable verdure.

In moft cafes the grounds lie very flat behind the
banks to a confiderable extent, what in thefe part* arc
termed holmy lands. Thofe flats or holmes being na-
turally extremely fertile, the covering of them with the
barren banks was of courfe given up; therefore the
banen fluff was in general caft into the river, IT
buried in fome adjacent pits or hollows.
;J la order to render the foil wholefome, where the
flats, and, in fome places, concaves prevailed, and
efpecially when fituated at a confiderable diftance from
the river, recourfe was had to another expedient, bo-
lides that of cutting away the banks, and floping them
down to the water at low-water-mark ; fince, in fuch
cafes, the cafting of the bank, &c. could only be or uk\
fo far as that operation could be applied, to caufc th>
water to run off freely when the bed of the river fub-
fided, and alfo to prevent the accumulation of the land.
ID future.

The

.

APPENDIX.

The method is (imply thus.

• a, The loweft point of the holm, at a confiderable
diftance from the river, fuppofe a hundred yards. This
point may be lower than the point b, in the river at
low-water-mark j but it may be confiderably higher
than the point c, a confiderable way down the river,
fuppofe three feet. Now, if the ground b» excavated
from ct to a, making the excavation fhallower and
fhallower as you approach a, where it fhould rife out
to the furface, it is plain, that the whole of that quar-
ter will be laid dry when the river falls, or arrives at
low-water-mark. In finking about three feet at ct
the breadth of the excavation is about^ twelve feet,
and brought to a point at a. The feftion of the

part excavated will appear thus,
which has no bad effect when

fwarded over, nor can it be perceived without a clofe
infpecHon. Several of the foregoing contrivances have
been introduced at Rafh, none of which has been
ever found to fail.

T The

$4 APPENDIX.

The back, or ftagnated water, is the beft guide to
point out the courfe for introducing the excavations or
difcharges into the river ; it has, however, been often
found ncceflary to attend to accurate levels along the
banks : for inftance, if the fall from b, to ct was found
inconfiderable, it might be encreafed, by letting the
end of the excavation fall into the river at dt iufiead of

at*. '^-l

It is plain that, when the water fubfides in the river,
the waters of the flats and plains will fall into the ex-
cavations, and from thence be immediately carried into
the river, and all behind laid perfectly dry in a few
hours, which has been invariably the cafe here for
many years back.

This work is always performed in the fpring feafon,
in order that the furface may be completely fwarded
over, before the autumnal rains fet in. With refpect
to fwarding, or creating a new furface for thofe exca-
vations, the beft mode by far is, to make ufe of the
old furface ; but, inftead of laying it on in regular
uniform fods, it fhould be chopped into a number of
fmall pieces, anJ firmly beaten together by the back of
the fpade. Experience has, on many occafions here
of making new furfaces, fhewn the fuperiority of this
practice over all others, in point of (lability and firm
texture ; but it fiiould be attended to early in the fea-
fon, othcrwife it cannot fucceed ; befides, the old fur-
face goes further when thus treated. The excavations,

above

APPENDIX. 6$

above alluded to, have in general been fwarded from
the {pace or old furface cut away, where the excava-
tion was to be introduced ; though the area of the lat-
ter rauft, of courfe, be confiderably the greateft.

It is well underftood in this neighbourhood, that,
fince the banks of the river have been difpofed of, and
the excavations, &c. perfected, little or no injury has
been fuftained, and that the good effefts refulting from
it have been experienced fo far up the river as the
town of Omagh ; but this requires no demonflration ;
the impediments, which were formerly the caufe of the
contraction of the water, being removed, the lands up
the river, for a confiderable way, mufr, of courfe,
benefit thereby, fince the water, in its progrefs thro'
the demefne, meets no oppofition.

Had the banks of the river, from the ftone-bridge,
which terminates the river on the north, to New-
town-flewart, been low, no doubt but the adja-
cent lands muft have fuffered by the fudden influx,
which was occafioned by removing all impediments
through the demefne; but they are quite the reverfe;
they are bold and permanent, and bid defiance to any
encroachments or impreffions the water can poffibly
make.

The foregoing part of this work coft upwards of

one thoufand pounds -, it was almoft all performed by

taflc or piece-work, of which regular accounts have

been kept, as well as of all other fpecies of tafk-work,

T a fince

66 APPENDIX.

iince the year 1 790, prior to which the various kinds
of piece-works have not been brought under regular
or diAinft heads, though vafr. fums had been expend-
ed ; but the real fpirit of working by talk did not com-
mence till about the above period. To all parties
concerned, every day's experience fully demonftratea
the great advantages taflc-work has over common day's
labour, which lhall be fully explained in another place.
But to return.

Wheeling or carting from forty to fixty yards dut-
ance ; the price by the folid yard is generally from a</.
to 3^., and fo on in proportion. When the fluff was
caft into the river, or immediately difpofed of upon the
fpot, the price was ufually fixed by the running perch,
commonly from jx. to los. according to the diraeofions
of the bank or lip, which in many parts exceeds fix
feet in height above the plane or general level, the bafe
being from fifteen to thirty feet, tapering to a point;
but the part of the bank next the river is generally the
moft abrupt,

But the great expence did not end here. Vaft gul-
lies, and breaches in the edges of the river, remained
to be fecured, many of which were of fuch magnitude,
as to require a very ftrong barrier.

Large creels or kifhes, made of oak and hazel, were
generally made choice of; thefe were commonly fix
feet long, four feet wide, and from three to five feet
deep, according to circumfhnccs ; and in many parts

two

APPENDIX, 67

two creels, perhaps five feet deep each, were let
down by a kind of lever, one placed over the other,
both being filled with ftones after being fecurely fixed
at front by a ftrong row of oaken piles, placed within
about a foot of each other ; the length of the piles ge-
nerally from fix to twelve feet, and fometimes more,
according to the depth of the water. The piles are
bound together by ftrong hazel wattles. The bark
was previously dripped off tl)e piles, not altogether on
account of the profit to be made of it, but upon a pre-
iumption that they would laft longer, which indeed
proves the conjecture to be well founded.

The work is completed by floping the bank down to
tfie piles, taking great precaution in introducing tough
fods, or fuch as beft agree with water, and that are
kaft fubjecl to be wafted by the frequent agitation of
the waves, at or near low-water-mark ; a circumftance,
which cannot be too well attended to, being the pre-
cife medium, at which the banks of rivers and lakes fuf-
fer moft ; as banks, when fecurely formed, and well
Hoped, feldom or ever fufFer by food-water. The com-
mon fedge, or reed-grafs, is admirably well calculated
to fecure the banks ; on many parts of the banks of the
Mourne river (which is the general name) it grows
fpontaneoufly ; and, where it fully eftablifhes itfelf, it
generally fuperfedes all other precautions in point of
fecurity. Here great induftry is ufed to introduce the
rced-grafs, which has hitherto fucceeded ; it is cut into

large

68 APPENDIX.

large fods in fome remote parts of the dcmcfne, or
•wherever it can be procured, and placed behind the
piles ; and in many inftances it is found to fucceed
•without any further alliftance ; but this muft be under-
flood only of thofe parts, where the water has no power
of making much impreflion. Many other plants are well
adapted to fecure againft the incurfions of water, fuch
as the flotc-grafs, and the creeping bent-grafs. Rudics
and fprits make a ftrong and permanent fecurity to
banks, but in a fine fcene they fhould not be intro-
duced, but, upon the other hand, fhould be moft
induftrioufly extirpated. Fortunately the banks of
the beautiful river, which pafles through this demefne,
are not much encumbered with any difagreeable
plants of the native growth. Where the banks are
principally compofed of barren fand, the large/I fpecies
of the native coifs-foot has eftablifhed itfelf, which is a
moft fortunate circumftance, as the roots are fo ex-
tremely well calculated to bind the fand, and the great
fize of the leaves effectually conceals it in the fummer
ieafon.

It is fcarcely necefTary in this place to remark, that
the difpofing of the banks, and the creeling, piling, &c.
went on at one time, fmce the fecuring of the verges
in a great meafure depended upon that mode ; for, in
moft cafes, had the banks or lips been firft taken away^
or otherwife difpofed of, in one fummer feafon, and the
piling, &c. introduced the fummer fcaibn following,

the

APPENDIX. &>

the rerges of the river would fuffer confiderably in the
intervening winter. At the commencement of thofe
operations, part of the work fuffered materially by not'
attending to the above precautions j this difafter, how-
ever, ferved one good end, namely, not to truft in fu-
ture to the mercy of floods.

It is plain, that this buflnefs altogether muft be at-
tended with great expence. The making of the water-
creels^ at is. each, is equal to about y. 6d. a perch for
creeling only, befides the expence of cutting and draw-
ing the fluff. /The number of piles, njsceflary to fecurc
*a perch in length, would fell for 8/. for cabin-building,
&c. ; fo that, confidering the expence of drawing
{tones, fetting the creels and piles, doping and fodding
the banks, &c., the whole cannot be rated at lefs than
one guinea a running perch, befides the original cofl of
difpofing of the banks. Setting the creels, driving the
piles, and floping and fodding the verges, are always
performed by day's work, as it would be found diffi-
cult to fix a price by piece-work ; and befides, too
much care cannot be taken in thofe operations, fo that,
even if they could be accurately fettled by tafk-work, it
fhould by all means be avoided, "as the lead miftake or
hurry might be productive of a great deal of mifcbief ;
and there is never any temptation of doing any work,
when performed by day-labour, in a flovenly or bad
manner. Yet, notwithftanding, tafk or piece-work
ihould always be preferred to day-labour, where there

is

5o APPENDIX.

is any pofTibility of fettling the price with accuracy, or
that there be no hazard in performing the work in
a flovenly manner, without being eafily detected. It
requires a long and intimate acquaintance with country
works, to be able accurately to inveftigate the various
prices and rates of tafk-work, which muft in a great
meafure depend upon the rates of common day-labour,
being the beft guide to go by.

So much for the weighty works of the banks of the
river, which required to be managed, as above ftated,
in a mofl permanent manner. Thofe parts, which
were mofl likely to fuffer, were always firft attended
to.

But as to fuch parts as were not fuffering materially,
flighter materials were found fufficient to fecure them.
Spruce and Scotch firs, from fix to twelve feet high,
•were found to anfwer this purpofe extremely well.
Thefe were cut down with their entire branches, and
packed together, as clofe as they could be placed, in the
parts of the banks difpofed to yield only (lightly, or
\vhere ftrand-like appearances were about to take
place. In fuch cafes there is nothing more neceflary,
than to arreft the fands and other materials, which
may be brought down the river by floods.

The ftrand or naked parts being judicioufly covered
with brufli-wood of any fort (full of foliage, for the
clofer the better), and fecurely confined, a new furface
is foon created. A few floods are fufficient to depofit

plenty

APPENDIX. 71

plenty of fand, &c. to form the new-made foil ; after
•which there is no further trouble than that of planting
plenty of fedge or reed-grafs, and other aquatic plants,
•which are foon formed into a firm agreeable fward.

To enumerate the various expedients made ufe of in
common cafes, or where great exertions were not
found necefTary to fecure the banks, would be endlefs.
The fimple circumftance of finding fand, and other pro-
ductions after floods, detained on the banks by fome
flight caufe, fuch as tufts of broom or furze, or, per-
^haps, rank grafs or weeds, was the firft indication,
no doubt, to adopt fimple means, which mod com-
monly fucceed beft.

The great fecret in this bufinefs is, to contrive
means to collecl: the fand, &c. by the foliage of the
brufti-wood, and, when fo collected, to prevent it from
efcaping into the river at the time of the ebbing or re-
turn of the water into its ufual channel.

Since fo much depends upon the brufh-wood and
branches being as rich in foliage as poiTible, the fmn-
mer months anfwer beft for all works of this nature ;

r

•not only on this account, but becaufe at that feafon
labourers make greater progrefs than at any other fea-
fon, fince fometimes they muft get into the water.

The common mode is to make a flight hedge otjlake
and ricey along the edge of the water at low -water-
mark •, it is of no confequence of what fpecies of wood
the flakes are compofed, but the brulh-wood, which

forms

7» APPENDIX

forms the rice, or that part woven through the flakes,
fhould be very clofe ; fir-branches of any fort, broom,
furze, or juniper, are very well calculated for this pur-
pofe. About eighteen inches is the ufnal height of this
fiinple barrier above the furface of the water at low-
water-mark, as its ufe is only temporary to detain the
fand, becaufe the reed-grafs, and other water-plants
placed behind it, foon penetrate through it, and join
the water in the courfe of one or twq feafons, and
overwhelm thejiabe and rice altogether.

The bare parts of the bank, behind thejtake and rice
hedge, are in general filled up with young trees of
fpruce and Scotch firs (the former is the beft) of dif-
ferent lengths ; thefe are cut down, for the purpofe of
thinning the young plantations, with their branches
quite entire, and placed in the breaches of the banks,
or where the water is difpofed to make any impref-
fions, as clofe as they can be packed together, inclining
the tops fomewhat in the direction of the water ; thefe
are laid down, and fecured with any rough pieces of
wood, which are in general about the thicknefs of the
fmall part of a man's leg. In order to fecure thefe
pieces firmly, hooked Aakes are driven a confiderable
way into the bank, fo that the hooked part of the flake
may come in contact with the leger or rough piece,
which binds down the brufh-wood. In fome cafes,
where the breaches are not confiderable, fods and
Hones are ufed to fecure the brufh-wood from being

carried

APPENDIX. 73

carried away by the floods ; but this takes place only
•where brufh-wood of any fort may be thrown in indif-
criminately, and where the aftion of the water is not
fevere.

Whatever means may be ufed in fecuring the brufh-
wood, they are of no further ufe "after two or three
confiderable floods have taken place, as the quantity of
fand, &c., collected by that time, is moil commonly
fufficient to do the bufmefs for ever after.

Roots of aquatic plants are always fcattered plenti-
fully on the bare parts, before the brufh-wood is kid
on, which foon vegetate, and make their way upwards
through the brufh-wood, and aflift in a furprifing man-
ner to arreft the fand, &c. The common couch-grafs,
fo deftru&ive to fome cultivated land, is found to an-
fwer extremely well, when ftrewed on the bare parts,
before the brufh-wood be laid on ; many other plants,
not merely aquatic, will anfwer the fame purpofe.

Several large pits, and aukward fpots, have been
filled from time to time, in the holmy grounds in the
neighbourhood of the river, and made completely event
and uniform with the circumjacent land, by fimply
throwing in brufh-wood of any fort, covered with a
few fods and ftones, to prevent it from rifing, or being .
carried off by the floods.

At Rafh fuch places are confidered as receptacles,
for the purpofe of concealing the vaft quantities of
brufli-wood, perpetually produced from the thinning

of

74 APPENDIX.

of the young plantations * and, though large quantities
are annually difpofed of otherwife, yet a great deal of
the moft inferior fort remains for this purpofe. When-
ever the brufh-wood becomes a nuifance, it is difpofed
of, as above ftated ; but the months of Auguft and Sep-
tember are thofe preferred for filling pits or hollow
parts, on account of the autumnal floods prevailing at,
or fhortly after> thofe times.

SECT. 8. An Account of Tajkt or Piece-ivorl, together
•with a comparifon between it and common Day Labour t
•withfome remarks on labouring Tools and Implements,

UNDER the head, Wagesy &c., fome remarks have
been already made} but I could find nothing like a
regular ftandard throughout the county,by which any
material knowledge might be obtained, except at Rafh,
which here I fhall briefly ftate, and it may be de-
pended on, as an accurate report.

At Rafti, where common labour rates at 8<7. a day
the year round, a (hilling is confidered a fair allowance
to make for talk-work upon the average of the whole
year. la the winter feafon a labourer generally
makes as much by day's work as by tafk-work •, but
in fnmmer there is no comparifon at all, that fca-
fan being fo favourable to the latter. But with

tafk-

APPENDIX. 75

taflc-work the labourers are always beft pleafed, and
h is certainly moft in favour of all concerned, fo far
as the nature of the work will bear it to be carried on
in that manner.

Ditches of feven by five, that is, feven feet wide
from the face of the bank to the verge of the gripe,
and five feet deep perpendicularly, at from 2s. to 2s. Set.
the running perch of feven yards ; ditches of fix by
four, from u. 6d. to 2/.; and fo on in proportion.
The dreffing of the backs, and fodding the tops of the
banks, are included in the prices of all ditches. The
above dimehfions, with refpeft to the breadth, are clear
of the fcarcement or off-fet, which is commonly from
fix to twelve inches> according to the fituation, or the
nature of the foil.

Drains, in clay foils, from eighteen inches to two
feet deep, at from -id. to %d. a perch ; one halfpenny a
perch is ufually allowed for fcattering the fluff on the
furface, when they are intended to lie open for fome
time. When fprings are in quefUon, the prices, of
courfe, muft varyj for a given depth, fuppofe four
feet, 6d. a perch is ufually allowed, and, if further
finking be neceflary, in order to intercept the fprings,
a fecond price is made ; for an additional foot, aftcj
finking four feet, i\d. is added, 3^. for the next foot,
and fo on in proportion. When the depth neceflary to
fink, in order to intercept the water, cannot be afcer-
tained at the commencement of the work, there is no

restraint

7$ APPENDIX.

reftraint laid upon the labourer, with refpeft to the
breadth of the drain, fmce it is fufficiently underftood,
that labourers can make more progrefs when allowed
fufficient room to work, than when confined in a nar-
row drain ; befides, fuch drains cannot with propriety
be finiflied off the firll feafon. Fdling in ftones, in
drains of all defcriptions,-is always done by day-work,
a work which fliould never be trufted to talkers on
any account, as one (lone, aukwardly placed, might
deflroy the whole drain. This kind of work, too, is
always performed by fready labourers. Bog-drains are
generally at half the price of thofe made on firm land.
Trenching. — Double trenching, generally pracYifed
for nurfery, at from 8J. to it. a fquare perch.* This
kind of trenching, when performed in lea-land, is
d6ne by paring the fqrface about two or three inches
deep, and turning the fward downwards, over which
the remainder of the good foil is turned. Tne whole
depth Is generally from eight inches to one foot for fe-
minary, but, when intended for nurfery, the depth is
generally more, and, in fhallow foils, a few inches of
the fubftratum are turned up. The ufnal mode, how-
ever, of prepar'mg the foil for nurfery is, by fowing
potatoes twice, which is found by far the beft eco-
nomy.

* Though the Cunningham or Scotch mcafurc is adopted
in many parts of the county, and even in the neighbourhood
of Rafh, yet, when I fpeak of a fquare perch, I always mean
the plantation one, or forty-nine fijuare yards.

APPENDIX. 77

corny. Trenching is always performed before the
frofts fet in, and raifed in round ridges of about three
feet. By adopting this mode, the foi. receives the full
benefit of the frofts, and befides, flovenly or flight per-
formances are, more eafily detected, than when the
ground is trenched in the flat or level manner. Single
trenching, for the purpofe of levelling and fmoothing
the furface, in laying down grounds where the plough
cannot aft, at from 3^. to 6d. a fquare perch.

Removing earth by the folid yard, or a cube equal
to twenty-feven fqlid feet. This kind of work is al-
ways meafured, before the earth be removed, and not
after. Wheeling, from twenty to fixty yards diftance,
from 2d. to %d. a yard.

A great deal of boggy land has been covered or
clayed here from time to time. A navigation wheel-
barrow, well filled, will cover a fquare yard to the
depth of two inches. A folid yard, in this cafe, is rated
at eighteen barrows, at nine flide:car-loads, and at
three wheel-car-loads. The price by the perch, or by
tjie acre/is always regulated by the depth of fluff laid
on the bog, which here is generally four inches, and
has amounted to from 8/. to io/. an acre, according to
the diflance the -Huff was wheeled or carted.

It requires a great deal of addrefs and accuracy to
prevent fraud in carrying on fuch works. The moll
certain mode is, firft of all to fmooth and level the bog,
to be covered, effectually, a year or two previous to

the

7« APPENDIX.

the covering i indeed the longer the better, in order to
give the bog time to fubfide, and to acquire a vegetable
lurfr.ee of fome fort, to prevent the hard materials
from finking. When the bog is brought to the wifhed-
f or lhape for laying on the clay or gravel (the latter is
certainly the belt, and the coarfer the better), a num-'
ber of flakes are put down in parallel lines, at about
ten feet apart, or nearer (for accuracy, the clofer the
better), leaving only four inches of them to appear
above the furface ; the covering fluff is then laid on,
to be equal to the tops of the flakes. It is eafy to ex-
amine the flakes after the foil is laid on, where any
fufpicion may arife ; but, as it is fo eafily detected,
there is feldom any advantage taken by the tafkers,
and the more fo, as a penalty is always in flirted where
there is the leaft appearance of fraud. I fliould have
remarked before, that the white meadow grafs is fown
in large quantities on the bogs, after being levelled,
and previous to the laying on of the clay or gravel,
which feldom fails to produce a permanent and flrong
furface, capable of preventing the hard materials from
finking.
1 To enumerate the different works, carried on by

talk throughout the dcmefne of Rafh and its environs,

i
would fwell this article far beyond my prefcnt plan ; I

ftwll, therefore, only give a general hint howto afcer-
tain a reafonablc price.

It

APPENDIX. 79

It has been already obferved, that the prices of tafk-
\vork muft be governed by thofe of commoo day-
Jabour. Old eftablifhed rules, fuch as the prices of
ditches, drains, &c. are eafily afcertained from long
habit and experience ; but it is not eafy to determine
the value, which fhould be fixed for many other
works, which may occur in an extenfive improvement,
and it requires both ingenuity and addrefs to be able to
deal fairly with labourers, who are in general very
keen with refpeft to the making of bargains favour-
able to their own views.

. In order to fettle any doubts, which may arife with
refpeft to the fair value to be given for any job of taflc-
work, which at firft view may be found difficult to de-
termine, the labourer fhould be kept ignorant of the
mode of payment ; that is, whether by day-labour, or
by taflc-work. A few days, or perhaps a few hours,
may determine what may be thought a reafonable
price by taflc-work. It is needlefs to remark here,
how very neceflary it is to have a trufty confidential
perfon to fuperintend any bufinefs of this nature, and
efpecially at the commencement of it. If labourers are
kept ignorant, during the whole time of executing any
job of work, of the manner in which they are to be
paid, they will, of courfe, work diligently, becaufe, if the
payment fhould be made in confideration of talk-work,
without working diligently they would in the end find
themfelves much difappointed. It is, however, by far

u the

80 APPENDIX.

the beft mode for all concerned, to determine the price
as foon as may be convenient, by which the labourer
will undertake his work at once with fpirit and ala-
crity, and the employer will be certain of having his
work done expeditioufly.

I have often afcertained the object of my wifhes, by
placing a fteady labourer, for a few hours on/y, at a job
of labouring work, the fair price of which at firft view
appeared doubtful. A perfon may take out his watch
after he turns his back to a labourer, walk away, and
return again at a certain time, and thus be able to cal-
culate the fair price, that fhould be given.

To enable tafk-labourers to carry on different kinds
of work with eafe and facility, fomething better than
the common fpade and /hovel, peculiar to the county,
is allowed to them. Ten pounds a year go a great
way in purchafing drain-tools, navigation-fhovels, pick-
axes, cafting-fcoops, &c. Without allowing labourers
implements properly calculated for different kinds of
tafk-work, complete execution cannot be expefted.

Complete implements for labourers, ufually employed
in tafk-work, are always in readinefs at Rafh, to be
given out to them occafionally ; and, in order to pre-
vent thofe tools from being loft, or otherwife difpofed
of, fevere fines are inflicted, generally double the value
of the article; bccaufe, if only the value of it was
charged, the labourer would fuffer nothing by felling
it at the fame price.

In

APPENDIX. 8 1

In giving out implements to talkers, the firft point
is, to charge them double value on the debt fide of
their account, which charge is taken off at the conclu-
fion of the work, when the articles are delivered up
unbroken, or without being damaged, otherwife than
common wear, for which they are never charged ; but
if they break an article during the time they have it in
charge, they muft repair it at their own expence.

SECT. 9. Manner of training up Boys, fo as to become
ufeful, Jteady Labourers , •with a number of 'ways to em-
ploy them to the bejt advantage the year round. Alfot
feveral Modes, by which old Men, -when partly pajl their
labour, may be applied to advantage to themfehes and
their Employers.

"(•;--;.. k.'v'v^f '.-:>:>'- ;.tf ' fKvforn •
A CONSIDERATION of the grcatefl importance is, that

of raifing a race of ufeful perfons, at the commence-
ment of every ufeful and extenfive improvement. At
Rafh this precaution was early attended to, which
fince has been productive of many folid advantages,
both to the proprietor, and the individuals themfelves.
Since, in all great undertakings, feminary and nur-
fery fhould always precede planting at large, boys will
be found very ufeful from the commencement; and, by
the time the firft courfe of feminary and nurfery may

u 2 be

82 APPENDIX.

be over (probably in five or fix years), they will, of
courfe, become very expert, and fit to engage io
the general planting; and, as this bufmefs encreafes,
others, of courfe, will be coming forward. After
ferving fo long a period in the infant part of the im-
provement, they will be found more ufeful than
grown-up perfons, picked up indiicriminatdy through
the country at large. At lead boys, thus trained, the
writer knows, from long experience, to have uni-
formly turned out the belt planters and ground-
workers, having, by early habits, acquired a degree of
fmartnefs and activity, vrhich they feldom depart from
when grown up, or even in an advanced ftage of life.

Perhaps in this place it may not be amifs to fliew
how to fecure boys, fo as to make them attend regularly
to the works of a demefne, till they may become of more
general ufe to themfelves and to their employers. Un-
lefs fome effec>ual method be taken, they will always
wifli to wander upon every trifling occasion, or any
advantage they think may turn out in their favour.

The method followed at Rafh I {hall briefly ftate.

Boys, from ten to twelve years of age, are ufually
taken in from time to time. .They remain two years
at 4^. a day, the third year they receive $d\ the
fourth, and fometimes not until the fifth year, the
wages are advanced to 6d.\ and, in the courfe of a
year or two after, they are raifed to man's wages, or
Sd. a day.

When

APPENDIX. 83

When a lad is found to have an extraordinary {hare
of ability and fmartnefs, one year of his time is given
up, or, in other words, he is put on man's wages a
year before the ufual time.

I am apt to believe, that a fyftem, which has been
found to be of fuch general ufe by the ever to be re-
gretted the late Lord Mountjoy, will not eafily be for-
gotten by his fucceflbr ; nor do I in the leaft defpair of
finding it become general throughout our extenfive
improvements in the kingdom at large.

It is eafy to conceive, that the certainty of having
the wages railed, at fixed periods, induces the boys
to ferve out their refpecYive times. If, however, it
fhould fo happen, that a lad, through tricks, or other
motives, fuch as going to fervice to a farmer, or the
like, and if, after fome time, he fhould change his
mind, and wifh to return again to join his work, in
this cafe he muft begin again, as if he never had been
entered at all, though the tranfgreffion fhould be com-
mitted the laft year previous to his being entitled to
man's wages ; thus few defertions ever take place.

Upon the other hand, if any perfon, either young or
old, at Ra/ht fhould meet with any accident, when aclu-
ally engaged in any of the works, his time is always al-
lowed, as if he had been at work. Rajh is feldom
without a great number of invalids ; the great number
of working people, together with their intrepidity, fully
accounts for this circumfiance.

Here

«4 APPENDIX.

Here is another great inducement held out; namely,
fome of the boys, through merit, deferve higher wages
than others. Dexterity in pruning, grafting, inoculat-
ing, making cuttings and layers, clipping hedges, with
many other nice works, which naturally occur in fuch
an extenfive demefne, are motives to give encourage-
ment to the moft deferving. The afpiring lads do,
therefore, avail thcmfelves of fuch opportunities as lie
open to them. The moft active will, of courfe, be firft
promoted to ferve gentlemen as planters, &c. ; the next
clafs ftep into the place of the firft, and the third into
that of the fecond, and fo on, ftep by ftep, to the
loweft boy. Thus, like the army, there is always a
feries of promotions after the firft takes place.

Here it may not be amifs to point out the moft likely
ways of employing the boys to advantage the year
round, fince the cafe is not the fame with them as with
grown-up labourers, who may be fet to many kinds of
flock-jobs in all weathers ; whereas with young lads
there muft be works laid out fuited to their ftrength
and conftitution, particularly in the winter months;
otherwife they will not be found ufeful.

I ftiall now ftate the principal works fuited to boys,
and particularly fuch as occur at Rafli, and {hall begin
with the fpring quarter, at which feafon there never
can be a lofs for ufeful employment for them.

The moft aukward of the planting labourers are ge-
nerally employed in making holes for trees ; the moft

expert

APPENDIX. 85

expert of the boys are commonly engaged in planting
them, for which purpofe they are better calculated
than labourers in general are, efpecially where the foil
is loofe, and the plants fmall. The weakeft of the boys
anfwer to carry the plants about from place to place,
and alfo to drefs and fettle the ground after the planters,
to pick off Hones, and to do other ufeful works. This
clafs alfo, with an intelligent perfon over them as a cap-
tain, are extremely well calculated for bringing up the
rere of the planting, by fowing broom, furze, and la-
burnum-feeds for flicker.

In like manner they may be employed in planting
out nurferies. Indeed in that fpecies of planting there
are fo many ways of performing it, that the weakeft of
them may be employed to as ufeful purpofes as the
ftrongeft.

When much planting is to be performed in one fea-
fon, which here is commonly the cafe, frnall parties are
formed, with an intelligent perfon at the head of each,
and efpecially when the feafon's planting lies fcattered
and detached ; but, when the work lies connected and
compact, the reverfe is the general practice , in order
to keep all as much as polfible under the eye of the
head planter; a fyftem which, in all cafes, let the
work be what it may, fhould be attended to as much
as poffible.

So much for the fpring, and now for the fummer
quarter, which naturally points out the nece/Tary works.

I believe

86 APPENDIX.

I believe I need not point out, that weeding and
cleaning the plantations, nurferies, feminaries, ditches,
&c. muft form the moft eflential parts of the fummer
works. For thefe works boys are extremely well cal-
culated, fmce a boy, in fuch cafes, may be found as
ufeful as a man, and frequently more fo.

The regulations, with refpeft to tools and imple-
ments, may probably, with fomc propriety, be intro-
duced here, though fome hints have already been
given upon that head.

Each boy is furnifhed with a fcuffler or pufhing-
hoe, a weeding-knife, &c., which are numbered and
charged to their refpeftive accounts •, otherwife thofe
articles could never be kept together with any degree
of regularity. At the latter end of the feafon, when
the works of the nurferies, &c. are over, the imple-
ments are put up, and the charge taken off the boys
till the enfuing feafon, when it commences again, and
fo on. But this fyftem is not confined to the planters
alone ; it is general in all other departments in the
dcmefne.

As the care and management of tools and imple-
ments in an extenfive demefne is a matter of great
confequence, and one which the mafter of works
fhould be particularly attentive to, I (hall throw out a
few obfervations by way of advice.

The firft thing to confider is, to take an exacl in-
ventory of all the tools and implements in the place,

ranging

APPENDIX. 8f

ranging every article under its proper head ; the charge
of which fhould be given to one perfbn only, who
fliould be of a fharp retentive turn. Every fet of arti-
cles fhould be numbered ; for example, wheel-barrows
No, i, 2, 3, &c., and fo on with all other articles.
This will enable the perfon, who is in charge, to keep
a regular account. Next, let that perfon charge the ar-
ticles to thofe, who may occupy them ; not the real va-
lue, but the double of it, or, at leaft, confiderably
above the value. This charge fhould remain in force,
till the articles are returned, whether broken or not.
Wear and tear upon all articles cannot be avoided, nor
is it fair to charge fuch to the labourer's account ; in
fome inftances, however, according to contract, it is
common and fair that tafkers fhould return articles in
the fame order, in which they got them.

There fhould be, of all kinds of tools and imple-
ments about a demefne or place, fome fpare ones in
readinefs, in order to fupply the place of fuch as may
chance to be loft or broken. Such need not be num-
bered, becaufe they only fland as fubftitutes, in cafe a
repair only be necefTary for the abfent article ; but, if
that article be loft, the fubftitute fhould be numbered
agreeably to the number of the former. Thus re-
gularity will be always kept up, and labourers and
tafkers will meet with no interruption in the progrefs
of their works.

A fteady

68 APPENDIX.

A fteady perfon, charged with the above kind of ar-
rangement, is one of the moft ufeful men that can be
employed in a demefue, or where much works are
carrying on.

I believe I need not point out the great advantage
there is in keeping all articles clean and dry, when
laid up, or not in ufe. The oftener they are called in,
and newly arranged, the better, as thereby there will
be fewer miftakes and lofles.

The new implements, &c%. (hould always 'be kept
feparate from the old ones, in diftindt columns.

It is now full time to return, in order to point out
the works of the autumn quarter.

The beginning of this quarter is ufually taken up in
putting out evergreen fluubs, fuch as laurel, Portugal
laurel, lauruiHnus, &c., and, alfo, in planting cuttings
of the fame, and in many other articles, fuch as cleaning
hedges for the laft time, when it fo happens that two
weedings are necefTary in one feafon.

But the greateft point of all to attend to, ftiould be
that of fecuring young trees put out the laft fpring,
particularly of the pine kind. This is the time to give
the finithing ftroke to every plant encumbered with
grafs and weeds ; becaufe, if fuch fpontaneous growth
fhould remain till too late in the feafon, the rains and
damps, which ufually take place at that time, rot the
vegetable matter about the tender branches of the
young plants, to their great detriment, and very often

to

APPENDIX. 89

to their total deftrudYion. By not paying due attention
to this particular, more plants fuffer than by all other
accidents put together, at leaft in moift fituations. In-
deed this precaution is perhaps more neceflary in Ire-
land, than in England or Scotland.

ID fuch cafes, the boys are furniftied with fmall
hooks or fickles, which are alfo numbered, and
charged to them ; and, upon fuch occafions, a boy is
found of more ufe than a man.

In the latter part of the quarter, boys are employed
to great advantage, in trenching ground, and digging
nurferies. In thefe works the weakeft of them are
placed at the lighteft and eafieft parts. In the former,
marking out the lines for the trenchers, and Ihovelling
up the crumbling mould from the trenches, are works
fuitable to their ftrength. In the latter, cleaning the
rows of plants, before the diggers, is a kind of bufi-
nefs, to which boys are well calculated. Thus, by a
judicious diftribution of the whole, no part can be ufe-
lefsly employed.

Collecting various kinds of feeds is peculiarly fuited
to boys, as their dexterity in climbing gives them the
preference to men. Upon thofe occafions they are
generally tafked\ that is, each of them muft produce a
certain meafure every evening, after the day's gather-
ing, and continue the fame allowance fo long as the
feeds continue plenty. But the ufual way is, to pay fo

much

90 APPENDIX.

much a meafure, according to the fpecies of feed ; and
fome articles are paid for by weight, to prevent the im-
pofition of mixing leaves and (talks with the pure feeds.
When the feeds are weighed, the boy is always a lofer
by collecting leaves and flalks, fince a meafure of pare
feeds will always weigh better than when adulterated.
The meafyre of pure feeds, however, with refpect to
weight, is afcertained at the beginning of the feafon,
which prevents any difputes that may arife. Sixteen
gallons is the ufual meafure. In haws, when gathered
clean, fuch meafure is commonly equal to eight ftone
and a half ; a(h and fycamorc keys about fix ftonc j
and fo on.

I have now accounted for three quarters of the year
fpent in ufcful works, to which I might add many more,
but (hall proceed to the lift or winter quarter •, in which,
though boys may not be fo ufefully employed as at
other feafons, yet, notwithftanding, many works may
be ftruck out for them to ufeful purpofcs. In the be-
ginning of the quarter, haws, holly-berries, fpindle-
tree, &c. are ufually collected. Joined with labourers,
boys are ufefully employed in turning and forming
comports ; they break the clods, &c. and blend the
parts together. In funfliine weather they may be em-
ployed in collecting Aones off of lawns, and newly laid
down grounds.

Boys are found extremely ufefal in collecting leaves
in the woods and plantations. Even though the leaves

'fliould

APPENDIX. 91

ihould be applied only to afllfl in making manure for
potatoes, they, notwithftanding, pay amply for the
trouble attending them. Indeed there are few works
boys can be better employed at on a cold winter's day,
than collecting of leaves.

Boys are employed to a very good purpofe, ia
bringing the prunings and loppings of trees to con-
venient places for cars to get at them conveniently.

Thefe are but few among the many works, that this
little army are ufefully employed in •, the nature of the
place, and other circumftances, always point out the
moft ufeful works to engage ia.

By good management, there can be no doubt but
boys may always be found ufeful; but, even if this
Ihould not be exactly the cafe in winter, it is good
policy to retain them under half-pay, or for fome
trifle, till the bufy feafon, in order that they may not
be altogether a burden to their parents, and that they
may be at hand, and in readinefs, when there is a
preffing call, and not fufFered to wander through the
country, as, probably, it might not be eafy to collecl:
them again when mofl wanted.

There is fcarcely a labourer now (1802) at Rafh, in
any department, who was not formerly employed when
a boy, and from one flage of pay advanced to another,
till he arrived to man's wages •, no wonder, there-
fore, that it fhould have, within the laft twenty years
(ending 1802), produced a great number of ufeful

hands,

92 APPENDIX.

hands, probably more fo than any other part of the
United kingdom. Indeed many of them are planters,
of no fmall confequence, to noblemen and gentlemen
throughout the kingdom.

Some of the labourers, found at Rafh at the com-
mencement of the improvements, are at this time old
men.

Care has been taken, from time to time, to provide
fuch labourers with employments in the demefne, fuit-
able to their ftrength and circumftances. The follow-
ing may ferve to (hew, how far this falutary objedr. has
been carried into execution, and alfo, what the late
Lord Mountjoy's further intentions were, which, there
is every reafon to hope, will be perfected by his fon,
the prefent Lord Mountjoy.

Qbfervations with rejpefl to old Men and their families—
the manner of employing them — with remarks on an
bofpital intended to be ereftedfor their reception.

The prefent practice is, when a labourer drops off,
fo as not to be able to fupport his ufual rank or {ration
among his fellow labourers, to place him at fome flight
work, fuitable to his ftrength and capacity. In gene-
ral a yearly allowance is fixed, moft commonly five or
fix pounds, with a cabin, and other privileges, fuch as

potatoc-

APPENDIX, 93

potatoe-land and turf, and, if he has a wife, a fpot for
flax, generally half a rood of land. There are fome
inftances, however, of making it a daily allowance in-
flead of a yearly one, the better to prevent impofition,
which, indeed, upon thofe and many other occafions,
cannot be too much guarded againft, fmce there is no*
thing more common, with thofe invalids, than to re-
prefent their health to be much worfe than is really
the cafe. In this cafe a charge is made of the privi-
leges, and he gets credit for the time he works, either
by the day, by the job, or piece-work, as the cafe
may be.

When the invalid dies, if he fhould leave a widow,
which is moft commonly the cafe, fhe is taken care of
alfo, by allowing her fome portion of what her huf-

band enjoyed, indeed ficv^uently the whole of it, and

efpecially if fhe fliould be encumbered with any charge,
which often happens to be the cafe.

The following are only a few, among the various
jobs invalids are generally employed at throughout
Lord Mountjoy's improvements.

Lodge-keepers.

Preparing walks and drives, where flight repairs
only are neceflary ;- conducting water from them after
fudden rains, &c.

Making up billet-wood, &c. for fuel.

Cutting and preparing fcollops for thatching.

Sweeping

S>4 APPENDIX,

•Sweeping yards, &c.

Attending cattle, poultry, pigs, &c.

Weeding nurferies, ditches, &c.

Collecting leaves for manure.

Picking and preparing potatoes for feed, and for
food for cattle, &c.

Making various kinds of creels and baflcets.

Drawing ftraw for thatching.

Turning and preparing dung and compoft heaps.

Spreading dung for potatoes, &c. &c.

Old men are of great ufe on many occafions ; indeed
I have known many of them to be more fo than per-
fons in the meridian of life. The only point to at-
tend to is, to fet them to works fuitable to their
ftrcngth and conftitution, and they will always be

found ufcful to thcmfoJy«c, and to their employers and

patrons.

Old men in general are fond of company. If two
of them are placed together, they look upon them-
felvea to be well treated. They fpend the day in talk-
ing over paft times, and of their great feats when young
men ; yet all this will not prevent them from going on
with their works in a flow but fure manner.

In fetting old men to work, many jobs fhould not
be laid out, or propofed to them at one time, as in ge-
neral they are forgetful. The bell way to make the
mofl of them is, to praife their performances, and find
as little fault as poffible, fince they are ia general te-
nacious

APPENDIX. 95

nacious of their own ways, and cannot bear i\iejpurt
which, on account of their age and infirmities, fliould
not be often applied.

The late Lord Mountjoy had no object more at
heart, than that of eftabliftung an hofpital upon a large
fcale for the accommodation of invalids, not only thole
of the demefne, but fuch as were found proper objecls
throughout his extenfive eftates in the counties of Ty-
rone and Donegal. His intention was to have it amply
endowed, and divided into three principal heads or
clafles, namely ;

1. For invalids, with their wives.

2. For invalids, without wives.

3. For widows of invalids, and other diflrefled ob-
jects.

Gardens to be annexed to the different departments,
and to be cultivated, for the ufe of the whole, by fuch
of the invalids as were found able to wor^.

Flax and wool to be ferved out to a certain propor-
tion, to employ the women in fpinning and knitting ;
with an annual allowance of clothing and fuel for the
whole.

In this place I am happy to have it in my power to
fay, that his prefent Lord (hip appears fully determined
to put this laudable plan into execution, with many
others, which his memorable father had fuggefted.

FINIS.

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