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TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTUKAL
SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND

WITH

AN ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THE PREMIUMS
OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

PUBLISHED ANNUALLY.

:W VOKK

FOURTH SERIES.

VOL. X V 1.

EUlTKlJ UNDER THE SUriiKlNTENUENCE UF FLETCJIEU XOUTON MT-NZIES,

.SECRETARY TO THE SOCIETY.

EL>lNL;UIiGH :

WILLIAM liLACKWOOD ,Sz SONS, 45 GEORGE STREET,
AND 37 I'ATEllNOSTEK liOW, LUNDON.

18 8 4.

WORKS ON AGRICULTURE, &c.

JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, AXD TRANSACTIONS OF
THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND.

Second Series, 1828 to 1843, 21 vols., bound in cloth, £3, 3s.
Third Series, 1843 to 1865, 22 vols., bound in cloth, £4, 4s.

INDEX TO THE FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD SERIES OF
THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND from 1799 to 1865, Cloth, 5s.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND. Fourth Series, 1866-71, 6 numbers,
sewed, 4s. each; 1872-84, 13 volumes, cloth, 5s. each, published annually.
Free to ]\Iembers on application to the Secretary.

REPORT ON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE AGRICULTURE

OF SCOTLAND, arranged under the auspices of the Highland and Agri-
cultural Society. Presented at the International Agricultural Congress at
Paris in June 1878. Cloth, 5s. Free to Members on application to the
Secretary.

DICTIONARIUM SCOTO-CELTICUM : A Dictionary of the Gaelic
Language, in two volumes. Compiled and published under the direction of
the Highland Society of Scotland, 1828. Bound in cloth, £7, 7s.; 6 copies
on extra paper, £10, 10s.

PRACTICAL REMARKS ON AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE.
By William W. Hozier of Tannochside. Prize Report, published under
the auspices of the Society, 1870. Cloth, Is.

HUMANITY TO ANIMALS, being Extracts from Prize Essays on
the most effectual method of inculcating that duty in Elementary Schools.
Published under the auspices of the Society. Sewed, 3d.

HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND AND AGRIQULTURAL

SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND, with Notices of Anterior Societies for the Pro-
motion of Agriculture in Scotland. By Alexander Ramsay. Demy 8vo.
Cloth, 16s.

The above Works can he had on a^yplication to "William Blackwood & Sons,
45 George Street, Edinhurgh ; and 37 Paternoster Row, London.

CONTENTS.

BOTA
ft

PAGE

1. The Agriculture of the Counties of Elgin and Nairn.

By Alexander Macdonald, ..... I

2. Town Sewage, and its Application to Agriculture. By

David Robie, ....... 124

3. The Agriculture of the County of Stirling. By James

Tait, ........ 143

4. Application of Town Sewage in Agriculture, and the

Effect of the Herbage on the Animal System. By
James Barr, Junior, . . . . . .180

5. The Old and Remarkable Horse Chestnut Trees in Scot-

land. By Robert Hutchison, . . . .184

6 The Old and Remarkable Walnut Trees in Scotland. By

Robert Hutchison, . . . . . .196

7. The Blackfaced Breed of Sheep. By Alexander Mac-

donald, ........ 208

8. The Blackfaced Breed of Sheep. By David Archibald, . 228

9. Account of the Show of the Highland and Agricultural

Society held at Inverness in 1883, . . . 241

10. The Natural and Artificial Food of Scotch Hill Sheep —

Part I. By Professor Wallace, . . . .250

Part II. By Professor Kinch, .... 273

11. Experiment for ascertaining the Actual Addition of

Weight to Fattening Stock by the use of different
Kinds of Food. Bv John Milne, .... 280

12. Trees to be kept as Standards in cutting down Planta-

tions. By John B. Webster, .... 290

13. Louping-Ill and Braxy —

Report by Committee, ..... 300

Notes on Ixodes (Ticks). By Tlios. D. Giljson Carmichael, 301
Note on Braxy. By Professor Williams, . . . 303

14. Experiments on Turnips. By David Wilson, Junior, . 304

15. The Cereal and other Crops of Scotland for 1883, and

Meteorology of the Year relative thereto—

The Crops, ....... 325

Meteorolo{^y, ...... 345

IG. Agricultural Statistics —

Table No. 1. Total Acreafro under each kind of Crop in each

County of Scotland, 5th June 1883, . . . 352

Table No. 2, Number o( H(trses, Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs in

each County of Scotland, 5th June 1883, . . . 353

IV CONTENTS.

PAGE

16. Agricultural Statistics — continued.

Table No, 3. Quantities and Values ol" the Imports of Live

Cattle, Sheep, and Swine, 1878 to 1882, . . .354

Table No. 4. Quantities and Values of the Imports of Beef

and Pork (salted), Bacon, and Hams, &c., 1878 to 1882, . 354

Table No. 5. Quantities and Values of the Imports of "Wheat

and Wheat Flour, 1878 to 1882, . . . . 355

Table No. 6. Quantities and Values of the Imports of Barley,

Oats, Eye, Meal, and Malt, 1878 to 1882, . . .355

Table No. 7. Average Prices of various kinds of Animals,

Dead Meat, and Provisions, 1878 to 1882, . . .356

Table No. 8. Average Prices of Wool in each of the Years

from 1863 to 1882, . . . . . .356

Table No. 9. Average Prices (per imperial quarter) of Home-
grown Wheat, Barlev, and Oats, in the Weekly Market of
Edinburgh, for the Years 1879 to 1883, . . .357

17. Chemical Department — Report for 1883. By Dr A. P.

AiTKEN, Chemist to the Society —

Experimental Stations, ..... 358

Analytical Associations, ..... 395

Ensilage, ....... 404

Practical Method of Testing Soils, .... 414

APPENDIX (A).

Proceedings of the Highland and Agricultural Society —

Proceedings at Board Meetings, February 1883 to January 1884, 1

Proceedings at General Meeting, 20th June 1883, . . 10

Proceedings at General Meeting at Inverness, 25th July 1883, 15

Proceedings at General Meeting, 16th January 1884, . . 16
Ensilage Experiments at Portmore, . . . .24

Premiums awarded by the Society in 1883-1884, . . 26

State of the Funds of the Society at 30th November 1883, . 55

Abstract of the Accounts of the Society for 1882-83, . . 56

Abstract of the Accounts of the Inverness Show, 1883, . '58

Abstract of the Accounts of the Argyll Naval Fund, 1882-83, 58

View of the Income and Expenditure for the Year 1882-1883, 60

APPENDIX (B).

Premiums offered by the Highland and Agricultural Society
IN 1884.

TRANSACTIONS

OF

THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND.

THE AGEICX^LTUEE OF THE COUNTIES OF ELGIN

AND NAIRN.

By Alexander Macdoxald, Sub-Editor, North British Agriculturist,

Edinburgh.

[Premiu7)i — Thirty Sovereigns.']

Introductory.

The counties of Moray and ISTairn, if among the smaller in
Scotland, have long occupied a front place agriculturally. To
say nothing at this stage of the dryness of the climate on the
plains of Morayshire, of the richness of the landscape, especially
in the Forres district, or of the kindliness of soil over the greater
part of both counties, there are certain branches of rural industry
in which Moray men have latterly elevated themselves and
their county to a very distinguished position. The superiority
of the Moray and Nairn barley, and often also wheat and
potatoes, have long been topics of favourable comment among
agriculturists and traders. In these respects the combined
counties occupy the first place north of the Grampians, if not
north of the Tay.

Much more celebrity still has been acquired for Moray in the
department of cattle rearing and feeding, particularly from the
great English Christmas fat shows. No fewer than three times
during the last sixteen years has the great prize of the year for
fat stock — the championship atSmithtield — gone to Morayshire,
— to Earnhill in 18G6, to Burnside in 1872, and to Altyre in
1881. No other Scotcli or even English county has accomplished
such ft feat. Moray and Nairn liave had their full share of

A

A • THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

■other showyard honours, chiefly for cattle, and have also reared
many pedigree animals, as well as fattened a large number of
the primest beeves, annually for the great southern markets.

These two counties combined form the north-eastern and
larger portion of the ancient province of Moray, which, roughly
speaking, extends from Banffshire in the east to Ross-shire in the
west, and from Perth in the south to the Moray Firth in the
north. Morayshire is by far the larger of the two, and also the
more important, from an agricultural point of view. It extends
from north to south 40 miles, and from east to west 20 ; has an
ar3a of 531 square miles, or, according to the Ordnance Survey,
312,378 imperial acres, including lakes, rivers, and fore-
shores. In size it ranks eighteenth among Scotch counties, and
constitutes g'^th part of the entire area of Scotland.

This county is bounded on the east by Banffshire, from which
it is partly separated by the river Spey, on the south by the
upper or hilly districts of Inverness-shire, and on the west by
the county of Nairn, while on the north it is washed by the
German Ocean. The eastern extremity is in 57° 39' N. lat. and
in 3° 7' W. long. ; the western extremity in 57° 17' N. lat. and
in 3° 45' W. long.; the most southern point in 57° 17'lSr. lat. and
3° 39' W. long. ; and the extreme northern part of the county in
57° 43' K lat. and 3° 16' W. long. Towards the centre of the
county the K lat. is about 57° 39', and W. long, about 3° 16'.

It is stated in the Agricultural Returns of 1881, that the total
area of the county is 340,000 acres ; and the returns of owners
of lands and heritages, drawn up in 1872-73, gives an estimate
of 303,168 acres as the property of 2564 owners, 2313 of whom
are proprietors of lands less than 1 acre in extent. The gross
annual value of the total acreage of property is given as
£203,705. Those who possess less than 1 acre have 432 acres
in all, while the owners of 1 acre and upwards claim 302,736
acres.

Nairnshire is bounded on the east by Morayshire, on the
south and west by Inverness-shire, and on the north by the
Moray Firth. Its greatest length is about 22. miles, its greatest
breadth about 15 miles; and according to the Agricultural
Returns for 1881, its total area is 137,500 imperial acres, in-
cluding inland waters and foreshores. The gross ^annual value,
according to the Valuation Roll for 1881, is £34,284, 19s. 3d.
The most eastern point is in K lat. 57° 38', and in W. long.
3° 45'; the extreme western point in K lat. 57° 36', and in W.
long. 3° 45'; the point extending furthest southwards — known
as Carn Alt Laigh Stone, where the counties of Inverness,
Moray, and Nairn all join— in 57° 22' N. lat. and in 3° 48' W.
long, ; the most northern point in N. lat. 57° 38', and W. long. 3°
51'. This county ranks twenty-ninth among Scotch counties,

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 3

and makes up about yjj part of the surface of Scotlaucl. There
are several detached portions of Nairnshire lying within the
boundaries of Morayshire. The largest of these sections has an
area of about 43J acres, of which about 14 acres is covered by
water.

In 1873 there w^ere 537 owners of land, whose property was
120,765 acres, and estimated at £41,767 gross annual value.
Seventy owners possess each 1 acre of land and upwards, having
amongst them a total of 120,636 acres. The other 467 pro-
prietors hold lands less than 1 acre in extent, and measuring
in all only 129 acres, or on an average less than one-third of an
acre each. Morayshire contains twenty-two parishes, but six of
these are only partly within its boundaries. Of these six
parishes, which lie partly beyond the limits of this county, five
stretch for a considerable distance into Banffshire ; while Dyke
and Moy, which are usually regarded as one parish, extend into
the adjacent county of Nairn on the w^est. There are only two
royal burghs in the county, viz., Elgin and Forres, although
there are many villages of considerable importance. The royal
burgh, or city of Elgin, as it is frequently called, from the fact that
it has been the residence of a bishop, w4th a cathedral in it, is
pleasantly situated on the bank of the river Lossie, which in
passing Elgin runs through a beautiful sylvan valley. At an
early period the town seems to have stood further to the west,
at or behind what is now the site of the Infirmary and Lunatic
Asylum. Originally the town consisted of huts surrounding
Lady Hill, a mound at the west end of the town, about 100 feet
high, surmounted by a tall monument to the last Duke of
Gordon. Lady Hill was named from a church which was
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and which once stood on the top
of it. There are now the ruins of a castle upon the summit of
this mound, which had been built of run lime, and the founda-
tion of which can still be traced, showing that it occupied the
whole top of the hill. When it was built it is impossible to say.
It w^as held successively by the Douglases, Dunbars, and also
the Lairds of Darnaway, who received certain customs from the
burgesses of the town. Kings of Scotland sometimes lived in
the castle of Elgin, as was the case with Malcolm III., but the
building has been in ruins for about 400 years. The town of Elgin
is supposed to have derived its name from Helgy, a Norwegian
general, for upon the town seal " S. Commune Civitatis D.
Helgyn " was engraved in Saxon characters, supposed to have
been done about the middle of the sixteenth century. The
cathedral, the principal feature of historical and architectural
interest in Elgin, was one of the most magnificent in Scotland. It
was founded in 1224, and the bishop removed from his residence
at Spynie to Elgin at that period. The ruins of the cathedral,

4 THE AGlilCULTUKE OF THE

which are very majestic, and which many go far Lo see, are the
most massive of any of the kind in Scotland. It was burned in
the year 1390 by Eobert Stewart, Earl of Buchan, and Lord of
Badenoch, known as the " Wolf of Badenoch."

In the eighteenth century there was a good deal of manu-
facturing in Elgin. There were many hand-weavers in the
town, but the power-loom has superseded all these. There are
two woollen manufactories at present in the town, one at
Newmill and the other in Bishopmill. Besides these factories,
there is an extensive tan-work, which has been in operation for
more than half a century. Elgin is the county town of Moray-
shire, and the returnincr bursh for the member of Parliament
elected by Elgin, Banft', Cullen, Inverurie, Kintore, and Peter-
head. The parliamentary constituency in 1881 was 930. In
short, Elgin may be called a fashionable little city ; many retired
naval and military officers, and business men, have been,
attracted to it by its pleasant situation and mild climate. The
population of Elgin in 1881 was 7413, 3257 males and 4156
females. The number of separate families is 1816, and the
number of inhabited houses 1465, while there are about 40
houses vacant and about 20 building. During the past half
century the population has been slowly increasing, but not very
materially. The town derives considerable importance from the
fact that, so to speak, it is the metropolis of a large rural
district.

It appears that the erection of th(i sheriffdom of Moray took
place in the reign of James II,, and, although Sir Alexander
Dunbar of Westheld was deprived of the earldom of the county
in the minority of James IT., because he was accounted an illegiti-
mate son of John Dunbar, he was in 1450 made heritable sheriff,
whose jurisdiction extended over the whole of the province of
Moray. About this period, or perhaps a little earlier, the county
of Inverness was much more intimately connected, socially and
commercially, with the north-eastern portion of the province of
Moray than it had been since the first of the fifteenth century
down to the retirement of Sheriff Bell in 1882, when the counties
of Elgin and Nairn were again put under the sheriff of Inverness
instead of the sheriff of Banff as they had been for many years.
A sheriff-substitute resides at Elgin, who holds sittings
alternately at Elgin, Nairn, Grantown, and PiOthes ; while Sheriff
Ivory, under whose jurisdiction are the counties of Inverness,
Moray, and Nairn, resides in Edinburgh. For a number of
years, or rather centuries, Elgin has been the seat of presby-
teries, law, and county courts. The gross annual revenue of the
burgh in 1880-81 was £30,297, 18s. 6d., while the railway
valuation amounted to £781.

The other royal burgh in Morayshire is Forres, which is

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 5

pleasantly situated about 12 miles to the west of Elgin. It was
created a royal burgh by William the Lion. The town, though
small, is clean and attractive, the locality being as famous for its
scenic loveliness as for its historic interest. In its suburbs the
soil is very rich and well sheltered, which, combined with warm
climate, specially adapts it for garden purposes. There is also a
nursery of no little importance in its neighbourhood. According
to tradition, Forres was also burned by the " Wolf of Badenoch "
in 1390, in consequence of a feud with the Bishop of Moray.
The ancient charters of the burgh having been thus burned, a
new one was granted by James IV. in 1496. The last census
returns gives the population of the burgh of Forres as 4030,
2257 females and 1773 males. The number of separate families
is 1036, inhabited houses 845, vacant houses 40, and 8 houses
building. The principal public works, at which a good number
of the inhabitants are employed, are manure manufactory, iron
works, woollen factory, brewery, flour and saw mills, and coach
works. The most striking object of interest to the casual
observer is an immense obelisk 23 feet in height, most beauti-
fully and richly sculptured, and prominently placed on an
elevated piece of ground on the south-east of the town. It is
known as " Swenos Stone," and is said to have beeen erected to
commemorate a defeat of the Danes. On the south-east of the
burgh is CTuny Hill, on which there is a beautiful plantation and
many delightful walks. From the top of this hill a fine view
can be had of a long stretch of cultivated land, and beautifully
laid off farms, lying between Forres and the Moray Firth.
Among other objects of interest is the Forres hydropathic
establishment, which is situated on the south side of Cluny Hill,
and which is as useful as it is ornamental. On the top of Cluny
Hill there is a tower erected in honour of Nelson's victory at
Trafalgar. The total revenue of Forres for 1881 was about
£1714, 16s. 3d. Along with Inverness, Nairn, and Fortrose,
Forres has a representative in the House of Commons. The
sitting member for these burghs is Mr C. Fraser-Mackintosh, while
Mr Alexander Asher is member of Parliament for the Elgin group
of burghs. The constituency of Forres in 1881 numbered 408.

As 1 have already indicated, there are a large number of
villages in Morayshire. The principal of these are Lossiemouth,
Branderburgh, and Stotfield, which together have a ])opulation
of 3497; Burghead 1428, Kothes 1382, Grantown 1374, Hope-
man 1323, and Garmouth and Kingston 952, &c. The total
valuation of Morayshire in 1881-1882, including railways,
exclusive of the royal burghs of Elgin and Forres, was £183,660
and the rural ])arli;imentary constituency was 1617. Nairn,
the only royal burgh in the county of Nairn, has a ])()pulation of
4-161, 1«67 males and 2294 fema'h's. It will be observed that

6 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

there are 427 more females than males, but it may be mentioned
that this is by no means a rare occurrence in the north of
Scotland. Of separate families there are 1034, inhabited houses
822, vacant houses 38, and 12 houses building. The town lies
on the west bank of the river jSTairn, close on the shore of the
Moray Firth, and is 22 miles west of Elgin and 15 miles east of
Inverness. Its distance by rail from Edinburgh is 199 miles.
It is a popular bathing resort, being beautifully situated,
well exposed, and in every way convenient, tidy, and healthy,
while the climate is mild and warm. Numerous charters were
conferred upon Xairn many centuries ago, but all were lost
except one granted by King James I., which is still held by the
town. This charter tells how the ancient deeds and infeffments
of the burgh had been " destroyed and lost through (the)
turbulences, occasion of wai% and divers depredations and
incursions of Irish rebels, and through the negligence of the
custodiers." Up to a comparatively recent date, Nairn was the
boundary line between the Saxon and the Gael, both languages
having been spoken in it. It was the boast of King James that
he had " a toune in Auld Scotland, the toune of Nairn, which was
so large that the folk at the one end did not understand the
language spoken at the other end." There are no manufactories
in Nairn, but a considerable fishery trade is carried on. The
harbour some years ago was the main source of income, but the
railway, which is in close proximity to the town, has militated
against harbour profits for the past few years. The streets, as a
rule, are somewhat irregular, which may be ascribed to the
antiquity of the town. In the building and laying out of new
residences, however, modern improvements have been introduced.
The inhabitants are well provided with educational institutions.
The revenue of the town in 1881 was £13,216, and in 1858,
£3096, which shows an increase of £10,120. The parliamentary
constituency in 1881 was 387, and in 1858, 116. In this
county, as well as in Morayshire, there are a few small towns or
villages, chief among which is Auldearn, which has a population
of 363. The total valuation of the Highland Eail way Company
in Nairnshire was £1932 in 1881-82.

The scenery, especially in the lower districts of Moray, presents
much natural beauty. There is a good proportion of the total
area under woods, which are beautifully dotted over the
county. The large extent of arable land is well sheltered
generally, but there are also some wide stretches of barren moor.
The main range of hills extends nearly the whole length of the
county, from east to west, running nearly parallel with the
Moray Firth, and at an average distance of from 6 to 12 miles
inland from it. This range is not of great height, but is
sufficient to form a substantial division between the upland and

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 7

the lowland districts. The lower part is known as the " Laigh
of Moray," and is said to be one of the finest agricultural
districts in the kingdom. It is about 30 miles in length, and
from 5 to 12 miles in breadth. It is extremely well sheltered
from southern, south-eastern, and south-western tempests by the
Dallas hills, Black hills, Mannoch hills, Brown muir, Heldon
liill, TuUoch hill, Burgie hill, and Knock of Alves, which chiefly
comprise the range just mentioned. The highest peak in Moray-
shire is Carnan-Lion, which is 1797 feet. The upper or Strath-
spey division of the county differs in contour and also in soil
from the " Laigh of Moray." It is of course much higher, and
is more irregular in surface, but in many parts the soil is
almost as fertile as in the lower districts. Along the valley of the
Spey, there are some charming little straths, displaying much
natural beauty. The county ranks well with sportsmen. There
are no deer forests in it, but the moors carry heavy stocks of
grouse and hares; while in the lower grounds good bags are to be
got of snipe, partridges, and pheasants, and also rabbits and
hares, but especially the former. On some small hills in the
" Laigh of Moray " there are a few grouse to be seen occasionally.
The chief home of these birds in the county is the chain of hills
which I have already described. Of the two natural divisions of
the county, the maritime one stands highest, from an agricultural
point of view. The land here is of an undulating character in
the east, and is almost a dead level in the middle and in the
west. In the more inland districts the elevation of the land is
steep, with a south or south-east exposure. There is very little
level land on the south side of the Mannoch hills. The
geological features in Morayshire are of great variety. There
are four sandstone ridges, viz., Covesea Hill, 288 feet in height ;
Quarry wood Hill, 280 feet; Pluscarden Hill, 77G feet; and the
hills of Dallas, 850 feet. The hills further south consist of
granite, mica, slate, quartz, gneiss, schist, &c. In the " Laigh of
Moray," sandstone of the old red formation, liniesbone and
yellow or grey sandstone prevail, while gneiss and granite
abound principally in the upper districts.

The finest and most extensive lake in the county is Loch-an-
dorb, in the parish of Inverallan, and about 9 miles from the
village of Grantown. It is fully 2 miles long and 1 mile broad,
and is famous for its trout. In the centre of this beautiful lake
are ruins of a stronghold, once in possession of the " Wolf of
Badeuoch." The Loch-an-dorb trout weigh on an average, from
J lb. to h lb., and they are of excellent quality. Loch IMair, in
the parish of Forres, is 30 acres in extent, and contains good
trout, varying from i lb. to f lb. Loch Lossie, in the parish of
Dallas, is a mile long and a (piarter of a mile broad. The trout
cau«!ht in it run from h lb. to 6 lbs. Loch-an-Tore is also in

8 THE AGRICULTUKE OF THE

the parish of Dallas. Loch-iia-bo, in the parish of Urquhart, is
one mile long by a quarter of a mile broad, and is celebrated
for the beauty of its scenery, and the quality and abundance of
its trout, whicli weigh from ^ lb. to 12 lbs. There are a few
other small sheets of water in the county. To the north of
Elgin is Loch Spynie, tlie property of Captain Dunbar Brander.
It is not a large sheet of water, but affords good sport to the
angler. The more important rivers which flow through the
county rise from 40 to 70 miles south of the city of Elgin, and
fall into the Moray Firth. The Lossie, which passes through
one of the richest and most picturesque parts of the " Laigh of
Moray," has its source in Loch Lossie, and runs a serpentine
course of about 25 miles, falling into the sea at the village of
Lossiemouth. From its source to its mouth it has a very
gradual fall. It is an excellent trout fishing river, and contains
a few salmon, sea-trout, yellow trout, and "finnochs." Its chief
tributaries are the Lochry and Lenoch burns, which are also
famous for good trout fishing. The fishing in the Lossie belongs
to the Earl of Moray, but has been let on a lease of 100 years
to the Dunbars of Pitgaveny. Captain Dunbar is proprietor of
part of the salmon fishings at the mouth of the river. The rod
season begins on February 11 and ends in October.

The river Findhorn rises between Strahdearn and Stratherrick,
and runs a very rapid course of from 60 to 70 miles. Its chief
tributaries are the Moy, the Bruach, the Pallan-shoch, the Divie,
the Dorbach, and the Muckle Burn. These, as well as the
Findhorn itself, are excellent trout streams. Salmon angling
during the months of March, May, June, and September is
excellent ; while in July, August, and September plenty of good
trout are got. Skilful anglers can make a good basket of trout
during a fine day in the month of July. Without the consent
of the proprietors, anglers are strictly prohibited from fishing in
any part of the river. Apart from the excellent fishing that is
to be had here, the scenery is in itself exceedingly attractive.
It has been said, that along the grounds of Darnaway and
Altyre, the character of the woodland scenery is the " choicest
for the artist's pencil " that could be desired. On the extreme
opposite side of the county runs the majestic Spey, which for
volume of water and extent of basin drained by it,* is the second
river in Scotland. It rises about 6 miles from Loch Laggan,
flows through Loch Spey, falls into the sea at Garmouth, and is
in all about 100 miles long. It runs for over 30 miles through
luverness-shire, and receives on its left bank the Marky and the
Calder, and some other smaller streams, and on the right bank
the Truim, the Tromie, the Feshie, &c. For a considerable
distance, it passes through Moray and Banff shires, while
different sections of the river form the line of separation between

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 9

these two counties. Its course from its source to the sea is
very rapid. Its chief tributaries after it enters the county of
Moray are the Dulnain, Nethy, Aven, and Tiddoch. The river
is open to the public for trout fishing, and good sport is
generally obtained. It may be mentioned here that the Spey
during the past few centuries has deposited much fine alluvial
soil, which I shall subsequently describe. The best salmon
fishing is preserved by proprietors, or let to shooting tenants.
The weight of the salmon varies from 8 lbs. to 30 lbs., while
that of trout is from ^ lb. to 1 lb. The best months for salmon
and trout fishing are the same as those on Findhorn. In 1860,
the course of the river at its mouth was moved about three-
fourths of a mile westward from the old channel, for the
purpose of benefiting the salmon fishings and protecting the
village of Kingston, on which the current had been encroaching.

The capes and bays in Morayshire are the Spey Bay, Stotfield
Point, Covesea Point, Burghead Bay, and the estuary of the
findhorn.

The configuration of Nairnshire, in so far as features of scenery
are concerned, is similar to that of Morayshire. The surface of
the greater part of the county is a continuation of the long
fertile plain known as the " Laigh of Moray," but it is somewhat
more undulating in its character. The soil is neither so equal
nor so heavy. There is a good deal of wood over the county.
The range of hills, which extends through the centre of Nairn-
shire from east to west, is an extension of that which traverses
part of the county of Moray. None of the hills in this range
exceed 1600 feet in height. The scenery in the hilly districts is
bleak and uninteresting. There are large tracts of sterile heath,
moss, and mountain land, which certainly do not present a varied
or pleasing aspect. The valley of the Findhorn and the lower
parts of the county, however, are exceptionally picturesque.
Along the banks of the Findhorn there are large patches of rich
alluvial land, which is skilfully cultivated.

The geological features of the county have a striking similarity
to those of Morayshire. The prevailing strata are gneiss, old
red sandstone, grey sandstone, and quartz rock. The belts of
wood which are so i)rofusedly scattered over the county consist
of birch, (ir, hazel, alder, and ash. Good shooting is usually
obtained, hares, partridges, grouse, snipe, and ])heasants being
abundant. Towards the west of Nairnshire tliere is much
natural beauty to attract the eye of the visitor. One of the most
interesting objects of antiquity is Cawdor Castle, which was
licensed to be erected by James II. in 1454. It nestles snugly
in a thicket of wood, and nothing but its numerous turrets is to
l)e seen until the visitor a]»])roache8 quite close to it. Its sur-
roundiniis ore ex<]uisit»ily l)eautiful. There are several other

10 THE AGKICULTUKE OF THE

ancient castellated buildings in the county. In short, ]N"airnshire
has been described as diversified vrith rich corn fields, fine
pleasure grounds, woods and forests, farm houses, mansions,
castles, villages, and towns.

The lochs in Nairnshire are neither extensive nor important
in their stock of fish. The principal sheets of water are Cran-
loch, Lochlee, and Loch of the Clans. The rivers are, with one or
two exceptions, smalL The Findhorn, which runs for about 15
miles through the eastern side of the county, I have already
described as one of the Morayshire rivers. It may be mentioned
that the Findhorn passes through the county of Moray for a
distance of 12 miles. The river Nairn rises in the Monadhliadh
hills, and after a run of 36 miles, falls into the Moray Firth at
the town of Nairn. Its course is devious, and there is much
romantic scenery along its banks. It is an excellent spawning-
river, and salmon and trout are numerous at certain seasons of
the year. Good baskets of trout are generally obtained in
the summer months. The Cawdor burn is the chief tributary
of the Nairn. It rises among the Cawdor hills, and affords fair
sport in trout. All respectable anglers are allowed to fish in the
Nairn and its tributaries, on application to the proprietors, chief
of whom are Major Fiose of Kilravock, Mr Davidson of Cantray
and Mr Forbes of Culloden.

As regards communication with the outer world, these two
counties are exceptionally well supplied. By sea, as well as by
land, the inhabitants have long enjoyed the privilege of access
to all parts of the world. The principal shipping harbour is at
Lossiemouth, from which a great deal of grain and potatoes is
exported, and large quantities of coal imported. There are other
harbours of less importance in these counties, of which Burghead
and Nairn are the most considerable. Than Morayshire, few
counties in the north of Scotland have been intersected to a
greater extent by railways since 1850. Nairnshire has also
sufficient outlet for the product of farmers and tradesmen. The
main lines which traverse Morayshire are those of the Highland
and Great North of Scotland Fiailway Companies, while the
only line in Nairnshire is that of the Highland Piailway Com-
pany. There was at one time railway communication between
Kinloss station, on the main line, and Findhorn, but it has been
dropped for some years, in consequence of the unimportance of
the town and the traffic therefrom. The inhabitants of Burg-
head have enjoyed the advantage of railway communication
since 1862, when a branch of the Flighland Eailway from Alves
station was opened. The line from Elgin to Lossiemouth, 6
miles in length, and opened in 1852, was the first line made
north of Aberdeen. The two companies' lines may be said to
divide Morayshire into four divisions, the Highland Railway

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN.

11

running in a direct line through the centre from east to west,
and the Great North from north to south-east through the glen
of Rothes, crossing the Spey by a well-constructed viaduct, and
on past Craigellachie. From the main line at Craigellachie the
Strathspey section of the railway extends to Boat of Garten, a
distance of 33^ miles, where it forms a connection with the
Highland line.

The extent of land under woods in both counties is large. In
Morayshire there were 45,368 acres in 1871, and 50,130 in 1881,
which shows an increase of 4762 acres during the last decade.
In 1871 there were 14,349 acres under woods in Nairnshire, and
in 1881, 13,241, which shows a decrease of 1108 acres. Last
year there were 26 acres under grass lands and fruit trees in
Morayshire, one acre used as market gardens for the growth of
vegetables, &c., and 93 acres used by nurserymen. In Nairn-
shire there were 12 acres under grass lands and fruit trees, and
3 acres used by nurserymen.

Population.

The following table shows the population of both counties
since 1801 : —

Moray.

Nairn

1801, 27,760

8,322

1811,

27,967

8,496

1821,

31,398

9,268

1831,

. 34,498

9,354

1841,

. 35,012

9,217

1851, .

38,959

9,956

1861, .

43,322

10,065

1871,

43,612

10,225

1881, .

43,760

10,454

Increase in Moray since 1801,

. 16,000

»

Nc

lirn

))

1801, .

. 2,132

It will be observed that, excepting a slight decrease in the
case of Nairnshire during the decade of 1831-41, the respective
populations of these counties have been gradually increasing
since the first of the present century. Between 1851 and 1861
there was an increase of 4363 in Morayshire, being more than
at any decimal period since 1801. For the past twenty years
the increase in both counties has been insignificant, there being
a diminution in a great many rural districts since 1871. ])urgh
po[)u]ations, as a rule, have been growing much more rapidly than
rural ones during the past ten years. In regard to population,
Morayshire stands seventeenth in Scotland, which it also tiiil in
1801, and Nairnshire stands thirty-second. In the former county
there are nearly 7^ acres to each inhabitant, while in thu latter
there are about Hi acres to each person. In 1881 there were
20,700 males and 23,060 females in Morayshire, while in Nairn-

12 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

shire there were 4975 males and 5479 females. In the former
there were 8618 inhabited houses, or one for every five of the
population in 1881, and in Nairnshire there were 2077 inhabited
liouses, or one for every five of the population. According to a
register drawn up by the assessor for 1881-82, there are 1617
voters in the county of Moray, 943 in the royal burgh of Elgin,
426 in the royal burgh of Forres ; and in 1858 there were 116
voters in the royal burgh of Nairn, and in 1881, 387. The total
number of voters in the county of Nairn in 1858 was 149, and
in 1881 it was 293.

Climate.

In Moray and Nairn shires the climate is variable, but, as a
rule, it is dry and warm. The lower half of both counties is
nearly as dry as any part of Scotland. The average rainfall
during the year is from 25 to 28 inches, and the mean tempera-
ture about 48°. The prevailing winds, which blow for about
260 days during the year, come from the west, and from this
direction we are accustomed to have the heaviest rainfall. The
lowering clouds in their course northwards are arrested by the
range of mountains on the south and south-west of the counties,
and thus their watery contents seldom reach the seaboard
districts of Moray and Nairn. The rainfall in the neighbouring
counties of Banff and Inverness is much heavier. In the upper
and hilly districts the temperature varies greatly. It is usually
much colder than in the maritime divisions. It is an old
saying that the people in Morayshire enjoy forty days more
summer than any other county in the north of Scotland. It
frequently occurs, however, that the farmers in Morayshire have
too much sunshine in the absence of moisture. During the
months of June, July, and August they would often welcome
more rain than it is their lot to have. The long fertile plain,
stretching from the Spey to Inverness-shire, has a tendency to
drought, and in a dry summer, with scorching sunshine, much
damage is done to vegetation. The upper parts are more
retentive of moisture than the lower parts, and the loss
sustained from drought, except in very dry seasons, is trivial.
The climate of these districts is very suitable for the cultivation
of oats, while in the lower parts it is more in favour of the
cultivation of wheat and barley, which are extensively grown.
In Nairnshire the soil is of a somewhat light and sandy
character for the growth of wheat, but barley and oats are found
to be most profitable. The rigours of winter along the seaboard
districts, being greatly softened and modified by the influences
of the sea breeze, are scarcely ever felt with intensity. Frosts,
in the absence of snow, however, frequently prove damaging to
the root crop, when it is not lifted before Christmas. The

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN.

13

poignant north and north-easterly winds sweeping over these
counties are somewhat severe upon both animal and vegetable
life, but generally the climate in Moray and Nairn is healthy.
In fact, in the seaboard parts, it is believed to exercise a
medicinal effect on the constitutions of weak people. The
most unequivocal proof of the remarkable mildness and
geniality of the temperature in the " Laigh of Moray" is afforded
by the fact that apricots, nectarines, and peaches ripen on walls
in the open air. In the upland districts both seedtime and
harvest are often late, but in the lower districts harvest usuallv
commences early in the season. Winter wheat is sown in the
end of autumn, and spring varieties in the month of February.
Barlev and oats are sown durin^^ the first half of the month of
March in the later localities, but not quite so early in the earlier
climes. In ordinary years, reaping is the leading operation in
the end of August and the first of September. I am obliged to
Mr Webster, gardener, Gordon Castle, for the following extract
from his notes, taken there for the long period of thirty-one
years, the object of observation being intended as an indication
of earliness or lateness of the season at the time taken. The
apricot trees, from which the notes are set down, are growing
against a south wall of brick, and 14 feet high, free and open to
all changes of weather, and the dates were the days on which the
first full expanded flower was seen. Mr Webster proceeds — " It
will be seen from the subjoined statement, that the blossom was
open in 1874 seven days earlier than in 1882, and one day
earlier than in the year 1869. Mignonette survived the winter
in 1874, and continued flowering through the following summer.
Lilacs and horse chestnuts in flower 2oth April, while hawthorn
blossom open 2nd of May; and in the same year apricots were
ripe at 22nd July, thus showing that the mild winter and early
spring were followed by a warm summer.

Dates of Apricots Flowering.

Year.

Date.

Year.

Date.

1852,

. February 28

1868, .

March 2

1854,

. :March 2

] 869, .

. February 12

1855,

8

1870, .

. Afarch 9

1856,

1

1871, .

.3

1857,

1

1872, .

February 2(>

1858,

. February 25

1873,

Marcli 2

1859,

,. 22

1874,

February 6

ISGO,

. March 9

1875,

March 7

1861,

February 24

1876, .

February 26

18(3-2, .

„ 28

1877, .

March 3

1863,

„ 24

1878,

February 23

L^64,

. March 2

1879,

March 10

lb65,

15

18K), .

I'Vbruarv 20

1^66,

Fiibruury 23

1881, .

March ' 14

1867,

„ 21

1882,

February 13

14

THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

I am also indebted to the same gentleman for the following
record of the rainfall at Gordon Castle since 1860 : —

Rainfall.
Brought forward, 343-29
. 43-67
■. 32-31
. 28-17
. 31-07
. 35-95
. 35-41
. 35-23
. 28-36
. 28-99
. 27-19

Year.

Rainfall.

Year.

1860,

■ ■ •

28-25

1861,

36-18

1872,

1862,

31-47

1873,

1863,

26-58

1874,

1864,

30-28

1875,

1865,

23-57

1876,

1866,

27-85

1877,

1867,

26-65

1878,

1868,

29-23

1879,

1869,

30-84

1880,

1870,

23-56

1881,

1871,

28-83

Carry forward,

343-29

Avei

rage for 22 years,

• •

Total, 670-64

30-064

I have been favoured, by a careful observer in an inland
district, with the subjoined account of the rainfall in Nairnshire
during the past decade : —

Rainfall.
Brought forward, 205-38

38-64
30-79
28-37
29-79
28-11

Year.

Rainfall,

Year.

1870,

. 21-16

1871,

. 27-35

1877,

1872,

. 36-07

1878,

1873,

. 33-87

1879,

1874,

. 29-98

1880,

1875,

. 27-17

1881,

1876,

. 29-68

Carry

forward, 205-38

Total, 360-98

Average for 12 years,

30-098

Through the courtesy of Mr Duncan, druggist, Grantown, I
am enabled to give the annual rainfall there since 1867 :—

Year.

Rainfall. 1

Year.

RainfaL

1867,

. 29-46

Brought forward, 254-96

1868,

. 28-62

1875,

. 31-65

1869,

, 33-54

1876,

31-64

1870,

. 28-26

1877,

37-71

1871,

. 27-27

1878,

34-43

1872,

. 42-63

1879,

. 27-75

1873,

. 34-28

1880,

. 29-69

1874,

. 30-90

1881,

«

. 24-67

Cai

•ryfo

rward, 254-96

Total

, 472-50

Av

erage for 15 years

>

31-7^

)0

Geology — Soil.

In the geological formation of these counties the Lower Silurian
predominates. The chief rocks are mica slate, clays, chlorite,
and gneiss, based upon quartzose rocks, flagstones, and associated

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 15

with limestone. Granite and gneiss are found to prevail most
extensively in the hilly districts and higher sections of the Find-
horn. The former is also the characteristic stratum of consider-
able portions of the parishes of Knockando, Rothes, and Ardclach,
while gneiss occupies nearly the whole of Califer Hill. The old
red division extends from Buckie in Banffshire, along the plain
of Moray, and disappears at the base of Pluscarden hill At
Clune, in Xairnshire, an oval patch of the same formation is
observed, as well as other two small portions a little further west
— one at Cawdor and another on the borders of Inverness-shire.
These are supposed, in fact stated by geologists, to be subnascent
patches of a subterraneous continuation of the belt of Old Red
Sandstone, which would seem to terminate at the hill of Plus-
carden. This belt is an average width of from three to four
miles. The grey or middle division of sandstone occupies
iSTewton, Moor of Alves, Burghead, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, and
the lower sections of the Findhorn ; in fact, all the coast side from
6 or 8 miles inland, from Lossiemouth to the western extremity
of the county of Nairn. The largest of two beds of inferior
oolite was discovered in the parish of Duffus, lying in the shape
of a lump of fish roe, and surrounded by grey or middle
division of sandstone. The only other bed is very much smaller
and lies near the village of Lhanbryde. Purbeck beds of wealden
have been found at Linksfield, Pitgaveny, Spynie, Waukmill, and
Maryhill in Moray. The band of limestone on which Elgin is
built is an average width of about two miles, and extends from
Boars Head, between Lossiemouth and Garmouth, to near the
hills of Dallas. There are several limestone quarries worked
pretty successfully on this ridge. Rock is found at Birnie,
Relugas, and Craigellachie. Rolled boulders of red porphyritic
granite are found strewed numerously over the face of the low
countrv. Lead has been discovered at Lossiemouth, and mininfr
machinery was brought into operation some two or three years
ago. In Nairnshire, dark blue limestone has been disclosed,
which burns in fire without losing bulk. On the bank of the
Spey, near Orton in Morayshire, is an almost vertical red cliff,
which changes its colour before rain from red to dark crimson,
and in wet weather, blood-like torrents fall into the river. An
immense accumulation of sand, which had gathered during a
very few hours at a point called Oulbin, between the burgh of
Nairn and the village of Findhorn, converted a considerable
extent of excellent rich fertile land into a vast sterile desert,
known as the Culbin Sand Hills. The sands of Culbin, says a
writer, are literally a desert of many hundred acres in extent ;
no plant exce])t the bent grass finds rooting here, from the
continued shifting of sand, which by the prevailing west wind
is carried to the eastward, but in ordinary states of the weather

16 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

is intercepted by the river Findhorn and carried out to sea ;
forming a bar here, it is taken up by the inshore tidal current
running to the westward and carried in that direction, and
thrown out on the shore, where the wind forces it to the east-
ward, thus forming an endless circuit. Culbin sand hills rise to
a hei2;ht of 118 feet above low-water mark. The general height
of the beaches above low- water mark is from 14 to 18 feet. It
is well known that all the different geological formations or
rocks have their characteristic varieties of soil. As might
naturally be inferred from the fact, that the geonostic features
in these counties are variable in the extreme, the soil is of a
very changeable character. To begin with, the character of the
soil in Morayshire may be summarily put down in the following
terms : — If all the arable grounds in the county were distributed
into 63 parts, sandy soil would be found to cover 24 of these,
clay 11, loam 27, and reclaimed moss 1. In Nairnshire the soil
varies from light fertile loam to heavy mould, and is intersected
by patches of sharp gravel and moss. The plain of Morayshire
chiefly consists of a light porous soil, intersected with stretches
of stiff clay, loam, and rich alluvial deposit. Considerable
portions of Duffus and Drainie, two very important agricultural
districts, had at one time been submerged by the sea, and in all
probability been under it for a lengthened period. Both these
parishes, as well as the parish of Alves, to the south-west of them,
contain an admixture of rich loam, heavy clay, sand, and fine
free loamy soils, with ingredients which never fail to yield
superior crops, and which are admirably adapted for the raising
of wheat, barley, and potatoes. This division of the great
maritime plain has been appropriately named the " Granary of
Moray." Duffus and Drainie are low and level throughout.
There are other districts in Morayshire which contain fine friable
soil. Eich fertile loam prevails in the parish of Kinloss, which
is very favourable for arable farming. The northern half of the
parish is level, while the southern half rises with easy acclivity
until it reaches the heath-clad hills. The average depth of the
soil runs from 18 inches to 3 feet, and rests on a subsoil varying
from yellow or blue clay to red or white sand. It is most
suitable for the production of wheat and barley.

The adjoining parish of Forres has a preponderance of rich
loamy soil, although there are patches of clay and gravel. The
subsoil is also gravelly. To the west of Forres the soil is
generally good, and favourable to the growth of all kinds of
cereals, and particularly barley, which may be called the staple
crop of the county. The parish of Eafford has great diversity of
soil, but is mostly low and fertile. Further south, into the
Edinkillie district, loamy soil prevails. Oats and barley are the
principal cereals grown. Still further inland, where the land

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 17

rises gradually, the soil becomes less porous. A clay loam

predominates in the parishes of Cromdale and Kriockando,

which have altogether a different exposure from the lowland

districts. They slope gently to the south, and are hemmed in

by hills. In the latter district there is a large extent of moss

worked into a condition for tillage, while there is also some in the

parish of Cromdale. Oats are the most suitable cereal for this

])art of the county, but barley is also grown pretty extensively.

In descending to the Rothes district, we find that the soil chanws

into a medium fertile loam, varied by patches of gravel and of

deep black loam deposited by the river Spey. Near the village

of liothes there is a considerable stretch of " haucjh " land of a

most kindly nature. On the east side of the Spey the soil is

partly of a sharp porous nature, and is most suitable for the

cultivation of oats. Over the eastern half of the county of

Moray light sandy soil prevails with trifling exceptions. The

parishes comprising this division are Speymouth, St Andrews,

Lhanbryde, Elgin, Birnie, Dallas, all of which are well adapted

for the cultivation of wheat, barley, oats, turnip, and potatoes.

The prevailing stratum throughout these districts is Old Red

Sandstone, which is of a very solid description. There is also a

large extent of adhesive clay in this portion of the county. The

Speymouth and Urquhart districts, like those of Duffus, Drainie,

&c., are close to the seaside, where considerable quantities of fish

offals are applied along with other manures, which prove to be

most efficacious in fertilising the soil, and which go far to secure

superior crops.

There are still some small areas of waste land throughout
these counties, which may probably be brought into cultivation
before the close of the present century. During the past
twenty-five or thirty years, the land in both Moray and Nairn
has been very much fertilised by the judicious application of
manures.

The soil in Nairnshire generally is equally sandy, and in
some districts even lighter and more spongy than in Morayshire.
In the higher districts, in which the prevailing rocks are mica
slate, flagstone, and limestone, the soil is open and gravelly.
Here oats and barley are the staple cereals. In the lower
districts, a free loamy soil, with patches of sand stretching
through it, prevails. A stiffish clay, and sometimes a sharp
gravelly soil, abound in the western portion, while in the parish
of Nairn the soil is very variable. The rental per acre ranges
from 18s. to oos., according to the nature of the land. There is
a heavy mould in the south and a light in the north. In
Auldearn parish, the soil is light and fertih;, and in the parisli of
(.'awdor the land i3 rich, and favourable for the cultivatiou of
oats.

B

18 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

State of Agriculture prior to 1858.

Although the subject proper of this treatise is limited to a
period of twenty-five years, it may be interesting to glance
briefly at the state of the agriculture of these counties a century
ago. This will bring the rapid progress of recent years more
forcibly under the reader's view. A hundred years ago, farming
in Moray and Nairn was of little moment compared with that
of the Lothians and south of Scotland generally. The counties
were far behind in everything pertaining to agriculture, and
had been so from the era of the Eeformation. In the end of
the eighteenth century the same kind of cereal and root crops
were cultivated as those of the present day, but in much
smaller quantities. Except among the poorer tenants, whose
cropping was unavoidably restricted to oats, large quantities of
flax were raised annually. Oats and barley were reckoned the
staple produce. Over the upper districts of each farm about
two-tenths were usually in oats, one-tenth in barley, two-tenths
in peas, turnip, and potatoes, and three-tenths in grass. In the
lower districts about three-tenths of each farm were sown in
oats, one-tenth in wheat, one-tenth in barley, two-tenths in
turnip, peas, beans, and potatoes, and three-tenths in grass.
The following will give an idea of the general course of manage-
ment on the larger farms : — Oats were sown after barley, grass,
or wheat, from the 1st of March to the end of April, at the rate
of four-fifths of an English quarter to the acre. The yield was
on an average about four quarters of grain to the acre, and from
each quarter about 9 stones of meal avoirdupois weight were
obtained. In the higher districts, where the climate was severe,
and the soil stiff and wet, varieties of small black hairy oats were
cultivated, but were of comparatively little value, and were
given up soon after the beginning of the present century. When
intended for the growth of barley, the land received three
successive ploughings, and manure if this crop had not been
preceded by a green crop to which manure had been applied the
previous year. Manure was invariably applied to wheat, which
was, as a rule, sown on clean or fallow land. Three bushels
seeded an acre, and from 5 to 6 quarters were the quantities
returned. The seed was generally steeped before being sown.
For the cultivation of turnips the ground was well pulverised
by three or four ploughings and harrowings. A liberal supply
of dung was given, and the seed was sown in drills as now.
The turnips were mostly consumed by cows and young cattle,
there being no systematic plan of cattle feeding. Potatoes,
which had been introduced to this country about 1728, were
not cultivated in these counties till about the middle of last
century. They did not even then become a general farm crop.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 19

At the corresponding- period of last century, potatoes were said
to have been cultivated sparingly. They were scarcely ever
used as food for cattle. The seeds were planted 3 or 4 feet
distant from each other, and the medium yield per acre was
about 800 stones avoirdupois weight. The kidney-shaped potato
was most cultivated for the table. The sowing of grass
seeds was not introduced so early as the potato. The land in
the higher districts was not capable of producing clover in great
abundance until lime or marl was applied to it, and turnip and
sown grass have been about the same time in existence over
these counties. Clover was sown in quantities varying from 12
lbs. to 16 lbs. per acre, along with barley and oats, but seldom
with wheat, and was generally consumed in pasture. On the
larger and better farms the plough was kept going with a pair
of horses or oxen and a man, but on the smaller and more
insignificant holdings as many as six and eight oxen were used
in each plough. Cattle and horses were then of a very
indifferent description. The best cows were worth only from
£5 to £12 each. Except on farms adjoining hill pasture, few
sheep were to be seen in the country. Neither wool nor mutton
were of much importance. Away up among the hills, where
whole glens of arable land are hemmed in with heath-clad hills,
the blackfaced breed was pretty extensively reared, and each
animal was valued at 12s. or 14s.

The leases granted to tenants were as a rule of nineteen years^
duration. The rents were paid partly in money and partly in
grain. The office houses were generally built by the tenant,
who received compensation for them at his exit to the extent
of two years' rents. They were as a rule substantially built of
stone and lime, and thatched with straw or other material

It would appear that the tillers of the soil were not then
sensible of the great advantages to be derived from having
their fields enclosed. About 1782, Moray and Nairn, like other
northern counties, were, it may be said, open from end to end.
It is stated that after the various crops were ingathered, the
whole range of country was put under the head of '' Common
Good," and all the respective Hocks of sheep and herds of cattle
depastured together wherever they might choose to wander.
Comparatively little food was stored for winter use, and cattle
were generally in very thin and weak condition by the return
of the grazing season.

Till near the opening of the present century, farming ini}tlc-
ments were of the rudest and most primitive description. Tiie
old clumsy timber plough was in vogue among the poorer
classes till the end of the eighteenth century. It was made
wholly of timber, except the coulter and sock, exclusive of
which the average price of the plough was 4s. or 5s. The

20 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

better class of farmers had ploughs of the newest design, which
were neatly made, and cost about 2 guineas. Carts were of the
most approved construction, costing from £8 to £10 each, and
were generally drawn by one horse, but in exceptional cases by
two. The " flail " was used on every holding, as threshing mills
were not then plentiful.

About the middle of last century, the average price of grain
was something like 12s- per boll, and the yearly wages of
ploughmen ranged from £2 to £3. The most lucrative
branches of farming were the raising of corn and the rearing of
cattle. For the latter, how^ever, there was little outlet wdien
they were fattened. Swine were seldom reared by the farmer,
although pork was greatly in demand in this part of the country.

Among the inhabitants of these counties, during the greater
part of the eighteenth century, kail, nettle, and mugwort were
favourite dishes when stirred up amongst oatmeal soup. Oat-
meal, bran, and sowans, when slightly fermented together, formed
a regular article of food in the north of Scotland. The tradi-
tional Christmas luxury was sour cakes with aromatic seeds,
which it was considered formed one of the most palatable and
delicate repasts that could be got.

Up to the first of the present century, pasturage was more
extensively pursued than tillage. Shortly after the advent of
the nineteenth century, however, a much more enterprising
system of farming was adopted, and the agriculture ' of these
counties was rapidly brought into a state which compared
favourably wdth that of the Lothians. It is but just to say that
Moray and Nairn, in so far as the cultivation of the soil is
concerned, have been keeping pace with, if not surpassing, the
improvement in the most active of the other parts of Scotland.
Sixty years ago the soil received more attention than the breed-
ing and rearing of live stock. The cattle then reared in this
part of the country were of an inferior description, but the
horses in possession of the better class of north country farmers
w^ere equalled by few even in the south of Scotland. They
were strong horses, of good blood and superior action. The
common breed of cattle was black, with long horns and of great-
variety of size. One of the most successful of the present race
of farmers in Morayshire informs us that, some fifty or sixty
years ago, the ordinary commercial cattle when rising three years
of age, sold at from £3, 10s. to £4, 10s., and on one occasion three
or four fat animals brought about £12 each, which was con-
sidered a very remarkable price. The same animals would now
bring at least £27 each.

After 1830, much attention was given to the breeding and
rearing of cattle, and te\Y counties have achieved greater success
in this direction. Shorthorns were early introduced, bulls of

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 21

this valuable breed having been mated very freely with cows of
the Dative race. At first the shorthorn crosses were unpopular,
but by the force of merit they soon rose in favour. Polled
Aberdeenshire cattle were to be met with in some parishes.
Farmers' societies, viz., the Morayshire Farmers' Club and
Nairnshire Farmers' Society, have long been in existence in these
counties, and unquestionably gave great encouragement to
agricultural advancement, especially to the improvement of live
stock. Sheep were plentiful among the hills, but not in the low-
lands. Blackfaces were the principal breed. Swine were driven
about and fattened along with cattle. Artificial manures, in
the form of crushed bones, were applied to the land in quantities
varying from 15 to 20 bushels per imperial acre when preparing
for a crop of turnip. Many people adopted a more economical
mode of manuring, by dibbling and putting the bones into small
holes before the seed was inserted. It is asserted, that equally
as heavy crops of roots were raised by this as if thrice the
quantity of manure had been sown broadcast. The land under
wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes increased every year very
materially up to a few years ago. Lime, as a fertiliser, was
liberally used, from 120 to 140 bushels having been given to
each acre of light land, and about 200 bushels to the imperial
acre of strong soih Generally speaking, the five-shift rotation
was pursued on the majority of holdings, while some farmers
worked on the six-shift course. Draining was very extensively
executed, and in most cases with stones and brushwood. The
average rental of land varied from £1, 4s. to £2 per Scotch
acre. The best haugh land was rented at from £1, 12s. to £2,
8s. per imperial acre.

The rate of wages for farm servants, who as a rule lived in
the farmers' kitchens, was for men, from £9 to £10 per annum,
and for women from £4 to £5, exclusive of board. Male
labourers engaged by the day got from 9s. to 9s. 6d. per week,
and females from ?)S. to 4s. per week. Threshing mills have
been used on the larger farms for a number of years. The
harrows were made of wood, with iron teeth, and in fact on some
holdings these have not been long out of use. As the century
advanced, agriculture became more important, and claimed
greater attention than it received prior to 1828. In 1842 the
area of Moray included 530,600 acres; of these 120,000 were
under cultivation, and the remainder under wood, or pasturage,
or heath.

The Pror/rcss of the past T went y- Five Years.

The area of land reclaimed since 18."»7 lias not been great.
This, however, is not assignal)le to any lack of spirit or enter-
prise on the part of either landlord or tenants, but to the fact

22 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

that the active agriculture which existed between 1830 and
1850 had left little room for improvement. The reclamation of
land during the previous twenty years had been very extensive.
The many intersected and unseemly patches of waste land
which were to be met with in these counties some thirty or forty
years ago, have mostly all been brought under the plougjh, while in
inland districts farmers have been extending their holdings very
considerably. The most noteworthy improvements executed
since 1857 have been in the way of squaring up farms, forming
drains, fencing, renovating farm steadings, and building farmers'
dwelling houses and servants' cottages. Perhaps few counties
are better supplied with good farm buildings than Moray and
Nairn. Tn this way the improvement has been very consider-
able both to landlord and tenant. In cases where farm
steadings were erected, the tenant had generally to provide
material for building ; and in many instances he also built the
steading, the proprietor compensating him by what is called
payment for " meliorations " at the expiry of his lease. It is now
more frequently the case, however, that the landlord erects the
houses and the tenant pays 5 per cent, of interest along with his
rent.

Some twenty-five or thirty years ago, farms were very
irregularly laid off and cropped, but they are now much more
systematically and skilfully wrought.

That the improvement in fertilising the soil within the past
twenty-five years has been great, is an unquestionable fact.
The principal agencies for the development of the farming
resources in this way have been the judicious and liberal
application of artificial manure, the systematic and enlightened
management of farms, and the wisdom and care exercised by
the tenants in maintaining the richness of the soil. There has
been a very marked improvement in cattle in these counties
within the past twenty-five years. Careful and judicious
crossing on the part of the breeder has greatly increased the
symmetry and beauty as well as the size and usefulness of
stock. Notwithstanding the serious losses sustained in some
districts in 1876, in consequence of the cattle disease, the
breeding and rearing of cattle has been kept going successfully
since then, and the effects of the disease are now almost
invisible. However, many people maintain that the disease laid
the foundation of the present agricultural depression in this
part of the country. Sheep farming cannot be said to hold a
more important position in Morayshire, than it did thirty years
ago ; but in parts of Nairnshire where the soil is of less value,
sheep farming is receiving more attention. The price of wool
for the past few years has been rather fluctuating, and on the
whole the tendency has been downward.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN.

23

The rapid development of the resources of the soil has
naturally led to a corresponding advancement in the improve-
ment of agricultural implements. These counties have made
marked progress in this respect. Ploughs have been remodelled,
chain or link harrows have been introduced, and are now pretty
oxtensively used. Double-furrow ploughs have been success-
fully wrought on several of the larger farms in both counties,
while steam cultivation has been pursued to some extent.

In order to show the position vdiich these counties occupy
among other counties in Scotland, in respect of the agricultural
improvements executed during the past twenty-five years, 1
subjoin in tabular form a comparison of the extent of cultivated
area and the number of cattle and sheep between the years of
1854 and 1880, thus:—

For 100 acres culti-

For 100 cattle

For 100 sheep

vated area in 1854

in 1854 there

in 1854 there

there were in 1880,

were in 1880,

were in 1880;

Aberdeen, . . .111

106

136

Argyll, .

44

84

152

Ayr, ....

92

106

183

Banff, ....

117

111

142

Berwick,

112

93

126

Bute, ....

103

80

144

Caithness,

105

75

113

Clackmannan,

60

79

68

Dumbirton, .

100

100

167

Dumfries,

93

112

142

Edinburgh,

10c

119

156

Elgin, .

100

100

91

Fife,

102

99

109

Forfar, ....

105

92

117

Haddington, .

105

88

146

Inverness,

74

139

123

Kincardine, .

105

94

92

Kinross,

78

71

122

Kirkcudbright,

89

115

156

Lanark,

93

109

169

Linlitligow, .

100

100

137

Nairn, .

60

82

147

Orkney and Shetland,

220

KK)

211

Peebles,

86

80

149

Perth, ....

82

99

143

Renfrew,

. 95

108

190

Ross an(l Cromarty,

88

145

125

Roxl)urgli,

. 120

92

145

Selkirk, .

. 116

122

156

Stirling,

91

107

194

Sutlu-rlanil, .

. 120

113

133

Wigtown,

94

111

172

Tot{il Scotland,

95

103

143

The decrease in the first column, in whatever county it occurs,
is accounted for by tlie inclusio?i in 18S0 of tracts under

24

THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

permanent pasture, which in 1854 were classed as heath or
mountain land.

Coming within the period of twenty-five years, over which
the report is meant to extend, we find it necessary to explain
that the Highland Society, in drawing up the agricultural returns
in 1857, excluded all holdings under £10 of rent, and therefore
we are unable to indicate the accurate increase in the acreage
under rotation of crop since that year. The following table,
however, shows the increase since 1870 : —

Arable area in 1857,
1870,

)5
3»

5)

Increase since

J)

1876,
1881,
1870,
1876,

Moray.

Nairn.

82,401

30,311

100,450

24,443

103,698

26,070

105,226

26,359

4,776

1,916

1,528

489

The percentage of arable area in Morayshire under cultiva-
tion in 1870 was 29*5, and in 1880, 30-9. In 1870 the per^
centage in Nairnshire was 17*8, and in 1880, 19*2. Since 1870,
it will be observed, the arable area under cultivation has been
increasing at the rate of about 434 acres per year in Moray-
shire, and about 174 acres in Nairnshire.

The following tables show the valuation of both counties since
1866-67, according to the valuation roll : —

Moray.
Valuation in 1866-67,

„ 1872-73,

„ 1882-83,

Increase since 1866-67,

Nairn

Valuation in

»

55

1866-67,
1869-70,

1881-82,

. £133,794 19

170,099 11

159,125 13

25,334 14

0
0
0
0

. .£27,735 17
28,417 17
34,284 19
6,549 1

8
1
3
5

Increase since 1866-6 / ,

The many and extensive agricultural improvements effected
in Moray and Nairn during the past twenty-five years would be
insufficiently indicated in a generalised report. We therefore
deem it necessary to give, as succinctly as possible, the following
notes which we collected in a recent pedestrian tour throughout
both counties : —

Details of Improvements and the different Systems of

Farming.

Morayshire.

Commencing our tour at the most eastern point of Morayshire,
we find ourselves in the parish of Speymouth, which has an area
of fully 6352 acres. Its rental in 1866-67 was £6204, 3s., and

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 25

iQ 1882-83, £6581, 15s. The villages of Garmouth and King-
ston occupy the north-eastern corner of the parish, while the
larger proportion of it is under cultivation. There is a good
deal of wood and natural pasture. The land along the bank of
the Spey, from Craigellachie to the sea, consists of rich alluvium
and sandy loam, resting on a subsoil of gravel. The rent runs
from 10s. to £2, 10s., and is an average of about 26s. per acre.
The farm of Xewton is pleasautly situated about a mile from
Garmouth and near the river Spey. Its extent is 250 acres, of
which 20 acres consist of rough pasture. The rental in 1866-67
was £185, 12s., and now it is £250. Under the regulations of
the Duke of Eichmond and Gordon's estate, the tenant of
Newton has adopted the best system of farm management. He
believes in the six-shift rotation, viz., oats and wheat, turnip,
barley, and three years' grass. On land adapted for the rearing
of both cattle and sheep, no other course could be more profit-
able. The six shift keeps down expenses both in labour and
manure, and gives power to keep a good stock in summer,
specially of sheep, which have paid all along in this part of the
couDtrv. The seven-course shift would shorten farmers of
turnips, vrhich never fail to yield well on this farm and locality.
As a rule, good crops of all kinds are obtained in this district.
In preparing land for turnip, the tenant ploughs his stubbles in
autumn from 8 to 10 inches deep, thus giving it full benefit of
the winter frosts ; and if the month of February is suitable, he
cross ploughs it, and is always careful to avoid working it in n,
wet or raw state. He finds it most beneficial to let the land,
after cleaning, rest for a fortnight before drilling it, which
insures a braird, and suits better in every way than opening up
the soil in too fresh condition. The tenant disapproves of light
manures, and says " they exhaust both the land and the pocket."'
He principally uses bone manure. For the potato crop the land
is prepared similarly to that for turnips, and from 12 to 16
loads of manure, direct from the farm-yard, per acre, is spread
in the bottom of the drills. The tenant does not approve of
sowing artificial manure in the bottom of the drills for potatoes.
Cattle on Newton are chiefly crosses with a few polled animals.
About half the wintering stock is bred on the farm, and the
other half bought in. Not later than September, 20 two-
year-old stots and queys are housed and fed on turnips and
straw, and when within two months of selling oil' some grain
and cake are given, increasing the latter until the animals an^
disposed of. At the new year the queys weigh about 5 cwt., and
the stots are usually sold ofT in April, when they weigh from ()Jt
to 7 cwt. From 7 to 8 scores of Cheviot ewes, bought in in the
fall of the year, aie kept, and a crop of lambs taken, which are
sold off at weaning time, when the ewes are fattened, and as soon

26 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

as they are disposed of another lot of ewes is bought in. This
pays remarkably well. Besides supplying the sheep of the farm
with turnips, Mr Ann and lets from 12 to 15 acres every year at
from £6 to £7, 10s. per acre. About 80 acres of land are
allotted to a pair of horses. One-sixth of the farm is annually
under turnips, of which two-thirds is Swedish, two-sixths under
grain crops, the half of which is barley, and the other half wheat
and oats. In a good season wheat is the most renumerative
cereal.

In moving westwards there is much fine scenery to attract
the eye. Clumps of wood are to be seen on every hand. Emerg-
ing out of the Speymouth parish, we enter into that of
Urquhart, where there is also a considerable breadth of good
land, but it is lightish in some parts. The climate is early
and w^arm. The average rental varies from 17s. to 19s. per
acre. Near to the village of Urquhart lies the well-managed
farm of Innesmill, tenanted by Mr John Brown. The area of
this farm is 105 acres, and is wholy arable. There is a deal
of light land on it. Contrary to the general rule in this district,
Mr Brown works the six-shift course, and finds it to be the most
profitable system. The average yield of all kinds of grain
generally is about 4J quarters per acre, but it is usually over 5
quarters on Mr Brown's farm. In preparing the land for turnips,
Mr Brown ploughs heavy in autumn, ploughs again in April,
and grubs if the land requires it. He does not approve of
much grubbing. About 15 loads of farm-yard manure are given
per acre, along with 10 bushels crushed bones and 3 cwt. light
manure. The general rate of manuringr in the district is not so
high. Mr Brown grows only a small extent of potatoes, and
after preparing the land the same as for turnips, gives about 10
loads of dung and 3 cwt. of light manure per acre. Since the
present tenant entered the farm in 1865, he has drained and
limed a good deal, and enhanced the value of the farm consider-
ably. He keeps cross bred cows and a shorthorn bull, breeds
about two-thirds of his stock, buys in the other portion in the
end of the year, and ties up his feeding cattle about the end of
Sept(!mber. He sells his queys when six quarters old, each
weighing 5 cwt. The stots are kept until they are two years
old, when they generally weigh about 6^ cw^t. Turnips and
straw constitute the principal aliment, and a little corn and cake
are allowed to the feeding stock before sending them away.
Mr Brown finds that home-bred animals thrive best. There are
very few flocks of sheep kept in this district. Generally, as on
this farm, a pair of horses w-ork about 60 acres. The rate of
wages has advanced fully 30 per cent, on Innesmill. There is
a rise of rent since 1857 in some cases, but not universally,
throughout the parish. Mr Brown suggests at least one change

COUNTIES OF ELGIN" AND NAIRN. 27

ID the present system of farming, which he thinks would be
beneficial, and that is freedom of cropping. He grows two-
thirds of the turnip break in swedes, and one-third in yellow
turnips. Barley is generally the best paying crop, but it will
not pay to sow barley crops in rapid succession, because they
Boften the soil too much. The extent of this parish is about
13,660 acres, and the valuation of it was £7843, 19s. in 1866-67,
the increase since then being £8052, 14s.

In the districts to the east of Elgin, the Earl of Eife is the
principal proprietor. His residence is Innes House, in the
parish of Urquhart, which nestles beautifully among trees, and
is surrounded by fine pleasure grounds. The extent of Lord
Fife's property here is 41,759 acres 1 rood 30 poles, of which
20,577 acres 1 rood 36 poles are arable, 12,081 acres 1 rood 7
poles pasture, 7729 acres 1 rood 24 poles wood, and 1371 acres
33 poles consisting of rivers, burns, canals, ditches, peat mosses,
hillocks of bent, sea beach, roads, &c. In 1866-67 the valuation
w^as £18,383, 12s., and now £19,758, 3s. There is great variety
of soil throughout the estate. It consists of rich clay loam,
sandy loam, light sandy soil, moorish gravelly soil, and pan.
The climate is, as we have previously stated, favourable in the
highest degree. Earms range from 20 to 400 acres in extent,
and crofts from 2 to 12 acres in size. On most farms, steadings
and farm houses are very good, many having been erected
withio the past twenty-five years. All of the recently erected
houses, except those of a few small crofts, have been built of
stones and lime, and are slated. The buildings on these crofts
in not a few cases consist of what is called "andinharlie," or,
properly speaking, stones, clay, and straw thatch. This sort of
buildings lasts for generations when the roofs are kept tight,
and are usually very comfortable.

Servants' cottages have increased greatly since 1850, and
especially in recent years. The roads over the estate are good.
During the past twenty-five years a considerable breadth of
land has been reclaimed by trenching and ploughing ^ith
horses and steam.

The value of the land before reclamation was about Is., and
now it is worth from 7s. to 15s. per acre.

The newly reclaimed land has already yielded profit, and is
expected to be still more valuable in the course of a few years.
Extensive improvements have been effected in the way of
draining, sr|U!iring up farms, and planting, mostly fir and larch,
tlie latter being generally used where wooils have been cut
down.

The duration of lease is nineteen years, with entry at "Whitsun-
day term, to which wc shall subsequently allude. Tenants get
every encouragement possible in executing improvements on

28 THE AGKICULTUKE OF THE

their farms. Allowances of money are agreed upon at entry,
vvliich, according to the regulations, has to be refunded at the
end of the lease.

The extremes in the rental of this property are 7s. and £8 per
' acre. Eents are all paid in money, but some thirty years ago,
grain payments were quite common. The five-shift is the pre-
vailing rotation, not only on these estates, bub over the counties
generally.

The sort of cattle kept by the farmers on Lord Fife's property
is chiefly cross bred, with a sprinkling of pure bred shorthorn
and polled animals. Much more attention is bestowed on
the breeding and rearing of stock than twenty-five years ago,
and during the interval between 1857 and 1882 a striking im-
provement had been effected in the various breeds.

Cattle feeding is now one of the chief, if indeed, not literally
the principal source of the farmer's income. The greater pro-
portion of the commercial cattle on the estate are bought in, and
these along with home-bred stock are partly fed in half-roofed
courts, and partly in stalls. Feeding generally commences
about the 1st of October. There are very few holdings on
this estate that could come under the head of sheep farms, but
large flocks of crosses between Leicester tups and Cheviot ewes
are bought in and fattened during winter. These, as well as a
few blackfaced sheep, are kept steadily on farms attached to
hillsides, where the pasture consists of heather and natural
grasses. The great body of crofters make a living by working
on their own crofts, and occasionally by day labour to neigh-
bouring farmers. They hold yearly leases as a rule, but in
Bome cases, when circumstances permit, longer leases are held.

Eesuming our westward journey, we reach the farm of Upper
Meft, which is 230 acres, all arable, in extent; rented at £291,
15s.; is well laid off; well supplied with convenient houses, and
tenanted by Mr Cruickshank, who has improved the condition
of his farm materially since 1857. He works it on the five-
course shift, and the average yield of wheat is from 3 to 4
quarters, barley 5 quarters, and oats from 4 to 5 quarters.

The beautifully situated and well-managed farm of Viewfield
tenanted by Mr Anderson, extends to 282 acres, — 279 acres
arable and 3 acres in pasture. It is rented at £305, or from
21s. to 22s. per acre. The soil consists of loam, black soil, and
moss, and is pretty well sheltered. The estate regulations
insist on the five-course shift being pursued, but Mr Anderson
would prefer to work at least part of his farm under the six-
shift system, which he is convinced would be instrumental in
preventing " finger-and-toe " and "canker," which frequently
destroy the turnip crop.

The average yield of wheat ranges from 3 to 5 quarters, and

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 29

weighs 64 lb3., — in 1880 it weighed 66 lbs. ; Norfolk barley,
which he finds to yield better than chevalier, from 4 quarters
to 5 J quarters, weighs about 56 lbs.; and oats from 5 to 6 quarters
per acre, weighing 42 J lbs. and in exceptional cases 44 lbs. per
bushel. Mr Anderson has no anxiety to hold down the manure
bill. He gives land intended for cereal crops about 20 loads of
(lung in the autumn, and that which does not receive this gets
from 1 cwt. to 2 J cwt. of artificial manure. He tried an experi-
ment in the manuring of land for Swedish turnips a few years
ago, which clearly showed that over much stimulants are as
bad as too little. He gave from 2 cwt. up to 10 cwt. of the
best turnip manure to the acre, and found that the turnips
grown with 5 cwt. were equally as good, both in quantity and
quality, as those grown with 10 cwt. of the same manure.
Potatoes receive similar treatment to turnips. From 10 to 12
cwt. are planted per acre, and a yield of from 5 to 7 tons is
generally obtained. Mr Anderson fenced all the farm when he
entered, as well as drained a great deal. His farm steading and
dwelling house are very good. He feeds from 20 to 30 cross
bred cattle every year, and breeds from 10 to 12. He finds it
most profitable not to follow any strict rule, but to dispose of or
purchase cattle in any condition when a good bargain can be
made. The tenant ties up his feeding stock about the 1st of
October, and gives them a full supply of turnips and straw, with
from 3 lbs. to 4 lbs. of cake each per day when within three
weeks of selling ofl'. The cake is generally given them in the
middle of the day. Eock salt is laid in the stalls before the
cattle. The usual weight of the animals when fat is from 5
to 8 cwt. Sheep are not kept steadily on this farm, but the
grass is let in the end of the year along with as many turnips
as can be spared. From £7 to £10 is obtained for an acre of
Swedish turnips. There is an excellent stock of horses on
View field, being all Clydesdales, and several of them pedigreed
and prize winners. They have improved greatly within the
past twenty-five years. From 70 to 80 acres are allotted to a
pair. The tenant breeds at least one foal every year. Very
little hay is grown on this farm, only what supplies it with seed
for next crop. 'J'he average yield is about 130 stones (22 lbs.
]3er stone) per acre. Wheat pays best in a good year.

Almost in the immediate neighbourhood of the farm of View-
field is the model farm of Stonewells. Mr Tetrie, the tenant,
has been a very exemplary agriculturist for many years, and is
very careful and judicious in his system of farming. His farm
is one of the largest and best managed in the parish. Its extent
is 204 arable acres, for which the tenant pays £196, 3s. annual
rental. The land is similar to that on the farm of Viewlield.
Mr i'etrie applies chiefiy light manures to liis turnips. Potatoes

30 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

are grow^n after grass that has been top-clressecl heavily with
farm-yard manure before being ploughed, and about 6 cwt. of
potato manure is given when the potatoes are being planted.
Mr Petrie entered his farm in 1864, and has sinf3e then
executed considerable improvements in building, draining,
fencing, &c., at a cost of £400. The proprietor pays £200 at
the expiry of the lease, for improvements made to that extent
on buildings. The cattle consist of shorthorns and crosses,
about the half of which are bought in every year, and the others
bred on the farm. They are taken in off* the grass on the 1st
of October, and are usually ready for the April market of the
following year, and being two years old weigh about 7 cwt.
They are partly fed loose in courts, and partly tied up. It
would be an advantage if courts were more closely covered over
for feeding cattle. Turnips and straw constitute the feeding
aliment. With a few exceptions, the cows are allowed to suckle
their calves. These calves get sliced turnips in the autumn
along with from ^ lb. to 1 lb. of oilcake each per day, which is
continued throughout the winter and spring, until they are put
to grass.

The cost of labour since Mr Petrie became tenant of this
farm has increased at least 35 per cent. In accordance with
the regulation of the estate, the tenant works under the five-
shift course, but he thinks' that the land would be much
improved to lie in grass for a few years. He sows about half
the turnip land in swedes, and would sow even more of this
variety, but some parts of the farm are not well adapted for its
production. Barley and wheat are the principal cereal crop.
Mr Petrie does not cultivate oats extensively. Barley as a rule
is the most remunerative crop, but sometimes in a dry season
barley and oats are burnt up, when wheat, which sends its roots
deeper into the ground, withstands the effects of drought. The
quantities of seed sown per acre runs thus, — wheat 4 bushels,
barley 3^ bushels, and oats 4 bushels. The yield and weight
are various, but are about the same as those on Mr Anderson's
farm. Hay is always a light crop on this farm. Mr Petrie
puts nearly all his court manure upon grass lands, applying it
in the autumn after the first grass has been eaten, or early in
the following spring. The land to be sown with barley is twice
" break furrowed " and then ploughed. Mr Petrie is a very
liberal farmer, as may be inferred from the fact that he
expends on an averaga £200 per year for manures, besides the
outlay incurred for cake, which is no inconsiderable amount.
He has a good stock of strong agricultural horses.

A few miles north-west of Stonewells is the farm of Inch-
broom. The present tenant, Mr Euxton, has improved its value
considerably since he entered it some ten or twelve years ago.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 31

It is now in excellent condition, both as regards the cultivation
of the land and the coQvenience and superiority of the farm
houses. The holding extends to 420 acres arable, and about
650 acres of links and rough pasture. The present rental of
the arable land is £500, and of pasture £80, being about £180
in advance of the rent paid in 1857. The average rental in the
lower part of the parish is about 25s. per acre. The soil
consists chiefly of sand and clayey loam. On this farm the
seven-course shift is adopted, viz., two grasses, oats and barley,
potatoes, wheat, turnip, and barley sown with grass seeds.
Wheat yields on an average 4 quarters per acre, and weighs 62
lbs. ; barley 4| quarters, and weighs from 56 lbs. to 57 lbs. per
bushel ; oats 5 quarters, and weighs on an average 43 lbs. per
bushel. Barley is grown partly after grass and turnip, and
when on two years' old grass a little artificial or farm-yard
manure is applied immediately before the seed is sown, in order
to insure a good braird. Mr Euxton, until a few years ago,
gave a good deal of artificial manure to all the cereal crops, but
he finds it of mors value to the following crops, when given to
potatoes or turnips instead of cereals. Oats are generally grown
after lea, wheat, and potatoes. A good proportion of the land
for the corn crops is turned by a steam plough in autumn, and
is allowed to lie in this condition till spring, when it is ploughed
with a common plough and grubbed and harrowed. Besides
dividing the farm-yard manure between the turnips and
potatoes, Mr Euxton gives them artificial manure to the extent
of 8 cwt. per acre. He habitually grows wheat after potatoes,
because he finds that they prepare the land better for it than
turnips do. His shifts contain about 60 acres in each. From
40 to 50 acres of one shift is grown in potatoes, and the rest of
it in beans and sometimes turnips. About 12 cwt. of potato
seed is planted in an acre, from which about 5 tons are yielded.
The yield of turnips average from 15 to 20 tons per acre. The
farm has been wholly fenced, partly drained, and houses built,
at the tenant's expense, to the extent of £700, during the past
ten years. Cross cattle, from shorthorn bull and cross cow,
constitute Mr Buxton's herd. From 20 to 25 calves are bred
every year, in addition to which the tenant buys in as many o£f
the grass as completes his feeding stock, which is usually about
40 two-year-olds. The cattle are mostly fed on turnips and
straw. Last year, when potatoes were cheap, they were fed
partly on them. To feeding animals from 3 lbs. to 4 lbs. of
cake per day is allowed, and about 2 lbs. to each yearling. The
money expended in cake usually exceeds £100 per year. Two-
year-old cattle when fat weigh about 7 cwt. each. Mr Kuxton
lets his pasture for sheep during winter. His horses are of the
superior Clydesdale breed, and have improved immensely iu

32 THE AGKICULTURE OF THE

recent years. Mr Euxton has very much improved his farm
steading since 1870. It is now one of the best and most
convenient buildings in the parish, and is always well kept.
The interior arrangements are most complete, and ample accom-
modation is afforded for his stock. In the breeding of cattle
Mr Fiuxton is careful and judicious. Only one calf is allowed
to each cow until she is over three years of age, when she
fosters two every year. The average number of cattle on the
farm during the year is about 100. The ordinary stock of
liorses consist of six pairs, and a few foals are annually
reared.

The parish of St Andrews extends to a total area of 9359*544
acres, and is rich both as regards the fertility of the soil and
loveliness of the scenery. There is a great quantity of wood
growincr in it, and it contains some of the finest farms in the
county. Its valuation In 1866-67 was £6471, 16s., as com-
pared with £7810, 17s. now. The farm of Pitairlie lies in the
lower end of the district, and is 234 acres arable, and from 15
to 20 acres of river banks and pasture in extent. The rental
of this farm is 30s. per acre, but the average in the district
would vary from 20s, to 25s. The soil is principally clay, and
black and sandy loam. Mr Petrie adopts the five-course shift.
The average return of barley in ordinary years is about 5
quarters per acre, weighing from 55 lbs. to 56 lbs. per bushel.
Wheat yields 4 J quarters per acre, and weighs fully 62 lbs.; and
oats about 5 quarters, weighing from 43 lbs. to 44 lbs. Barley
and wheat are grown mostly after turnips, being invariably
manured, while oats are raised from lea without any stimu-
lants.

In the upper division of this parish there is great irregularity
in the size of farms, but taking them all in all they are smaller
than in the lower half. In passing through this district we find
that there is great variety of soil, it being poor, cold, and wet in
some spots, resting on the hard " pan," which is so objectionable
but so common in the blackhills district. The climate is
Jiin congenial. The five-course shift prevails. The various crops
yield on an average thus,^ — turnips from 10 to 15 tons per
acre, potatoes 3 to 5 tons, barley about 4 quarters, oats 5
quarters. The latter is most extensively grown. Wheat is not
cultivated to any great extent. All the farm-yard manure is
bestowed on the root crop, along with about 50s. worth of arti-
ficial manure per acre.

In the same parish, and in the vicinity of Elgin, are the
farms of Tyockside and Stonecrosshill, — 150 arable acres and
17 acres pasture in extent. Mr Calder, the tenant, is a very
careful and liberal farmer, and has improved the value of his
holding greatly since 1857. Land for turnips is allowed from

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 33

20 to 25 loads of farm-yard dung and from 4 to 5 cwt.
artificial manure per acre. Land for potatoes is prepared in
Che same manner, and 20 loads of farm-yard manure is allowed
per acre, along with from 3 to 4 cwts. of artificial stimulants.
Orops yield variously, — barley and oats from 4 to 5 quarters
per acre, the former weighing from 57 to 59 lbs. and the latter
from 45 to 47 lbs. per bushel. The soil is light, and climate
mild and early. The rotation is the five-shift system. The
proprietor erected an excellent farm house a few years ago.
As to the breed of cattle, Mr Calder has no particular class,
but breeds from 16 to 20 annually, and sells them off when
one year old, with the exception of a few which he feeds during
winter. The feeding material consists of turnips, straw, draff,
bruised corn, and oilcake. When fat the cattle usually weigh
from 5 to 7 cwt. Being in proximity to Elgin, Mr Calder
keeps a dairy, and supx)lies a good proportion of the inhabitants
of the burgh with milk.

Passing onwards, the next parish we enter is that of Drainie,
which is 7254-206 acres in extent. Its valuation in 1866-67
was £10,424, 5s., which when contrasted with that of 1882-83,
shows an increase of £2013, 4s. The greater part of this parish
lies low, and the soil is of a mixed and variable character.
Generally, however, it is a lightish loam, pretty sandy in some
parts, and dark loam in others. There are considerable knolls
of wood to be seen at different points. The largest landed
proprietor in Drainie is Sir William Gordon Gumming, Bart.
The estate of Captain James Brander Dunbar Brander of
Pitgaveny, which is about 3000 acres in extent, of which there
are about 2000 acres arable land, 800 acres rabbit links, and
about 200 acres wood. According to the valuation roll, the
land property was worth £1952, 3s. in 1866-67, and in 1882-83,
£2155, 13s. A-bout two-thirds of the arable land on this estate
consists of fine black loam like garden soil, and about one-third
light sandy loam. The largest farm on the estate is Coulard-
bank, wJiich is 498 acres in extent, including links, and the
smallest 60 acres. In all, there are eleven farms on the property,
besides 100 acres let in parks at Lossiemouth. A good many
steadings and houses have been built during the past twenty-
five or thirty years. At present there are only the houses of
one farm out of repair, and arrangements are being made for
their renovation. Fencing is done by the tenant, and is chietly
composed of wire. The loch of Spynie has been drained since
1855, adding some 40 or 50 acres to the arable land, which
liefore were an unsightly marsh, and worth very little. The land
being light, is worth only about 10s. per acre now. It has not
])aid the interest of the money expended in reclamation, but it
greatly benefits the drainage of the neighbouring farms. Cap-

C

34 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

tain Dunbar says "he has neither lost nor gained much by the
drainage of the loch." Over this property nineteen years lease
holds sway. Eents are payable at Candlemas or Lammas. In
building steadings the tenants drive stones and provide material.

About six acres of land near the manse of Drainie is rented
at £12, being the best land on the property. Captain Dunbar's
best farm contains 255 arable acres, which is let at £450, or
about £1, 15s. per acre. Eents have not risen much since 1857,
but there is a yearly increase taken from the feu-duties at
Branderburgh. The five-course shift is pursued on most farms,
but so long as a tenant farms liberally the proprietor would
not restrict him to a specific rotation. There are no regular
sheep farms on the estate, but about 200 sheep are kept on
Coulardbank. Sheep are wintered on several farms, for which
the flockmasters pay from 2d. to 3d. per head per week. No
wood has been planted since 1855. Captain Dunbar farms from
70 to 80 acres himself, for which he keeps one pair of horses.

The farms of Sunbank and Wester Oakenhead, which are
farmed as one, is the third largest holding on the Pitgaveny
estate. The extent of arable land is 250 acres and about 100
pasture. The rental is £411, 3s. The five-course shift is
pursued, and a crop of potatoes is taken after one year's grass,
being manured heavily with dung and artificial manure. The
nature of the soil and climate is favourable. The yield of
grain has been falling off in recent years, which the late Mr
Eae attributed to bad seasons and overfeeding of land with
artificial manure. In preparing and manuring land for turnips
and potatoes, court manure is distributed as far as possible, and
then artificial stimulants are applied. Great improvements
have taken place since 1857 in the way of draining and fencing,
mostly done by the late tenant.

The second largest farm on Captain Dunbar's property
is Kinneddar, tenanted by Mr Adam. It is about 500
acres in extent, and is all arable. The total rental is £450.
The prevailing soil on the farm is a lightish black loam of a
porous nature, and resting on a gravelly subsoil. Mr Adam
works about 230 acres on the seven-course system, viz., two
grasses, and oats, potatoes, barley, turnips, and barley again.
The remainder is worked under the five-course shift, viz., two
grasses, oats or sometimes potatoes, turnips, and barley. The
average yield of the various crops is about 4 quarters barley, 5
quarters oats, 6 tons potatoes, and from 16 to 20 tons of turnips
per acre. Land for the root crop is tilled in the ordinary way,
and about 20 loads of dung and 4 cwts. of bone meal given per
acre. Potatoes are manured the same as turnips, but the dung
is ploughed down in the autumn, and artificial stimulants
applied when the potatoes are being planted. Being near

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 35

LossiemoLith, where extensive fisheries are carried on, Mr Adam
gives his land intended fur turnips a liberal top-dressing with fish
garbage, which is ploughed down in autumn, and not put into
drills as is usually the case. The whole of the farm steading,
which was destroyed by fire fully a year ago, has been rebuilt
— the propirietor allowing about half the cost, and valuation for
the other half at the end of the lease. Mr Adam drained the
greater projjortion of his farm since 1855. The proprietor
afforded pipes for three large open ditches, which hav^e been
filled in, and about 30 acres have been reclaimed, for which
the tenant gets nothing. The tenant has also erected a steam
threshing mill, for which he gets valuation at expiry of lease.
The farm stock of cattle consists of crosses and shorthorns, of
which about 20 are annually bred and about 40 fed. The
feeding stock are tied up in October, and sold off about April or
May. Turnips and straw constitute the staple article of food,
and about the 1st of February from 2 to 3 lbs. of linseed
cake or bruised oats and rye are allowed each animal per day.
The average weight when fat is about 6^ cwt. As long as
good Irish calves can be got from £5 to £6 when about six
months old, Mr Adam thinks it more profitable to buy in than
to breed cattle. He keeps a number of cows, and supplies
the inhabitants of Lossiemouth and Branderburgh with milk.
About 300 half-bred lambs are bought in in August, and kept
on grass and stubble fields till December, when they are netted
on turnips, and get ^ lb. of linseed cake or corn from the 1st of
March down to the Ist of May, when they are sold off. Mr
Adam has a good deal of the Clydesdale blood in his stud, and
the horses are strong, heavy, and well adapted for to work
at the rate of 80 acres per pair. Married servant men are most
plentiful where cottages can be got, but these are far too few.
Wages have advanced about 30 per cent, since 1857. Two-
thirds of the shift are devoted to the growth of swedes and
one-third to yellow turnips. On one-fifth of the land under
the five-shift system Mr Adam grows oats and one-fifth barley,
and in the seven-course shift he grows one-seventh oats and
two-sevenths barley. He does not grow wheat, but cultivates a
little rye occasionally.

Another large and similarly conducted farm is Muirtown,
tenanted by Mr John Calder. It is all arable, extends to 270
acres, and is rented at £331. The whole of the farm is wrought
under the five-course shift. The average yield of barley is
about 5 quarters per acre, weighing fruni 56 to 58 lbs. per
bushel, and oats G quarters per acre, weighing from 42 to 44 lbs.
per bushel. Wheat, which is not extensively grown on this
farm, weighs from G3 to 04 lbs. per bushel The soil is mostly
of a sandy nature, and well adapted for the cultivation of roots,

36 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

especially potatoes. In cleaning the laud for the root crop,
Mr Calder " break furrows " twice as early in the autumn as
possible, after which it receives a thorough grubbing and
harrowing. At the time of sowing turnips, from 20 to 22 loads
of dung, along with from 5 to 6 cwt. of artificial manure, is
given per acre. The potatoes, which are grown generally
after lea, get from 7 to 8 cwt. of artificial manure. The
houses on this farm are all in good repair. Mr Calder breeds a
few calves every year, but only keeps cows sufficient to supply
milk for the farm. He feeds from 40 to 50 cattle every winter
on cut turnips and straw, and sells them in February and
March, when they as a rule weigh from 5 to 7 cwt. He also
feeds a few sheep every year, and kills them in the months of
March and April. They are fed on turnips and straw. As
regards horses, there are few farms in the county on which a
better stock can be seen. Mr Calder is a careful breeder, and
an excellent judge. His horses work from 70 to 80 acres a
pair. Wages are about the same now as those current in 1860,
but they were considerably higher a few years ago. From 54
to 55 acres are sown with turnips, one half swedes and the
other half yellow ; about 55 acres barley, and 45 acres oats.
Barley is the most renumerative crop.

Perhaps on no other lidding in the parish of Drainie has
the condition and value of land been more enhanced than on
the farm of Ardivot during the past twelve years. Since the
present tenant, Mr (jeorge Tod, entered the farm some eleven
years ago, he has increased its value considerably over £100.
Besides this, Mr Tod has since erected over 15 miles of fencing,
and built a farm steading and cottages to the amount of £1400.
The same number of acres on the farm return double the
quantity of grain and roots yielded prior to 1870. Mr Tod
says, " to get land kept up to a high state of cultivation, is a
matter of no little importance, and can only be done by com-
pensation, and rooting out those tenants who abuse land, and
they are not few. It will not pay any farmer to reduce his
land too much, and in order to avoid this let phosphates be
applied instead of bones." Mr Tod has reclaimed about 130
acres of the Loch of Spynie, which he partially drained, the
proprietor suppl}'ing the tiles. It was formerly worth about
5s. per acre, and now it has risen to 25s. or 30s. per acre. He
also drained nearly every field on the farm, and filled up a big
ditch some 130 chains in length, the proprietor supplying the tiles.
The farm is stocked with very superior cattle and horses, and Mr
Tod never fails to adopt the proper means for their improvement.

We now find ourselves in the parish of Duffus, which is
extremely level and low-lying. Its total area is 9865*270
acres; in 1866-67 its valuation was £12,005, 12s., and in

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 37

1832-83, £13,999, ITs. This district has been immensely
improved during the past twenty-tive years, which has to be
ascribed as much to the enthusiasm of the tenantry as to the
enterprise of the landlords. Sir Archibald Dunbar, Bart., of
Northfield, is the principal proprietor. His estate in round
numbers is 2400 acres in extent, of which about 100 acres are
under wood. The rental in 1855 was £2995, 9s. 5hd., and in
1880, £3421, 18s. 6d. The land on this estate is chiefly alluvial,
but about 250 acres consist of adhesive clay. The size of farms
is genernlly about 130 acres, excepting a few small crofts near
the village of Duff'us, Some of these crofts have been held by
the same families for three generations without lease. Almost
all the houses on the estate have been slated and repaired since
1855, and many others built from the foundation. Fencing,
which is chiefly wire, has been erected by the tenants, for which
they get value before leaving. About 80 acres of the Loch of
Spynie hav^e been reclaimed since it was drained, and the land
is of an alluvial description, resting on a sandy bottom. The
proprietor puts up most of the farm buildings ; but in some
cases tenants erect cottages, and are paid for them at the end of
the lease. Most of the improvements are done by the pro-
prietor. On this estate 50s. per acre is the highest rental, 10s.
the lowest, and aboat 31s. the average. Kents are collected in
June and December. None are paid in kind. The increase in
the rental of this ])arish is greatly swallowed up by the increase
of public burdens. The taxes and public burdens in 1855
amounted to £556, 18s. l^d., and in 1880 to £655, 19s. 6d.,
showing an increase of £99, Is. 4Jd. The estate is well pro-
vided with accommodation for the servants. Cottages have
recently been built on five farms. Servants are mostly
single. Tenants are not strictly bound down to any shift,
but the six-shift is followed on all the farms except one.
Cattle are principally cross bred, bought in autumn and sold
soon after Christmas. There are about a dozen crofts held
mostly by tradesmen. About 30 acres have been planted with
fir trees since 1855. Sir Archibald Dunbar holds about 50
acres of land in his own hands, adjoining Duffus House, and it
is sown out in permanent pasture for sheep.

One of Sir Archibald Dunbar's largest farms is Waterton,
occupied by Mr James Young, and is 200 arable acres in
extent. In 18GG-G7 the rental was £300, and now it is £347.
Mr Young is a very exemplary farmer, being well acquainted
with his profession, both ])ractically and scientifically. He
manages other three farms along with his own, viz., Burnside,
280 acres; Covesea, fully 300 acres; and Wateryniains, adjoining
the farm of Waterton, 230 arable acres. About 140 acres of
iJurnside are sheep pasture, whicii is hemmed in on one side by

38 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

the sea. Both Waterymains and Covesea are on the Gordons-
town estate, and consist chiefl}^ of light arenaceous soil. The
soil on the farms of Waterton and Waterymains is mostly
adhesive clay, interspersed with rich alluvial and loam. In
the district generally the rental averages from 30s. to 35s. per
acre. Confining ourselves to the farm of Waterton, we may
state that Mr Young pursues the six-shift course, viz., two
crops oats and wheat, turnips, barley, and two years grass.
Wheat, barley, and oats yield pretty equally, from 4 to 5^
quarters each per acre. A great proportion of the Duffus
estate is notable for its crops of hay. On Waterton the
average return per acre varies from 200 to 250 stones. Mr
Young prepares for the root crop in the ordinary way, and
manures land for turnips in spring with a mixture of super-
phosphates and crushed bones to the extent of from 6 to 8
cwt. per acre. Autumn wheat gets a liberal supply of farm-
yard manure, and barley is heavily top-dressed with dung in
the spring. This produces a fine crop of grass and hay.
Potatoes are grown only to the extent r squired for farm use,
and are treated similarly to turnips. Very heavy crops of
turnips are grown in this district. The condition of the farm
of Waterton, as well as that of neighbouring holdings, has been
vastly improved since 1857. Draining, fencing, and squaring
up the fields have since then entailed great labour and outlay.
A little previous to 1850 and in 1868, the whole of the land
on the farm of Waterton was dressed with lime and an
admixture of earth at the rate of from 7 to 8 quarters per acre.
The farm steading is in excellent repair, having been built
about fifteen years ago, and is large and convenient. There are
two commodious cattle courts, which are always in use, and
which are highly advantageous to the feeding of cattle. The
landlord afforded money for the building, and the tenant paid
5 per cent, along with his rent. The cattle are all purchased,
and only as many cows are kept as supply milk for home use.
Most of the feeding cattle are fed in open courts. They are
put on to turnips and straw at the end of September, and some
of them are sold off between Martinmas and the New Year, at
a weight of from 6 to 7 cwt. each. The further advanced
stock in feedng are usually finished off with a little cake. Mr
Young has long been an eminent breeder of horses. A pair
of horses work only from 50 to 60 acres on this tenacious soil.
On Sir Archibald's property farm servants are mostly married.
Through the courtesy of Mr Young and the accuracy of his cash
book, we are enabled to give a statement as to the total cost of
labour at various periods since 1857, on the farm of Waterton.
It is as follows :— in 1857, about £75; 1860, £78; 1865, £82 ;
1870 £95; 1875, £142, 10s.; 1880, £129, 15s.; and in 1881,

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIEN. 39

£126. Casual labour for hoe and harvest for the past twenty-five
years varied from £30 to £40 a year. This indicates pretty clearly
the rise of wages since 1857. Mr Young erected farm servants'
cottages, for which he is paid by proprietor at the end of the
lease. The fallowing of land was abandoned some thirty years
ago in this district, when turnips became an established article
of food for cattle. Swedes are grown to the extent of two-
thirds of the shift, yellow turnips one-third ; wheat about 33
acres, barley 33 acres, and oats 33 acres. Wheat, as a rule,
pays better than barley or oats. Mr Young, contrary to most
of the other farmers in the district, thrashes the bulk of his cereals
with a horse mill in wet weather, when the land is unworkable,
which keep down expenses that are necessarily involved when
portable mills are brought into requisition. The majority of
farmers in Duff'us thrash out their barley in the fall of the year
with portable mills, especially on the drier soils.

A little further westwards are the farms of Surradale, 184
acres in extent, and £500 rental, and Orchardfield, 127 acres,
and £240 rental, occupied by Mr James Adam. The farm of
Thornhill, 195 acres, and £210, 10s. rental, in the parish of
Elgin, was also in possession of Mr Adam. The former two are
wrought as one farm, and all the three consist of purely arable
land. The Duffus rental runs from 25s. to 35s. and the
Thornhill district from 5s. to 25s. per acre. The farms in
Duffus contain clay and black loamy soil, and on Thornhill the
soil is light and sandy. The Surradale farm yields about 6
quarters of cereals per acre, and Thornhill barely 4 quarters.
The quality of the grain on both farms is invariably superior,
and weighs over the standard weight. In preparing land for
the turnip crop Mr Adam ploughs it in autumn to the depth
of 10 inches, and cross ploughs it in spring, and cleans out the
weeds thoroughly. He gives it about 25 loads of farm-yard
manure and 6 cwt. artiticial manure per acre in spring. The
land for potatoes is prepared in the same way, and receives
about 6 cwt. of manure, consisting of bones, superphosphates,
and sulphate of ammonia, per acre, which is sown broadcast on
the drills immerliately before planting, (xreat improvements
have been accomplislied on Surradale by the proprietor
during the past twenty-live years. Mr Adam built an addition
to the dwelling-house in Thornhill, repaired the farm steading,
improved roads and water-courses, and fenced the farm partly
with stone dykes and wire entirely at his own expense. Very
few cattle are bred om either of these farms, but about 300 are
fed every winter. These are chietly polled and cross cattle,
which are housed for feeding about October, fed on turnips
and straw with 2 lbs. cake and 2 lbs. oats per day, and are sold
oil as they fatten. The farm horses have improved greatly

40 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

siuce 1857, and a pair works at the rate of 80 acres. The farm
servants are mostly single, and get from £20 to £25 yearly,
with the usual allowances. Wages have risen fully 25 per
cent, during the past twenty years. There is sufficient cottai^e
accommodation at Surradale, but not at Thornhill. Kents have
advanced 30 to 35 per cent, since 1857, and are at present
too high.

The parish of Spynie stretches almost due east and west
between the parishes of Drainie, Duffus, and Elgin, and has an
area of 5971*512 acres. About a mile from the east end of the
parish it is intersected by a high ridge of moor, covered with fir
wood on the north side, and a flourishing oak wood on the south.
On either side of this ridge, as in the eastern half of the parish,
there is a deal of fine soil, varying from the richest loam and
clay to the most sterile sand. The value and general con-
figuration of the parish have been very much improved since
1850. There has been no noteworthy change in the system of
farming, but the soil has been greatly enriched by skilful
management. The principal landed proprietor in this parish is
Lord Fife, and generally the five-course shift is the system of
rotation adopted. The farm of Myreside is one of the largest
and best managed farms in the parish, and our notes with
reference to it will suffice for giving an indication of the
system pursued on the north-east side of the parish of Elgin,
as well as for the parish of Spynie. Mr Kussell, the tenant,
is one of the most successful farmers in Morayshire. His
knowledge of the chemistry of agriculture affords him a special
prerogative in his profension, which, unfortunately, few agri-
culturists can boast of. In nourisliing exhausted land he has
been very successful, and his farm is now raised to a high state
of fertility. Its total extent is 360 acres, of which 5 acres are
rough pasture. The average rental of the district is from 25s.
to 26s. per acre. The soil on this farm ranges from almost
pure sand to good loam. The climate is dry and warm. Mr
Kussell farms under the five-shift rotation, viz., two years grass,
white crop, turnips and barley sown out with grass seed ;
potatoes are substituted for part of the turnip break, or part of
the white crop after lea, according to the soil. Irrespective of
exceptional years, the average yield of crops on Myreside is,
barley 5 quarters per acre, weighing about C)6 lbs. per bushel ;
oats from 4 to 5 quarters, weighing about 43 lbs. per bushel ;
and rye from 3 to 3| quarters per acre, weighing about 60 lbs.
per bushek The return of barley in 1881 did not exceed 3
quarters per acre, and was exceptionally light. Mr Eussell has
not grown wheat for four or five years, the average yield having
fallen to 3 quarters on the best land on the farm. Turnips
(yellow) yield about 15 tons, and swedes about 18 tons per

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 41

{icre. Potatoes return on an average 5 tons per acre. The
land is ploughed with a stronf^ furrow in autumn, allowed
to lie under the action of frost in this condition until spring,
when it is cleaned in good time, and left to consolidate
and gather moisture for some time before drilling. About 18
loads of dung are given per acre along with from 4 to 6 cwt. of
artificial manure, which is composed of dissolved bones and
superphosphates. To light land, when farm-yard manure runs-
short, Mr liussell gives 5 cwt. of crushed bones to an acre.
From 8 to 10 acres of potatoes are grown every year. They are
sometimes laid down with stable manure alone, sometimes with
sulphate of ammonia and potash, and occasionally with bones.
The latter is not considered good for potatoes. Since 1855,
about 80 acres of land have been improved, 50 acres of which
were drained lately at the tenant's expense. The proprietor
paid a proportion of the expenses of draining some 15 or 20
acres. Several miles of dyke, new dwelling-house, and an
addition to farm steading have been built by the proprietor,
for which 5 per cent, interest is payable by the tenant, who
supplied building materials. Eight or ten calves are bred
yearly, and from 20 to 30 head of three-year-old cattle fed
during the winter. They are partly tied up, and partly fed in
half-covered courts. The first consignment of fat stock is
usually turned out about Christmas, weighing fully 5 cwt. each.
Cattle feeding in folds are sometimes kept on yellow turnips for
three weeks, then Swedish, with a little corn and cake, until
about April, when they weigh from 6 J to 7 cwt. Some years
there is more profit in buying in than breeding. Mr Kussell
bought about 100 half-bred lambs and wintered them up to a
few years ago ; but although they left a little profit, he has
relinquished sheep feediuLj, and now sells his spare roots. His
horses are all good, and work at the rate of 80 acres a pair. Under
the heading of labour, we give Mr Russell's statement as to the
increase in the rate of wages. Since 1857 rents have risen
about 20 per cent. Mr Russell grows about one-third of his
turnip land in swedes, two-thirds in yellow turnips, one-fifth
barley, and one-tiftii oats, Rye is grown on 10 or 15 acres of
the poorest soil.

The parish of Elgin is inland, contains 19,258-329 acres, and
is very irregular in its shape. Its valuation in 18G6-67 was
£10,238, 9s., and now it is £11,351, 4s. Tlie nature of the soil
is extremely variable, and the climate is generally dry and
early. Elgin is situated in the eastern corner of the parish, is
71^ miles from Aberdeen, 178 from EdinburLjh ; latitude 57^
39' N., longitude 3' 22' W. To the south-west of the parish,
there is much of the soil fertile loam, ami the scenerv is
mignificent. Five miles south-west of Elgin arc the lichen-

42 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

clad ruins o£ Pluscarden Abbey, which was founded by Alex-
ander II., and belonged to the Cistercian order of monks. It
may be said that this parish is nearly all under cultivation.
The most extensive proprietor is Lord Fife. The properties of
the Earl of Moray, Lord Seafield, and the Hon. James Ogilvie
Grant of Mayne, all meet in the parish. Having already
indicated pretty fully the customs and general management of
farms on the Fife estates, we shall proceed to the western
district, whicli is the property of the Earl of Moray, where there
are many extensive and skilfully wrought holdings. We will
not stop at this stage to describe the Earl of Moray's estate, but
will do so when we reach a more central point. Here we are
in a beautifully cultivated valley aloug the western side of the
river Lossie, and shall explain the courses of husbandry
pursued. The fine and carefully managed farm of Linkwood,
in the neighbourhood of Elgin, has an area of 486 acres, is
rented at £500, and occupied by Mr Eric Sutherland.

Wester Manbeen is the largest farm in the district, if not
indeed in the parish, and is held by Mr James E. Colvin. Its
extent is 540 arable acres, and is rented at about 28s. 6d. per acre.
This, however, is above the average rental of the district, which
runs from 20s. to 25s, per acre. The soil is mostly sandy
loam, and being almost on a level with the river Lossie,
is inclined to be cold and damp. Though the climate is
naturally warm, vegetation is generally a week later than in the
neighbouring parish of Alves. The greater part of the farm is
worked under a six-course shift, but a part of the best land is
laboured in the five-shift rotation. Under the latter system a
crop of hay, which yields about 130 stones per acre, is taken, and
the grass is depastured the second year. After three-year old
grass, which occurs in the six-shift course, about 15 acres of
potatoes are raised. The tenant finds it most profitable to grow
turnips after potatoes, which saves an amount of labour in
cleaning the land. A crop of barley is then taken, which is
sovvn along with grass seeds. Wheat yields on an average 4
quarters, and weighs 62 lbs. ; barley 4J quartsrs, and weighs 55
lbs.; and oats 5 quarters, and weighs 43 lbs. A quantity of tares
or vetches is grown every year, and given to cattle and horses
in harvest. In the district generally, as well as on this farm,
land when dirty is break furrowed as soon as the foregoing crop
is secured in the autumn, and is left in this condition during
the winter. This keeps weeds near the surface, and therefore
facilitates the cleaning of the ground in spring. Mr Colvin
approves of sowing his manure broadcast, as it lies nearer the
root of the plants than when sown in the drill. A proportion
of the farm-yard manure is given to land for wheat in the
autumn. About 70 acres of land for turnips receives from 18

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 43

to 20 loads of dung, and bsfore drilling a mixture of manure of
^ cwt. Peruvian guano, 3 cwt. dissolved bones, 1 cwt. super-
phosphates, and Ih cwt. bone meal, — in all 7 cwt. is sown per
acre broadcast. Fifteen acres of light outlying land never gets
dung, but a mixture of artificial manure given instead, consisting
of 1 cwt. kainit, 4 cwt. dissolved bones, 2 cwt. bone meal, and
IJ cwt. superphosphates. A covering of farm-yard manure is
spread over lea intended for a potato crop in the autumn, and it
is then ploughed light. Besides dung, a mixture of 1 cwt.
muriate of potash and 2 cwt. dissolved bones is given per acre
before planting. The steading of the farm is perhaps second
to none in the county, both in respect of size and grandeur, and
was designed by Mr William Brown, factor for the Earl of
Moray. Its covers fully an acre of ground, and is built in a
most useful and convenient form. It has extensive accommo-
dation, is well apportioned, and was built a few years ago by
the proprietor. The tenant provided the building material. At
his own expense he erected upwards of three miles of substantial
wire fencing. From 30 to 40 cross cattle are reared every
year, and 100 fed. Those reared on the farm are sold off when
20 months old. They usually weigh about 6| cwt. each.
Turnips and straw form the staple diet until within a few
months of the time for disposing, when they receive an
allowance of corn and cake. The horses on the farm are strong
and good, and about 90 acres are allotted to a pair. Servants
arc mostly married, cottages being abundant. The ordinary
wages for farm servants range from £16 to £30, with 2 loads
potatoes, 6 bolls meal, and a supply of milk and coals. They
have increased fully 35 per cent., and rents about 15 per cent,
since 1857. Under the present circumstances, rents are too high.
The acreage under the respective crops are swedes 50, yellow
turnips 45, barley 100, and wheat 50. Barley is the most
remunerative cereal. Mr Colvin also occupies the farm of Burn
of Kothes, which is 240 arable acres, and has attached to it from
8000 to 10,U00 acres of hill pasture. It carries a breeding flock
of Cheviot ewes, generally numbering about 1800, and also a
Hock of the blackt'aced breed. A Leicester tup is allowed to
mix with the latter about the loth November, and with the
former about 20th November. The Cheviot wetlier lambs are
disposed of at the Inverness sheep fair, and the greyfaced lambs
are sold off later m the season.

The farm of Kaster Manbeen, occupied by Mr Scott, has a
total area of 200 acres, and is all arable. The soil on it is
mostly liicht, and both the five and six shifts are adojtted.

Another hour's walk, and we reach the parish of Birnie, whicli
stretches along the foot of the subordinate chain of primitive
mountain land which divides the upi)er half of the county

44 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

from the " Laigh of Moray." It is 6828'267 acres in extent,
had a total rental of £1964, 2s. in 1866-67, aud is now
£2913, OS. The real rent of the parish in 1791 was £375
sterling, and in 1835 £1200. A considerable breadth of the
extent of the parish consists of hill and moorland, but there are
also extensive tracts of highly cultivated soil. The principal
object of interest in this parisli is the church, which lies near
the centre of it, and which is extremelv old. No data can be
found to indicate when it was built, but it is said to be the
original seat of the Bishopric of Moray. The strata or underly-
ing rocks in the parish of Birnie consist of gneiss and Old Red
Sandstone. The soil varies from light gravel, through the
richest alhivium to retentive clay, and moss in the upper
districts. There is such a depth of sandy matter intervening
between the strata and the soil, that the rocks do not influence
it to any great extent. The principal farm we have yet reached
is that of Shankhouse, tenanted bv Mr Alexander Grant, and
which extends to about 130 acres arable, and 50 acres natural
pasture. Mr Grant manages another important holding. The
rental per acre in this parish averages from 7s. 6d. to 35s. per
acre. The five-course shift is pursued, and crops yield fairly
well in good seasons. The land is cleaned in the spring for
turnips, and manured in the drills with 20 loads of clung and
from 4 to 6 cwt. of artificial manure. For potatoes the land
is dunged and ploughed down early in winter, and from 3 to 5
cwt. of potato manure is also added with the seed. Mr Grant
drained a considerable extent, subsoiled and fenced a great deal,
and the proprietor built all the necessary buildings, and charged
5 per cent, interest, exclusive of the cartage of building material.
The steading and farm houses are now in excellent repair.
Few cattle are reared. From 25 to 30 cattle are fed in byres
and courts. They are tied up in September, when feeding begins
with soft varieties of turnips, accompanied by a little bruised
oats, then yellow turnips, followed by swedes. Mr Grant allows
from 70 to 90 lbs. of turnips to each animal per day, with 1 lb.
cake and corn. As they fatten, their supply of turnips is
curtailed to 50 lbs. or thereby per day, and artificial stuffs
increased to a corresponding extent. In years such as last year,
when potatoes are cheap, cattle are fed partly on them. Mr
Grant buys in from 70 to 100 cast ewes in the end of the year,
to eat up the remainder of the grass, and he feeds them off with
turnips and corn. The farm horses are generally good and active.
They as well as cattle have greatly improved within the last twenty-
five years. Servants' wages had advanced between 1855 and 1878
by about 70 per cent., but have since then decreased about 15 or
20 per cent. Rents rose from 25 to 40 per cent, up to 1878, on
an average. They are too high on the majority of farms.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 45

The farm of Shogle extends to 158 acres arable and 40
pasture, is rented at £121, 7s., and is situated near tlie centre of
the parish of Birnie. The soil on this farm and the surrounding
districts varies from good sharp soil to cold damp land, in some
cases much in want of draining. The average rental per acre is
about 16s. Under tlie five-shift rotation, which is prevalent in
the district, oats yield from 4 to 6 quarters per acre, weighing
from 41 to 43 lbs. per bushel ; barley 5 to 6 quarters, weighing
from 53 to 56 lbs.; rye from 3 to 4 quarters, weighing from 58 to
60 lbs.; turnips from 15 to 20 tons per acre, and potatoes from 4
to 5 tons. About 20 loads of dung with 3 cwt. bone dust, 3
cwt. superphosphates, and IJ cwt. " challenge " manure, is the
customary allowance in the shape of manure for turnips. For
potatoes, the dung is ploughed down in autumn, and from 4 to 5
cwt. of potato manure is added when planting. The proprietor
built a nice commodious steading, and the tenant — Mr Cruick-
shank — reclaimed about 10 acres of land during the past twenty-
five years.

A little further inland is the farm of Blairnhall, which
contains 117 acres arable and 100 acres pasture, and is tenanted
by Mr Grant, a very careful farmer. The soil is dry, and would
not pay the labour if wrought in the five course-shift. Some-
times Mr Grant leaves it in grass for three, four, and five years,
then takes a crop of turnips off the w^orst land, which is
succeeded by a crop of barley or rye sown with grass seeds. In
medium soil Mr Grant ploughs early, grubs well in spring before
sowing, which he usually begins about the 1st of May, taking a
crop of barley, then turnips, which is followed by barley again
sown with grass seeds. His system on the good land is some-
what different. He takes first a crop of oats, then barley, giving
about 3 cwt. manure per acre, which is followed by turnips, and
with another crop of barley runs it into grass. Oats yield from
3J to 5 quarters per acre, weighing from 42 to 45 lbs. per bushel ;
barley from 4 to 5 quarters, weigliing from 54 to 58 lbs. per
bushel. Mr Grant gives about 20 loads of dung per acre to land
for turnips, along with a mixture of crusli'ed bones, bone dust,
and superphosphate, to the amount of 6 cwt. For potatoes he
gives dung and about 4 cwt. potato manure per acre. He
kee])S a Hock of Cheviot ewes and a Leicester tup.

In resuming our tour westward, we enter the parish of Alve?,
which is one of the most notable in the county for its agricul-
tural industry. There are several landed ^jroprietors in this
parish, but the most extensive are the Earl of Moray and Lord
Fife. The extent of Alves is 9424-686 acres, and in 1866-()7
rented £7811, 13.s., and in 1882-83, £9084, 18s. It is for a
considerable distance washed by the sea on the north side, and
the nature of the soil is a free deep productive loam, intersected

46 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

by pendicles of moss and sand. The farm of Inchstelly,
tenanted by Mr Leitch, gives strong evidence of the skilful way
in which farming is carried on in the parish. Inchstelly con-
tains 270 arable acres, and is rented at about 35s. per acre. The
soil consists of sandy loam, and the climate is favourable. The
five and six course shifts are pursued. Barley is the most pro-
fitable cereal, and yields on an average from 4 to 5 quarters per
acre, weighing about 56 lbs., and oats from about 6 quarters,
weighing about 42 lbs. Not much wheat is grow^n, but the
average weight of it is about 62 lbs. Mr Leitch ploughs land
for turnips deep in autumn, and lets it lie in this state till spring,
vv^hen he cross ploughs, harrows, and grubs it, and harrows it
again before sowing. Mr Leitch gives the land about 10 cwt.
of bone dust and phosphates per acre, but no farm-yard manure,
which is put on the ground after the turnips are lifted, for the
following crop of barley. He has always a good crop of turnips.
Potatoes are grown in quantities sufficient to meet home require-
ments, and they are manured in the same way as turnips, except
that they are allowed a little farm-yard manure. The tenant
has trenched and reclaimed some 30 acres of hill land, and carted
away thousands of loads of stones from it. He breeds all his
feeding stock of cattle except a very few. They are tied up in
early autumn when from 18 to 20 months old, and if worth £18
a head, then he has no difficulty in adding at the rate of £1 a
head per month to their value until they are properly fed.
They get tares to begin with, when they are newly put in
for feeding, then early turnips and straw, with 1 lb. cake each
and a little meal. Heifers weigh from 5 to 6 cwt., and stots
from 6 to 7^ cwt. w^hen kept to Whitsunday. Mr Leitch
thinks farmers should breed more cattle than they do. Each
cow fosters two calves. His horses are strong useful animals,
about the best in the county, and were bred by himself. He has
always a few entire horses, from which he is careful to select the
best animals for breeding purposes. Horses have improved
greatly during the past twenty-five years, but there is still need
for improvement. From 80 to 90 acres are allotted to a pair.
Wages have advanced nearly a half since 1855. Cottages are
abundant on the Earl of Moray's estate. The rental of this
farm has risen £95 since 1850. The general rise throughout
the parish would run from 15 to 20 per cent. Mr Leitch grows
about 53 acres of turnips, of which two-thirds are Swedish and
the rest yellow and early turnips ; about 53 acres of barley, 53
acres of oats, from 8 to 10 acres of tares, and from 10 to 15 acres
of hay occasionally, which yields from 120 to 150 stones (22
lbs. per stone) per acre.

The estate of Ardgye, the property of Mr Kobert Mackessack,
covers about 4000 acres, of which about 3000 are arable, 400

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 47

under wood, and the rest links. Mr Mackessack is one of the
most liberal landlords in the country, which is evidenced by the
fact, that ^hcD he came into possession of the estate he bouoht
up all the buildings belonging to the tenantry, and has since
erected all the necessary buildings without charging interest.
As a matter of course, he obtains a slight increase of rent after
erecting houses and fences. The soil consists of a black and
light sandy loam, and is very friable and productive. The farms
on the estate range in size from 10 to 400 acres, and are all
well provided w4th houses. These are, with a few exceptions,
built of stone and lime, and roofed with slates. Most of them
have been erected during the past twenty-five years. Nearly all
the farms on the property have also been fenced and subdivirled
with wire within that period. There have also been a good
many miles of stone dykes built, as well as a considerable
stretch of hedging planted since 1857. Roads in the parish of
Alves are at present uniformly good, and are carefully kept.
Partly by the agency of steam and horse ploughs, the proprietor
has during the last three years reclaimed about 300 acres of land,
which in its former state was worth only about Is. per acre, and
will soon be worth 20s. per acre. The cost of reclamation is
estimated at from £3 to £5 per acre. Mr Mackessack has
expended a great deal, and in fact expends a large sum annually,
in draining, for which he charges nothing from the tenants.
The average rental over the estate is about 30s., and the
extremes 40s. and 20s. per acre. The rents are collected at
Candlemas and Whitsunday. Servants are in the majority
married, which is mainly due to the good supply of cottage
accommodation. Generally speaking, the five-shift rotation is
the one adopted, but there is no specific stipulation in the lease
whereby tenants could be prohibited from deviating from this
course. The regulations merely state that the tenant shall be
entitled to labour the arable land of the farm during the
currency of the lease as he may consider proper, as long as he
goes by the rules of good husbandry, providing that he cleans the
land well and labours it under the five-shift system during the last
three years of his lease. There are a good many tenants on the
estate who hold their farms on leases of fifteen years, but nine-
teen years is the ])revailing duration. Cross bred cattle, from
shorthorn bull and polled cows, are the predominating breed of
.cattle, which along witli a number of bought-in stock are fed on
turnips and straw, which is supplemental with about 3 lbs. of
cake per head ])er day. The only sheep farm on the estate is
that of Kosevalley, occupied by the pro})rietor, on which about
1000 half-bred lambs, bought in the month of August, are fed.
The usual allowance of extraneous feeding material is about 1
lb. of cake per head per day. There are only a few small crofts

48 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

on the estate, and are held mostly by tradesmen on short leases.
During the past fifteen years about 400 acres of partly Scotch fir
-and larch wood have been planted, which are making rapid
progress. Mr Mackessack well knows the exigencies of tenants
by being a large farmer himself, as well as a proprietor. He farms
from 1500 to 1600 acres of land, and is presently preparing three
farms, with buildings, fencing, and drainage, to be ready for
letting next season.

Mr Walter Adam, tenant of the farm of Sweethillock, Alves,
is also a successful and very enterprising farmer. He farms
extensively both in this county and in Banffshire. The farm of
Sweethillock extends to 190 acres, of which 3 acres are pasture
and the rest arable. It is rented at £180. He works under the
six-shift rotation, taking two successive white crops on good
land. Wheat used to yield about 5 quarters per acre, but in
recent years only 3 quarters ; barley about 5 quarters, and weighs
about 56 lbs. per bushel. Oats are grown on the worst land,
and yield from 4 to 5 quarters per acre. For turnips Mr Adam
ploughs in autumn, again in winter, and a third time if the
season be good. He gives the land 16 cubic yards of dung,
along with 6 cwt. of bone dust and IJ cwt. superphosphate
manure per acre. He grows only about two acres of potatoes,
which are similarly treated to turnips. The tenant built a
dwelling-house and an excellent steading, as well as stone dykes,
without any assistance from the proprietor. He has improved
the farm immensely since 1857. Few cattle are bred, but a
good many are fattened, and weigh from 5 to 6 cwt. when sold.
Sheep are bought in in the end of the year to eat up the grass,
and are fed off on corn and cake. Mr Adam has an excellent
stud of horses, but he says there is great need for good stallions
to travel the county. His horses work at the rate of 70 acres a
pair. Servants' wages have about doubled since 1855. Cottages
are scarce, and proprietors should provide these for tenants.
Hents have advanced about one-fifth over the county generally,
since 1850. The system of farming has changed greatly in this
district. With efficient drainage, liberal manuring and liming,
the land will now raise double the quantity of grain that it
svould have done twenty-five years ago.

In the western side of the parish is situated the extensive and
excellent farms of Earnside and East Grange, which are
occupied by Mr James Mackessack, and which combined make
a total of 730 acres of arable land, and are rented at nearly £1000
a year. East Grange is in the parish of Kinloss, but is very
convenient to work along with the other farm. The western
side of the parish of Alves contains much fine soil, and the
rental runs from £1 to £2 per acre. These farms consist chiefly
of black loam, and are wrought under the five-shift rotation.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND XAIRN. 49

All kinds of crops yield a little above the standard, and more
particularly in weight. Land for turnips is ploughed down and
prepared in the ordinary way, and from 20 to 2G tons of dung
and from 6 to 10 cwts. of artificial manure, chiefly composed
of bone meal, superphosphates, with a little Peruvian guano,
are allowed per acre. This kind of artificial ingredients is found
to stimulate the growth of grass, and give a vigorous start to
turnip plants. Mr ]\Iackessack sows about 4 lbs. of Swedish
seed per acre, and about 2 lbs. of yellow seed. He has seldom
any trouble in getting a good strf)ng braird. To sow Swedish
plants thick helps to ward off the " fly," In manuring land
for potatoes, Mr Mackessack gives a liberal supply of both
farm-yard and artificial manures, and plants potatoes at the rate
of from 14 to 18 cwt. per acre. About 10 acres are grown, and
if the seed is big a ton is required to plant an acre. He takes
a crop of turnips after potatoes. The tenant has drained a
considerable extent of land over and over again since 1857. On
some parts of Earnside he cannot get drains cut deeper than 18
inches, but they are generally about 4 feet deep. About £30 a
year is required to keep them in repair. Within the past twenty-
five years Mr Mackessack has greatly enhanced the value of his
land. He put on clay and sandy matter at the rate of from 60 to
300 loads per acre on about 40 acres of moss soil. On some
parts he spread it over to the depth of 6 inches. To the superi-
ority of Mr Mackessack's black polled herd we shall afterwards
advert. Here some reference to his skilful management in his
commercial herd may not be out of place. A few years ago Mr
Mackessack made a feeding experiment by selecting 24 cattle as
nearly one size and age as possible, put 12 of them into one
court and 12 of them into another. Besides their every day
supply of turnips and straw, he began giving 1 lb. of cake each
to those in one fold, and jiiraduallv increased it to 2 lbs. and
3 lbs. each per day ; while those in the other fold received 1 lb.
of oats and bran with a little chaff mixed, from the same day as
those fed on cake, and gradually increased to 2 and 3 lbs. per
head. In the month of April Mr Mackessack got some of his
neighbouring farmers, who are competent to judge pretty
accurately, to give their opinion as to the difference in the
valuation of the two lots. The lot which were fed on oats, bran,
and chaff was worth more than the other lot, at any rate by £2
per head. Mr Mackessack gives all his feeding stock at least 1
lb. of cake per day. He has usually about 200 cattle in his
possession — that is, lOO on eacli farm. He deals pretty exten-
sively in commercial stock, and ho estimates his yearly " turn
over " to be from £7000 to £8000 in the cattle trade. East
Grange is by far the best farm for feeding purposes, and usually
most cattle are fed there. They are generally from 6 to 8 cwt.

D

50 THE AGRICULTUKE OF THE

iu wei^rht before he sells them. He has excellent steadinp^s oa
both farms, being commodious and very substantial. His stock
of horses will compare favourably with those of almost any
other farm in the county. They are strong, young, and active,
Nearly all of them are prize winners, and during the past six
years they have gained many valuable cups and medals. He
keeps from 300 to 400 sheep during the winter, and fattens them
and sells them off before April. Twentv-five vears ag;o, Mr
Mackessack paid seven guineas to his grieve in the half year, and
now he pays about twice that sum. First and second horsemen,
had from £4 to £5, and women from £2 to £3 per lialf-year.
Wages have increased a half since 1857. Rents since then have-
advanced 20 per cent., and are now too high. Swedes are grown
on two-thirds of the shift, yellow turnips on one-third ; one shift
partly in oats and wheat, and one shift barley.

The estate of the Earl of Moray extends to about 22,000
acres in Morayshire and 300 acres in Xairnshire. Of these,
there are from 6000 to 7000 acres under wood and about 6000
acres under pasture. The rental in 1866-67 was about £8868,
and is now £10,000. Few proprietors are more generous and
enterprising in giving facilities to their tenantry for the promo-
tion of agricultural industry, or for getting the full benefit of the
resources of the soil. He has given all possible encouragement
for the advancement and improvement of agriculture in all its-
branches. Mr Brown, factor on the estate, designed the new
cottages and farm steadings, not forgetting to mention that
it was he who planned the magnificent farm steading of Wester
Manbeen, which covers, as already stated, about an acre of land,
and which is unexampled alike for its suitability for the farm
and its great convenience, in these two counties. The varieties
of soil throughout the estate are light, friable, upon gravelly
subsoil, clay, loam, some moss, and sandy and gravelly soils.
The holdinfjs over the estate are irregular in size, ranging from.
70 to nearly 600 acres. The farm houses are, as a rule, in-
excellent repair. During the past twenty-five years, a large
number of excellent cottages, farm steadings, and dwelling
houses have been erected, and many repaired. Nearly all
the wire fencing is performed by the tenants. A considerable
mileage of dykes have been built by the proprietor, which are
usually about 4 feet 9 inches in height. The principal fences
consist of wire. Both public and private roads within the
estate are in good order. There has been a considerable
extent of land reclaimed since 1857, and the greater part of
the improvements in this way have been effected by the tenants ;
chiefly small patches in squaring up fields and completing shifts.
These reclamations have generally been profitable to both
landlord and tenant. The soil over the property being generally

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN 51

light, coinparatively few drains are required, and these have been
executed by the proprietor and tenant. With the customary
conditions of exit and entry — entry at Whitsunday — the
duration of lease is nineteen years. Crofters hold their land from
year to year. The building operations are wholly done by the
proprietor, and additions to houses are mostly made at tlie
beginning of the lease. Courts for feeding cattle are built with
close roofs, those for store or young stock being about
three-fourths covered. On most farms there are two courts.
The extremes in the rental are about 10s. and £2, 5s.
Eents are all paid in money at Candlemas and Lammas
after reaping the crop. The majority of the farm servants on
the estate are single, but they are being well provided with neat
superior cottages, and married men are becoming more numerous
every year. The favourite breed of cattle among the Earl of
Moray's tenantry is cross, but there are a few pure bred animals
on several farms. For feeding purposes lots of cattle are bought
in, and in fact the majority of the feeding stock in the lower
districts are purchased from the south and more inland parts,
where the breeding of cattle constitutes a more important branch
of the farming husbandry. The first fat cattle are usually
marketable about Christmas, aud herds continue to be reduced
until the end of spring, by which time the feeding stock is
cleared out. In many cases the cattle receive, some weeks
before sending off, from 2 to 4 lbs. of cake per day. The pre-
vailing system of rotation is the five-shift course, but a few-
farms are worked on the six-shift course, as it is found to miti-
gate the loss by finger-and-toe amongst turnips. There are two
sheep farms on the estate, viz., Braemoray and Broadshaw, where
the pasture is a mixture of grass and heather. On these farms
the blackfaced breed of sheep are kept. Crofters number about
twelve, whose crofts vary in size from 4 to 8 and 10 acres. They
are mostly day labourers. About 100 acres of wood have been
planted on the estate since 1857. Mr Brown, factor for the
Earl of Moray, is tenant of the farm of Earlsmill.

The estates of Westfield and Hythehill, the property of Mr
Hugh M'Lean, consists of 562 arable acres, 15 acres borders of
roads, and 08 acres of wood, or in all, 649 acres. The total
rental in 1862 was £1208, 10s., and is now £1140. The nature
of the soil on these estates varies from sandy loam to clayey loam,
and what is known as Moray clay. The size of the farms on
the property is 259, 121, and 184 acres respectively. On all
these farms steadings have been rebuilt, since 1862, at the
sole expense of the owner. The estate is well provided with
hedge and wire fences. Both public and private roads are in
good order. There have been no reclamations ell'ected over tl\e
[)roperty thuiiig the ]>ast twenty- five years, but the estate has

52 * THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

been drained bv the owner since 1862. Like on most otlier
estates, the duration of lease is nineteen years, with entry at
Whitsunday on the usual conditions. Building and fencing is
executed by the landlord, and maintained by the tenant. Half
the cost of maintaining drains, cleaning ditches, painting wood,
and fire insurance, is paid by the landlord, and the other half by
the tenant. The average rental per acre throughout the pro-
perty is about 40s. Rents are paid in money at Candlemas
and Lammas. In regard to farm servants, grieves, cattlemen,
shepherds, and foremen are mostly married, while the younger
horsemen are single. Three cottages were erected prior to 1862,
while eight have been built since then. The five-shift course
has been pursued over the estate for many years. More cattle
are purchased by the tenantry than are bred, and the prevailing
breeds are crosses and black polled cattle. They are chiefly
bought when three-quarters old and sold as two-year-olds.
They are partly fed in stalls and partly loose in coarts. A good
deal of cake is used by some farmers. A flock of half-bred sheep
were kept on the estate till recently, but none are now kept
There are no crofts on the property. The home farm is about 250
acres in extent.

In our progress westwards, we next come to the estates of

Kinloss and Seapark, the property of Mrs Phoebe Dunbar

Dunbar, on which stands the time-honoured ruins of Kinloss

Abbey, both in the parish of Kinloss. The former of these is

about 103 acres or thereby in extent. Mrs Dunbar has also a

lease of the farm of Whiteinch, adjoining the Seapark estate, for

which she pays a rent of £132 to Mr Munro Ferguson of jSTovar

and Muirton. Seapark consists of policies round the mansion

house, extending to about 12 acres. Mrs Dunbar Dunbar and

her husband Mr Edward Dunbar Dunbar are, jointly, owners of

the estate of Glen Eothes, in the parish of Rothes, extending to

2500 acres. Great improvements have been made on both

Kinloss and Glen Rothes estates during the past fifteen years, in

erecting new buildings, and in fencing, draining, reclaiming, and

planting. On the Glen Rothes estate, in particular, the farm

buildings are almost all new, and have been built in the most

m.odern and approved styles. The farm of Pitcraigie, on this

property, has been subdivided with stone dykes and wire

fencing, and in doing so it was found necessary to make a

considerable length of good roads. In the construction of these

about £350 were spent. About 2200 yards of dykes have been

carefully built, with a nice taper towards the top, and are firmly

coped and pointed with lime. On this farm 15 acres of land

have been thoroughly drained. The drains were laid with pipes

at the depth of 3 feet 6 inches. Above these pipes a slight

covering of earth was first put on, followed by a covering of

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 53

about one foot deep of 3-inch broken metal, and then the
final covering of soil, the object in putting the layer of broken
metal being to facilitate the absorption of surface water. This
is done only where the land is stift* and retentive. The drains
were cut 6 yards apart. About 8000 yards of fencing, -i
feet high, and with six wires, — the lower three being No. 7 and
the upper three No. 6 wire, — have also been erected on the farm
of Pitcraigie, and it is now securely fenced. The duration of
lease is nineteen years, with entry at Whitsunday, on conditions
similar to those of the Earl of Seafield's estates. It may be
mentioned, that with regard to building during the currency of
the lease, the tenants pay 5 per cent, of interest. A flock of
300 Cheviots is kept upon the farm of Pitcraigie, and the ewes
are crossed with a Leicester tup, the lambs being usually sold
for delivery at 12th August, when they bring from 24s. to 30s.
each. A few years ago a very excellent sheep cot, with lambing
sheds, wool store, and shepherds housB attached, was built.
This is one of the most useful and convenient buildin^-s on the
estate. Over this property the six-course shift is pursued, with
three grasses. On the farms of Pitcraigie and Barluack, both of
which are occupied by Mr and Mrs Dunbar, cattle have been
coming more into favour for the past four years. On the
former, about ten calves are annually reared from cross bred
cows and black polled bull ; and on the latter holding, which is
140 acres in extent, about 20 animals are annually fed, and ten
yearlings are kept in open courts. Mrs Dunbar Dunbar only
bought the farm of Barluack about three years ago, from the
Earl of Seafield, and since then 26 acres of it have been
drained, and about 2900 yards of wire fencing erected. It is
presently in the course of being limed, at the rate of 8 bolls per
acre. On the Glen Pothes estate about 100 acres of land have
been planted witli fir during the past twenty years. Mr H.
M. S. Mackay, Elgin, has been factor on these estates for about
five years, and during that time many of the improvements
mentioned have been carried out by his directions.

To the south of the Kinloss estate, lies that of Burgie, the pro-
perty of the trustees of the late Mr Kobert Tulloch (for which Mr
H. M. S. Mackay, Elgin, is factor). It is wholly in the parish of
Piaffbrd, and is 2600 imperial acres in extent. Of these, 1290
acres are arable, 800 [)asture, and 510 under wood. The total
valuation of the estate in 1866-67 was £1166, 5s., ami in 1881,
£1445. Part of the land is a sandy loam on an open subsoil, and
part consists of a sharp gravelly and cold retentive soil resting
on a stratum of clay. The farms vary in extent from 40 to 410
arable acres. On the larger holdings the farm houses are in
excellent order, while those on the smaller farms are in tenaut-
able condition. The roads are uniforndv I'ood, and suitable for

o4 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

the traffic. By trench ploughing during the last twenty-five
years, about 100 acres of pasture and moor land, which was
worth originally Is. per acre, on the hill of Burgie, have been
reclaimed, and are now worth from 8s. to 12s. 6d. per acre.
About 80 acres also reclaimed on tlie Burgie Lodge farm, and of
these about four-fifths have been ploughed and one-fifth
trenched. The cost of reclamation is estimated at from £5 to
£20 per acre, which was paid by the tenant. An enterprising
tenant improved about 40 acres on Burgie Hill, and for £50
sublet his holding, for which he only paid £20. The other
improvements effected, apart from reclamation of land, have
been chiefly in squaring up farms and repairing drains. The
duration of lease, as on most other estates, is nineteen years, with.
entry at Whitsunday to houses, grass, and fallow, and at the
separation of the crop of that year from the ground to the land
under crop. The terms of removal, as regards the garden and
green crop, fix the 1st of May as the day of exit. If buildings
be executed by the tenants at their own expense, they are kept
n repair by the trustees, by way of recompensating these
tenants for the labour and expense incurred in erecting the
houses. For instance, in the year 1866, three leases expired,
and the tenants had claims for meliorations for improvements
effected during the currencv of their leases, which instead of
being paid to the tenants, the proprietors relet the farms to
the same tenants at such rents as to wipe oil' all their claims.
In the case of a large farm, the lease of which expired in 1868,
w^hen the tenant had a claim for about £1400, the same
course of remuneration \vas adopted. The average rent over
the estate is 21s. per acre ; the lowest 7s., and the highest
36s. Bents are paid partly at Candlemas and Lammas, after
the ingathering of the crop, and partly at Whitsunday and
Martinmas. Cottages are numerous, and a good many of the
farms servants are married. On li^ht and loamy soils the
farms are divided as nearly as possible into five and six shifts
of equal size, at the beginning of the lease, and the tenant
then follows out a regular system by either of these courses.
The rules are these — " The five-shift shall consist of, first year,
green crop ; second year, white or corn crop laid down with
grass ; third, hay to be cut once only and then j^astured ; fourth,
second year's grass ; and fifth, white or corn crop." The six-
shift system is the same as that of the five-shift, except that
there are three years' grass instead of two. The cattle on the
Burgie Lodge farm, tenanted by Mr R. J. Mackay, are pure
bred shorthorns, but generally throughout the estate a cross
breed of cattle between a black polled bull and cross cows
prevail. Most of the cattle fed are sold fat, when two and a
half years' old. Mr Mackay's pure bred herd of shorthorns

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIEN. 55

origLually sprung fiom the Spynie and Inchbroora stocks, and
with judicious purchases, when a chance of obtaining good
blood occurred, he gradually improved his stock, and was in
possession of a very superior herd before it was disposed on
18th October 1882. One of his best and most remunerative
purchases was that of cattle which were obtained from the far-
famed Peepy herd in England, where he also secured from
other famous sources other animals of considerable merit.
There are no sheep farms on the estate, and there are only two
crofters, one of whom is a labourer and the other an old
residenter. At least 100 acres of pasture and moor have
been planted since 1850.

Resuming our westward journey, we enter the parish of
Forres, which has a total area of 5963-370 acres. The rental
in 1866-67 was £5831, 18s., and in 1881-82, £7840, 7s.
The parish is triangular in form, and contains great diversity
of soil. In the lower half rich highly cultivated alluvium
abounds, and is superincumbent on a rich gravelly subsoil.
About the centre of the parish there is a good deal of sandy
soil, while in the upper district it varies from poor sand to
light loam. It is as a whole highly productive when well
managed. Mr Fraser occupies two farms — Netherbon and
Oreeshop, in this parish, and Woodside, in the parish of Kinloss.
The former extends to 220 acres arable, with a few acres pasture.
The soil is of a clayey nature resting on a subsoil of gravel. It
is a fair depth on about 140 acres, and on the remainder, which
stands on a distinctly lower level, is very shallow. The six-
shift course is pursued on the best land, but the poor land is
worked separately. The farm of Greeshop covers an area of 115
arable acres. The soil on it is alluvial, and about four-fiftlis of
it fair in deptli. It is wrought on the same system as Xetherton,
except that potatoes follow grass, and then wheat. The two
farms may, for the sake of brevity, be described together. Land
is kept four years in grass, then turnips, and next oats sown out
with grass seeds. When the season is not too dry, good crops of
both oats and turnips are obtained. On good land, two grasses
are taken, followed by wheat, which is laid down with a mixture
of manure from the burgh of Forres and farm-yard manure.
Land for potatoes is dunged before ploughing in autumn, and
when planting, guano, muriate of potasli, and dissolved bones to
the value of 70s. are given per acre, which is sown broadcast on
the drills. The next croj) is turnips, and by the liberal treat-
ment which the land has received with the two previous crops,
4 cvvt. per acre dissolved bones, along with farm -yard manure,
produce a full crop. Barley sown with grass seeds finishes the
rotation. Mr Fraser has renewed his lease of Greeshop, and
110 particular rotation has been specified. Loth farms were

56 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

wrought with a pair fewer horses previous to the potato culture,
bat since then three pairs are required on Netherton and two
pairs on Greeshop. Nearly all the grass on the poor land is
eaten by sheep, and the turnips all consumed on the farm. Mr
Phraser rears no cattle, but buys his stock when yearlings, and
sells them off when fat, weighing from 5 to 7 cwt. On Gree-
shop the only stock of cattle is about 30 dairy cows. They
consume grass, turnips, and other food during the winter, to the
value of about 60s. eaoh. They are principally Ayrshire and
cross bred cows, bought in newly calved and sold off' fat. They
are fattened partly in courts and partly in stalls. Byre feeding
is generally preferred to that of court. Cattle are seldom fed off
without something additional to turnips and straw. Some grain
and a good deal cake are used, but two or three months of
extraneous feeding is found to be long enough to pay, and if it
is used beyond this period the allowance must be reduced. The
farm is in the immediate vicinity of Forres, and the milk is
called for.

Eents in the western part of the county vary from 20s. to 60s.
per imperial acre, and the average stands between 30s. and 40s.
Every acre of first-class land costs the tenant about 50s. Rents
have been gradually creeping up, and they are now from 25 to
30 per cent, higher than they were twenty five-years ago. This
district has, perhaps owing to its low rainfall and open subsoil,
suffered less from the past wet seasons than the rest of the
country, but notwithstanding, farming has not been paying.
The district is pretty equally divided between the five and six
shifts' rotation. Though the rotations in the western part of
the county are prescribed in the lease, deviations occur, but are
generally overlooked. There was one case, however, in the
neighbourhood of Netherton, where a tenant had to leave his
farm for miscropping. The average returns of the various crops
on these farms, and of the district generally, are barley and oats
about 5 quarters per acre, wheat 4 quarters. Barley in excep-
tional cases yields as much as 7 quarters, and wheat 6 quarters
per acre. Turnips yield from 15 to 20 tons per acre ; potatoes
about 5 tons, though 7, 8, and 10 tons are not unknown. Less
wheat has been grown in late years than formerly. Barley is
often substituted for wheat after lea. It does not, however, suit
well, being more liable to lodge after grass than after green crop ;
besides, barley twice in one shift does not suit. A good many
potatoes have been grown in recent years, but the price has been
80 low for the past two seasons that the acreage is very likely to
be greatly reduced. Potatoes will barely pay the producer at
50s. per ton. Three conditions are essential to the successful
cultivation of potatoes on a large scale, and these are — first, an
abundant supply of dung within a reasonable distance; secondly.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 57

a good command of labour ; and thirdly, proximity to a railway
station. A number of half-bred and greyfaced lambs are
usually bought in in the end of the year, and fed oft' during the
following spring and summer. Those intended to be fattened
for market in spring require to be well kept, and receive a
liberal allowance of cake and corn each per day. The Clydes-
dale is the favourite breed of horses. They have improved
much during the past twenty-five years, and there is at present
a good class of horses in the district. Seventy acres is the
ordinary allotment to a pair of horses, but this is regulated by
the system of cropping and size of the farm. Farm servants are
mostly single, but there is a great want of labourers' cottages.
Wages have fallen to the extent of about £5 per year for the
past few years. When the present depression set in, they
stood about 33 per cent, higher than they did twenty years
ago.

The farm of Woodside, 118 acres in extent, in the parish of
Kinloss, is also in the possession of Mr Eraser. The soil on it
is various, and altogether of secondary quality, including stiff
clay, moss, and vegetable mould, all resting on sand which crops
up here and there. It is wrought under the six-shift rotation,
viz., three grasses, oats, turnips, and barley. The turnip crop
gets all the dung made on the farm, along with about 4
cwt. dissolved bones per acre, which is all the extraneous
manure used on the farm. Owing to the three years' grass,
very fair crops are raised. Part of the turnips and all the
grass is consumed by sheep, and only one pair of horses are
kept.

Perhaps the largest farm and one of the most skilfully
managed in this pari.sh is that of Balnaferry, occupied by Mr
John Mackessack. It contains 500 arable and 100 acres
pasture, for which the actual rent is £762. The extremes in
the rental for ordinary soil in this part of the parish is £1 and
£3. Some cowfeeders in Forres pay as high as £5 and £6 per
acre. The greater part of the soil on Lalnaferry is kindly black
loam with gravelly subsoil. The live-course shift is pursued by
the majority of farmers, but the six-course system is also
followed. On the best land wheat yields about o quarters,
barley 6 quarters, and uuts G quarters per acre. In a good year
wheat weighs 65 lbs., barley 56 lbs., oats from 42 to 44 lbs. per
bushel. It is chiefly chevalier barley that is grown in ^loray-
shire. After going through the ordinary course of ])reparation of
land for roots, Mr Mackessack gives from 20 to 25 loads dung,
with 3 to 4 cwt. bone meal, 1 cwt. Peruvian guano, and 1 cwt.
su})erphos})hate per acre. Potatoes are planted in the end of
March, and manured the same as turnips. Inuring the past
twenty-tive or twenty-si.\ years ^Ir ^lackessack has reclaimed

58 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

about 200 acres of land from whins and heather, and now he
pays more than double the former rent. The proprietor gave a
small allowance for about one-half of this extent. In addition,
Mr Mackessack built several cattle courts, and put up a deal of
fencing, without any assistance from the proprietor. He breeds
few cattle, but feeds about 100 principally in folds. They are
fed chiefly on turnips and straw, with 2 lbs. of cake each per
day, and before selling off' the cake is increased to 4 lbs. with
sometimes a little meal. They usually weigh from 5 to 8 cwt.
when fat. From 300 to 600 cross-bred sheep are reared from
the Cheviots and Leicesters. The lambs are fed on turnips and
hay, with about J lb. each of cake per day. Part of them are
kept till the grass season arrives, when they are fed on grass and
cake. There is a good stock of horses on the farm, and these
are calculated to work from 60 to 100 acres a pair. "Wages have
advanced fully a third since 1857. Cottages are not abundant.
Eents have risen about 20 or 25 per cent, during the past twenty-
five years.

Towards the upper end of this parish there are not a few well-
managed farms. The farm of Mundole is about 200 acres in
extent,- of which 20 acres are pasture. The rental in this district
ranges from 203. to 50s., and in exceptional cases 60s. per acre.
Three-fourths of Mundole is black mould and sand, on gravelly
subsoil. The six-course shift is pursued, viz., two grasses, wheat,
oats, turnips, and then barley sown out with grass. "Wheat when
sown from 1st to 15th October yields well, and bo also do oats,
but not barley. After preparing land for turnips in the usual
way, Mr Anderson, tenant, allows from 15 to 20 loads of dung and
4 cwt. superphosphates, and 2 cwt. small bones per acre, over
the whole turnip field. Potatoes get court-manure as far as it
will distribute, and when it falls short 5 cwt. of kainit is given
per acre, along with 3 cwt. small bones. Mr Anderson has
reclaimed about 15 acres since Whitsundav 1876, when he
entered upon the management of the farm. He also built the
greater part of the farm steading, repaired the dwelling house,
made new stackyard, erected dykes and wire fencing, which
involved an expenditure of over £600. From 15 to 20 cross bred
and polled cattle are reared every year and about 30 fattened.
They are tied up for feeding about the 1st of October, and are
fed on turnips, straw, cake, and sometimes a little corn. When
fat they usually weigh about 6 cwt., and bring from £20 to £24
each. Five years ago, Mr Anderson sold one-year-old cattle, for
which he received £16 and £17 a head, but last year for similar
animals he got only £13 each. Mr Anderson has a fair stud of
farm horses, which work at the rate of 60 acres a pair. He
thrashes all his crop with them except barley, and drives about
200 loads of dung from Furres every spring. He breeds two

COU^^TIES OF ELGIN AND XAIRX. 59

foals every year. The only noteworthy changes in the system
of farming since 1857, are that more potatoes are now planted,
and less wheat and more barley sown. The only desirable
change, says Mr Anderson, is " three years' grass pastured on
most of the land at least once in a lease, and to labour the
different qualities of soil on a farm, when practicable, on a rota-
tion suitable to each if allowed to do so." He grows about 30
acres of turnips, the half of which is Swedish and the other half
yellow, except on lightish soil, when he grows two-thirds yellow
and only one-third Swedish, and about 30 acres respectively of
oats, barley, and wheat annually.

The parish of Dallas, having a total area of 23,024-823 acres
ranks fourth in Morayshire, and showed a rental of £4873, 15s.
in 1866-67 and now reaches a valuation of £5493, 4s. There
is a great extent of fine friable soil in. this parish, and it is
presently in a high state of cultivation. It is beautifully
diversified with rising grounds and level straths of great fertility
The climate is as a rule slightly cold, but nevertheless luxuriant
crops are generally obtained. One of the largest holdings in the
parish is Mains of Ediuvail, which is 270 acres arable and 55
pasture in extent. The tenant holds two farms. The rental in
the district generally ranges from £1 to £1, 10s. per acre. The
soil varies from black loam to gravel. The tenant adopts the
seven-course shift, viz., two crops oats after lea, turnips and
potatoes, and barley followed by three years' grass. On the
other farm the six-course is pursued, viz., two crops oats, turnips
and potatoes, and barleys followed by two grasses. Crops vary
in their yielding according to the season. In 1880 the lea crop
averaged oh quarters per acre, weighed 42 lbs. ; barley 4 quarters
per acre, weighed 55 lbs. ; and potatoes 4^ tons per acre. In
1881 the yield per acre was at least 1 quarter less than that of
1880, and the grain was about 3 Ujs. lighter per bushel The
general system of cleaning land in this parish is much the same
as we have already described. The land is ploughed 8 inches
deep in autumn, and it is also ploughed, grubbed, and harrowed
repeatedly in spring. It receives as manure 24 loads of dung
and 5h cwt. dissolved bones per acre. For potatoes the land
gets a similar ([uantity of dung and 5 cwt. dissolved bones.
Since tlie present tenant of Mains of Edinvail entered in 1870,
he has ellected great improvements in clearing away foundations
of old houses, and cultivating the land. The projtrietor built a
large proportion of the dykes on the farm, and trenched 6
Hv.ves of reclaimable land. Sixteen cows are kept on the farm,
which foster 24 calves every year. Fourteen cattle are tied u^)
for feeding pur})0ses in October, are fed on cut swedes, potatoes,
bruised corn and oilcake, and are sold away mostly in ^lurch,
weighing from 5 to G cwt. each. The horses are good, and 67

60 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

acres are allotted to a pair. Servants are mostly single. ^len
get from £8 to £12, women from £3 to £5, boys from £3 to £5
per half year, exclusive of board. Oats are the most remunera-
tive cereal.

We have now reached the western side of the county of Moray,
where the combined parishes of Dyke and Moy, which were
united in 1618, forms the connecting link beween Moray and
Xairn, and which stretches for a considerable distance on both
sides of the dividing line. Before going on to notice the system
of farming pursued in this parish, we may mention the principal
objects of historical interest. Darnaway Castle, which is said
to have been built by Thomas, Earl of Moray, is a magnificent
oblong building of great antiquity, and is notable for an ancient
hall of extraordinary dimensions, forming the back wing of the
castle, which is the summer residence of the present Earl of
Moray. The hall measures 100 feet long, 40 feet wide, and
about 90 feet high. Brodie Castle, the residence of Broclie of
Brodie, is built in an old English castellated style, and is also
notable for its antiquity. It is only a few miles west of Forres,
and is surrounded by clumps of trees and lovely pleasure
o^rounds. Perhaps the most interesting object is Macbeth's
Hillock, or the " blasted heath." It is said to have been the scene
of Macbeth's meeting with the three weird sisters of Forres,
while he and Banquo journeyed from the Western Islands to meet
King Duncan at Forres.

The extent of the parish is 15,463*911 imperial acres, and
rental £7728, 8s. in 1866-67; its present valuation is £8944,
15s. The largest estate within the parish is that of Brodie of
Brodie. There are also a few less extensive properties. On
Mrs Ann Chadwick or Grant's propert}", Earnhill is the largest
and one of the most skilfullv worked farms. It extends to 280
acres arable, and about 120 acres pasture. The rental of the
farm was £542 in 1866-67, and the present rent is £630. Mr
Eichard Harris, the present tenant, has occupied this farm for
about thirty years, and is a distinguished agriculturist. The land
of the farm consists of good loam and light sandy soil. Mr
Harris breeds a few cattle, but feeds a good many more than he
rears. He also breeds a small flock of Leicester sheep, and buys
in sheep to feed. The course of husbandry pursued on the farm
is the six-course shift, viz., two grasses, followed by two corn
crops, a green crop, and then barley sown with grass seeds.
This system prevails on good lands. Mr Harris grows a few
mangolds occasionally, and uses a great deal of artificial feeding
material both for cattle and sheep. The cost of labour has risen
greatly during the past twenty-five years, but it has fallen con-
siderably since 1878. A ploughman gets from £15 to £16, with
a house and rations, in the half year. For turnip hoeing, hay-

COUNIIES OF ELGIN AND XAIEX. 61

making, and harvesting, there is difficulty in procuring casual
labourers, Mr Harris thinks that improvements might be
divided into two classes — firstly, fences, buildings, drains ; and
secondly, manures. With regard to houses, fences, and drains,
Mr Harris thinks it highly desirable that the landlords should
provide them all, so as to free the tenant's capital for the working
of the land. He put in a lot of drains some twenty-five years
ago, at the depth of 4 fv3et, which are still w^orking well. The
custom, in event of a tenant leaving on this estate is that the
outgoing tenant is paid for the waygoing crop, and when leaving
at Whitsunday is paid for the labour in preparing the land for
the turnips. As far as manuring is concerned, he gets a crop
wherever he has manured. The average rent of wheat-growing
land is about £2 per acre. Mr Harris grows wheat every year,
which weighs from 62 lbs. to 66 lbs. in good years. Day
labourers get about 3s. per day, and from 18s. to 2os. is spent
in labouring each acre. First horsemen get about £30 a year in
money and £8, 10s. in kind. Mr Harris's total amount of poors
rates is £16, 14s. 8d., of which the landlord pays the half : he
pays £7, 5s. for education rate, and £9, 16s. lid. for road
taxation.

The farm of Wester Moy, tenanted by Mr William Mac-
Donald, is very carefully and judiciously managed. Mr Mac-
Donald can boast of one of the most compact farm steadings
and of one of the best kept holdings in the north of Scotland.
The farm is all arable, and is 135 acres in extent. The rental is
at present £306. The rental of the district runs from 32s. to
35s. per acre. The soil is good, and the climate favourable. Mr
MacDonald adopts the six-shift rotation. The average yield of
wheat is 5 quarters per acre, weighing 63 lbs. per bushel; barley
5 quarters 4 bushels, weighing 56 lbs. ; oats 6 quarters per acre,
weighing 43 lbs. After preparing land for roots in the usual
way, drills are opened 26 inches wide with a double plough.
From 3 to 4 lbs. of seed is given per acre, and in singling plants
are left from 10 to 11 inches apart. The manure applied is 20
loada of dung, 1^ cwt. of bone meal, 2 cwt. Peruvian guano,
and 4^ cwt. of best dissolved bones per acre. The estimated
cost of laying down an acre of turnips is £7. Finger-and-toe
sometimes proves ruinous to turnips, and especially on soil lying
on a clay bottom. Mr ^lacDonald has greatly improved the
drainage of his farm duiing the past twenty-five years. He
has levelled many open thtches, for which he used pipes from 6
to 9 inches in diameter. In the ordinary drains, pipes from 3 to
4 inches in diameter were useil. During the past twenty-tive
years the proprietor laid out from £900 to £IOUO in extending
aiJ'l improving the dwelling house, and about £.'»0() in erecting
a dou:>le cottage for two mariied servants. Mr MacDonald has

62 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

improved the farm steading very much on bis own account,
mostly in the way of providiuf^- accommodation for a steam
threshing mill. He breeds from 6 to 8 calves every year, and
feeds from 22 to 24 cattle in covered courts. They are taken in
for feeding in the middle of October, and sold fat, w^eighing from
8 to 9 cwt. and sometimes more, during spring months. Yellow^
turnips and straw, with 2h lbs. of linseed cake per animal, con-
stitute the staple food for the first few weeks. In course of time
swedes are given, and an increased allowance of cake, say 3 to
3^ lbs. each, per day. The tenant finds that polled cattle fatten
more equally than when mixed with horned animals, because
they are more settled, and agree better about their food. His
Clydesdale horses are extremely good, strong, and active. He lias
three men boarded in the kitchen, who get from £12 to £16 in
the half year. Wages have more than doubled since 1857. Mr
MacDonald says — " I see more potatoes grown and more low
priced phosphates used than formerly, which I have no doubt is
one reason why the land is not producing so much good grain
and strong stifl' straw as it used to do. It we could afford to
pasture our grass land for three years, and use more bones and
bone meal, we w^ould doubtless manao-e to restore the strain-
producing properties of the soil" Twenty-one acres swedes and
5 acres yellow turnips, 25 acres wheat, 25 acres barley, 21
acres oats, 2 acres potatoes, and 2 acres tares, are the usual
proportions of the various crops grown.

The farm of Feddan is 200 imperial acres in extent of arable
land, and 178 acres of WT)od and pasture. The soil is generally
light, with a gravelly bottom and an occasional patch of pan.
The tenant, Mr Brown, is bound to the five-shift rotation. Barley,
which is the most remunerative cereal, yields from 4 to 5|-
quarters. Oats return a similar quantity. Mr Brown ploughs
land for turnips 9 inches deep in autumn, if the subsoil will
allow it, which he leaves unharrowed till spring. After it is
harrowed in spring he leaves it at least ten days. This he
considers of great importance, because the more the surface is
exposed he finds that it absorbs the ammonia better with
which the atmosphere is charged. Drills are formed 28 inches
wide for swedes and 27 for yellow turnips. Fifteen cubic
yards of well-made farm-yard manure is spread in the drill, to
which is added 2 cwt. dissolved bones, 2 cwt. superphosphate,
and 1 cwt. Peruvian guano per acre for swedes and yellow
turnips, 2 cw^t. dissolved bones and 2 cwt. superphosphates per
acre is the general allowance. Should the dung run short, an
additional supply of from 6 to 8 bushels of ground bones are
given. About half the root crop is eaten off by sheep. The
artificial manure is sown broadcast, a man sowing five drills at
once, which allows it to lie nearer the voung plants, and con-

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 63

sequently come quicker into action than when it is deposited in
the bottom of the drill. From 5 to 6 acres of potatoes are laid
down with from 10 to 15 loads of dung, 2 cwt. dissolved bones,
and 2h cwt. of muriate of potash. Mr Brown has erected
about 2200 yards of wire fencing at his own expense since
1864, and also some sheds, for which the landlord afforded wood.
The cattle consist of shorthorns and crosses, of wliich some six
or eight are annually reared. Feeding stock are tied up about
the end of October, and are finished off with a little bruised
corn and cake about February, when they weigh from 6 to 7
cwt. Mr Brown used to keep 150 Cheviot ewes to breed from,
but they required more grass than was available for them, and
on that account they were disposed of. He now keeps half-
bred greyfaced hoggs instead. Horses are of the Clydesdale
breed, and are hardy, useful animals, working from 70 to 75
acres a pair on level ground. Wages for servants run from £9
to £13, with 33 stones of meal, and twopence worth of milk per
day, in the half year. In 1855 wages were about £3, 10s. under
the current fees. Where there have been no improvements
effected, rents have risen about 20 per cent., but where extensive
inprovements have been made, they have increased about 50 per
cent. Mr Brown says — "That all capable or managing tenants
should have freedom of cropping at least till within two or threfi
years of the expiry of their leases."

TJte Upper Division of Morayshire.

In continning our tour, we now leave what is known as the
" Laigh of Moray," and emerge into the upper division of the
county. We do not intend to go so minutely into the general
customs and farm management of the upper districts. The
farming systems are not so various as in the lower half, and
through the courtesy of the leading proprietors and tenants wo
are enabled to draw up a pretty full general notice, which will
doubtless suffice to indicate the different systems pursued. The
upper half may be said to extend to an area of 156,20r655
acres, but a considerable proportion of tliis is lieath or mountain
land. 1'he first parish on our journeying in a south-eastward
direction is l^dinkillie, wliicli extends to .*)2, 904-569 acres, and
reaches a total valuation of £6121, 10s. Tliereis a great deal of
wood, and most of the parisli is fertile, sharp soil, varying from
loam to gravel, and is generally well sheltered. Among the
most im})ortunt agricultural holdings is that of Mr James Sin-
clair, Xewton of Darnaway, which extends to 200 acres. T)ie
soil in this district is fairly good, and the average rental varies
from 25s. to 28s. per acre. The live-course sliilt is chietly pur-
sued, viz, two grasses, oats, turnips, nn I barley. On tlii'^ farm

64 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

oats yield about 5 quarters, barley 4 quarters per acre, but
generally in the district barley yields frpni 5 to 5^ quarters.
Land is tilled for roots in the common vvav, and about 20 loads
of dung and from 8 to 10 cwt. of superphosphates and dissolved
bones are given per acre. Potatoes are manured much in the
same way. Since 1871 the proprietor, the Earl of Moray, has
laid out £300 on draining and about £500 on buildings. Mr
Sinclair feeds about 14 cattle every year, tying up in October,
and selling off when two years old in April. The last three
months, in addition to straw and turnips, feeding cattle get from
1 to 1-^ lb. oilcake each per day. Fifty breeding ewes and a
Cheviot tup are kept on the farm, are summered in a park 25
arable acres in extent, a,nd get turnips in winter. These ewes
are bought in in October for about 28s. each, and sold along with
their lambs at £3. Mr Sinclair has three active pairs of Clydes-
dale horses, which work about 70 acres a pair. The first horse-
man has £14, second man £12, third man £8 to £9 per half
year. Girls have about £6. Wages have nearly doubled since
1855.

The Earl of Seafield's estates are among the largest in the
north of Scotland. They extend to about 149,500 acres, of
which about 40,500 are arable and about 109,000 permanent
pasture, including wood and ground reserved for plantation. In
1808 the acreage of cultivated land in the Strathspey estate was
13,000 acres. Properly speaking, the estates in the upper
districts of Moray, Banff, and Inverness extend to 124,500
acres, and the estates in the " Laigh of Moray " cover a total
area of about 25,000 acres, and consist chiefly of valuable arable
land, interspersed with old and young timber. On the latter,
since 1864, the proprietor expended on improvements about
£39,500, irrespective of expenditure in planting wood. Of that
sum, £22,500 has been laid out upon buildings, £5800 upon
payment to tenants for improvements made by them, about
£3660 upon drainage, £2100 upon fencing, £1150 upon roads,
£2730 upon church buildings and schools, £660 upon embank-
ments, and over £500 in various other improvements. Of the
Seafield estates in the " Laigh of Moray," 10,000 acres are
arable, above 10,000 acres pasture, and about 5000 under wood.
The annual rental of it is £10,500, exclusive of shootings, which
realise about £1100. The rental in 1855 was £7000. The size
of farms on the estate range from 1651 acres downwards.
Buildings on the estate are all superior, many of them having
been recently built. One of the finest steadings in the country
is that of Linkwood, which cost nearly £2000; and another
commodious new steading is that of Dandaleith, which cost
£1800. The estate all over is pretty substantially fenced, chiefly
with wire, and upwards of £2000 has been expended in fencing

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKX. 65

since 1864. Since the present factor Mr Smith came to the
Strathspey property, nineteen years ago, nearly every farm build-
ing has been remodelled, many miles of dykes have been erected,
and roads constructed. The duration of lease is nineteen years,
with entry at Whitsunday, and after-hand rent. During the
past twenty- five years many servants' cottages have been built.
Over the whole estate the five-course shift is pursued. Mr
Smith became factor for the " Laigh of Moray " estates in 1872,
and since then he has made manifest liis great enthusiasm and
enterprise both in improvement of land and houses. The leases
fell out in 1867. The best land is rented at about 24s. per acre,
xilany crofters pay only about 10s. per acre. While the tenants
are encouraged to make improvements, the landlord expends
about £6000 annually in improving the estate. The work of
reclamation has progressed satisfactorily under the present leases,
over 1000 acres of new land having been put under crop.

The farm of Ballintomb is one of the principal holdings in
the upper division of the county, and extends to about 300 acres,
of vvliich 50 acres are in pasture. In the parish of Cromdale
the rental varies from 17s. to 20s. per acre. The soil is generally
light, but of a fairly friable and kindly nature. The climate
is not suitable for the successful cultivation of barley, but oats
yield remarkably well, considering the elevation of the land.
About 700 feet above the sea level, oats weigh from 40 to 43 lbs.
per bushel in averfige seasons. The customary way of preparing
and cleaning land for turnips in this district is adopted on
Ballintomb, viz., ploughing stubbles in the end of the year,
grubbing and cleaning in spring. The manure is put into drills
at the rate of from 30 to 40 loads of farm-yard manure, with
from 4 to 6 cwt. artificial manure, chiefly bones, per acre.
Potatoes are similarly treated as regards the manuring of the
land. In this district the proprietor has done a great deal in
building, fencing, and draining during the past twenty-five
years. J^'armers should breed cattle more extensively in this
district than they do, although they habitually breed more than
they feed. We shall refer subsequently to Mr ^lann's famous
black polled herd. About 400 lambs are wintered on the farm
of Ballintomb, being bought in in August and sold in spring.
The farm horses in the district, as well as on this holding, are
generally good. About 80 acres are allotted to a pair. Ser-
vants are mostly single, and get from £8 to £14 per lialf year.
Freedom of cropping is urgently desired by the majority of
tenants in this parisli. Some farmers are of opinion that the
six or seven course shift could be more advantageously wrought
ill tlie upper districts than the five-shift system.

The following has been sent us by one of tlie leading tenants
in Strathspey, which gives a very comprehensive, though brief,

66 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

description of the farmmg system? pursued in the upper
districts : —

" The average rental of the upper division of the county, or
more particularly that portion of it lying to the east of the Spey»
may be stated at from 18s. £o 20s. per imperial acre, and almost
every description of soil is found in it. The haugh lands, lying
along the river banks, are generally fine alluvial mould, with
liere and there a tendency to gravel, while higher up it gradually
gets stiffer, colder, and poorer, until the hillfoot farms are
reached ; they are found to consist very largely of reclaimed
moss. By far the greater proportion of the land is farmed in
the ordinary five-shift rotation, viz., two years grass, then oats,
next turnips and potatoes, followed by barley or oats with grass
seeds. About a twentieth of the whole area of the upper
districts is worked on the six-shift system, viz., two white crops
taken after lea, instead of one, as in the five-shift course. This
is found to answer well on strong stiff clay soils, and the second
or 'yaval' crop, which invariably gets a little artificial manure,
is, in many cases, better than the first crop. The first year's
grass is generally divided between pasturing and hay, probably
near a half of each; while pasturing altogether the first year, and
haying the second, is almost unknown. From 34 to 3(3 bushels
an acre is about the average yield of grain over the upper
districts, though of course in many instances the return is very
much larger. In exceptional cases in favourable years, as much
as 9 quarters, or 72 bushels an acre, have been yielded.
Within the past ten or twelve years the use of portable steam mill
thrashing has been largely taken advantage of, while now the
old portable engine is being entirely supplanted by the traction.
Stubble ploughing, or the first stage of preparing the land for
turnips, is engaged in immediately after harvest, and farmers
generally have the first ploughing finished by Christmas, after
which time lea ploughing is proceeded with. The second plough-
ing, or ' steering,' as it is called, is begun immediately after the
grain crops are laid down. If the ground is clean, the double
harrowing is sufficient to prepare the turnip break for drilling,
but in many cases it requires also grubbing once or even twice,
with additional harrowing, a fine mould being a great advantage
and assistance towards securing a vigorous braird of the young
plants. As much of the land as can be got ready by Whitsun-
day term (26th May) is generally sown in swedes, which after
that date are generally considered too late. Yellow turnips are
sown between Whitsunday and the last week of June. Most
farmers now, however, have turnip sowing finished before that
time except in unfavourable years, such as last year (1881),
when, owing to the ravages of ' fly,' and other causes, second
and even third sowing had to be resorted to. About 20

COUJs'TIES OF ELGIN AND NAiKN. 6?

yards of duuj:^ and from 4 to 6 cwt. of artificial manure is
considered a good allowance per imperial acre for turnips, the
kinds of manure being of course varied Id accordance with the
different nature of soils. Potatoes in the upper districts are not
grown to any great extent, in many cases not mote than are
required for family use Polled cattle are getting every year
deservedly more into favour, as they are better suited to the
climate than the more tender shorthorns. Crosses, however, still
largely predominate, and tbe majority of young stock are
generally kept on by the breeder till they attain the age of from
twenty to twenty-four months. Feeding cattle are generally tied
up immediately after harvest, aud are usually ready to be turned
out fat about Christmas. Many good feeders there certainly are
in the county, as the prize lists of all the fat shows annually
testify, and never more so than this year (1881), when the cham-
pion of Smithfield was bred and sent from Morayshire ; but this
is a department of agriculture which is not nearly so well attended
to as it ought to be. The breed of horses in some districts could
be considerably improved with advantage to farmers, as they are
not as a rule equal in quality to that of cattle. Very few really
good entire horses come so far north, and they are seldom up to
the standard of excellence which the Clydesdale breed is known
to possess. Cottage accommodation for servants is still very
deficient, though great improvements in this direction are being
usually made. The wages of farm servants may be said to have
doubled within the last tliirty years, though at present they are 10
to 15 per cent, lower than they were three or four years ago. The
number of acres allotted to each ploughman and pair of horses
varies greatly with the difierent kinds of farms. On steep farms
of strong land, 60 to 70 acres is all that a pair can work ; while
on a level easily wrought farm, they can overtake abuut 90 acres.
Interest of buildings and drainage contribute largely to increase
rents, and in many cases a good deal of improvement in this
way is still required and will doubtless be soon effected.

The scenery in Strathspey is magnificent, aud the arable land
on either side of the river Spey rises with gentle aclivity, and
stretches for a considerable distance up tbe sides of the hills.
It is a great resort of pleasure seekers during the summer and
autumn, when crops are wearing their richest tint of beauty, and
tbe woods clothed in their most gorgeous foliage. Xo where
could one better enjoy the charms of mountain scenery uv tbe
bracing atmosphere of a harvest morning.

The jjallindalloch estate lies principally in BanlTshire, but
about lU,U0O acres extend into the county of Moray. Ttoughly
speaking, 20U0 acres of these are arable, while there are abuut
7000 acres of hill pasture and lOuo acres of wood. The valua-
tion of the Morayshire estates in 18GG-G7 was £2267, 7s., and

G8 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

now it is £2685, 2s. lOd. The land under cultivation is
generally good loam resting on gravelly subsoil. The size of
farms varies from 20 to 200 acres arable. A great many of the
tenants have, in addition to arable ground, grazing privileges on
common hill. The farm houses are principally slated stone
buildings, and many new ones have been erected since 1857. A
large extent of wire fencing has been constructed during the past
twenty-tive years. Eoads over the estate are very good and
well kept. About 200 acres of land hav^e been reclaimed,
within the past twenty- five years and are now good arable
ground. It was trenched chiefly with the spade 14 inches deep.
Before reclamation, the ground was rough pasture, full of
boulders, worth about 3s. 6d. per acre, and is now worth from
20s. to 25s. The total cost of reclamation, including- drainaije
and trenching, amounted to from £20 to £25 per acre, — pros-
pects of remuneration about 5 per cent. The land reclaimed
on the lower lying grounds has been profitable to the landlord,
but not on the poorer soil on the hill sides. The duration ,of
lease is nineteen years, the tenant entering at Whitsunday to
houses, old pasture, sown grasses, and break for green crop, and
at the cutting of the crop to the land under grain crops. Many
tenants take over from outgoing tenants, at valuation made by
mutually chosen arbiters, first year's grass, grain crops, and
thrashing mill, &c. When the proprietor advances money not
specially stipulated for in the lease for improvements, the tenant
pays 6 per cent, for drainage and 5 per cent, for building. In
cases of building, the proprietor usually provides wood and slates
free of cost, and the tenants pay all the other expenses, without
having any claim for meliorations. Generally speaking, most
of the buildings are erected by the landlord at the commence-
ment of new leases, without interest, the tenants performing the
carriage of all material free. The average rental per acre on the
estate is 20s. and the extieme 30s. Eents are paid at Martinmas
and Whitsunday. Servants on this property are partly married
and single, and the best servants belong to the former class, as
they remain in their respective places for a number of years,
when well supplied with good cottage accommodation. The
estate is fairly well provided with cottages. The system of
rotation is arranged according to the estate regulations.

The cattle on the Ballindalloch estates are generally either
pure bred Aberdeenshire cattle, or a cross breed from black
polled bulls and shorthorn or cross cows, and are all reared on
the farms. Sir George Macpherson Grant is the owner of
perhaps the finest polled herd in the kingdom, and to it we shall
hereafter refer. There are no sheep farms on the Morayshire
property. There are a few crofters on the estate, who mostly
work as tradesmen and farm labourers, and who generally hold

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 69

their crofts from year to year without a lease. Several hundred
acres of wood have been planted since 1857. Sir George farms
extensively himself. During the past twenty-five years not only
has the Morayshire property been vastly improved, but through
the great interest which Sir George takes in the welfare of his
tenantry, and latterly the energy of Mr Douglas his factor, the
whole estates, both in the counties of Banff' and Morav, have
been greatly improved and enhanced in vaUie.

On the Ballindalloch estates there are many well-managed
and highly-productive farms. In the parish of Knockando tlie
soil is variable, but, generally speaking, pretty equally divided
between loam and light gravelly land. The farm of Tomlea,
tenanted by Mr George Younie, is very carefully and judiciously
managed, and the soil is partly good, but the climate is cold
and late. It extends to 80 acres arable and 20 or 30 acres
pasture. The rental over the districts varies from 18s. to 20s.
per acre. Mr Younie is bound to the five-shift rotation. The
returns of crops in a good year are as nearly as possible from
5 to 6 quarters barley and oats, the former weighing from 54
to 56 lbs. and the latter from 42 to 44 lbs. per bushel. The
land for turnips is ploughed deep soon after harvest, and is
harrowed and ploughed, and harrowed again before it is drilled.
About 24 loads of dung with 5 cwt. dissolved bones are given
per acre. Yellow turnips scarcely get so much artificial manure
as swedes. Potatoes are planted only in such quantities as to
meet home requirements. Mr Younie has improved about 26
acres since 1855, and the proprietor built a dwelling house, upon
the outlay for which the tenant pays 5 per cent, interest. The
cattle of this farm are black polled. Six animals are bred every
year, and four are bought in, and all except the cows are sold when
two years old. Farmers in this district breed far too few cattle.
Horses are not heavy as a rule, but are hardy useful aninuils.
Seldom does a first class entire horse travel the upper districts,
and consequently farmers have not a good chance of improving
the breed. More strength is required to work the land than in
the " Laigh of Moray," and the general allotment is a pair to
about 50 acres in the Knockando district. Almost all the
foremen servants are married, with houses, meal, and fire, and
£24 a year. In 1853-54-55, Mr Younie paid the first man
£10, £16, and £18 resi)ectively in the year, with the same
allowances as :ire now given. Rents have risen about 20 per
cent, since 1852. Freedom of cropping wouhl be practically a
great Ijenetit to farmers. There were no swedes grown in this
district prior to 1852.

The Spey does not form the dividing line between the counties
of IJanil' and Moray until near Fochabers; and the greater part
or 7047*230 acres of the parish of lioharm, tluuigh on the ea«^tern

70 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

side of the river, lies within the county of Moray, and so does
also 1883*767 acres of the parish of Keith. In Boharm there
are several good farms, which are well managed and highly pro-
ductive. The farm of Auchroisk, tenanted by Mr L. W. Fraser,
extends to an area of 170 arable acres and some 30 acres of
pasture. The average rental of the district is about 24s. per
imperial acre. The soil is various, consisting of black loam,
gravel, clay, and moss. The average yield of barley on Auchroisk
is from 4-| to 5 quarters, weighing from 54 to 56 lbs. ; oats, from
5 quarters to 6^ quarters, weighing from 39 to 44 lbs. per bushel.
There is no wheat sown in this district. The five-shift system
of rotation has been prevalent in this parish for the last twenty
or thirty years, and in the unanimous opinion of the farmers has
reduced the fertility of the land very considerably. The soil re-
quires more rest ; and if rents were reduced in accordance with
the condition of the land, the six or seven course shifts would be
universally practised hereafter. This would be a very desirable
change in the system of farming, from the fact that it would
lessen the expenditure for manure, and also enrich and fertilise
the soil. Land for turnips is sometimes dunged before being
ploughed in the autumn, but most frequently immediately before
sowing in spring. The cattle on this farm and in the district
generally are a cross breed between a shorthorn bull and cross
bred cows. The staple diet is turnips and straw, and feeding
cattle are finished off with a little cake and oats. About fifteen
years ago three-year-old cattle were mostly used for feeding pur-
poses ; but since grain and other sources of remuneration have
been of so comparatively little value, farmers could not afford
to retain cattle so loug, and therefore, in order to meet demands
upon them, farmers have had to fatten and dispose of them when
they are about two years of age. Sheep from further inland
districts are extensively wintered in this parish, but no regular
flocks are kept. Horses are good, and work at the rate of 60
acres a pair. The average wages of ploughmen run from £9 to
£13 per half-year with rations. In 1876 good ploughmen were
getting from £17 to £18 in the half-year. Eents have risen
from 30 per cent, to 40 per cent, in this district since 1850.
They are in many instances too high, considering the unfavour-
able climate.

The farm of Bush, tenanted by Mr Gray, is 160 arable acres
in extent, and is laboured in the six-shift system. The soil is
sharp and thin. Oats after lea always bulk best, and the grain
weighs from 40 to 43 lbs. per bushel. Land for turnips is twice
ploughed in spring, and gets from 18 to 20 loads of dung along
with a mixture of bones and bone meal to the extent of from 4
to 5 cwt. per acre. The proprietor advanced money for drain-
ing from 70 to 80 acres of land, for which the tenant pays

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 71

interest ; and the dwelling house and farm steading have been
erected during the past twenty-five years on similar conditions.
Cattle are chiefly cross bred, and are fed off with turnips, cake,
and corn, and weigh from 8 to 9 cwt. when fat. Horses have
improved vastly since 1857, but there is still need for improve-
ment. From 70 to 80 acres are allotted to a pair. Turnips
usually yield at the rate of from 12 to 18 tons per acre, oats
from 3 to 6 quarters per acre, and barley from 4 to 5 c[uarters.
The latter is the most remunerative.

One of the best managed farms in the district is that of
Stoneytown, which is 150 acres in extent, and is held by Mr
M' William. The soil consists of loam, clay, and gravel, which
are lying on rock and clay subsoil. The six-course shift is pur-
sued. The average yield of oats and barley on Stoneytown is
about 5 quarters per acre— the former weighing 42 lbs. and the
latter 54. For potatoes and turnips Mr M'William ploughs
deep in the fall, and then harrows and ploughs again in spring.
It is manured in the drill with about 20 loads of dun^ and from
6 to 7 cwt. of dissolved bones and bone dust per acre. Since
Mr M'William became tenant in 1868 he has drained a good
deal, built some dykes, reclaimed by trenching about 7 acres of
land, and performed the cartage of a new steading and dwelling
house erected by the proprietor, for which he pays 5 per cent,
interest. We shall advert to Mr M'William's shorthorn herd
under the appropriate heading. He also rears and feeds cross
bred cattle. Turnips and straw constitute the staple diet, with
a little cake and oats to finish off. The cattle are disposed of
when from 5 to 7 cwt. in weight. Home bred cattle pay best.
About a score of Leicester ewes are kept on the farm, and the
male laraljs are sold about the 1st of October. Mr M'William
has an excellent stud of the Clydesdale breed ; they work about
75 acres a pair. Wages have advanced fully a third since 1855,
and since then rents have been doubled in many cases. Bare
fallow, which was so common twenty-five years ago, is scarcely
to be met with now, and yet the land is better cleaned and
manured than it was then.

The parish of liotlies, on the western side of the river Spey,
covers an area of 19,234'453 acres. It contains a large breadth
of excellent land, while there are also portions of inferior soil.
Along the side of the Spey fertile loam and rich alluvium
abound, while towards the foot of the hills coarse clay, moss,
earth, and gravel are occasionally to be seen. The largest farm
in the ])arish is Druinbnin, occupied by IMr William Brown,
I.inkwood, I'^lgin, and the property of the Earl of Seafield. It is
1651 jicres in extent, and is rented at £435. Perhaps the most
pleasantly situated farm in the ])arish is that of Dandaleith,
tenanted by Mr John Cruickshank. It is 407 acres in extent,

72 THE AGPJCULTUEE OF THE

the rental being £516. The soil over the farm is rich alluvium,
and is well nourished by the tenant.

In the extreme north-eastern corner of the parish of Rothes,
on the bank of the Spey, is the choice farm of Garbity,* tenanted
by Mr James AVatt. It covers an area of 220 arable acres, is
rented at 35s. an acre, and is carefully and skilfully managed.
Mr AYatt is also tenant of the farm of Mulben, in the parish of
Boharm, which is 240 arable acres in extent. The soil on Mul-
ben is of a light, blackish nature, while on Garbity it consists of
fine light loam. In the district surrounding Garbity the rental
runs from 15s. to 35s. per acre. Mr V/att works on the five-
shift system on Garbity, and adopts the six-course rotation on
Mulben. The latter system is most approved of. In good
seasons wheat and barley yield about 5 quarters per acre on
Garbity, on which there are no oats grown. On the farm of
]\Iulben oats yield about 6 quarters per acre, barley 4i quarters.
The land here is rented at about 23s. per acre. Mr Watt sub-
soils his turnip land in the autumn with one of Sellar's diggers,
grubs it in spring, and manures as heavily in the drills as pos-
sible with duns, alon^^ with from £3 to £3, lOs. worth of artificial
stimulants per acre. The allowance of seed for swedes per acre
is 3 lbs,, and 2 lbs. for yellow turnips. About 7 acres of potatoes
are grown after lea, and the usual width of the drill is 29 inches.
Dung for these is spread over the surface of the lea before being
ploughed in the autumn, and about 3 cwt. of manure added
when they are being planted. The varieties of potatoes grown
are Victoria Ee2;ents, Magnum Bonums, and sometimes Cham-
pions, and the quantity of seed varies from 10 to 12 cwt. per
acre. The artificial manure is deposited by a sowing machine.
Mr AYatt expended £100 in buildiug, and also made roads
and drained a few acres of land at his own expense. In
some of the following pages we allude to the superiority of his
herd of shorthorn cattle. On the two farms Mr "VVatt breeds 40
cross cattle every year, and feeds them along with bought-in
stock when two years old. They are tied up for feeding in
October, and, weighing from 7 to 8 cwt., are ready for the
market at Christmas. Besides turnips and straw, they receive
cake and bruised oats. About 120 half-bred ewes are kept be-
tween the two farms, and they rear about 200 lambs. The lambs
weigh about 65 lbs. in spring when fat, and are sold at about
£2, 15s. each. They get about -|- lb. of linseed each per day.
The farm hoises are very good, and work at the rate of 80 acres
a pair. Mr Watt's servants are all married, and most of them
have houses on the farm. They get from £16 to £18, along with
3|- bolls of meal, 1 ton of coals, and fully 1 ton of potatoes, each
in the half-year. The rent on Garbity is the same as Mr Watt
This farm is now (1883) tenanted by Mr Stewart.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 73

paid on entering it eighteen years ago. He thinks that farmers
might work the six-shift system more advantageously than
the five-course shift on medium soil, but not on very heavy land.

We have omitted to mention, however, that about two miles
below the village of Eothes is the pass of Sourden,near to which
is the famous Haugh of Dundurcas. The farm of Dundurcas,
occupied by Mr Mantach, contains some 200 acres of good deep
loam. The extraordinary flood of 1829 did not deprive this farm
of its rich surface so much as it did to those lying further down
the river, and consequently the land is as fertile as it is deep and
friable. Mr Mantach, like mostly all the other tenants along
that side of the county, adopts the five-shift course, and is a
careful breeder of cross cattle, which he generally disposes of fat
when two vears old.

A little further down the river we reach the farm of Collie,
the outmost farm in this direction, on the Seafield estates, which
is tenanted by Mr Sutor. solicitor, Elgin. The land consists of
a medium loam dispersed with patches of gravel and light sandy
soil, being particularly light along the river bank. The farm is
in capital order, and produces good crops of barley, oats, and
turnips. Mr Sutor has not grown wheat for a few years, but
sows barley instead, which, when grown after second year's
grass, is found to be very suitable. The farm-yard manure is all
spread in drills in the turnip break at the rate of about 20 yards
per acre, along with 8 cwt. of artificial manure, composed of bone
flour, ground coprolites, and mineral superphosphate. The cattle
kept are the ordinary crosses, and are sold off fat in spring
when two years old. Each cow generally fosters two calves.
Mr Sutor for some years has kept a flock of high bred border
Leicesters. His ewe stock consists of about five score, which
have principally descended from rams of the Kinochtry stock
which he purchased some years ago at the Aberdeen annual sales.
The tups are sold annually as shearlings. A large lot of them
averaged £16, los. Id. this year (1882). They only get artificial
food about three weeks before being sold. Mr Sutor has l)een
an extensive exhibitor of sheep. In 1881 he won the first prize
cup and special prize at Elgin. The whole of his horses are
pure bred, and eligible for the stud book. He has been also a
successful exhibitor of horses. At Elgin, Aberdeen, and the
Highland and Agricultural Society's shows, in 1874 and in 1875,
he won the first prize for brood mares. He also gained many
other creditable prizes. Mr Sutor is not an ailvocate for com-
pensation for une.>:hausted manures — as a lawyer merely hn
would welcome such a measure, — but insists that tenants shouiit
have freedom of cultivation, free sale of their produce and
subjects, and at the same time be bound to farm in accordance
with the rules of good husbandry.

74 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

The farm of Burnside, occupied by Mr James Brace, extends
to 365 acres, and is on the Eichmond estate. The soil is chiefly
alluvial, and is in a high state of fertility. The rent is £520, or
nearly 30s. per acre. The five-shift course is adopted by Mr
Bruce, and his farm is very productive. He uses a great deal
of artificial food for stock, and his farm-yard manure, which is
devoted chiefly to turnips, is of the very richest nature. From
20 to 30 yards of it is given along with 8 cwt. artificial manure
per acre. He has an excellent herd of shorthorn cattle on the
farm, in all about 70 head, breeding at the rate of 30 animals
every year. His cows are of the most fashionable strains, and
are excellent breeders and milkers. For many years Mr Bruce's
bull calves have commanded the highest averages at Forres and
Perth sales. His stock bulls have been the famous " Baronet,"
which never left its box but to conquer ; " Eoyal Windsor,"
" Earl of March," and his present bull " Knickerbocker," the
champion national winner of 1881 at Stirling. In his breeding
stock Mr Bruce has repeatedly won the challenge and champion
cups of the Morayshire Farmers' Club, Spey, Avon and Fiddich-
side Farmers' Club, and the Royal Northern Agricultural Society;
and for many years has been an extensive exhibitor at the shows
of the Highland and Agricultural Society, winning the first
premiums for old and young bulls last year, along with the
Tweeddale gold medal at Stirling. There is, in addition to the
shorthorns, a few good cross feeding cattle kept, being chiefly
bought in young and sold off fat when two years -old, weighing
from 8 to 9 cwt. On the farm there is almost always to be
found a few choice animals in preparation for the great English
fat stock shows, at which he has been most successful. In 1871
Leeds presented him with a class prize and champion cup, and
Smithfield with a champion cup for heifers. In 1872 Smithfield
sent him a class prize and champion cup for an excellent ox bred
by Mr Macpherson, Auchlochrach, Glenrinnes, in addition to
which, and with the same animal, he gained the blue ribbon cup
for that year. In 1873, Hull presented him with a hundred
guineas plate, while in 1871 Newcastle sent him a beautiful
plate. In 1878 York awarded him a champion plate; and many
other trophies of lesser importance awarded to him could be
recorded. The farm houses are in good order, the dwelling-
house having been recently erected, partly by the landlord and
the tenant.

Nairnshire.

Having completed our Morayshire pilgrimage, we now proceed
to describe our recent tour throughout the county of Nairn.
The general configuration of the county has already been
noticed, but it may not be out of place to mention that the lower

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 75

districts are thickly wooded, and present a pleasant aspect, more
particularly in the autumn. The upper reaches are more of a
rugged and mountainous character, and the scenery is uninterest-
ing. We commenced our tour on the eastern border in the parish
of Auldearn, which was rented at £9650, 12s. lid. in 1866-67,
and now at £10,091, 15s. 5d. The most extensive proprietor is
Mr Hugh Brodie of Brodie, Brodie Castle, whose property in
this parish brings a rental of £2606, 15s.

The farm of Easter Clune, occupied by Mr James Russell,
extends to 700 acres, of which only 150 acres are arable. The
rental in the district generally is about £1 per acre. The soil
on this farm consists of a black loam, with a clay subsoil, and
the climate is rather cold but dry. The five-course shift is
adopted, viz., two grasses, a white crop, a green crop, and again
a white crop sown with grass seeds. Corn crops yield about
4^ quarters of grain per acre, and about 300 stones of straw;
turnips yield about 16 tons, and hay about 110 stones (23 lbs.
per stone) per acre. The systems of cleaning and preparing
land for turnips seem to be universally the same as are
adopted by the Morayshire farmers. About 18 loads of dung,
accompanied by about 7J cwt. dissolved bones, constitute the
manurial allowance per acre of turnip land. Potatoes receive
the same treatment as turnips. Mr Eussell has reclaimed about
15 acres of moorland during the past twenty-five years, and the
landlord has drained about 12 acres, for which the tenant pays
interest. Cross cattle are the prevailing breed. From 6 to 8
calves are reared on the farm yearly, and about 20 cattle are
fattened. The heifers are tied up about the middle of October,
and sold off in January, and the stots in April. Besides liberal
supplies of turnips and straw, from 2 to 4 lbs. of oilcake and a
little corn are given to each iimm?i\ pe?' diem. Heifers when fat
weigh generally about 4^ or 5 cwt., and stots about 6 cwt. Mr
Ilussell thinks farmers might breed more cattle with advantage.
About 4UU hoggs are wintered on the farm. The stud is very
superior, j)0ssessing a good deal of Clydesdale blood. The
customary allotment of land to a pair of horses is about 75
acres. Farm servants in this district are mostly single, being a
pr(j{)ortion of two to one married man. Wages range from £30
to £40 a year, and have doubled at least since 1855. Cottages
average about li to each farm. Bents have risen about 15 per
cent, within the [)ast thirty years, and have been too high for
about live years. Barley is the most profitable cereal culti-
vated.

Tiiough only 67 arable acres in extent, the farm of Oarliokhill,
occupied by Mr Alexander Mackintosh, is one of the model
farms of tlie day. It is rented at £109, 10s., or about 33s. per
acre, and is on the estate of tlie trustees of the late John (Gordon

76 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

of Cliiny. The avera^^^e rental in the neighbourhood of this farm
is 25s. The soil is generally very good, resting on red clay and
gravel, and some patclies of moss. The rotation is universally
Ihe live-shift system, but on light land three years' grass is very
suitable. Barley on Garlickhill yields from 3 quarters to 6
quarters per acre, or an average of about 4h quarters, and
weighs 56 lbs. ; oats return about 5 quarters, weighing 40 lbs.,
aud rarely 45 lbs. per bushel. The stubble land, in the end of
the year, is ploughed from 8 to 10 inches deep; and when the
land is tolerably dry, the drills are opened at an average width
of 27 inches. Twenty loads of dung are given to the acre of
land, and is spread along the drills, and in addition to this about
£2 worth of artificial manure is allowed per acre. It consists
of crushed and dissolved bones, a little phosphates, and about 2
cwt. of salt. For potatoes, a proportion of the oldest grass land
on the farm is heavily dunged before it is broken up, aud when
the drills are opened about 4 cwt. artificial manure is deposited
per acre. Mr Mackintosh has drained a great breadth of land,
and for money advanced by the landlord for the work he pays
13 J per cent. Five polled and five cross cows are usually kept
for breeding and dairy purposes. The bull is of the shorthorn
breed. The young stock are sold off when three-quarters old, as
the tenant finds it more lucrative to keep a number of cows, and
sell milk to the neighbouring villagers, than to keep feeding
cattle. The pasture of the farm is let for sheep wintering, along
with nearly one-third of the turnips, which are consumed on the
field. Horses are of medium size, and well bred. Wages for
farm servants have nearly doubled since 1855 on this farm.
Men have from £10 to £15 with board ; women and boys, £5 to
£6 per half year. Kents in this parish are reckoned to have risen
from 10 to 15 per cent, since 1850. Wheat-growing in this county
has ceased, and more attention is devoted to the breeding and
feeding of stock. Far more potatoes are grown now than twenty-
five years ago. Probably the higher prices of beef and potatoes
make up for the absence of wheat, while the expense of ex-
traneous feeding-stufts is returned in beef and manure. The
tenant is of opinion that freedom of cropping, subject to the
laws of good husbandry, coupled with greater liberality on the
part of the proprietors in respect of permanent improvements,
such as building and drainage, would be beneficial, but that
everything else must be left and settled by the common rules
of supply and demand.

On the lands of Boath, the property of the late Sir James Dunbar,
Bart., is the farm of Bogside, occupied by Mr William Anderson.
Its total area is 103 acres, all arable, and it is rented at £2 per
acre. The soil is light, and the climate good. Mr Anderson
adopts the five-shift rotation. Cereals yield from 4 to 5 quarters

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 77

per acre, and weigh a little over the standard measure. Turnips
and potatoes grow well. Land tor the green crop gets from 20
to 25 loads of dung and 6 cwt. artificial manure per acre.
Cross cattle are bred and fattened on the farm. They are fed
ou turnips, straw, and cake, and are sold at the weight of from
5 to 6 cwt. Tlie horses on the farm are good, and work from
60 to 70 acres a pair. Mr Anderson pays from £10 to £13 for
men, and £5 to £6 for women and boys, exclusive of board.
Mr Anderson thinks farmers should have liberty in cropping.

As we proceed westwards the scenery becomes more varied
and beautiful, and the systems of farming more various and
interesting. The parish of Nairn contains soil varying from
heavy mould to light sand. The valuation of the parish in
186(3-67 was £5939, 13s. 5d., and is now £7190, 14s. Id. The
principal objects of interest are the remains of Castle Finlay, of
Eait Castle, and of the old chapel where the Kilravock family
are buried. The Cawdor estates, which make a total area of
46,176 imperial acres, go more extensively into the parishes of
Nairn and Cawdor than any other property in the county. Of
the total area 5776 acres are under wood, 2920 acres arable
ground, and 37,480 of moorland and hill pasture. The total
rental in 1855 was £6070, and in 1881, £7930. The land over
tlie estate is chiefly light loam, resting on gravelly subsoil. The
number of farms on the property is 154, of which 27 holdings
are rented above £100 and 127 under £100. Houses are gene-
rally substantial and in good order. Many of them have been
built since last letting of farms, the tenants carting materials
and the proprietor paying the cost of building. Since 1849,
when new leases were entered upon, a considerable extent of
waste land has been reclaimed by the tenants, when, in many
cases, large quantities of stones were turned up, which the
tenants carted to the lines of dykes laid out by the land sur-
veyor, and built by the landlord. Previous to 1849, the whole
estate was gone over by a surveyor, and the new marches of
the farms were squared up. The tenants seem satisfied with
the result of their reclamations, and when leases exjnre a rise of
rent is generally obtained. IJents are payable half-yearly, at
.Martinmas and Whitsunday, after reaping the crop. There are
some married servants on the larger farms, but very few on the
smaller ones. A good many cottages for married servants and
liibuurers have been erected during the last twenty-five years.

The farm of Easter Delnies, in the ])arish of Nairn, is tenanted
by Mr John Davidson, and has a total acreage of 690 acres, of
which 240 acres are arable, 120 acres coarse ])asture, and 350
acres under wood. The rental is £170. The soil on the farm is
mostly light and santly, and is interse(3ted by pendicles of good
loam. 'JMiL* live-course shift is ]»ursued. Barley returns about

78 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

5 quarters per acre, and weighs 56 lbs, per bushel ; oats, 6
quarters, 43 lbs. ; and potatoes about 4 tons per acre. The land
is manured for roots with 24 loads of dung and 4 cwt. artificial
manure per acre. Mr Davidson entered tlie present lease in
1873, when the farm was in bad condition, and now it is in a
much better state. He got a new steading on entry, for the
building of which he carted materials, and pays Government
interest during the lease. The tenant breeds cross cattle in part
and buys in part, feeding annually from ten to twelve, which,
with liberal supplies of turnips and straw, combined with a little
nutritious cake and bruised corn, they weigh about 5 cwt.
each about three months after they are tied up, when they are
sold of!'. He lets the pasture during winter along with a quantity
of turnips. The pasture is sufficiently extensive to carry 400
sheep. A pair of horses work about 86 acres. Single farm
servant men get from £10 to £12 in the half year. Under the
present five-shift system the land is becoming unsuitable for
turnips and grass. A recourse to the six-shift rotation would,
in Mr Davidson's opinion, give better turnips and grass, and
prevent finger-and-toe damaging the former.

The farm of Crook extends to 184 arable acres and 4 pasture,
and is pleasantly situated on the right bank of the river Nairn.
It is rented to Mr William Malcolm at £199, and is part of the
property of Colonel James A. Grant, C.B. The rental in the
district ranges from 14s. to 40s. per acre. On the farm of Crook
the soil is of a kindlv lisihtish nature, and is wroucyht under the
five-shift rotation. Crops yield variously, being more apt to
suffer from a deficiency of moisture than from too much. Oats
and barley yield from 2 to 5 quarters per acre, and the grain, both
in respect of quality and weight, is invariably good. Turnips
yield from 12 to 24 and potatoes from 3 to 6 tons per acre.
Land for the root crop is usually twice ploughed, grubbed, and
harrowed several times before it is properly cleaned. From 20
to 24 loads of dung, along with from 4 to 7 cwt. of dissolved
bones, constitute the manurial ingredients applied per acre.
Potatoes are grown after two-year-old grass, which is covered in
the autumn wdth a heavy coating of dung before being ploughed,
and immediately before planting trom 6 to 7 cwt. of dissolved
bones are applied. Mr Malcolm reclaimed about 20 acres of
low marshy ground, and the proprietor ploughed 40 acres of
light land (which had previously been under wood) with six
oxen during the past twenty-five years. The farm stock of
breeding cattle consists of polled and cross cows and shorthorn"
bull. Twelve calves are reared, and in every case, when prac-
ticable, each cow has to suckle two calves. The young stock
are kept in open courts till they are two years of age, when
they are sold in April or May at from £20 to £24. From ten

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 79

to twelve purchased cross cattle are tied up immediately after
harvest, and are sold in January, weighing from 5 to 6J cwt.
each. They are fed on turnips and straw, with draff, burned
ale, bruised oats, and rye. Mr Malcolm has a stud of very
superior horses, which work at the rate of 70 acres a pair.
There is a good deal of carting done in driving feeding stuffs
from the distillery and manure from the tow^n of Nairn. Wages
for servant men vary from £10 to £15 for six months. They
have risen about SC) per cent, since 1850. More cottages are
required. Tradesmen's bills have also risen very greatly. Kents
have advanced greatly during the past thirty years. In many
cases they are too high, especially in unfavourable seasons, such
as have been experienced for sometime; but fears are entertained
that insufficiency of capital has something to do with the results
being unfavourable. Barley is the most profitable cereal.

Househill Mains, tenanted by William H. Kelman, extends
to 160 acres. It is beautifully situated, and systematically and
skilfully wrought. About half the farm consists of haugh land,
lying on the right bank of the river Nairn. The nature of the
soil varies from fine mould to sandy loam, and the climate is
mild and early. The farm steading, which was erected a few
years ago by the proprietor. Colonel James A. Grant, C.B., in
the most modern and approved style, is situated about the
centre of the farm. Mr Kelman adopts the five-shift rotation,
and grows potatoes on part of his lea ground. Crops yield
pretty equally in a good season. Barley gives from 4 quarters
to 5 quarters, weighing about 57 lbs. ; oats, 5 quarters, weighing
43^ lbs. per bushel. In the autumn the digging and ploughing
of the land for turnip crop are the leading items of labour; and
after tlie ground is thoroughly pulverised in spring with repeated
grubbing and harrowing, it receives from 20 to 25 loads of dung
per acre, and from 6 to 8 cwt. of artificial manure. The latter
is a composition of 2 cwt. dissolved bones, 1-^ cwt. bone meal,
2 cwt. superphosphates, | cwt. sulphate of ammonia, and a
small quantity of guano. Mr Kelman limed part of his farm
this year, giving it about 5 bolls per acre to the lightest land.
If the land is clean, he ploughs down the dung for the root crops
in autumn. Among the improvements effected on the farm
since it came under the tenancy and management of ^Ir Kelman,
perhaps a new thrashing machine put in by Mr K, (J. ^Morton,
Errol, Perthshire, is the most notalde feature. Attached to this
niachine, and driven by the same steam-engine, are a chaff and
straw cutter, root-i)ul])er, corn-crusher, and corn-blast, all of
which have been furnished bv the same engineer. TLe thrasliiuiir
n)achine, though seemingly intricate in its construction, is very
simj)le and edicient in its working. The corn-blast attached to
the mill is a very ingenious affair. The grain as it leaves the

80 THE AGEICULTUKE OF THE

mill is blown through a wide tube, 60 feet long, into the grain
loft, the tube making a right angle turn at its highest point.
Eeing in the immediate vicinity of the burgh of Nairn, Mr
Kelmau has started a dairy for supplying the town with milk.
This is an institution which was very much needed, and is now
being esteemed. The present dairy stock is composed of about
twenty cows of the best Ayrshire and cross breeds. To these
very succulent food is given, as it is found to be efhcacious in
sustaining and improving the milking properties of the animals.
Mr Kelman has also a very nice black polled bull and a number
<jf fattening cattle. The feeding stock are kept in a commodious
half-covered court. His horses are strong and active, and work
from 80 to 100 acres a pair. The proprietor has planted about
2 acres of arable land along the public roadside, and has also
planted from 7 to 8 acres of land on the neighbouring farm of
Crook within the past few years.

On the estate of Mrs Anne Agnew Mackintosh or AValker is
the large and superior farm of Heathmount, tenanted by Mr
George M'Beth. It covers an area of 175 arable acres, and is
rented at £283. In this district the rent of arable land runs
from 22s. to 40s., whereas in the upper districts of the county it
ranges from os. to 20s. The soil is good and the climate genial
The tenant is strictly bound to the five-shift rotation. Oats
yield from 3-J- to 6 quarters per acre, and are seldom under
42 lbs. in weight ; barley, from 3 to 5 quarters, weighing about
56 lbs. per bushel. About 20 loads of dung and from 4 to 7
cwt. artificial manure is given per acre to land for the green
crop. The implements of husbandry have undergone great
improvement since 1850. Then threshing corn with the "flail"
was a daily occurrence, and now the crop is all thrashed with
machinery, and a great part, particularly of barley, with steam.
Crops are all reaped with reapers. The proprietrix has done
much in the way of improving buildings. Cattle are chiefly of
the cross breed, and are sold off when fat, weighing from 5 to 6
cwt. each. Mr M'Beth buys in sheep in the autumn, feeds
them on turnips, and sells them in March or April. The farm
horses are good, and work from 50 to 75 acres a pair.

On the western side of this parish is the estate of Lochdhu,
which is 754 acres in extent, of which there are 684 acres of
arable land, 30 of pasture, and 40 under wood. In 1866-67 the
yearly value of the property was £263, 18s. 9d., and now it is
worth £650, 9s. 3d. per annum. Over the estate the soil varies
from moss, sand, and loam to gravel. There are only two farms
on the property, one 544 acres and the other 140 acres in extent.
Commodious steadings Imve been built within the past ten
years. The farms are ringfenced and subdivided with wire.
There was no fencing thirty years ago. Eoads generally are

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIEN. 81

good. The extent reclaimed during the past thirty years is
about 284 acres. The character of the land before reclamation
was soft and marshy, worth about 2s. Gd. per acre, and now,
since it has been efticiently drained, it brings from £1, 10s. to
£1, 15s. The cost of reclaiming was about £10 per acre. The
land is now productive, and gives good crops. It has been
profitable to both landlord and tenant. lients are all paid in
money, but previous to 1855 they were mostly paid in grain.
The five-course shift is universally adopted. The cattle kept on
the estate are generally crosses. A good deal of cake is used in
feeding. There are no sheep farms on the estate. There are
about thirty crofters or cottars on the property. The latter pay
small rents, and earn a livelihood by farm work and other labour
by the day. Crofters hold the crofts on lease, and pay about
£1, 10s. per acre. A great deal has been done in the way of
planting since 1855.

Situated on the estate of Mr Hugh Davidson, and in the
parish of Croy, the farm of Cantraydown, occupied by Mr
Angus Macpherson, is one of the most skilfully managed hold-
ings in the district. The parish was valued at £3033, lis. in
1866-67, and in 1881-82 at £3881, 16s. 6d. The farm of
Cantraydown extends to 200 acres arable and 600 pasture, is
rented at £155, and partly consists of porous haughland with a
prevalence of moss and gravel. The five-course shift is pursued,
and in good seasons good crops of grain and roots are obtained.
The land is always most carefully prepared for seed, more
particularly for roots. It is also dunged heavily, and well
furnished with artificial manure. Less manure is given for
potatoes than for turnips. Mr ]\Iacpherson has reclaimed about
100 acres of land during the past twenty-five years, the proprietor
cutting a few of the leading drains. Tlie cattle are of the
.shorthorn and cross breeds, and are mostly disposed of when
two years old. Sheep are kept only during winter. Horses are
of the Clydesdale breed, but have not improved much of late.
The common allotment to a })air is 70 acres. Servants' wages
have advanced about 100 per cent, since 1855, and few cottages
have been built. lients have risen about 15 per cent, during the
past twenty-five years.

In the jjarish of Cawdor there is a large extent of mo.s3 and
thin soil, but it also contains some fertile lanil. There are also
extensive woods surroundincr Cawdor Castle, which is one of
the most perfect and time-honoured examples of a feudal
fortre.ss in the north. The scenery is truly mauniticent.
About tlie centre of the best agricultural district in the palish
is the line farm of lirocklea, which is 320 arable acres in extent,
and is in the ])Ossession of Mr Jiobert Fraser. The rental of this
farm amounts to l)6s. per acre, but the average rental of the

82 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

district does not exceed from 28s. to 32s. The soil on Mr Fraser's
holding is a light loam on a gravelly bottom, and over the
lower half of the parish the land is of a shingly nature;. Large
proportions of a hard blackband of heath running over a number
of farms have been reclaimed by the tenants during the past
thirty years. The prescribed mode of tillage on the Cawdor
estate is the five-course shift, from which, however, many
farmers would gladly deviate. Barley is the favourite cereal
generally, as it is most adapted to the peculiarities of
the climate. In ordinary years it yields at the rate of from
32 to 36 bushels per acre, and weighs from 54 to 56 lbs. per
bushel, but it has not exceeded 28 bushels per acre and 53 lbs.
in weight for a few years past. The land for the root crops is
prepared in the usual way, and turnip sowing is generally
finished by the 10th of June. The manurial dressings for these
consist of dissolved bones, superphosphate, and guano, to the
amount of from 2J to 4 cwfc. per acre, irrespective of a small
allowance of farm-yard manure. Farm-yard manure, however, is,
as a rule, nearly all required for the barley crop in spring, and
hence only a small quantity is available for the root crop. The
general quantity of turnips obtained per acre varies from 15 to
20 tons. There have not been many noteworthy improvements
effected on this farm during the past twenty- five years, so far
as land is concerned ; but over £2000 have been expended by
the tenant, exclusive of £1000 by the landlord, in erecting
new farm buildings. No meliorations are allowed for the
tenant's outlay at any period of the lease. About forty years
ago this farm was rented at less than half the present value, the
present tenant's father, who was formerly occupier of it, having
since then reclaimed more than one half of the holding from woods,
bogs, and gorse. Cross-bred cattle from polled cows and shorthorn
bull constitute Mr Fraser's herd. Of thirty cows twenty-four
are used purely for breeding purposes ; most of them suckle two
calves, while six or seven are kept as dairy cows. The feeding
stock are generally fattened on pulped food, containing a
mixture of straw and chaff and artificial food. Besides this,
they get an allowance of cake morning and evening, which is
increased as the animals mature for the market. They weigh
from 6J to 7 cwt., and are tied up late in autumn and sold off
when two years old. The farm horses of the country have
improved immensely within the past twenty-five years. Better
stallions of the Clydesdale breed have been travelling Nairn-
shire during the past fifteen years. The horses of the
upper district are a small and light class, but generally work
from 65 to 75 acres a pair. The " bothie " system for servants
is much in use in this county, there being a universal scarcity
of cottages for married men. If there had been sufficient

COUNTIES OF ELGIN i\ND NAIRN. 83

cottage accommodation married men would generally be preferred.
The assistance that can be obtained from their wives and
families in outdoor labour and barn work, gives them a
preference, especially in districts where it is very difficult
to get day labourers in spring, and during turnip hoeing and
harvest.

Near the village of Cawdor, and on the borders of Inverness-
shire, is the compact farm of p]udgate, occupied by Mr Joss.
The soil is light and gravelly, but the climate dry and favour-
able. The five-course shift is pursued. Crops yield well in
moist seasons, but are frequently reduced from want of rain.
Turnip land gets a liberal supply of both farm-yard and artificial
manure, the latter consisting for most part of dissolved bones
and phosphates. Cattle, when feeding, in addition to turnips
and straw, get a limited quantity of cake and grain. Horses
work at the rate of GO acres a pair. The rent has increased
much on Mr Joss's holding since 1855, and, considering the
present time, it is too high. There is more attention devoted to
the breeding and feeding of stock now than twenty-five years
ago, but there have been no other noteworthy changes in the
system of farming since then.

Tlie AgricvMural Degression in Moray and Nairn.

The agricultural depression, which has proved so disastrous
in many parts of the country since 1872, has not been so
seriously felt in the lower divisions of these counties as in the
upper districts, south of the Spey, or in England. Moray and
Nairn have lost money — in 1877, in 1879, and again, to some
extent, in 1881 — but the shortcomings in this respect have been
light, especially over the lower half of the counties, compared
with the farming iinancial deficiencies in the south. It would
be too much to assume that there are many tenant farmers in
Moray and Nairn who are in as good a position, financially, in
1882 as they were in 187G, but a considerable number have not
lost more than perhaps a year's rental ; whereas, in the southern
and central districts of Scotland, the losses since 1872 have been
nearer three than two years' rents. Of course, on heavy clay
soils, which ha])pily are not exceedingly extensive in Moray, and
are nowhere to be met with in Nairnshire, there has been a much
heavier drain of farmers' means than is indicated above. On
very stiflly rented farms, as well as on bailly drained, indifter-
ently managed farms, more especially where working capital
has been inade([uate, there have also been rather heavy losses
in recent years.

84 THE AGRICULTUKE OF THE

Bents — Leases — Botation — Size of Farms.

Bents.—Ovev these counties generally, as we liave already
hinted, there is great variety in the value of land. Eents rise
and fall in accordance with the situation and the nature of the
soil. Beginning at the most eastern side of Morayshire, we find
the rental along the bank of the Spey, from Boat of Bridge ta
the sea, varying from 10s. to £2, 10s. per acre, the average being
about 26s. Along the coast side in the parish of Urquhart, it
rises hioher in some cases and declines in others. It rancres
from 15s. to SOs., and, roughly speaking, the average rental of
the district is about 2os. In the parish of St Andrews the
rent varies considerably. In the lower parts it ranges from 17s,
to 37s., and averages about 25s., while in the upper end of the
parish, where the land is not so heavy and the climate colder^
it varies from 12s. to 25s. per acre. The soil in Drainie is-
stronger and the climate more agreeable, and consequently the
average rental of the district is about 25s. or 26s. There is no-
material increase in the actual value of each acre of land since
1857, but there is a yearly increase in the rental from the feu-
duties collected at Branderburgh. As high as 40s. is realised
for an acre of very good land. Further w^est into Duf!'us, the
" Granary of Moray," where the land is valuable and the climate
favourable, the rental runs from S-Os. to 40?. per acre. On Sir
Archibald Dunbar's estate, the average rental is 31s., the highest
being SOs. and the low^est 10s. The rentals on some of the
farms on this estate are regulated to a small extent by the
liars prices. For example, if the price of wheat is under 42s.,
£10 is deducted off the rental of one farm ; if under 40s., £20
is deducted from another rent; if 55s., another tenant pays £10
of additional rental; if below 48s., £25 is deducted frora the>.
rental of another farm ; if under 42s., another tenant gets a-
reduction of £10 from his rent ; and if below 42s. per quarter^
£10 is deducted from another tenant's rent. The rental of the
parish of Elgin is extremely variable. It ranges from 7s. 6d. to-
35s. per acre, the average being about 24s. or 25s. Throughout
the western seaboard districts of the county of Elgin or Moray
rents are much higher than in the eastern parishes. The land
is more fertile, and consists of sandy loam and black loam, with
a gravelly subsoil. In the Alves, Kinloss, and Forres districts,
where wheat is pretty extensively grown and the climate line, the
rents vary from 20s. to 60s. per imperial acre. The average,
however, is from 32s. to 40s. In the vicinity of the burgh of
Forres, every acre of first-class land costs the tenant 50.s. Even
more than this is obtained in some cases, some residents in town
paying as much as £5 or £6 per acre for conveniently situated
land. In Dallas parish the rental varies from 20s. to 303. per

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 85

acre. All over the upper or uiost inland division of the county,
where wheat and pot-itoes are not grown to any great extent, the
agricultural rental falls very considerably. In Edinkillie and
Cromdale, there is a great deal of slieep pasture included with
arable land, and consecjuently it is difficult to draw out a correct
average, but generally the rent of tlie arable land would run
from 15s. to 25s per acre. Along the fertile valley of the Spey
the rents range from 15s. to 30s., except in the Knockando
district, where there is a slight decline, the soil beinc^ rather thin
and the climate uncongenial. Here rents average from 18s. to
20s. In the parishes of liothes and Boharm rents vary from
15s. to oOs., and average from 24s. to 26s. per acre.

The rental in the lower half of the county of iSTairn is similar
to that in the eastern districts of Morayshire. It runs from 22s.
to 40s., and averages from 25s. to 26s. per imperial acre. In the
parish of Nairn it is perhaps fully 26s. on an average ; in the
parish of Auldearn about 26s.; Cawdor, from 25s. to 32s.; and in
j.4.rdclach, where the land is not so fertile and the climate colder,
from 5s. to 22s. per acre. In this parish a great extent of hill
and rough pasture is rented along with the arable land.

Speaking generally of both counties, we have to report a very
significant rise in the agricultural rental. Let us contrast the
total rental of each county in 1842 with that of 1880. The total
rented in 1842 of Morayshire was £92,818, which in comparison
with the rental of 1880, viz., £118,821, shows the vast increase
of £26,003, or 387 per cent. In Nairnshire the total rental of
1842 was £16,010, and in 1880, £28,788. It will thus be seen
that, daring the past forty years, the rental of the latter county
lias been nearly doubled, the increase being £12,778, or 79*8 per
cent. Perhaps the following table will show more clearly the
substantial increase of tlie past twenty-five years. It exliibits
the increase or decrease per cent, of the agricultural rental of
Moray and Nairn during the different periods indicated : —

Ycar.s.

1853 to 18(53, ....
18G3 to 1873, ....
1873 to 1875, ....
1S75 to 1877, ....
1877 to 1880

* Tlic astei'isk sij^'ii iiuUcates a decrease.

It will l)e observed that the greatest increase occurred during
the decade of 1853-63, which nuiy 1)6 attributed to the abnormal
advance in ]>rices caused by the Crimean war. Hie average
increase over both counties during the ])ast twenty-five years
may be safely stated at 20 or 25 per cent. Some twenty-five or
thirty years ago, a number uf rents were paid in kind, mostly in

Moray.

Nairn

I'in

4-52

1-77

1-31

*3-4

•34

10

2-10

•6

•Go

86 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

the shape of grain. Latterly, however, all rents have been paid
in money, and as a rule are collected at the 26th May and the
22nd November. In some cases they are receiv^ed in June and
December, and in others at Candlemas and Lammas. A hundred
years ago the rent of the best farm on the Pitgaveny estate was
a boll of oats, a boll of barley, and a boll of wheat per acre of
arable land.

Leases. — The majority of tenants on the various estates hold
their farms under leases of nineteen years' duration. Perhaps this
convenient system of lease has been longer in vogue in these
counties than in any other two north of the Grampians. " Life '
leases, once very general, are now all but unknown. Crofts are
generally held from year to year. Entry in both counties is
usually obtained at Whitsunday, when the incoming tenant, as
a rale, takes over at valuation from his predecessor grass, fallow,
dung, and corn crops. On the Duffus estate the regulations
permit of the outgoing tenant disposing of his grain crops
ad libitum. On the Ballindalloch estates, outgoing tenants are
bound to give over to their successors the whole of their last
grain crop, the grain at the fiars prices of the county in which
the farm is situated, and the straw by valuation of arbiters in
the event of no fiars being struck. On these estates tenants
nearly always obtain entry at Whitsunday, and the incoming
tenant generally takes over first year's grass, grain crops, and
thrashing mill at valuation. The regulations and conditions of
farm tenancy on mostly all the other estates admit of similar
arrangements being made between the outgoing and the in-
coming tenants. In the regulations of Lord Fife's estate, the
following clause is incorporated: — "The valuations of the fallow,
grass, and manure shall be made at or before Whitsunday, and
shall be payable at that term. The valuations of the grain crops
and straw shall be made at such times and in such manner as
may be fixed by the arbiters. The incoming tenant receiving
the crops and straw, and other subjects of valuation, shall out of
the same pay the landlord at the term of Martinmas, on behalf
of the waygoing tenant, the whole rents and liabilities then due
by him to the landlord. The balance of the value of crops and
straw shall be payable by the incoming tenant to the way-
going tenant, at such time or in such instalments as the arbiters
may fix, provided that the whole shall be made payable on or
before the 15th day of March. On the event of any farm being
resumed by the landlord, or in the event of the crops by the
waygoing tenant or other subjects of valuation being received
by him, or on his behalf, he shall deal with regard to the
waygoing tenant as nearly as may be in the same manner as
may be provided for by an incoming tenant." In so far as in
accordance with good husbandry, the tenants on the Fife estates,

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 87

as on several other properties, have liberty to crop the arable
land of their farms, during the currency of their leases, in such
a manner as they think best, but in all cases they must comply
with the regulations of the estate at the termination of the lease.
In Nairnshire the regulations of the various estates are almost
identical with those in Morayshire.

Rotation. — There is great variation in the system of rotation
observed throughout these counties. Five, six, and seven course
shifts are quite general, particularly in Morayshire. Taking the
two counties together, we find that the tive-shift course is the
prevailing system ; while in wheat and potato growing districts,
such as Dufius and Drainie — except v/hen prohibited by the re-
gulations of the estate — the six-shift course is most commonly pur-
sued. The crops in the six-shift course are — First, grass ; second,
grass; third, grain ; fourth, grain; fifth, turnips and potatoes;
and sixth, barley laid down with grass seeds. In the five-shifts
the crops are thus arranged — First and second, grass; third, grain;
fourth, turnips and potatoes; and fifth, barley sown out with
grass seeds. The seven-course system is by no means uncom-
mon, although the five and six shifts are more general. In the
seven-course system the crops are — Two grasses, oats, potatoes
and beans, barley, turnips, and barley again. Two courses of
husbandry are in several instances pursued on the same farm,
the best land being worked in the six-course shift. In the
upper districts of Morayshire and throughout Nairnshire, the
five-course system is all but universally adopted. Many tenants,
however, are contemplating changing to the six-shift course,
which is deservedly gaining favour in both counties. Besides
giving three years grass instead of two, as afforded by the live-
shift system, it effects a decided saving of labour and manure,
is easy to work, and helps greatly to ward oil" attacks of tinger-
and-toe and canker, which are frequently very destructive to
the root crop. There has been no noteworthy change in the
system of farm management further than that indicated as hav-
ing taken place in the shifts. Fur several years a great deal of
attention lias been devoted to the feeding of cattle, which has
necessitated a few minor alterations in the rotation of cropping.
I'eans and i)ease have given })lace to turnij)s and potatoes on
most farms, and as will be noticed elsewhere, wheat is rapidly
giving place to barley.

Size of Farms. — Tiie lower or maritime districts of Moray and
Nairn are l)roken up into largii anil moderately sizeil farms.
Here there are lew crofts, and in fact, comparatively few hold-
ings under 'M) acres in extent, except in the vicinage of towns
and villages. The majority of the farms are of medium size,
and conveniently laid oil. The smaller classes of farms are
much more numerous in the upper or hilly districts, where the

88

THE AGKICULTUKE OF THE

soil is pure and the climate colder ; and there are a good many
crofts ill the inland divisions. The subjoined tables show the
number of agricultural holdiu2fS of various sizes in both counties: —

Counties.

50 acres

and
under.

From 50
to 100
acres.

From 100
to 300
acres.

From 300
to 500
acres.

From 500

to 1000

acres.

Total.

Moray,
Nairn,

1404
214

318
92

271

80

36

4

7
2

2036
392

In 1870 the number of holdings in the various classes were
as follows : —

Counties.

Not

exceeding

5 acres.

From 5
to 20
acres.

From 20
to 50
acres.

From 50

to 100

acres.

Above

100

acres.

Total.

Moray,
Nairn,

552
53

532
115

378
83

312
91

285
71

2059
413

Morayshire ranks ninth in Scotland in the first and second, of
the above classes of holdings, and twenty-iifth in the third class.
Nairn stands nineteenth in the first class, second in the second,
and twenty-third in the tliird class.

Buildings, Drains, Fences, and Roads.

Buildings, — As we have already said, the improvements which
farm holdings have undergone in these counties since 1857 is
immense. Perhaps more new and commodious steadings have
been erected within the past twenty-five years than can be said
of any other two counties throughout the whole length and
breadth of Scotland. There have been improvements effected in
this way every year for the past thiity, and now, through the
generosity of the proprietors and the industry of the farmers,
these counties are exceptionally well supplied with farm build-
ings. Taking both counties into view, very few dilapidated
steadings or farm dwelling-houses are to be seen. The proprie-
tors in some cases erect the necessary farm buildings, the tenant
paying 5 per cent, on the outlay along with his rent. In
other instances the tenant builds the houses himself, and calcu-
lates on obtaining compensation in one form or other. The
tenant invariably does the cartage of building material On the
Duke of Eichmond and Gordon's estates the landlord afibrds

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 89

half tlie outlay in biiildinf^^s, wliicli consist f^enerally of timber
and slate, the tenant doing the other half. His Grace also pro-
vides his tenants with very large and excellent cottaojes at an
average cost of from £350 to £400, and charges the tenant £3
a-vear for them. On the Ballindalloch estates, where many
steadings and houses have been built since 1857, the proprietor
frequently provides wood and slates for building purposes free
of cost, and the tenant bears all other expenses without having
any claim for meliorations. Tenants usually pay interest at
the rate of 5 per cent, for money advanced for farm improve-
jnents. (Generally speaking, however, most of the necessary
Ijuildings are erected by the landlord at the commencement of
tlie leases without interest, the tenant performing the cartage of
all material free. On the Dutl'us estate the proprietor has
erected most of the farm buildings, but in some cases the
tenants have built farm servants' cottages, for which they are
!'eimbursed at the end of the lease, according to agreement.
The Earl of Moray's estate is exceptionally well provided with
iixcellent farm steadings of good size, and supplied with all
modern conveniences. The proprietor erected a great number of
them at his own expense, while the tenant had only to provide
building material. On this estate servants' cottages, which were
erected by the proprietor, are abundant. The Seafield estates
are also well provided for, by the proprietor, in the way of
liuilding; such improvements being carried out on similar con-
ditions to those on the other estates. The proprietors in Xairn-
shire have been equally liberal and zealous in the construction
of farm buildings. On the Cawdor estate the proprietor has
(lone a great deal in the way of building since 1857. He paid
for the cost of erection, and the tenant supplied materials. The
Lochdlm estate is also well su])plied with superior farm buildings.
Drains. — Nothing affords better proof of the great activity
that has characterised the fai-ming industry of Moray and Nairn
(luring the past twenty-tive years tlian the well-drained condi-
tion of tlie farms. In this work the industrious farmers of these
counties have had plenty of scope for their energies, while from
the landlords they have received substantial assistance. Although
the land in Mr)ray and Nairn is to a large extent of a thirsty,
sandy nature, draining less or more in every parish has been an
indispensable o])eration. Landlords have done a great deal of
draining at their own e.\pense in both counties, besides giving
every encouragement for its execution. The combined energy
and enterprise of the landlords and tenants in this as well as in
other res])ects liave improved the state of their lands very
materially during the interval of 1857-82. Sr)me twenty-tive
or thirty years ago wide open ditches like mitnaturt^ canals were
frequently to be met with in the " Laigh of Moray," and

90 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

especially in the low-lying lands of Duffus and Drainie. Xovv,
however, comparatively few of these are to he seen. Low close
drains have been sank, and are proving equally as serviceable
as the open ditches. There has been considerable difficulty en-
countered, however, in obtaining sufficient fall in these low-lying
districts for underground drains. On the Duffus estates, the
diainage of an unsightly marsh, known as the Loch of Spynie,
which had a tendency to check the proper drainage of the dis-
tricts for a considerable distance around, cost the proprietor, as
well as a few of the tenants, great outlay in excavating canals
for the drawing away of surface water. This still involves an
outlay of £100 a-year to the proprietor, but the canals have
been highly beneficial to the drainage of the district. Here
the landlord keeps all open ditches clear and in working
order, while the tenant repairs covered drains. In the upper
parts of both counties tliere is sufficient fall for a most efficient
drainage, and the land is kept in a very fine workable condition.
The same system is adopted over the whole of Moray and Nairn.
The drains are chiefly laid with tile pipes in the lowlands, but
in the upper districts, where the flow of underground water is
less, the stone method of laying drains has been pretty exten-
sively adopted. In the lower divisions of these counties,
especially of Moray, where the subsoil in some districts contains
iron ingredients drains require frequent repairing. They last
for a considerable period, how^ever, in other soils. On the Rich-
mond estates the proprietor defrays all expenses involved in
the drainage of land, and charges the tenant 5 per cent, of
interest. In short, all the proprietors in the counties have very
liberally rendered their aid to their tenantry in draining, as well
as in all other matters tending to improve the soil. On mossy
and sandy soils the average depth of underground drains is as
nearly as possible 2 feet 6 inches, on stiff soils 3 feet or 3 feet
6 inches, and leading drains about 4 feet.

Fences. — Wire is tlie prevailing fence throughout these coun-
ties. There has been a great improvement effected in enclosing
fields during the past twenty-five years. Prior to 1857 there
was scarcely a completely fenced farm to be seen, but now on
every estate most secure fences have been erected, partly at the
expense of both landlord and tenant. Stone dykes and hedges
are the principal fences on a few holdings, but wire in most cases
is found to be more suitable and convenient.

Boads. — The counties of Moray and Nairn are well provided
with excellent farm, district, and county roads. The length of
the turnpike roads in Morayshire is 429 miles 5 furlongs and
214 yards. The total cost of maintenance for 1881-82 was
£3989, 8s. 7d., and for the previous year it was £4056, 18s. 7d.
The road assessment in Morayshire is 7d. per pound, and in
Nairnshire 8|d. per pound.

COUNTIES OF ELGIX AND NAIEX. 91

Grain Cro'ps.

Among the eleven ''corn" counties in Scotland, viz., Aber-
deen, Banff; jVIoray, Berwick, Fife, Forfar, Haddington, Kincar-
dine, Nairn, Orkney, and Pioss and Cromarty, Moray and Xairn
rank eighth and ninth respectively as regards the percentage of
the total area under corn. At present the percentage of Moray
is 11-8, and of Nairn 67; while in the former in 1870 the per-
centage was 11-7, and in the latter 6-7. In reference to the
subjoined table, the number of acres under all kinds of grain
crops, at various periods since 1857, will be seen.

Moray.

Nairn.

Year.

Acres.

Acres.

1857, .

•

37,065

13,180

1870, .

•

39,678

9,155

1876, .

•

39,974

9,614

1881, .

•

40,157

9,233

Increase since

1857,

3,092

Decrease since

1857,

3.947

5J

1870,

478

5>

1870,

78

JJ

1876,

182

)J

1876,

381

These figures show that in Moray there has been a steady in-
crease during the past twenty-five years, but that there has been
a decline of 4o28 acres in the number of acres under grain crops
in Nairnshire since 1857. In both counties there are large
quantities of really excellent grain grown. It may be said, if a
line was drawn from the extreme eastern to the extreme western
point of Morayshire, keeping it at a distance of eight or ten miles
from the sea, it would cut away the wheat and barley portion of
the county to the north, and have the principal districts for the
production of oats to the south. AVheat and barley are the
stajjle crops in the " Laigh of Moray," while the soil in the upper
portion of the county, as well as over the whole of Nairnshire, is
pre-eminently adapted for raising oats. Barley is also pretty
extensively grown in the Braes of Moray, and, in fact, more
or less extensively over the whole of both counties. In the
parishes of Dufl'us and I)rainie, as well as other parishes, wheat
was at one time more plentifully grown than now, but in most
districts it has been slowly giving place to barley, l^rquhart,
St Andrews, Drainie, Duffus, Alves, Kinloss, and Forres are
all well adapted for the cultivation of wheat. Winter wheat is
sown in the end of autunm, and the other varieties as soon after
the middle of the month of March as ])08sible. The grain in the
lowlands has for a number of years been sown mostly by
machinery. The sowing machines are found to do the work
very equally and profitably. The date of harvest varies con-
sideral)ly, but, as a rule, in the lowlands reaping is in full swing
by the 1st of September. In inland districts, where the climate

92

THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

is not SO favourable for the ripening of crops, it is generally from
a week to ten days later. There is no time of the year that the
farmers' duties are more arduous than during the harvest season.
The crop is usually cut down with all possible speed, especially
in the upper and more exposed districts, in order to prevent it
from being shaken by the wind. When the harvest is attended
with suitable weather, the crops on many farms are reaped and
carted to the stackyard in less than a month. There is always a
great demand for harvest hands, who, in some parts, are difficult
to obtain. Tliey generally get from 3s. to 4s. 6d. per day. The
usual cost of harvestinc^ is calculated to run from 16s. to 21s.
per acre. The subjoined are the fiars prices struck at Elgin and
Xairn in different years since 1831 : —

Morayahire.

.

Crops.

1831.

185

8. 1865.

1870.

1873.

1878.

1881.

Wh°at per imper
' Bailey ,,
■ Oats „

Rye

Peas ,,
Beans ,,
1 Oatmeal per cwt.,

lal qr.,

£ s. d.
2 15 5 A
1 10 10
1 0 9
1 11 4
1 19 6)
1 19 6)
0 15 0

£ ,s.
2 3
1 9
1 1
1 6

1 17

0 13

d.

6

7

2

6

8

4

£ s. d.
2 7 6
1 13 0
14 0

1 8 1

2 3 2

0 14 7

£
2
1

1
1

2
0

s. d.
10 5
13 4
2 9i

8 10^

0 11 1

13 9

£ s. d.
2 15 10
1 18 1

1 5 8

2 0 11
2 1 6
1 12 0
0 15 6

£ s.
1 19
1 13
1 0

1 2

2 1
1 19
0 12

d.

8

1

0
0
4
2

5

1

£ s. d.
2 5 3^
1 10 7^
1 0 75
1 6 11

1 19 lOA '

2 15
0 13 1

.V

airnshire

i

Wheat per imperial qr.

Barley

Oats ,, „

Barley with fodder,

Oats

Oatmeal per cwt.,

2 16 6

2 3 0

1 10 0

1 7 6

10 0

1 1 6

1 16 0

1 13 6

19 0

19 6

0 13 lOi

0 13 6

2 9 5

1 12 11
14 2

2 4 0
2 0 0
0 14 0

2 10
1 11
1 2
1 17
1 10
0 13

13 11

16
5

9

13 11

0 15 8

1 14 7
111 1
10 0

1 11* 6^
10 6

0 12" 8i

0 13" 7i

The following is a table of the total area under wheat at
different periods sines 1857 : —

Year.

1857,

,

•

1870,

,

^

1876,

•

■

1881,

•

•

Decrease since

1857,

))

1870,

J5

1876,

Moray.

Nairn

Acres.

Acres.

8749

2062

5376

266

3991

109

2423

1

6326

2061

2953

265

1568

108

As may be inferred from the great decrease in both counties
during the past tw^enty-five years, the wheat crop is not so re-
munerative as it formerly was. These figures show that the
cicreasji under wheat in Nairnshire has been growing smaller by

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 93

degrees, and it is now all but totally abandoned. It need scarcely
be doubted that the falling oft* in the acreage under wheat, in
Moray and Nairn as in other wheat-growing counties, has been
to a great extent caused by foreign competition. Several
farmers, however, gave up the growing of wheat a few years ago
in consequence of the returns per acre on their best latid having
had a declining tendency every successive year. In the eastern
portion of Moray the average yield of wheat varies from 3 to 5
quarters per acre ; in Duff'us, from 4 to 5^ quarters; and in the
western districts it, in some cases, reaches 6 quarters, but gene-
rally it runs from 4 to 6 quarters. The average weight of wheat
over this county runs from 60 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel. In
the year 1882 the return of the wheat crop was exceptionally
good, and in some instances it weighed as high as 67 lbs. and
68 lbs. per bushel. In ordinary years the average price of wheat
per quarter may be stated as nearly as possible from £2, 5s. to
£2, 10s. Speaking generally, the yield of straw per acre varies
from 38 to 42 stones per quarter, for which from 12s. to 16s. is
obtained. In respect of the area under wheat, Morayshire stands
eleventh in Scotland. When sown by the drill sowing machine
from 2J to 3^ bushels are required, and when sown broadcast
from 3h to 4 J bushels is the usual quantity required to seed an
acre. The average prices of wheat, as will be observed by the fore-
going table of the fiars prices, have been of a very tiuctuating
character for a number of years. For instance, in 1871 the aver-
age price was £2, 16s. 6d. per quarter; in 1872, £2, 5s. Id.; in
1877, £2, 4s. 4d. ; in 1879, £2, 6s. lOd.; and in 1881, £2, 5s. 3id.
It has been selling far too cheaply to pay the farmer for several
years. For the past five years the average price for wheat
weighing 62 lbs. has been something like 45s., whereas 50s.
would be required per quarter in order to pay the cultivator.
Wheat is commonly grown after turnips, although in many cases
after grass, when a liberal supply of farm-yard manure, say from
25 to 35 loads per acre, is applied.

The following table shows the extent of land under barley and
here at the various periods indicated : —

Nairn.
Acres.
320!) .V
2237"
282 1

Moray,

Year.

Acres.

1857, .

• •

10,004

1870, .

• •

11,815

187(), .

• •

13,093

1881, .

18r)7, .

14,21G

Increa.se since

4212

ii

1870, .

2401

J»

187(;, .

1123

4212 Decrease since 1857, 214\
Incrcji^e since 1870, 818
„ 1876, 234

It is gratifying to learn from these ligurus, ihat wliilc wheat

94 THE AGRICULTUKE OF THE

has been diminishing in these counties during the past twenty-
five years, barley has been increasing, at any rate in Morayshire,
to a corresponding extent. It will be observed that between
1857-70 there was a decrease in the area under barley in Nairn-
shire to the amount of 214 acres, but this may be attributed to
the fact that at that time the cultivation of wheat received
much more attention from the farmer than it has done in recent
years. Moreover, a good many farmers in the upper reaches of
the county have been devoting more attention to sheep farming
during the last twenty-five or thirty years. It will be also seen
that the area in jSTairn, as well as in Moray, devoted to the culti-
vation of barley, has substantially increased since 1870. This
is, doubtless, in a great measure owing to the reduction in the
quantity and value of wheat grown. In the lower half of both
counties barley is the staple, and most remunerative cereal, the
yield and quality, after a fairly good ripening season, being as
a rule excellent. Some farmers are of opinion that barley will not
long continue to be the best paying cereal if it remain as low in
price as it has been for some months. It is usually sown at the
rate of from 3 to 4^ bushels per acre, from the second week of
March to the third week of April. In the later districts it is
often sown earlier if weather and circumstances permit. The
annual return per acre ranges from 4 to 6 quarters, and on an
average about 4 J to 5 quarters per acre. The average weight per
bushel varies greatly, but in good years it ranges from 53 lbs. to
58 lbs. The averaoe return over the whole of both counties is
pretty nearly 56 lbs. per bushel. After a year of strong sun-
shine, 60 lbs. per bushel of thoroughly matured barley is by no
means an uncommon weight. As a rule, from 18 to 20 stones
of straw is returned for each quarter of grain, and the total value
of an acre of barley runs from £7, 10s. to £9. In regard to the
area under barley, Morayshire ranks eighth among Scotch
counties, and Nairnshire stands fourteenth. The principal
varieties of barley grown are — Chevalier, common, St Medoes,
and Norfolk, but the former two kinds are perhaps most exten-
sively cultivated. Barley is generally grown after turnips, and
sown with broadcast or drill sowing machine.

The total acreage under oats at various periods since 1857 is
given in the following table: —

Nairn.

Acres.

7346

6089

6161

5897

Year.

Moray.
Acres.

1857, .

1870, .

• •

• «

17,213

20,872

1876, .

• •

21,668

1881, .

■ •

22,623

Increase since

1857, .

5410

5410 Decrease since 1857, 1449

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 95

Throughout the upper districts oats are the most suitable
cereal for the soil and climate, and in these parts they are,
doubtless, the mainstay of both Moray and Nairn. In 1857
Morayshire stood seventeenth among Scotch counties in regard
to the acreage under oats, Nairn ranking twenty-seventh. At
present Moray ranks sixteenth and Nairn twenty-fifth. After
a dry summer a light crop of straw^ on the sandy parts of these
counties is generally experienced. On the more retentive soil
of the inland localities it is not so easily affected by drought;
but, on the other baud, the crop there has a tendency to suffer
from excess of moisture. The quantity of seed allowed per
acre varies considerably. On the stifi'er lands more seed is
required than on the ordinary light mould. From 34 to 36
bushels is about the average return in the upper districts, while
over the " Laigh of Moray " and the lowlands of Nairnshire
from 36 to 46 bushels per acre is perhaps slightly, but not
materially, over the general average. Throughout the whole of
both counties the weight runs on an average of from 40 to 43J
lbs. per bushel; it exceeds 45 lbs. in exceptional cases. The
return of straw varies with the seasons, but for every quarter
of grain from 23 to 25 stones, or from 12s. to 16s. worth of straw,
is obtained. From 3 to 4 bushels of grain is calculated to
sufficiently seed an acre, and, generally speaking, the value,
including straw and grain of each acre's return, would range
from £8 to £9, 10s. Perhaps more than £10 is obtained in
some exceptional cases. English birley, sandy, potato, pedigree,
and early Angus oats are the varieties most largely grown.
Sowing is the leading operation from the middle of March to
about the 20th of April. Oats are grown after lea turnips
and potatoes, and sometimes two successive crops of oats
are taken. This, however, depends on the rotation under
which the farm is worked. The five-course shift holds sway
throughout the upper districts of Moray and Nairn, and to
prevent the consequent diminution of the cereal crops, artificial
manure has often to be applied to them, as well as to the turnip
crop.

Eye, Beans, ami Pease. — In 1857 the acreage under rye in
Morayshire was 766. and in 1881, 805, which shows an increase
of 39 acres. On some of the poorer soils there are considerable
stretches of it grown in both counties. There has been a very
much larger decrease in the extent of land under beans and
pease in Moray during the past twenty-five years than there has
been of an increase in the acreage of rye. In 1857 there were
153 acres under beans, and 56 in 1881, thus showing a decrease
of 97 acres. The extent under pease in 1857 was 181 acres,
and 33 acres in 1881, which shows a falling off of 148 acres.
In Nairnshire there has been a very significant decline alike in

96 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

rye, beans, and pease. There were 356 acres under rye in 1857,
and last year there were only 260 acres, which shows a decrease
of 96 acres during these years. Of beans there w^ere 9 acres in
1857, and 4 acres in 1881. There were 138 acres of pease in
1857, and 16 in 1881, showing a large decrease of 122 acres.

Hay, Grass, and Permanent Pasture.

The extent of hay and grass under rotation at various periods
since 1857 is as follows: —

Moray. Nairn.

Year. Acres. Acres.

1857, . . . 28,560 10,810

1870, . . . 34,041 8,098

1876, . . . 38,667 9,973

1881, . . . 38,670 ■ 10,057

Increase since 1857, . 10,110 Decrease since 1857, 753
„ 1870, . 4,629 Increase since 1870, 1,959

„ 1876, . 3 „ 1876, 84

The above table indicates a very noticeable increase in the
area under grass since 1857 in Moray, while there has been a
considerable decline in the number of acres under grass in
Nairnshire. The increase in Morayshire is in a great measure,
if not wholly, accounted for by the fact, that a large extent of
land, formerly worked on the five-shift course with two years'
grass, is now being farmed in six shifts with three years' grass.
This change, as already indicated, has been brought about mainly
by the greater liability of turnips in the five-shift course to
suffer from finger-and-toe than those grown in the sixth-shift
rotation. A heavier crop of roots is, as a rule, obtained in the
six than in the five-course system. The five-course shift pre-
vailing over Nfdrnshire accounts for the decrease of 753 acres
since 1857. The six-shift was more common some thirty years
ago than at preseat. The yield of hay is very irregular, and
more particularly on lic^ht land. A deficiency of clover is
frequently experienced after a very dry season. In 1880, for
instance, on account of the dry scorching nature of the weather
in the middle of summer, the return of hay varied from 10 to
to 30 cwt. per acre. This applies to both counties. The
parishes of Duffus, Urainie, and Alves are the best hay-pro-
ducing districts. In the former as much as 250 stones (22 lbs.
per stone) per acre are grown in good seasons. The average
quantity of hay returned per acre in Morayshire, in ordinary
years, according to the calculations of a few judicious valuators,
is about 145 stones. The average value of hay is, as nearly
as possible, Is. per stone, or £7, 5s. per acre. The quantity
of rye-grass seed allowed to each acre runs from 14 lbs. to 22

COUiNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 97

lbs. ; and clover, of which there are different varieties, from
6 lbs. to 11 lbs. In regard to the extent of land under grass,
Morayshire stands twelfth, and Nairnshire thirtieth in Scot-
land.

Permanent Pasture. — There is a remarkable decrease in the
acreage under permanent pasture or grass, not broken up in
rotation, exclusive of heath and mountain land, since 1854. At
that date there were 16,105 acres in Morayshire, and now there
are only 5611. In Nairnshire the area w^as 9833 acres in 1854,
and in 1881, 2149 acres.

Root Crops.

Turnips. — The area under turnips at different periods since
1857 may be given thus : —

Moray. Nairn.

Year. Acres. Acres.

1857, 12,737 4678

1870, 15,660 3975

1876, 16,549 4159

1881, 16,659 4102

Increase since 1857, 3922 Decrease since 1857, 576

The figures show a perceptible advance in the cultivation of
turnips in Morayshire, and a gradual but observable decrease in
acreage devoted to this crop in Nairnshire since 1857. Turnips
have been coming more into favour among Morayshire farmers
every year. We have already alluded to the important fact of
changing the rotation of many farms from the five to the six-
shift course, in consequence of the tendency of the turnip crop
to be attacked by tinger-and-toe. Moreover, the six-shift
rotation entails less cost, both in labour and manure, than the
five-shift course. With the six-shift course the land gets a
longer rest from turnips than in the five-shift rotation, and
therefore the crop is supposed to be more vigorous and better
able to protect itself from the disease ; a change to the six-shift
would thus seem advisable. In favourable years a heavy crop
of turnips is generally raised. The roots, as a rule, are very
superior in point of quality. Swedes are extensively cultivated,
being the most nutritive and best for feeding cattle. The yield
of turnips varies from 14 to 25 tons per acre ; in exceptional
cases as much as 27 and 30 tons are returned. The value per
acre of good turnips, when carted off the farm, varies from £8
to £10, which is at the rate of from 9s. to 12s. per ton. When
turnips are consumed on the farm by sheep, the average cost per
acre is reduced to from £6 to £7, it being calculated that sheep,
while netted on the turnips, manure the land to the value of
£2 ]>er acre. If consumed by cattle on the holding, a little
more money is obtained than when eaten by sheep. Generally

G

98 THE AGEICULTUKE OF THE

speaking, swedes are from £2 to £3 per acre more valuable
than yellow turnips. The majority of farmers sow their turnip
seed above a liberal supply of farm-yard manure and an admix-
ture of artificial stimulants. We have previously specified the
quantities given to the acre on the leading farms. Turnips are
generally sown from the 10th of May to the second week of
June. About 2 lbs. of yellow turnip seed is the general allow-
ance per acre, and about 3 lbs. of swedes. The drills are usually
from 27 to 29 inches wide. Singling commences in the latter
end of June, when there is a great demand for day labourers.
The plants are generally left from 8 to 10 inches apart. In the
fall of the year a comparatively small proportion of the root
crop is stored in low-lying seaboard districts. In inland localities
the winters are, as a rule, too severe for leaving roots in the
ground after the middle of December, and consequently farmers
are obliged to store them. When severe frosts prevail, and
especially in the absence of snow, the root crops in the lowlands
are frequenty more or less damaged. Most lowland farmers
furrow up land to the drills at the approach of winter, but this
system is not sutficient to fully protect the roots from the effects
of frost, although it favours the development of the bulbs
during winter. It would undoubtedly be advantageous if a
much larger portion of the crop was stored early in the season.
Some store their roots in pits in the fields, and others drive
them to the farm steadings and store them there. In regard to
the extent under turnips, Morayshire stands ninth and Nairn-
shire twenty-fifth in Scotland.

Potcdoes. — The following table gives the area under potatoes
at various periods since 1857 : —

Nairn.

Acres.

1407
676
659
699

Moray.

Year,

Acres.

1857,

3190

1870,

3711

1876,

3005

1881,

3516

Increase since 1857, 326 Decrease since 1857, 708

An extraordinary decrease thus appears in Nairnshire, being
more than half the acreage of 1857. Then the potato trade,
like the growing of wheat, was much more flourishing and
remunerative than it has been in recent years. The greatest
decrease, it will be observed, occurred between 1857 and 1870.
The increase in Morayshire is by no means remarkable, consider-
ing the suitability of the lower half of this county for the
cultivation of potatoes, the great convenience as regards railw^ay
communication, and the proximity to the seaports, &c. The
yield of potatoes varies with the nature of the soil and other

COU^ITIES OF ELGIN AKD NAIKN. 99

conditions. Except to farmers in close proximity to a railway
station, potato farming has not been very profitable for a
number of years. In 1740 the potato was introduced into this
part of the country, and was then regarded only as a luxury.
The esculent was cultivated with care in the most favoured
situations of the garden, and served along with fruit at the
table of the opulent as a vegetable of the greatest delicacy.
Now, potatoes form a large portion of the food of the poorest
classes. In the upper divisions, and, in fact, on a number of
farms in the lower sections of these counties, potatoes are grown
only in such quantities as are required for home consumption.
The best yield is not always obtained from the best land, but,
on the contrary, it sometimes happens that the heaviest crop is
grown in light soil. This is regulated to a large extent by the
season. On farms where a great quantity of potatoes is
grown, the planting and lifting operations entail great labour.
They are usually planted from the middle of March till about
the third week of April, from 10 to 13 cwt. of seed being
allowed to each acre. Potatoes receive similar treatment to
swedes, being liberally stimulated by both farm-yard and
artificial manures. Not a few farmers spread the farm-yard
manure over the stubble-ground, and plough it down in the
autumn, but in the majority of cases the dung is driven straight
from the court and spread along the drills in spring. Potatoes
are grown after oats and lea. When they are grown after lea,
less dung is applied than when planted after oats. In some
cases dung alone is given, and in exceptional instances the crop
is laid down solely with artificial manure. Disease sometimes
plays great havoc with this crop, and on the large farms, in
potato-growing districts, a considerable loss is sometimes
sustained. When prices are good and the demand fair, the
potato crop is one of the most speculative of all the farm crops
grown in these counties. The average yield over both counties
runs from '3 to 6 tons per acre, and the lowest profitable selling
rate is about £3 per ton. The price, however, has been much
under this for a few years. At present, for instance, a ton of
good potatoes could be purchased at from £1 to £1, 10s. For
some time past there has been great stagnation in the potato
trade, and consequently there is no profitable outlet for the
abundant crop of 1881. The varieties most extensively culti-
vated are Kegents, Victorias, Cliampious, and Blues. The crop
of 1882 is universally good in these counties, both in respect of
quantity and quality, but disease has broken out, unfortunately,
in some parts. When potatoes are unusually cheap, as they
have been for the past year, many farmers use them as food for
cattle and horses. As potato-growing counties, Morayshire
ranks sixteenth, and Nairnshire thirty-first, in Scotland.

100

THE AGiaCULTURE OF THE

Other Green Crops and Falloiu. — In 1857 the area under all
other varieties of green crop was 838 acres, made up of 12 acres
of mangolds, 3 of carrots, 28 of cabbage, 2 of rape, 100 of turnip
seed, 409 of vetches, and 284 of bare fallow in Morayshire, and
2 acres of mangolds, 3 of cabbage, 11 of turnip seed, 125 of
vetches, and 90 of bare fallow — making a total of 238 acres in
Nairnshire. The extent in 1881 was, mangolds 15 acres,
carrots 2, cabbage and rape 5, vetches, &c., 487, and bare
fallow 105 — in all, 614 acres in Morayshire. In Nairnshire
there were, vetches, &c., 40 acres, and bare fallow 79 — making
a total of 119 acres. It will be observed that there is a consider-
able reduction in the number of acres under bare fallow since
1857, in both Moray and Nairn. Vetches are extensively used
in both counties for the feeding of cattle, when grass gets scarce
in the end of the grazing season, and before the turnip crop is
ready.

Cattle.

The number of cattle of the different classes in the two
counties at various periods since 1857 is shown in the follow-
ing table : —

Morayshire.

Year.

Cows and

Heifers in

Milk or in

Calf.

Two Years

Old and

upwards.

Under Two
Years old.

Total.

1857,
1870,
1876,
1881,

i

5985
6993
7437
6869

12,031
4,147
4,510
4,343

5,215
11,481
12,923
13,029

23,231
22,621
24.870
24,241

Total increase since 1857, 1010.
Nairnshire.

Year.

Cows and

Heifers in

Milk or in

Calf.

Two Years
Old and
upwards.

Under Two
Years old.

Total.

1857,
1870,
1876,

1881,

2422
1685
1888
1784

4648

1007

1279

924

1895
2814
3276
3351

8965 1
5506
6443
6059

Total decrease since 1857, 2906.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 101

Tn the returns of 1857 the class under " two years'" comprises
calves only.

These tables exhibit great irregularity in the total numbers of
cattle in each of the four years mentioned. Between 1857 and
1870 there was a decrease of 610; betw^een 1870 and 1876, an
increase of 2249 ; and between 1876 and 1881, a decrease of
629 in Morayshire. Notwithstanding the alternate rise and
fall in the total numbers since 1857, there is, taking all in all,
as will be observed, an increase of 1010. In Nairnshire, how-
ever, the movement has been in the opposite direction. There
is a total decrease of 2906 since 1857. Excepting a temporary
attack of cattle disease in some parts of Morayshire in 1876,
Moray and Nairn have long enjoyed almost perfect immunity
from cattle disease of any kind. Even in that year the loss was
not extraordinary, although several tenants sustained consider-
able damage in their stock. In 1876 the number of cattle visibly
decreased, and in 1877 the total number was only 23,689, being
1181 fewer than in the spring of the previous year. For a time
the movement of stock from one county to the other was
strictly prohibited. The disease was scarcely felt in Nairnshire.
So much seems to have been done prior to 1857 in the direction
of improving cattle in these counties, that comparatively little
room was left for improvement since tlien. It may be stated,
however, that farmers have been more careful and considerate in
selecting their breeding stock for some twenty years past than
they had formerly been. This has undoubtedly conduced to a
more perfect and profitable system of stock rearing. The general
stock of cows partakes largely of the shorthorn stamp, although
many farmers have excellent stocks of black polled cows. Well-
bred polled and shorthorn bulls are almost the only sires used.
The most popular system of breeding is to mate the polled bull
with cross cows, but in numerous instances shorthorn bulls are
used amongst polled as well as cross-bred cows. As a rule, the
choicest animals are derived from the former union. Farmers
are careful to select well-bred sires, and must also have good
forms and character, as well as good pedigrees. Over the lower
half of Moray and Nairn the fattening of cattle deservedly
receives more attention than it did twenty-five years ago. There
has been a great increase in the number of fat cattle annually
turned out on almost everv lowland holdinLj since then. In the
upper districts farmers breed cattle much more extensively than
tiiose in the lowlands, in consequence of these districts being
better adapted for breeding and rearing than fattening. Low-
land fanners, as our report has alreatly showed, generally, in
autumn buy in lean stock, mostly from one to two years old,
from the upper districts, and fatten them tluring the following
winter. Most farmers in the lower districts find this buying-in

102 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

system to be more profitable than home breeding. Perhaps this
has been the best paying system in recent years, when good
store yearling cattle were to be had at moderate prices ; but it
is now believed, since store cattle have become very scarce
and dear, that tenants in the lowlands would find it advan-
tageous to breed more cattle than they do. On farms that are
well sheltered, attached to a stretch of permanent pasture, and
in which there is good and comfortable court accommodation,
which most of the more modern steadings have, the breeding of
cattle might, with profit, be carried on. No doubt the manure
made by young stock is not so rich or efficacious in maintaining
the fertility of the soil as that made by feeding cattle, but this
would be made up for in other respects. In the fall of the year
Irish calves or stirks are usually abundant in this part of the
country, and can be bought at from £5, 10s. to £8. These, as a
rule, pay the feeder remarkably well. Except those in the
vicinity of towns or villages, where milk can be profitably sold,
few farmers wdio are not extensive cattle breeders keep more
cows than supply milk for the farm. In many cases two suck-
ling calves are reared by one cow. There are a good many
pure-bred herds of no small celebrity in Morayshire, which shall
be noticed hereafter. As to the number of cattle, these counties
rank seventeenth and tliirty-first respectively in Scotland. It
is necessary to mention that the buying-in system so extensively
pursued exclude hundreds of animals from the above tables
which are fed within these counties. On nearly all the principal
farms there is at least one commodious cattle court, and in a
great many of the recently erected farm steadings there are two,
partially roofed with slates. They are usually of sufficient size
to accommodate from eight to sixteen cattle, and in several
instances even more. Where there are two courts, one is
occupied by cattle nearly ready for the slaughter-house, while
the leaner stock are kept in the other, until the fatter ones are
sent away, when the half-fed animals are transferred into their
fold, thus making room for an additional contingent of lean
stock. It is the aim of most farmers to have the lot of cattle
destined for court-feeding pretty equal in size, in order tJiat they
might share equally in the food provided for them. Polled
cattle are found to agree better than horned cattle while feeding
in folds, but both kinds thrive very well, when well bred.

Cattle Feeding. — The general custom is to take cattle intended
for fattening off the grass immediately after harvest, at which
time they are usually in good condition. They are tied up and
fed liberally with vetches and straw, and a moderate supply of
turnips. They are gradually brought on to turnips, which, after
a short time, along with straw, are fully supplied, forming the
staple food during winter. ^luch care and attention are devoted

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 103

to the regular feeding of stock. After the feeding cattle are a
short time on yellow turnips, a mixture of swedes and yellows
is given, and thus the animals are gradually accustomed to the
richer variety of roots. The gradual change prevents any dis-
arrangement or check which might result from a sudden transi-
tion from one kind of food to another. Manv farmers give cake
or bruised grain all winter along with turnips and straw or hay,
beginning with a pound or two per head per day, and increasing
the allowance to 3, 4, or perhaps 5 or 6 lbs., as the animals
approach maturity. A great many, however, give no artificial
food, except during the last six weeks or so, when they give 2
or 3 lbs. of oilcake and 2 or 3 lbs. of bruised grain, generally
oats, Indian corn, or rye, to each animal per day. Some farmers
use large quantities of pulped food, consisting of cut turnips,
straw, and chaff, along with some artificial material, all fer-
mented together. It would be well, we think, if this system of
preparing food were more extensively pursued. Cattle put up
to be fattened receive at the outset from 70 to 100 lbs., or
perhaps more, of turnips per day, with about 1 lb. of cake and
corn. As the animals progress, the allowance is curtailed to
from 60 or 80 lbs. per day, when the supply of artificial stuffs
is increased to several pounds. The earlier housed animals are
usually ready for the Christmas markets, when two-year-olds
weio-h from 6 to 8 cwt. Fat cattle come into the market all
through the season, from Christmas to May, when three-year-
old heifers, prime fat, weigh from 5 to 7 cwt, and stots from 6 to
9 J cwt. each. Young cattle, during the winter, principally subsist
on turnips and straw. The selling rate of fat cattle varies very
considerably. In 1857 the average rate per cwt. was from 64s.
to 66s.; in 1872, 78s. to 82s.; and in 1881, from 72s. to 74s.
In the spring and summer of 1882 it rose greatly, and at
different periods during these two seasons it exceeded 80s. per
cwt.

fforses.

While there has been vast improvement effected in the
breeding and rearing of cattle in these two counties during the
past twenty-five years, the breeding and rearing of liorses have
also received increased attention. The desire to improve the
breed of horses seems to have sprung up about 1820, and for
many years good streams of Clydesdale blood have been playing
freely within th(^.se counties. There are many excellent horses
of pure-bred Clydesdale l)lood to be met with in the lowlands,
but there are also many animals of a mixed breed. It is
desirable, however, that farmers should be .still more careful in
the selection of stallions. The stock of mares is good, and
when mated with high class Clydesdale sires seldom fail to

104 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

produce excellent stock. The number of horses in these counties
at various periods since 1857 is given in the following table : —

Year.

Moray.

Nairn

1857, .

•

•

5024

1932

1870, .

,

,

4505

1123

1876, .

•

,

4873

1220

1881, .

•

since

1857,

5124

1291

Increase

100

Decrease since 1857, 641

The total increase between 1857 and 1881 is 100 in Moray-
shire, but it may be mentioned that in 1880 there were 62
more horses than in 1881. This decrease of 62 in one year
may be accounted for by the fact that there were fewer foals in
Morayshire last year, owing, doubtless, as much to the agricul-
tural depression as to the great stagnation in the horse market.
In recent years the demand for agricultural horses has been too
slow, and prices too small to compensate the breeder. The very
material falling-off in the number of horses in Nairnshire since
1857 is partially traceable to the already mentioned fact that
sheep farming is gradually gaining ground in the upper districts,
Not a few Clydesdale mares have been imported to this county
for breeding purposes, yet horse breeding has been carried on
to a very limited extent. The number of acres allotted to each
pair of horses varies in accordance with the soil. In the lower
half of both counties a pair of strong active horses work from
65 to 80 acres ; wdiile in the higher districts, where the soil is
stiffer, from 50 to 60 acres is the general allotment. It must be
admitted that though Moray and Nairn are on an equal footing
with most other Scotch counties as regards the character of their
horses, there is still room for improvement in this class of farm
stock. In respect of the number of horses, Morayshire stands-
eighteenth in Scotland, while Nairnshire ranks twenty-eighth.

Pure Bred Herds of Polled and Shorthorn Cattle,

Numerically, the pure bred herds of cattle in the counties of
Moray and Nairn are of secondary importance to those of many
other counties in Scotland, but they occupy a high position in
respect of merit. Both polled and shorthorn herds are here and
there to be met with, and happily there are prospects of both
breeds becoming more popular in the future. The existing
herds are of a very rich and meritorious character, possessing, it
may be said, all the characteristics — contour, quality, and sym-
metry— that adorn the respective breeds. The shorthorn blood
is undoubtedly most thickly disseminated in Morayshire ; but>
taking all in all, the black polled breed is perhaps the best in
point of quality. These are the direct descendants of the

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 105

ancient "Doddies" and Buchan " Humlies," the native polled
cattle of the north-east of Scotland. Almost every large farmer
in Morayshire has at least got one specimen of the shorthorn
breed in his possession, and there is invariably a close and keen
competition at local shows.

Polled Cattle.

Black polled cattle are found to be well adapted for cold and
late climates, being hardier than any other breed excepting the
shaggy-coated Highlanders. The first eminent breeders of
Aberdeenshire cattle in Morayshire were — Messrs Brown,
Westertown ; Collie, Ardgay ; Paterson, Mulben ; and Sir
George Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P., of Ballindalloch. The
first-named gentleman was a well-known judge of polled cattle,
and his animals, through careful breeding and judicious feed-
ing, stood invincible in large competitions. Mr Brown was
about the first to introduce the breed into this county. Mr
Paterson was also a successful breeder. He commenced to
breed in 18-46. A celebrated cow, " Mayflower," representing
his herd, carried the first prize at the Highland Society's show
at Perth in 1861. He had also a bull, " Prince of Wales," bred
by Mr Brown, which was first at Aberdeen and Stirling. " Mr
Collie (says ]Mr M'Combie) was one o£ the most dangerous men
to face in the showyard I have ever encountered." Mr Collie's
herd had a famous showyard career ; and the ox which gained
the Smithfield prize, exhibited by Mr M'Combie, Tillyfour, in
1864, was bred by him. These herds are now extinct, except
Sir George Macpherson Grant's, which is by far the oldest in
the north — as it is said to have been in existence as far back as
1820 — and it has never been more flourishing than at present.

Ballindalloch Herd. — It appears that the history of the origin
of the Ballindalloch herd has been lost in a cloud of antiquity,
and no record by which it can be ascertained when the herd
was founded has been kept. In the year 1850 Sir John
Macpherson Grant, father of the present proprietor, purchased
two celebrated anitnals, viz., "Matchless," at £30, and "Victor
2nd" (47), at £20, at the Tillyfour sale of pure-bred cattle.
Although Sir John svas careful in his selections of stock, it was
not until 1861, when the herd came under the management of
its present owner, that its improvement received full attention.
Prom that year it has advanced steadily, until it has attained a
degree of perfection which most herds never reach. No better
proof of its vast improvement, since the herd first began to
engage the attention of the present baronet, can be had than
that allorded by the result of local exhil)itions. In 1S61 only
four first and two second prizes were gained by its represents-

106 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

tives ; while in 1879 and 1880 tliey won no fewer than forty-
two first prizes, four special money prizes, thirteen cups, seven
medals, and eighteen second prizes. Sir George's first purchase
was "Erica" (843), which he acquired at the Earl of Southesk's
sale in 1861 for fifty guineas. Another exceedingly valuable
cow, "Jilt" (973), was bought from Mr M'Combie, Tillyfour, in
1867, for seventy guineas. She won the second prize at the
Eoyal English Agricultural Society's show at Newcastle, and
also the second at the show of the Highland and Agricultural
Society of Scotland in 1865. " Sybil" (97), which won the first
prize at the show of the same Society at Dumfries in 1870 was
purchased for sixty-three guineas at the Castle Eraser dispersion
sale. The principal additions that have been made since then
were "Pride of Mulben" (1919), purchased at Mulben in 1876
at ninety-one guineas ; "Kindness of Ballindalloch," purchased
at Drumin in 1873 ; " Rose 3rd," purchased at Westertown in
187-4; "Madge 2nd" (4180), bought at Aboyne, 1879; "Kate
Duff," obtained from Rothiemay in 1881 for 155 guineas ; and
"Blackbird 3rd" (766), selected from the famous Gavenwood
herd. The earlier sires were " Craigo " (260), after a Balwyllo
bull, and out of a cow bred at Keillor; and "King Charles"
(236), bred at Southesk, after Druid (225), and out of
Cathleen (339); "Trojan" (402), purchased at the Tillyfour
sale in 1865 for fifty guineas, an animal of very great excel-
lence was next introduced into the herd. He was after Black
Prince of Tillyfour (366), and out of the Paris cow, Charlotte
(203). He won the first prize as a yearling at Stirling in 1864,
while he won the leading ticket at the Morayshire Farmers'
Club show at Elgin in 1865. According to a private catalogue,
" Trojan " did more good to the Ballindalloch herd than any
other bull that has been in it. He was undoubtedly the first
bull that gave the females the characteristics by which they
came to the top in a few years after his advent, and brought out
fully the special features that make the Ballindalloch type so
popular with the public. Subsequent sires used were "Victor"
(493) ; the champion bull " Juryman " (404), bred in the herd,
after Bright (454), and out of Jilt (973); "Scotsman" (474),
bred at Tillvfour, out of Zora (1228), and after Jim
Crow 3rd (350) ; the Erica bull " Elchies " (263), sire
Juryman, dam Eisa (977); the Erica bull " Elcho" (595),
sire Juryman, dam Erica (848); and "Judge" (1150), which
won the gold medal at Paris in 1878, after Scotsman,
and out of Jilt. " Trojan," " Victor," " Elchies," " Juryman,"
" Elcho," and " Judsfe " were the most valuable stock bulls.
This celebrated herd is noticed at considerable length m
Macdonald & Sinclair's recently published volume on the
History of Black Polled Aberdeen or Angus Cattle. The herd

COUXTIES OF ELGIX AND NAIEN. 107

at present (according to a private catalogue) contains eighty-
one females, representing sixteen different families. The great
attraction in the herd has long been, and still is, the Erica
family, of which there are twenty-eight cows and heifers, headed
by the famous Highland Society prize cow " Eisa " (977), and
" Eva " (984), the former now in her sixteenth year, and the
latter in her twelfth. The next family are the Jilts from Tilly-
four, of which there are five females, including " Juno " (3374),
the third prize cow at Glasgow this year (1882). Then follow in the
catalogue ten cows and heifers of the Pride branch of the Queen
tribe, headed by those magnificent cows " Pride of Mulben "
(1919), and "Kindness" (1412), ten and eleven years respec-
tively, and breeding remarkably well. The next family are the
Lady Fannys, which number twelve cows and heifers. The
Miss Burgess family, if not very long pedigreed, are true breeders,
and thick, well-furnished cattle. They are represented by three
cows and heifers; the Nosegays, of good old material, by the
same number ; the Westertown Piose family by four ; the
Eothiemay Georgina family by three ; the Tillyfour Nymph
family by two ; the Bogfern Sybil family by one — " Sprite," the
second prize cow at Glasgow this year. The other families,
represented mostly by individual animals, are the Coquette, the
Heather Blossom, the Madge, the Blackbirds, the Marias, the
Strathmore, Beauty, &c. The bulls at present in service are the
225 guinea Erica prize bull "Young Viscount" (376), the first
prize Highland Society's Jilt bull " Justice," the cup winner at
Aberdeen and Inverness this year. Sir George refused the very
tempting offer of £1000 by Lord Dunmore at the recent Inver-
ness show for this famous animal. The two-year-old Jilt bull
" Julius " (1 819), winner of the fourth prize at Glasgow this year;
the Bride bull "Petrarch" (1258); and the Erica bull " Sir Evelyn,"
which won the second prize this year at Glasgow, besides a
number of first prizes in the north.

Mains of Advie. — In Strathspey there are several very fine
herds of Aberdeenshire cattle. A herd of this breed was founded
at ]\Iains of Advie some twenty years ago by the late Mr Charles
Grant, farmer. Mr Grant's original purchase was " Old Pose of
Advie" (3104). after Craigo ("200), and out of a pure Aber-
deenshire cow. " Old Rose " in the same year she came to
Advie produced a lieifer calf by the Southesk-bred bull King
Charles {2'M\). This calf was named " Kose of Advie " (3105),
was the dam of "Dandy of Advie" (3106), after the Queen bull
Trojan (402), bred at Tillyfour after PJack Prince. "Dandy,"
now fifteen years old, turned out one of the finest cows of the
breed. Besides being a grand specimen of the massive, short-
legged, wealthy-llesh(Ml, beautifully-haired cows, she is an
excellent breeder. The class of cattle reared bv Mr Grant since

108 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

the nucleus of the herd was formed has been the envy of breeders
throughout the country, and most successful in showyard
competitions. Owing to the death of the originator of the herd,
Mr Charles Grant, it was dispersed on the 3rd October 1882, and
the prices obtained were —

No.

of Animals.

Average.

Tot

al.

14 Cows,

. ^118 17 6

^1664

5

0

4 Two-year-old hei

fers,

79 0 3

316

1

0

9 YearHng heifers,

78 3 4

7U3

10

0

12 Heifer calves, .

66 17 0

802

4

0

1 Aged bull,

.

147

0

0

2 Bull calves,

•

34 13 0

69

6

0

42 Head averaged .

X'88 3 0

£3702

6

0

Mains of Aherlour. — The nucleus of the distinguished herd of
pure bred Aberdeenshire cattle, the property of Mr William
Eobertson, Mains of Aberlour, was formed in 1842 by the
purchase of two cows, by the present Mr Eobertson's father,
from the then celebrated black tribe at Dandaleith. Through
tlie intimacy of the late Mr Kobertson with the late Mr
M'Combie of Tillyfour, and through several transactions which
he had with him, a good deal of the " Tillyfour blood " was in-
fused into this herd in its infancy, which, combined with the
fact that a good many of the young stock had sprung from
Eallindalloch tribes, soon brought Mr Eobertson's herd promi-
nently into notice. Herd books were unknown for some con-
siderable time after the commencement of Mr Eobertson's herd,
and we consequently lack suflicient data for going fully into the
early history of the cattle. The first cow registered was "Susan "
(166), the daughter of which " Eelle " (631) was sold to Mr
Adam Sweethillock, in whose name she was exhibited, and
carried the first prize at the Morayshire Farmers' Club show.
From its earliest days the herd has contained many excellent
specimens of the breed, and its representatives gained an enviable
reputation at local exhibitions. In 1856, at the first show of
the Spey, Avon, and Fiddochside Farmers' Society, Mr Robertson's
cattle took a high position against representatives of the herds
of Eallindalloch, Drumin, and Mulben. An excellent bull,
bought from the late Mr M'Combie in 1846, very much im-
proved the stock. " Windsor 2nd " (812), bred by the late Mr
Brown, was a superior animal, and gained many valuable prizes
before coming into Mr Eobertson's possession. His sire was
Windsor (221) which was sold at £180, and his dam Lady
Ann (307), bred at Tillyfour, and out of a cow which carried the
first prize at the Highland Society's show. The character of

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 109

the herd has been maintained since it came under the manage-
ment of the present owner, although the animals have been
seldom shown. Marked with great purity and excellence of
outline, cattle from this herd have won prizes at both local and
national shows. One important point is well sustained in this
herd which should be the aim and object of all breeders to
retain, and that is the milking properties of the cows. The first
bull purchased by the present owner was "Marius" (564). He
gained the first prize at the Highland Society's show in 1865.
The next purchase was " Bognie " (513), bred by Mr Morison of
Bognie, and having been subsequently sold to Mr M'Kessack,
Earnside, carried first prizes at Elgin, Nairn, and Inverness
shows. He was succeeded by "Jester" (472), bred at Ballin-
dalloch, and being out of Jilt, was half brother to the famous
trio of bulls, Juryman, Judge, and Justice. He gained a
large number of prizes. "Jestia*' (798), was bred at Drumin,
and was stock bull for one year. He almost conquered wher-
ever he w^as shown. The celebrated bull " Cluny " (1285),
bred at Ballindalloch out of the fine cow Erica, which was
second at the Paris Exhibition, and the winner at several other
shows, w^as bought by Mr Eobertson. The bulls used in the
herd during the past five or six years were " Morayston " (1439),
out of the prize cow Forget-me-not (1685), and after
Adrian (622); " Souter Johnny" (1615), out of Moonlight
(1479), and after Ardrian 2nd (622); "Whig" (1867), a
pure-bred Erica bull, recently sold to Major Smith, Minmore,
at 100 guineas, out of Elma (3368), and after Editor (1460).
The present stock bull is Paris (1473), which won the first
prize at the Paris Exhibition in 1878. At present the herd
consists of 39 females, 2 bulls, and 4 bull calves, containing
specimens of the Ballindalloch Jilt family, the Ballindalloch
Ericas, and the Drumin Lucy's.

Ballintonih. — The fine black polled herd of Ballintomb, the
property of Mr Alexander Mann, was started in 1875. The
first bull was " Brux " (947), by Harry 2nd (770), and out of
Annie of Westside (2032), purchased from his breeder Mr
Walker, Westside of Brux, Aberdeenshire, and commencing
with cows selected from Ballindalloch, Westertown, Biallid
Corskie, Tullochallum, Kothiemay, and Burnside herds, Mr
Mann, with careful buying and judicious breeding, has brought
the herd to a higlily creditable position. It contains 23 cows,
8 two-year-old heifers, 9 one-year-old lieifers, 23 calves, and 2
bulls, and comprises representatives of the Pride, Erica, Coquette,
Rose, Fatuna, Duchess, and Baby tribes. Mr ^lann has all
along guarded against feeding his cows for show j)urposes, and
with close attention the result has been very satisfactory. He
entered the showyard first in 1880 with his young stock, and

110 THE ' AGEICULTURE OF THE

although he has only been exhibiting on a limited scale, since
then he has been a very successful exhibitor. In 1880 Mr
Mann purchased from Ballindalloch the fine (Pride) bull
" Kaiser " (1253), by Elchies (563), and out of Kindness of Ballin-
dalloch. This bull gave rise to an excellent stock of cattle, and
carried the commended ticket at the Highland Society's show at
Stirling in 1881. The present stock bull is also of the Pride
tribe, and was bred by his owner after St Maurice (1319), and
out of Madam Lofters (2231), bought at Ptothiemay in 1878. He
has distinguished himself in showyards, and imparted very
superior progeny. He is well-shaped, having a broad straight
back, good shoulders, deep well-sprung rib, and fine general out-
line. Mr Mann made a happy hit at the Tillyfour sale in 1878
in procuring " Mrs Scott," a pure stamp of a Buchan cow, which
will doubtless be the dam of a rare family. She has already
produced three capital heifer calves, viz., " Madame Sher-
rington," " Isabella Fraser," and " Songster." The former is
particularly good, but is a trifle small. At the Balquharn dis-
persion sale last spring, Mr Mann secured " Pride of Aberdeen
27th," by Drayor (1170), out of Pride of Aberdeen 10th (3250),
and shortly after she came into his possession she gave birth to
a heifer calf after Heir of Paris (1917). Mr Mann also purchased
a cow of the Duchess tribe named "Dandelion" (2569) at Lord
Huntly's sale at Aboyne. She yielded him a fine heifer calf
by Warrior (1291). His last purchase was the Erica cow
" Emma " (1733), and her bull calf at foot, from Ballindalloch,
which is after the very celebrated bull Justice (1462), and
evidently inherits many of his good points. This year Mr Mann
sold eleven bull calves at £30 each for exportation to America.
Earnside. — Mr M'Kessack, farmer, Earnside, Alves, has been
a careful and successful breeder and rearer of black polled cattle
for many years. Thirteen cows, 5 two-year-old heifers, 5 year-
ling heifers, 2 two-year-old bulls, 1 one-year old bull, and 4
bull calves, constitute the present herd, and these animals bring
out largely the good points of the breed, which are indispensable
for showyard exhibitions, and which bring animals to the front
in local competitions. The success of the herd in the showyards
of the past has been very satisfactory to the owner. Mr
M'Kessack is a judicious feeder, never endangering the breeding
properties of his stock by feeding up for exhibition. Even for
animals intended for exhibition, nothing beyond the ordinary
diet of turnips and straw is given them until within a few weeks
of the show. His heifers are really an excellent lot, and are
mostly all in calf to a nice two-year-old bull recently purchased
from Mr Duff, Hillockhead. Mr M'Kessack breeds all his pure-
bred stock wuth exception of a few animals, and he has a better
bull of his own breeding than the Hillockhead one, his dam

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. Ill

being "Term Day 2nd" (3174). His sire is Don Juan (1555),
which is also the sire of all the heifers. " Florence 2nd "
(2144), by Cock of the North (1211), and out of Florence (928),
has extraordinary milking properties, and is the grand-daughter
of a fine cow bought from the late Mr Brown of Westerton.
"Fair Maid of Earnside 2nd" (4509) by Scotia (789), and out
of Fair Maid of Earnside (3716), which won many prizes in local
shows. She is a cow^ of fair merit. " Maid of Moray 4th "
(4510), by General (1297), and out of Maid of Moray 3rd (3711),
is a shapely cow of good character, and was very successful in
show^yards as a heifer. One of the best cows in the herd is
" Queen Mary of Mulben " (1043), after the Mayflower tribe, by
Jupiter (471), out of Ann of Mulben (1039). Mr M'Kessack
bought her, when two years old, from Mr Paterson, Mulben, at
50 guineas. This w^as supposed to be an extraordinary price
then. The value of this cow lies in her breeding. She gave
birth to twin calves four consecutive years. Another famous
milk cow is "Julia of Earnside 1st" (2116). "Barbara of Earn-
side " is a descendant of the Easter Skene stock, her dam Barbara
2nd (989) having been bought from Mr Combie, Easter Skene.
This year Mr M'Kessack sold three black polled cows for £150
for exportation to America.

Shorthorn Cattle.

Gordon Castle. — Established in 1842 by the purchase of three
cows and a bull in Northumberland, " Young Bess," " Bet,"
•'Sally," and "Monsieur Yestris," this large and useful herd
has for many years enjoyed a wide reputation as the fountain of
pure "shortliorn" blood. Under careful and judicious manage-
ment, the herd has long been famous for its representation at
both local and national exhibitions. Mr Dawson, the present
manager, is watchful and successful in breeding, and, with all
the advantages derivable from a liberal owner, like His Grace
the Duke of Jtichmond and Gordon, he has very creditably sus-
tained, if indeed not raised, the character of the stock. The
bull " Monsieur Yestris " and " Young Bess " were bred by Mr
Jobson of Turvielaws, after the second Duke of Northumbt-r-
land, bred by Mr Bates. The other two of these cows, which
laid the foundation of this herd, were bred by Mr Aitkiuson of
Ewart, from whom they were purchased. His Grace's family of
Wimples, Blossoms, Flirts, and Jilts, which, together with
Destiny, Queens, and Mysteries, may be regarded as one race,
the founder of which was " The Queen," and was extracted from
the Ury herd in 1847, are very superior. A grand-daughter of
"The Queen" and the first of the Flirts added 14 calves in
fifteen years, and was herself disposed of, fat in her eighteenth

112 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

year. By a purchase at Mr Boswell's herd of shorthorns at
kingcausie in 1852, the Lustre family was brought to Gordon
Castle, where its members proved the Lustres to be sound,
regular breeders, strong, well-fleshed animals. The first of the
Itosewoods, one of the best and oldest tribes in the herd, was a
cow, " Eosewood," purchased at the Eden sale in 1854, when
two vears old. The Eosewoods were all notable breeders, and
the first cow produced 10 fine heifer calves in ten years. They
were also famous for depth of rib, wealth of flesh, and superior
milking properties. The matron of this tribe, " Eosa," won a
second prize at Kelso in 1863 as a yearling, first as a cow at
Inverness in 1865, and was sold at 74 guineas. One of the
most valuable additions w^as made to the herd in 1875, in
'* Queen Esther," purchased foi 71 guineas at Mr Bowman's sale
at Sandwith, Cumberland. She was almost pure Booth blood,
being after Squire Booth, bred by Mr Mitchell of Cleasby.
" Lustre," after the Booth bull Eoyal Hope, bred by Mr Pawlett,
was the dam of Chief Lustre, a well-known heifer after Chief
Officer, which gained many valuable prizes. The sires used in
the herd have been of the famous Matalini and Fame tribes,
including "Eoyal Hope;" and were these "Chief Officer," after
Borough Member, "White Duke," "Baron Colling" and "King
Butterfly!" These have all done valuable service in the herd. The
present stock bull is " Good Hope," after Peter the Great, out of
Fairy Queen, and bred by Lord Polwarth. He won the first prize
in his class at Banff, Turriff, and the Highland Society's show at
Stirling, in 1881. The principal prize takers at the shows of
1882 were— "Good Hope," "Queen Esther" (a broadly built
cow of excellent shorthorn character), " Peach Blossom 10th,"
after Chief Officer and out of Peach Blossom 6th, and " Peach
Blossom 14th." a tidy red two-year-old heifer, and a yearling
heifer " Chief Lustre 1st." His Grace has not been showing
quite so extensively this year as he had formerly been. As an
indication of the high character and superiority of the Gordon
Castle stock, I may mention that in 1877 it won no fewer than
thirty-eight first prizes^ ten seconds, five silver medals, and two
silver cups ; and in 1878 forty-two first prizes, tw^enty second
prizes, four silver challenge cups, eight silver medals, and thirteen
special money prizes. In the same year " Chief Lustre " was
exhibited at Kilburn, and won the second premium.

A w^ord as to the home of the herd may be of interest. The
home farm of His Grace the Duke of Eichmond and Gordon at
Gordon Castle, Fochabers, extends in all to about 1000 acres.
Within the walls there are about 805 acres, excluding 500 acres
of deer park, and outside there are some 45 acres of arable land
and about 150 acres of riverside pasture. Only about 450 acres
are wrought under a regular rotation, the five-course system

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIKN. 113

being pursued. About 405 acres of beautifully level grounds
lie around the castle, and are studded over with magnificent
trees. Of these about 200 acres next to the castle are run over
with the mowing machine early in the autumn. On the arable
land turnips are grown, with from 16 to 20 large cart-loads of
well-rotted farm-yard manure and 4 cwt. of bone dust, mixed
with 3 cwt. dissolved bones or turnip manure. The cultivated
land is mostly light on a gravelly subsoil. In addition to the
pure bred shorthorn herd, about 20 dairy cows are kept. A
large flock of Leicester breeding ewes is also kept. The stock
tups are carefully selected from the very best sources, and for a
number of years His Grace has been a very successful exhibitor
of sheep as well as cattle. There are also a flock of Cheviot
sheep on the farm. His Grace is a generous and considerate
landlord, and during the recent depression he was amongst the
first to grant concessions.

Stoneijtovsn. — The shorthorn herd at Stoneytown, Boharm,
belonging to Mr M'William, was founded some eleven years ago,
and contains about 20 animals, all well bred. The first purchase
was a distinguished Gordon Castle cow, " Dido 3rd," after
Duke of Bowland (21568), and descended through her dam from
one of the first shorthorn cows that came to Gordon Castle from
Mr Jobson's herd in Xorthumberland in 1842. Among the
other female animals which have been added from time to time,
were " Goldie 17th," purchased in 1875, at 61 guineas, from
Uppermill, after the celebrated bull Heir of Englishman (24122);
"Maud," from Sunbnnk, by Baron Outhwaite (36197); and
"Merry Maiden," from Alnwick Park, by Mr Forr's Fitz-lioland
(33936), which left an exceedingly (ine stock at Alnwick and
Chillingham. From these four cows all the animals constitut-
ing the present herd have descended. The bulls used have been
"Alfred" (32935), from Pettv; "Spicer" (35655), by Mr Booth's
K.C.B. (26495), from Clinterty; "Knickerbocker" (38510), from
Dalkeith Park; "Favourite" (41528), from Burnside ; and "Sir
"William" (44061), by Mr Booth's Sir Eaymond (40716) from
Alnwick Park. All these bulls have been prize winners at
local shows, and two of them, " Knickerljocker " and " Favourite "
have taken first honours at Highland Society's shows. The
present stock bull is " Sir Thomas," roan, bred at Alnwick
Park, and after Sir Ilaymond. He is a stylish, evenly-tleshed
young bull, with fine full rib, and su})erior ([uality. He has been
very successful in large competitions, including the Glasgow
Highland show this year, and we have no doubt but he will yet
come more prominently into notice. The original purchase, " Dido
3rd," is still in the herd, and, although she is fifteen years old,
and has reared lier fourteenth calf, which was an excellent roan
bull by Sir William, she looks quite fresh and healthy. She

Jl

114 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

excels both as a breeder and milker. A very nice low-standing
cow is " Dido 4th/' out of Dido 3rd, which has carried prizes
at various local shows. "Dido 5th" and "Dido 6th" came
from the same dam, the former being after Knickerbocker and
the latter by Favourite. They are a pair of very useful breed-
ing cows. " Goldie 1 7bh " was bred by Mr Marr, Uppermill, from
whom she was purchased at 61 guineas. She is a cow of fine
quality, and is an excellent breeder. One of her descendants is
" Golden Eose/' by Knickerbocker, a thick handsome cow, in-
heriting many of the fine points of her famous sire. Another of
the same tribe is " Golden Wreath," by Favourite, a white two-
year-old heifer of very promising style and quality. She was
first at Aberlour, second at Keith, and commended at Elgin
Cattle shows in 1881. "Eliza," a very nice roan cow of the
Coulardbank blood, after Garioch Lad (17938), is a specimen
of good character. In 1881 the calves were nearly all bulls,
and were disposed of mostly by private bargain at handsome
figures.

Braelossie. — The Braelossie herd of shorthorn cattle, the
property of Mr Alexander Lawson, factor for Lord Fife, was
founded in 1840, by the purchase of a yearling heifer, " Eliza,"
sired by Billy (3151), and out of Princess by Sovereign (5285),
and bred by Mr Hutcheson, Monyruy, Peterhead. The principal
addition to the herd in its infancy, whose stock still remain,
was " Shempston Lass," bred by Mr Sutherland, Shempston,
from stock bought from the late Captain Barclay of Ury.
She proved a very valuable acquisition, and in the course of
eleven years she produced eleven excellent calves, eight of
which were males and three females. From time to time
several cows were subsequently added to the herd, but they fell
behind the home-bred stock in breeding, and Mr Lawson dis-
posed of them, and retained his own females, and by changing
his stock bull was able to raise a much stronger and finer race
of cattle. The bulls used in the herd since the beginning were
—"Duke of Gordon" (9043), bred by Mr Cruickshank, Sittyton,
Aberdeenshire; " Duke of Leinster " (10155), bred by Mr Todd,
Elphinstown ; " Sir George Brown " (40705), bred by Mr Bruce,
Broadland; "Lord Ptaglan" (29199), bred by Mr Geddes,
Orbliston ; " Glenlyon " (26262), bred by Mr Longmore, Eettie ;
" Vampire " (30201), bred by Mr Cruickshank, Sittyton ; " Baron
Braco " (30425), bred by the Duke of Eichmond and Gordon ;
" Waverley " (35955), bred by the Duke of Buccleuch ; and the
present stock bulls "Loftcha" (45052), bred by Mr W. S. Marr,
Uppermill; and "Gambetta" (40986), a yearling bull after
Arthur Benedict, and out of Flirt 14th, bred by the Duke of
Eichmond and Gordon. All of these bulls, excepting the latter,
did good service in the herd, and had been more or less successful

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 115

in local showyards. Matched with cows of excellent character,
they give rise to a very superior stock, which gained considerable
distinction in different parts of the country. " Baron Brace "
was the sire of Lord Bothwell, which won several champion
cups. The herd at present consists of 26 cows, 1 aged bull,
3 yearling bulls, 2 two-year-old heifers, 11 one-year-old
heifers, and 21 calves, thus making a total of 64 animals.
"Loftcha," the aged bull, is the sire of most of the heifers
and calves. Excepting this bull, all the herd are the descend-
ants of "Eliza," "Shempston Lass," and '^ Myrtle 27th."
''Myrtle 27th "is after Ben Voilo (28017), and out of Myrtle
20 ch, and is still in the herd. There is still a good remnant
of the Waverley stock in the herd. Mr Lawson is an exceedingly
careful breeder, and is very much opposed to overfeeding for
exhibition. He generally disposes of bis bulls at public sales,
and purchasers who are acquainted with the excellence of his
stock never fail to make a good offer.

Sunbank. — Of the Sunbank shorthorns not so much is heard
as of some others. It is not a large herd, nor is anything done
in it specially to draw notice to its merits in showyards. It
has been in existence for fully twenty years, and has been care-
fully and successfully managed. To found it, "Dowager
Countess" was bought from Coulardbank in 1861. She was an
eight-year-old C3w at that time, and had sprung from the finest
family in Mr Stephen's fine old herd at Coulardbank. It was
the oldest family in Morayshire, if not in the north of Scotland.
Mr Stephen was the first man who took over the Spey a short-
horn that founded a family. He believed that Mr Mellis,
Spynie, bought a heifer before him, but nothing was heard of it
afterwards. Mr Stephen's " Countess," which he brought from
England about 1836, was the first of the tribe that proved of
so much value at Coulardbank, Inchbroom, Sunbank, and many
other places. They were descended from " Carnation" by
Apollo, and from cows by Merlin (429), Alfred (23), Butterfly
(104), and Suwarrow (636). "Dowager Countess," bought by
the late Mr Kay to found the Sunbank herd, produced a calf
the first month she was in Mr liay's possession, but slipped
next year and went to the butcher. Her calf of 1861, how-
ever, " Countess" became a handsome cow, after a son Picotee
(15063), red in colour and good in figure, liound her there soon
arose offspring that made a considerable herd, — " Verbiua'' in
1863, when her dam was only two-years-old; " Ilosebud" in
1864; "Flora" in 1865; "Pope" in 186G; " Wilhelmina" in
1867; "Sultan" in 1868; "Sarah" in 1869; "Nancy" in 1870;
" Red Knight " in 1871, which was sold at £35, 14s. From this
cow and her descendants every animal in the herd came, for
the first seventeen years of its existence. The first female that

116 THE AGEICULTURE OF THE

came into it was " Duchess lOtli," from Gordon Castle, which
did not remain long in it. Mr Eay had the advantage of the
Inchbroom bulls until the herd there was dispersed. After that
he had " Baron Outhwaite" (36197), bred atXewton of Struthers
after Baron Killerby, and descended on the maternal side from
the Myrtles that came from Fashion by Emperor, and cows by
Cleveland (145), and Butterfly (104). The next stock bull was
'* Ptobin" (43908), son of Baron Outhwaite, and out of a Gordon
Castle Duchess by Baron Colling (25560). The present stock at
Sunbank is full of the Gordon Castle blood, and contains a
number of very superior cattle.*

Garhity. — The Garbity herd of shorthorns, the property of Mr
James Watt, was founded in 1864, by the purchase of a cow^
'' Tidy " at the Huntly Lodge sale. She was bred in England,
and was well advanced in years before Mr Watt obtained her.
The first addition was " Marchioness," purchased at the Inch-
broom dispersion sale, where she brought the highest price of
the cows, having w^on the second prize at the Highland Society's
show at Inverness when a two-year-old heifer. Mr Watt has
still some of her stock in the herd. To begin with, Mr Watt
got the service of the Gordon Castle bulls, which infused a deal
of excellent Booth blood into the very foundation of his herd.
He bought a cow and heifer from Mr Meade Waldo of Stone-
well Park, Kent, about five years ago, along with a couple of
bulls. He has these still in his herd, and all of them have done
fairly well. The bulls are still the stock bulls of the herd, and
the tw^o females have been breeding regularly. Strange to say^
their calves have all been males excepting a female this year.
One of the bulls is a " Elower " bull, and the other of the
" Waterloo " tribe. A cow which Mr Watt obtained four years
ago from Mr Eisher, Pitlochry, proved a very valuable animal,
having fostered many fine calves. She was sired by the famous
Ptoyal Benedict, and is out of an Anette cow, and has had three
or four bull calves in succession. At present the herd comprises
15 cows, 6 two-year-old heifers, 15 calves (four of which are
bulls), and 2 bulls, or about 40 in all. Among the heifers is
"Dorothy," after Eitz-Harry and out of Molly, an Inchbroom
cow. Through her sire she has Booth blood in her veins, and is
a very perfect animal. She won the first prize as a yearling
at the Highland Society's show at Stirling, and at Elgin last
year (1881), and as a two-year-old at Elgin this year. Another
fine heifer is "Wild Eose," after Captain Cook, bred by Mr
Gumbleton of Glanatora, Co. Cork, Ireland, is also in Mr Watt's
possession. She was first at the Eoyal Dublin Society's show,
and first at Glasgow, Elgin, and Inverness this year (1882).

* Owing to the death of the owner, this herd has been dispersed since the
above was written.

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 117

" Selina," a yearling heifer after Fascinator, out a Selina cow, and
bred by Mr George Cater, Londonderry, is a fair heifer. Mr
Watt has hitherto disposed of his bull calves at public sales, and
liis average prices invariably stood very high. He has been
devoting more attention to the breeding than to the feeding of
stock, but though he has never exhibited on a large scale, his
cattle have won a great many valuable prizes. At the Highland
vSociety's show at Aberdeen Mr Watt won a second prize for a
bull, at Kelso a second for a heifer, and the same heifer won
second at Stirling, where Mr Watt also won the first and fourth
tickets with other animals. He has gained a great many prizes
at local shows for his older stock. For bull calves he won a
second and tliird prize this year at Perth, and a first prize in 1881.

Sivine, Poultry, and Markets.

Swine. — The rearing of swine in both counties receives com-
paratively little attention from the farmers. There are usually
one, two, or three pigs on every farm, and in many cases they
are reared in courts among young cattle. Breeding sows are
kept on some holdings, as well as by millers and distillers, and
the young pigs are usually taken away when about five weeks
old. Then they are generally worth from lis. to 16s. each.
The breeding and feeding of swine undoubtedly deserve much
more attention than they receive. Breeding sows, as a rule pay
their owners very well. In order to show the number of swine
at different periods since 1857, we subjoin the following table : —

Year.

Moray.

1857,

, ,

4325 pigs.

1870,

, ,

3461 „

1876,

• t

3449 „

1881, .

• •

2864 „

Decrease since

1857, .

1461 „

Nairn.
1420 pigs.
733 „
932 „
715 „
705 „

These figures bring the fact clearly out that there is an extraor-
dinary falling off in the number of swine within the past twenty-
five years. In Morayshire, it will be observed, there is 1461 of
a decrease, while in Xairnshirc there are not much more than
lialf the total number of 1857.

Poidtry. — There are a great many famous poultry breeders in
Moray and Nairn. Farm-yards are usually well stocked with
fowls, and a cohsiderable revenue is derived from them. Poultry
reared at various places in both counties have oftener than once
taken prominent positions in tlie prize lists of large poultry
shows.

Markets. — Like otlier northern counties, these two are well
f)rovided with markets and auction marts. Elgin, Forres, Gran-

118 THE AGKICULTUEE OF THE

town, and Nairn are the chief seats of cattle markets. Gran-
town market is the principal one for sheep for Morayshire, and
also for the upper reaches of the counties of Inverness, Banfi',
and Nairn. Some of the better class of farmers in the lower parts
of Morayshire, as well as regular dealers, kill cattle and send them
to London as dead meat. They generally find this the most
profitable way of disposing of beef. The cost of transmitting
dead meat is considerably lower than that of live stock.

Labour,

There is a lack of ordinary farm servants in these counties,
but, as we have already noticed, in some districts there is a
great difficulty experienced in getting a sufficient supply of
labourers.

During potato planting and lifting, hoeing, and harvesting,
farms in the vicinity of towns or villages have little difficulty
in getting day labourers ; but in some of the more inland districts
casual workmen are not so plentiful as could be desired. There
is still a deficiency of servants' cottages, although much has
been done in the erection of them within the past twenty-five
years. It is a very essential matter indeed to have good accom-
modation for married men. It is very probable that great and
needful improvements will be effected in providing servants'
cottages in these counties before many years have come and
gone. Tenants fully realise the value and need of them. A
well-known farmer in the " Laigh of Moray," in referring to the
scarcity of cottages, remarks — "Advertisements too frequently
appear in newspapers wanting first-class horsemen, married,
without encumbrances." Generally speaking, single men are
most plentiful, and the majority of these sit, eat, and sleep in
" bothies." Several of them board in the farm kitchen, and
with married fellow-workmen. Married men have been getting
more numerous within the past few years. The rate of wages
in 1855 was about an average of 70 per cent, less than in 1878 ;
but since then, on account of the agricultural depression, the
cost of labour has fallen at least 15 per cent. On a farm in the
neighbourhood of Elgin the tenant paid the following half-yearly
wages in 1855 and 1881 : —

1855.

1881.

Grieve,

.£900

£16 0 0

Foreman,

7 10 0

14 0 0

Secondman, .

5 0 0

12 0 0

Thirdman, .

• • • •

11 10 0

Cattleman,

.

12 10 0

Out-girl,

2 5 0

6 5 0

First ploughmen generally get from £24 to £28 ; second ditto,
from £20 to £44 ; and third ditto, about £20, with an allowance

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 119

in each case of about 6 bolls of meal (140 lbs. per boll), 24 cwt.
of coals, and 1 ton of potatoes per annum, and a quart of milk
daily. Grieves get from £30 to £40, and more if any extra
responsibility devolve upon them ; but average wages would be
about £32, with the same allowance or perquisites as the horse-
men. In many cases the wages in 1880 were double those of
1855. Married men in cottages have also a garden in most
cases. In every case single men do not get potatoes in " bothies,"
but the principal meals are oatmeal porridge, oatmeal brose, and
cakes. They usually sell a good deal of the meal allowed them,
which is invariably more than they can consume, and purchase
other commodities, such as tea, coffee, butter, bread, and fish,
&c. Harvest hands, like ordinary farm servants, are paid
according to their undertakings and capabilities. Including all,
the wages of married men would range from £46 to £49 in the
year. The ploughmen are, as a rule, an industrious, trustworthy
class of people, and usually take a great interest in furthering
everything that tends to benefit their masters. Women for
kitchen work get from £6, 10s. to £8, 10s., and outdoor girls
get from £4, 10s. to £6, 10s. There are very few w^omen
engaged for outwork now, because it is found more advantageous
to engage young men. Taking all in all, it cannot be said tliat
wages are at present too hfgh.

Sheep Farming.

In the lowlands of these counties sheep farming does not con-
stitute an important industry, although there are many large
flocks of cross and half-bred lambs fattened during the winter
season. An occasional breeding Hock is to be seen where there
is a run of links or waste land attached to the arable holding.
Twenty- tive years ago, perhaps, the breeding of sheep received
more attention, but now tlie breeding and feeding of cattle have
superseded it to a certain extent. Farmers find it most lucrative
to buy in lambs at the weaning season, when, after a good himb-
ing season, they are to be got in all parts of the country. If
grass is found to be plentiful, the lambs are bought in as early
after weaning as possible, and kept in parks during the fall, by
the end of which there is almost invariably a patch of turnips
laid oil" for them. In addition to turnips, feeding tlocks get hay
or straw daily, which is supplied in hurdles on the field. Where
there are commodious open courts, Hocks are sometimes fed in
them with cut turnijis, straw, or hay, and when well advanced
in fattening, they receive a little cake or corn. The ordinary
allowance of cake and corn, besides a liberal su])ply of turnips
and fodder, is from ^ lb. to 2 lbs. per sheep per day. It is not
lambs only that are fed. Large numbers of wethers and eild

120 . THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

ewes — generally cast ewes — are also fattened. The same system
of feeding is adopted for these as for lambs.

Too many disastrous years have occurred since 1857. The
losses sustained at various periods were irreparable and disheart-
ening. This has been more severely felt in the higher lying
districts, where the climatic influences during winter are dis-
astrous to both animal and vegetable life, and where the many
untoward seasons, which have passed within a comparatively
short period, have left an impression and gloom on the mind of
the flockmaster that will not be easily suppressed. The rate of
mortality among flocks, and more particularly lambs, between
1870 and 1881, was remarkably high. It is so far gratifying,
however, to have to note that the winter of 1881-82, which was
quite exceptional in its character, has helped greatly to revive
the spirits of sheep farmers. Lambs are more numerous, and
much stronger and healthier this year (1882), than they have
been for years, while the prices for all kinds of sheep are remun-
erative. The death-rate has been comparatively insignificant.
Since the beginning of the present summer the weather has been
favourable to vegetation, and hill pasture, as well as that on
cultivated land, has been most luxurious.

At various periods during the present century handsome
profits have been realised from sheep farming. It was a lucra-
tive industry twenty or thirty years ago, but in recent years the
price of wool, the cost of wintering, and other circumstances, as
well as the seasons, have affected it considerably. The price of
mutton has advanced greatly, but the gain on this point has been
more than counterbalanced by the increase in the cost of main-
tenance— rise in rent, in the cost of living, and in the cost of
labour — coupled with the decline in the price of wool. Then
the average death-rate has lately been higher than formerly, and
on the whole the position of sheep farmers has undergone a
marked change for the worse within the past ten or twelve
years.

The system of management pursued by sheep farmers in these
counties can hardly be said to differ in any respect from that
which prevails generally over the north of Scotland. In the
colder districts smearing is preferred to dipping. As the follow-
ing statement will show, the former plan is, as a rule, more
profitable than the latter. Sheep not smeared require two
dippings in a year, and these cost 30s. per 100 head — 14s. for
the material, and 16s. for the dipping operation — being 2s. per
day to four men on each occasion. Smearing has to be done
only once a year. It costs lOd. a head, or say 80s. for 100 head.
Then the yield of wool from dipped sheep (blackfaced) would
average about 3 lbs. per head, or 300 lbs. from 100 head ;
whereas from smeared sheep the weight of wool would be

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIRN. 121

exactly double. In 1881 dipped or white wool fetched 6d.
the pound, and smeared wool 5d. per pound. The advantage in
favour of smearing is thus seen to be of some importance : —

Smearing 100 sheep once costs . . . . i>'4 5 0
Dipping twice, . . . . . . . 1 10 0

Extra cost of smearing, . X2 5 0

Value of wool from 100 smeared sheep, . . £12 10 0
Do. do. dipped do,, . . 7 10 0

Extra value of smeared wool, £b 0 0
Net gain in smearing per 100 sheep, . . .£2 15 0

It has in addition to be noted, that smearing is a much surer
preventative against vermin and contagious diseases. The cost
of wintering sheep when sent from home is about 5s. 6d per
head. Hoggs sell best in the month of April, and cast ewes and
wethers in September and October.

In Morayshire, in 1857, there were 56,336 sheep, of which
25,315 were for breeding purposes, 12,947 of all ages feeding,
and 18,07-1 lambs. In 1868 there were 49,848 one year old and
above, and 27,899 under one year old, which makes a total of
77,747. In 1881 there were 32,557 one year old and above, and
16,030 under one year, making a total of 48,587. It will thus
be seen that there is the enormous falling off in the total num-
ber of sheep in Morayshire of 7749 since 1857. This substan-
tiates what has just been stated.

In Nairnshire there were 16,875 brt3eding sheep, 7896 of all
ages feeding, and 11,214 lambs in 1857, which makes a grand
total of 35,985. In 1868 there were 17,160 sheep one year old
and above, 7156 under one year old, and a total of 24,316. In
1881 tliere were 12,002 one year old and above, 3978 under one
year old, and a total number of 15,980. The difference between
the total of 1857 and 1881 in this county is even greater than
in ^lorayshire, but there was a very notable decrease in the end
of 1880 and first of 1881. The total number in 1880 was
20,108. It must be understood that though there is a very
noticeable decline in the numbers thus set forth, sheep fanning
in the upper districts is carried on with greater interest than it
was twenty-hve years ago, and that the falling oil" is principally
caused by reducing flocks in the lower districts. Tlie great
reduction in the numbers of young stock is directly the fruits of
untoward seasons.

Industries — )wt A<jrlcaUural.

AVe have taken up so much space with the agriculture of these
counties, that we must limit our remarks on other industries.

122 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

The chief of these are the herring and white fishing along the
Moray Firth. Beginning at Garmouth, the most eastern village
in Morayshire, we find that no fishings are now carried on ; but
Mr James Duncan established a boat-building institution last
year, and during the short period of its existence ten or twelve
boats of the carrel-zulu shape have been built.

At Lossiemouth about 120 boats are in use every season, each
boat having at least two men aboard. The average value of each
of these boats is about £250. For the last twenty years there
has been a falling off in the quantity of fish caught. During
that period the annual catch averaged about 100 crans per boat.
From 1858 to 1863 the catch averaged about 200 crans, being
a very successful fishing period. The value of the fish, generally
speaking, has been about £1 per cran for the past twenty-five
years. Some fishermen prefer taking a bounty of from £20 to
£1:0 for the season, instead of their chances by the cran. The
majority of fishermen, however, are paid by the cran. In a good
lishing season this is undoubtedly the most profitable way of
engagement. The proper season for the herring fishing com-
mences about the 10th of July, and lasts till about the 10th of
September. Sometimes the fishermeu go 40 or 50 miles on
fishing expeditions, while fish are at other times to be found
within two or three miles of the shore.

The white fishing is prosecuted nearly the whole season.
About fifty boats, manned by about seven fishermen each, pursue
this fishing, and the average return is as nearly as possible
6 cwt. per boat. White fish are usually worth about 12s. per
cwt., thus making the draught of each boat worth about £3, 12s.
Lobster fishing, to a small extent, is carried on by a few men.
The fish are generally sent to English markets. The portions of
the sea nearest to the combined villages of Lossiemouth, Bran-
derburgh, and Stotfield are very good for their yieldings of
lobsters ; and about half a century ago people came from North
Sunderland and Berwick-on-Tw^eed to prosecute the lobster
fishing, and w^ere very successful. The harbour of Lossiemouth
was founded in 1835 by Colonel Brander, Pitgaveny. The
principal importation is wood from America and the Baltic, and
coals from different parts of the country. There is no exporta-
tion of any moment, excepting that potatoes and some grain are
occasionally shipped for England.

At Hopeman there are 33 boats employed at haddock fishing,
and the fish are generally sold to the curers when caught. The
number of boats engaged in the prosecution of the haddock
fishing some twenty years ago was not more than half the
present number, but the total catch was considerably higher.
About 70 herring boats belong to Hopeman, but very few of
them are employed at this station. Fishermen find it more

COUNTIES OF ELGIN AND NAIEN. 123

profitable to go fishiag at other parts of the coast. The harbour
at Hopeman is by far too small to facilitate the development of
the hshing resources, it having been built some forty years ago,
when boats were fewer in number. A good deal of money has
recently been expended from time to time on repairs.

Burghead is an important fishing station, and has been for a
great number of years. In 1857 there were 93 boats engaged,
and the number of men employed was about 600; while in 1882
there were only 36 boats and 260 men engaged. This implies a
material falling off in the catch, which in 1857 was 93 crans,
and in 1882, 53J crans. The harbour was constructed about
1807, and since then has undergone frequent repairs. At pre-
sent it is being remodelled and very much enlarged, and in the
course of a year or so it will be one of tlie safest harbours along
the Moray Firth. White fishing is also carried on here to a
small extent. Fourteen large and small boats are engaged by
about 130 men, and the average catch is about 400 tons in the
year. In this village about twenty or thirty men are employed
in the Morayshire Chemical and Manure Works, the projjerty of
Mr William Adam.

There is an extensive fishery trade carried on at Nairn and
Campbeltown, and has been for many years. The most import-
ant fish cauobt is herrin[?. AVhite fish consist of haddocks and
codfish. The burgh of Nairn charges the fishermen 4s. as stance
dues for their boats, and a compromise of 20s. per yawl engaged
in white fishing. The fishini^ boats belonoinc? to Nairn and
Campbeltown at 10th October 1882 w^ere —

Total

1st Class 3rd Class Boats
(Herrin*^) Boats. (White Fishing).

Nairn 41 39 80

Camphehown, . . .12 12 24

53 51 104

The number of men engaged, besides a crew of five men for
two boats — a barge and small one — were 205 in Nairn and 60 in
Campbeltown. Each man has three assistants for gathering
bait, putting it on to hooks, curing, hawking, and going to the
market with fish ; and there are also 615 women, boys, and girls
employed in Nairn and 180 in Campbeltown, which, added to
the number of men engaged, make a total of 1060.

Avercuje Value of Herrimj Luais and Xets.

Nairn, 41 boats, at £200 each, £8200

Do. 3"J yawls, at il30 each, . . . . . 1170

CaniphfltoVu, 12 boats, at £200 each, . . . 24(K)

Do. 12 yawls, at £30 each, 360

Total value, . . . £12,130

124 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS APPLICATIOX TO AGRICULTURE.

By David Robie, Bedford.

[Premium — Ten Sovereigns. ]

With the increase of urban populations, and the introduction
of additional water, came the urgency for the discharge of that
water, and its accompanying refuse matters, in compliance with
the requirements of sanitary law. Pecuniary considerations had
to give way, for the health of man was the primary considera-
tion ; and the application of that sewage to manure the land
was a secondary, but still an important matter. A select
committee of the House of Commons investigated the subject in
1862, and sewage irrigation was mucli discussed before and
since that time in agricultural newspapers and other publica-
tions. Extreme opinions were expressed as to its agricultural
value, for some said it was worth 20s. per head per annum, and
fanciful notions were imbibed as to its produce on irrigated
farms. Professor Anderson, in a lecture delivered under the
auspices of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland
in 1864, estimated the refuse of each head of the population at
6s. per annum. Sir J. B. Lawes of Eothamsted states, that
when the human excrements are deprived of water, they
amount to about 46 lbs. per head per annum. But when it is
considered that about 30 tons of water is supplied annually to
each urban resident, we realise in a great measure the enormous
quantity of water with which the human excreta is charged.
L)r Voelcker, in treating on the value of sewage, states that there
were about seven grains of ammonia in the gallon, which is the
most valuable constituent, and the amount of the other manurial
substances — mostly phosphoric acid and potash — rise and fall
with it. It is hardly necessary to explain that sewage differs
widely in character, according to the amount of water with
which it is charged.

There are now said to be about one hundred towns which
have dealt with their sewage, and those have been most suc-
cessful who have sent it directly to land. Wasteful chemical
processes, settling and precipitating tanks, filter beds, &c., have
iDeen brought more or less into use, but generally with indifferent
success, and at a great cost. Some of these plans have been
abandoned, and recourse had to irrigation, which is really the
most economical way of disposing of sewage in an innocuous
manner. The costs, however, have been very heavy, and taking
into account the initiatory outlay, and the rents, rates, and
labour, it is obvious that sewage farms do not pay. It is indeed
argued, that the expense of scavenging is saved by the system of

APPLICATION TO AGPJCULTUKE. 125

carrjinc:^ away the sewage by water, and the cost of removing
the excrement and other solid matter before the new system
was introduced, amounted to a considerable sum per annum.
The examples of sewage farms, which we give in the following
pages, will best show the financial position of this comparatively
new enterprise in the country.

Grass farms pay sewage irrigation in not a few cases, and
the Edinburgh meadows have been often quoted as an instance
of success. It is probably from this example, which has been
long before the public, that extravagant opinions of the value of
sewage have arisen. Before noticing two instances of profitable
grass irrigation by sewage, it may not be considered out of place
to refer to the " dry earth system " of dealing with the voidances
of towns and households. It was brought before the public a
number of years ago by the late respected Eector of Fordington,
and its merits have been fairly and fully tested. The principle
is as old as the wilderness journey of the ancient Jews, and it is
practised still in several Mahommedan countries. It also claims
to fulfil all the sanitary, commercial, and agricultural require-
ments. It is also claimed for it by the late Eev. ^Ir Moule, that
it can be applied to three-fourths of the people of the United
Kingdom, at one-third of the cost of the liquid system. The
public have practically only accepted these views to a very
limited extent, for, unless in isolated households and large
institutions, the plan has not been adopted. It has been
estimated that one ton of dry earth would suffice for each
individual for a year, and it is applied and used in closets, very
much in the same way as the water, but the mere delivery and
removal of the required earth in a town would be a formidable
undertaking. In villages, hamlets, and private dwellings no
such difficulty exists.

The Logic Seivage Mcadou\

In perusing the capital agricultural report of Forfarshire
which was drawn up for the Board of Agriculture, and published
in 1813, we found a brief report of sewage irrigation, of which
the following is an abstract : — " Colonel Kinloch has long
practised watering on his estate of Logiu, in the lower part of
Kirriemuir parish. He uses the water of a ri^ ulet which rises
in the marl loch of Kinnordy, and receives much filth from the
town of Kirriemuir, and from phish mills in its progress. The
land is laid np into broad and high riilges, and the water is
conducted in a main drain along the highest side of the fiehl.
It is let out of the main and passes down ruts along the summit
of each ridge, from which it trickles down the sides into th*'
fnrrows. 'J'he sewage is let on in November, and is continue 1
till the middle of April. The Colonel has now three enclosures

126 TO^VN SEWAGE, AND ITS

under the watering system containing over 35 acres, and they
are let to graziers for pasture during the summer. The field
which was first subjected to water about the year 1770, now lets for
£8 an acre, and the other fields let from £5 to £7 per acre, accord
ing to the time the water has operated in improving the herbage."

Milliken Estate.

The only other example of the application of sewage to grass
to which we shall advert is at Milliken, in Eenfrewshire. The
water of a brook, as it leaves the adjacent village of Kilbarchan,
is conducted along the highest side of a 15 acre field, from which
it trickles over the sloping surface. It is flooded for about four
months in the year. The water is generally put on in January,
and not withdrawn till May, but the times are regulated accord-
ing to the weather and the state of the grass. When the
weather is dry and the water scarce, the ground is irrigated in
patches two weeks at a time, and damage from frost has to be
guarded against. It is mowed annually, and produces an
a.verage of about 3 J tons of hay per acre. The aftermath is
either cut or pastured with sheep or cattle. It is permanent
grass, which consists of rye-grass, timothy, fescue, and some
indigenous kinds. The village contains over 2000 people, but
as the drainage of the place has never been systematically
executed, the household excrements do not pass into the burn.
A larger breadth has been occasionally irrigated, but owing to
the defective outfall it is not persevered in. The original cost
of the undertaking was about £60, and the annual cost of
distributing the water evenly is about 5s. an acre. This
enterprise was carried out by Mr G-legg, the resident agent, and
it pays three times better than the adjacent tillage land. We
are not told the cost of introducing the water at Logic, but both
that and the Milliken undertaking are good and profitable
investments. Other places could bo named where the system is
confined to grass, and on ground not by any means the best,
where sewage irrigation has been a great success.

We now propose giving the descriptive particulars of three
sewage farms, which are conducted on a system of mixed
husbandry, much the same as on an ordinary farm. It happens
that we inspected all the three in 1875, and again we looked
minutely over them last year (1882). We also mean to give
some account of the disposal of the sewage at Aylesbury, by the
A. B. C. process, — a plan which has received a good deal of
attention in past years. The first we shall refer to is —

The Bedford Farm.

This is the only farm of the four which stood in the com-
peting list for the prizes offered by the Eoyal Agricultural

ArPLICATION TO AGRICULTURE. 127

Society of England. It came in first among the farms which
were utilising the sewage of not more than 20,000 people. This
was in 1879, and on the whole it is a soil well adapted for the
application of sewage. It is sufficiently porous for irrigation,
and measures 183 acres, but 30 acres are not sewaged.
Additional ground has, however, been obtained lately, and it is
all wanted for the quantity of liquid which has to be disposed
of. The volume of sewage is estimated at 950,000 gallons per
day, which is nearly 4500 tons, from a population of 19,500.
It flows out in a covered way to the farm, at the distance of about
a mile, where pumping works have been erected, which lift the
sewage 13 or 21 feet, according to the altitude of the ground to
which it is applied. These are propelled by two capital horizon-
tal steam engines of 12-horse power each.

Assuming that the estimated quantity is pumped daily, it
would show that each inhabitant was supplied with more than
40 gallons every day. It is necessary to explain, however,
that the storm w^ater is conducted into the town sewers, and
that the area of the town exceeds 500 acres. Like most other
towns, the local authorities have erred in this point, and thus
the sewage is w^atered down, and deteriorated much. There is
the farther fact, that the main sewer, which is adjacent to the
river, admits more water in its passage to the pumps. Suppos-
ing the pumps are kept in operation during 310 days in the
year, it would be equal to a rainfall of 86 inches over the 153
acres under irrigation, were it equally distributed. As the land
under the corn crops is not irrigated, a much larger quantity falls
to the other fields. When the annual rainfall on the farm itself
is added, which amounts in the bygone years to 25 or 26 inches,
the aggregate quantity comes to no less than 110 or 112 inches
per annum. We thus see the importance of obtaining a large
extent of ground for the disposal of sewage, otherwise the land
would be so flooded as to destroy any crop that could be tried.
It need scarcely be told, that when great rainfalls occur, the
sewage cannot be applied to the land.

The cost of the site on which the pumping works were placed,
with the necessary buildings, engines, and pumps, was £3756
and the laying out of the farm, carriers, pipes, &c., was £3192,
making a total of £6948. Only about 5 acres re([uired under
draining, which was done with 2 incli pipes, 60 feet apart and
3 feet deep. This was the sum necessarily expended before
irrigation work was commenced, and rents and labour becoming
due before much return was obtained from the produce of the
farm, the actual loss in two years amounted to £860. Under
these untoward circumstances, and at the end of the year 1872,
the Local lioard resolved to obtain a report of the farm from ^Ir
J. C. Morton, in which he stated that it was possible to mako

128

TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

the farm pay. His recommendations briefly stated, were to
follow the arable or mixed system of husbandry — partly as
market gardening, and to provide for the partial consuming of
the produce on the farm. When this report was received,
several members of the corporation proposed letting the farm,
and it was retained by the narrow majority of 8 to 7. Accord-
ing to a report on sewage by Mr Eawlinson, C.E., and Mr C. S.
Eead, M.P., which was presented to both Houses of Parliament
in 1876, the loss on the farm is entered at £371, or a penny in
the pound on the rateable value. The yearly instalment on the
cost of the works is shown to be £552, but this annual charge is
not entered in any of the balance sheets issued by the corpora-
tion. We now enter the balance sheets of 1874 and 1880, as
best showing the financial position of the undertaking.

Crop and Year 1874,

Cr. Stock in hand and purchased,

•

£544

8

0

Sale of crops,

2515

13

10

Working i)lant and live and dead stock, .

269

9

0

Sewage works,

24

2

8

Hay,

48

2

6

Beans,

59

10

0

£3461

6

0

Dr. Stock, £431

0

0

Working plant, . . .

224

4

0

Labour, manager, and engineer,

667

17

2

Tradesmen's bills, .

780

10

9

Rent, . . .

917

4

0

Eates and taxes,

113

14

7

Permanent works, .

24

2

8

Oats,

16

5

0

Hay and beans,

107

12

6

Balance 1874, . . . ...

180

15

4

£3461

6

0

Balance Sheet — Year ending December 31, 1880.

Dr. Stock, £1533

9

4

Working plant,

532

17

6

Labour,

724

5

6

Manager's salary,

126

5

0

Corn and strav/ purchased.

26

13

0

Corn, rye-grass and hay, produce of farm,

280

0

0

Seeds and plants,

129

11

5

Permanent works,

46

9

6

Auctioneer's commission and expenses, .

46

8

0

Live and dead stock purchased,

592

0

7

Rent, ........

928

10

0

Rates, income tax, and land tax,

95

0

4

Insurance and miscellaneous bills.

■ •

120

3

4

Carry forward, £5181 13 6

APPLICATION TO AGRICULTURE. 129

Pumping — Brought forward, £5181 13 6

Encaneer's salary, 78 0 0

General expenses, . . . . . . 62 10 1

Coals, 191 4 8

Balance, 270 0 4

Gr. Stock in hand, December 31, 1880,
Working plant and live stock.
Live and dead stock — dairy, ....
Crops sold by auction, .....
Crops sold by manager,
Com, rye-grass, and hay consumed,
Permanent works, income tax, land tax repaid.
Rent returned by Captain Pothill Turner,
Balance, .......

J5513

8

3

£1523

8

0

566

17

0

516

6

6

613

16

9

1656

2

i

280

0

0

65

11

rr

/

21

6

0

270

0

4

£5513 8 3

The rateable value of the town on which the assessments are
laid is £75,361, and the number of houses (which are rapidly
increasino) is 4100. Dairying was commenced in March 1880
in a small way, and 19 cows are now generally kept in milk.
The yearly amount realised per cow is about £27 or £28, but
many of the cows are after the first calving. For the milk 9d.
per gallon is obtained in summer, and lOd. in winter. In
summer the cows are kept in the house from 5 o'clock a.m. to 5
P.M. They are fed with 1^ to 1^ cwt. of rye grass and from 3
to 6 lbs. of cotton cake per day. At night they have the run of
seven acres of old pasture. In winter they are kept entirely in
the house, unless in fine weather, when they are turned out for
a few hours, and they have about 5 lbs. cotton and linseed cake,
pulped mangels, chaff, and a small quantity of brewer's grains.
The best milkers have also about half a peck of crushed oats
per day. Before the dairy was commenced, buildings had to be
provided for cows and pigs, &c., as well as a house for the
manager, whicli cost £1300 in all Mr John H. Collet manages
the farm to the entire satisfaction of the authorities, and it is a
work that demands skill, labour, and attention, as may be
inferred from the following tabular statement. It comprises
the acreage and average price per acre of each crop for the past
seven years, as well as the averages of the whole crops of the
seven years.

Italian rye-grass and mangels are the two special crops on
irrigation farms, in consequence of their capacity for absorbing
large quantities of sewage, and on tlie liedford farm 50 to 00
acres of these two crops are grown annually. Tlu'y are crops
which must be sold in the neiijlibourhoud, as they would not
aflord carriage by railway ; but the quantity grown was beyond
the demands and requirements of the town and neighbourhood,

I

130

TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

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37 0 0

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13 3 0
13 0 0
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181 10 6
599 6 6

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228 13 9
114 15 0

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Italian rye-grass,
Permanent pasture,
Mangels, .
Swedes,
Carrots,
Parsnips, .
Potatoes, .
Onions,
Wheat,
Oats, .
Beans,
Barley,

Spring cabbage.
Pickling cabbage.
Savoys,
Cauliflowers,
Kidney beans, .
Lettuce,
Celery,
Cucumbers,
Vegetable marrows.
Asparagus,
Rhubarb, .
Prickley comfrey.
Currant trees, &c..
Meadow sub-let.
Roads, carriers, seed
beds, &c.,

APPLICATION TO AGPvICULTURE. 131

as will be seen by the unremunerative prices obtained. The rye-
grass commanded over £18 an acre, as will be seen, in 1875, but
the average of the series of years is under £11. This state of
matters was disappointing to the committee in charge of the farm
and to the manager, and it led them to start the dairy, which is
expected to yield nearly two-fifths of the whole receipts. The
average annual loss on the farm is about £270, and the cost of
pumping is rather in excess of that amount, so it is plain that
the farm would have paid its way if the sewage could have been
delivered by gravitation. The high rent charged, namely, £5, Is.
per acre, is complained of, but the additions which have now
been obtained, will reduce the average slightly. Considerably
more than one-third of the land was hired at double its value as
ordinary farming land.

About 25 acres of the farm are employed for growing market
gardening crops, but it is a mistake to suppose that that
description of crops is specially adapted for sewage farms. Even
on the large Croyden farm, which consists of a light soil, near
the metropolis, only one acre in ten is cultivated with vegetables.
At Bedford there is always a considerable breadth of onions
grown, and, as will be noticed, they command an average of £31,
4s. per acre, which with one unimportant exception is more than
any other crop. Parsnips have been introduced for some years,
and they sell at a good round price. Of all crops, Italian rye-
grass is noted for its ample produce, and its rapid and early and
late growth ; in consequence of which it takes great floodings of
sewage after each cutting — generally four mowings in the
season, and it is generally down for two years.

It will be observed from the table of cropping, that the prices
of the particular crops have been pretty uniform throughout the
whole series of years, and that the aggregate amount of money
obtained each year varies little. In 1881 the proceeds of the
crops were £2547, which is £403 more than was realised in
1879, which was a year of disaster in all descriptions of farming.
As in the balance sheets of most other sewage farms, there is no
annual instalment charged for the large original investment in
laying out the farm, or for farm buildings.

Banhury Sewage Farm.

This ancient borough and market town was a trading place in
olden days, but it has increased very little in the past twenty
yeai-s. It is beautifully situated in the vale of Cherwell, in
the north corner of Oxfordshire. The population in 1871 was
11,276, and at last census it was 12,127, which in both instances
included the adjoining hamlets, and the chief trades carried on
are the manufacture of steam engines and the Banbury reapers
and mowers. To avoid river pollution, it was conii>elled to

132 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

provide a farm for irrigation, and one extending to 238 acres
was purcliased some twelve or thirteen years ago, across the
river in Northamptonshire. The town was fortunate in securing
it, for the rent paid before the purchase was £4, 10s., and as it
cost a triHe less than £100 an acre, the rent is calculated at £3,
15s. One hundred acres meantime is let to a tenant ; 132 acres
is under sewage, and it is managed in behalf of the town by Mr
Garrett, who is also town surveyor.

The town is supplied with choice water, the total quantity of
solid matter in the gallon is 23 grains, and 14 per cent, of the
solids is carbonate of lime — so it will vie with the " Banbury
cakes," which have been famous for generations. About 245,000
gallons is the daily supply, and it is pumped from the river from
which it is drawn, through a line bed of gravel and sand by
downward filtration. The same engine pumps the sewage, which
is estimated at 350,000 gallons a day. An 18 -horse power
engjine did all the work when we first visited the place, and it
lifted the sewagre 21 feet. But as one of the incidents that
increase the rates in towns, a new boiler, engine, and other
appliances had to be provided at a recent date, which cost nearly
£1800. The engine is at work about 9 hours a day, and 220 to
250 tons of coals are consumed in the year, at a cost of £130 to
£150. About £220 are paid annually for farm labour, which
includes the engine driver, whose salary is 26s. per week. Alto-
gether £4000 were originally spent in engine, buildings, main,
levelling, draining, and laying out the farm. The land, being
mostly of a tenacious character, was drained before sewaging was
commenced, and although little of the sewage passes downwards
through the soil, the effluent water passes away in a satisfactory
state.

There are 77J acres in permanent grass, which is overflowed
by the Cherwell when in flood, at least to some extent ; but as
the water does, not remain long, nor leaves any mud deposit, it is
seldom that any damage is sustained. This portion is irrigated
by the sewage during winter, and after the first cutting. As
there is no provision for discharging the sewage in rainy periods,
it is discharged on this meadow, however wet it may be, and
the crrasses on these old meadows have become finer since the
sewage was applied. The first cut of this meadow was sold this
year (15th June 1883) at £3, 16s. per acre. It is a fine crop of
fine quality, and the hay estimated to weigh 50 cwt. per acre.
The Italian rye-grass is three years down, and is mowed three
times in the summer. At the first auction this vear, it
commanded £4, 6s. 6d. per acre, which may amount for the three
mowings to from £16 to £18, — of course the competition and prices
are greater in dry summers. The course of cropping is as follows —
rye-grass three years, mangels fourth year, and lastly oats with seeds.

APPLICATIOX TO AGRICULTURE.

133

We inspected this farm in 1875, and the cropping and the
prices obtained for the produce that year were as follows : —

'

Extent.

Sales.

Average per
acre.

Ac. ch.

£ s.

d.

£ s. d.

Permanent grass and hay,

77 5

633 18

0

3 3 7

Rye-grass,

24 4i

408 10

0

16 14 2

Wheat, ....

8 5

102 0

0

12 0 0

Oats, ....

8 7^

122 10

0

14 0 0

Mangold, ....

13 1^

180 1

0

13 14 4

Shootings,

4 0

0

...

132 3J

i'1450 19

0

£10 19 3

It appears that there has never been so much realised in
any one year since 1875 — the average sum obtained for the
produce being only about £1000. The remaining 100 acres
was let to a tenant at the average rent in the year referred to,
but the tenant left the farm, and the present tenant took it at
£3, Gs. per acre. In consequence of the bad seasons, the Board
has allowed £50 per annum for three years, as an abatement of
rent, which reduced it to £2, 16s. He however gave notice to
leave at the following Michaelmas, and an arrangement has
been come to for the tenant to remain at £2, 10s. It was stated
that the labour on the sewage farm amounted to £220, which
included the engine man at the pumps and the hire of horses,
but it did not include the labour of the horses belous^inf^ to the
Board, which might be put at £20 per annum. In regard to the
falling off in the returns from the sewage farm, Mr Garrett
refers it mostly to the seasons, and to the lower prices obtained
for the produce. As an example, he states that good hay is not
making more than £3 per ton.

Banbury was reputed the best paying sewage farm in Eng-
land, but a great change for the worse has taken place. Upon
little more than 130 acres, a reduction of £-150 per annum is a
very large sum, but like all similar investments a good deal
must be put to the account of the improved sanitary condition of
the town.

Northamj)ton Irrujation Farm,

It is now more than eleven years since extensive works were
erected between the town and the river Xene for cleansing the
sewage, but every api)liance failed to bring out satisfactory
residts. Tlie sedimentary nuitters were removed, but the liquid
thougli clarified was not ])uri(ied. The etlluent water helil in
sohuiun much of the fertilisini^' ingredients, wliieli on exposure
to the atmosphere smelled badly in the nostrils. The premises,

134 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

which consisted of two large reservoirs, are now used as settling
ponds, and the sewage flows away by gravitation in a sewer, a
distance of four miles, to the lands which were purchased for
receivinsf it.

The corporation bought a farm of 327 acres in the parish of
Ecton, in the valley of Nene, and although part of the land is sub-
ject to flooding, no better spot could have been selected for the
purpose. One hundred and fifty pounds an acre was paid for the
land, besides the costs of a compulsory purchase. One thousand
acres were asked for and granted, but not taken up, owing to the
high price. The soil is a sandy loam of some depth, resting on an
undulating clay, and a large part has been drained three chains
apart, and mostly 6 feet deep. Thirty acres are subject to
flooding by the river, as well as a meadow of 22 acres. At the
outset, when the work was begun, the land was very much out
of order and full of weeds, which involved a considerable outlay
in paring and burning thci foul turf. In this work, and in
reclaiming, levelling, draining, and in constructing the carriers,
hydrants, and [sluices, £16 per acre were expended. A brick
culvert is laid down on the high side of the farm, which is
connected with earthenware pipe carriers, from which open
carriers and earth ruts are employed for the distribution of the
liquid over the surface.

It is estimated that three millions of gallons of sewage flow
out to the farm every day, and more than 50,000 inhabitants
contribute to it. (Within the parliamentary boundary there
were 44,871 inhabitants in 1871, and in 1881 there were 56,551.)
Were this quantity of sewage distributed equally over the laud,
a simple calculation would show the great depth of liquid which
is poured over the land in a year. The distribution, however,
varies with the crops. Eye-grass and mangels take almost any
amount, but none can be applied to the corn crops during the
growing season. The root crops are grown on the ridge system,
or in drills of ample breadth, which gives space for the flow of
the liquid, and the horse-hoe or grubber can be worked earlier
and with more freedom than in flat cultivation.

This farm can be all irrigated with the exception of about 20
acres, and as will be seen by the table of croj^ping, 23 acres are
under osiers, which receive dressings of sewage continually,
except in the month of April. This croj) requires careful
management, and the price varies much. White peeled may be
quoted at £15 per ton, buffed £21, and brown £3, 10s. The
whole of the corn crops were good, too good, for there were
portions laid, and the quality was in consequence much imj)aired.
Mr Goosey, the farm manager, estimated the wheat at 6 quarters an
acre, the barley at 8 quarters, oats at 9, and the beans at 5 quarters.
The rye-grass was sold at 20s. per ton in April and May, and dur-

APPLICATION TO AGRICULTURE. 135

ing the four following months at 13s. 4d. At these prices, abou
£25 per acre was realised for the best beds ; but the parts which
had been under-cut for four years did not exceed £10 to £12.
About 10 acres were made into hay, but the equality was inferior,
and difficult to harvest. Mangolds range from 40 to GO tons per
acre, and some have been sold on the ground at 12s. per ton.
Swedes average 30 tons an acre, and command about los. per
ton after topping and tailing.

A large stock of swine has been purchased, and at our last
visit thare were 80 on the farm. Forty were ready for market,
and would make £5 to £6. They are fed mainly on barley
grown on the farm, which at current prices was not worth more
than 25s. per quarter.

The farm is wrought along with 56 acres of grass land under

rental, and there were fifty cattle in the yards of the sewage farm

which were to be sold off as fat before the 25th of March, which

were expected to make from £25 to £35. As with the crops

grown on the Bedford farm, the farm committee resolved to keep

stock oa the farm to consume what could not be disposed of

with advantage. For example, if the swedes do not make about

15s. per ton or thereby, they will be retained for consumption on

the farm. The same remark applies to mangels and rye-grass

but as a rule, there is a considerable demand from Northampton

and neighbourhood. The cropping of the farm in 1875 and 1882

was as follows : —

1875. 1882.

Manj.,'old,

44

acres.

23

acres,

Swedes,

24

5)

24

Kohl-rabi, .

lOi

))

• • •

Beans,

25|

>)

21

»

Wheat,

24

JJ

35

)j

Barley,

IG

)>

32

)j

Oats,* .

• ■ •

24

jj

Cabbaf^e,

26

?)

t • •

Potatoes,

8

>»

CaiTot.s,

4

»

• • •

Kyt•-gras^s, .

24

J»

30

))

Hay witli clovi

er and seeds,

44i

m

))

50

»

Pasture,

)>

25

•J

Osiers,

23'

V

23

JJ

Meadow,

22

?'

22

JJ

Roads, houses,

&c..

14

JJ

18

41

327 acres. 327 acres.

The cultivation of kohl-rabi, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots
were not included in the crojiping of 1882 ; but cabliage as a
heavy cropjier, niid as taking a number of dressings of sewage,
will be more or less cultivated. In introducing live stock, we
omitted to .^tate tliat extensive and commodious buildings have
1)een erected at the entrance to the farm. They consist of a

136

TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

dwelling house for the manager, yards for cattle and pigs,
stables, warehouse for osiers, &c., which cost about £4000. As
far as we could estimate, the annual cost of labour and manage-
ment in 1875 was very close on £1500, which would be 91s.
per acre ; but we think some part of it represented the laying
out of the farm, which was not then entirely completed. As
will be seen from the followincr balance sheet for the vear end-
ing on the 25th March 1883, the labour and management is
slightly under 80s. per acre. The land has palpably increased
in fertility since 1875, and the intellic^ent manaoer seems con-
fident that the farm will pay. Some express misgivings on the
subject ; but as stock is now the sheet-anchor in ordinary farm-
ing, we may expect that the introduction of live stock will lead
to better results.

Balance Slue^ for Year ending March 25, 1883.
Dr. Estimated value of horses, implements,

stock, and crops on 25th March

1882, £3699

4

0

Sundry debtors, .

437

0

5

£4,116

4

5

Payments, viz. —

Farming,

. ill46

0

9

Stock, ....

1910

14

6

Osiers, ....

495

8

9

Salaries,

152

10

0

Advertising, office expenses, printing, 135

7

2

Eates and taxes,

196

7

6

General re2iairs,

171

13

0

Plant, ....

58

4

9

Kent of grass land, 56 acres.

110

0

0

Dog-cart and hire of ditto,

33

11

0

Miscellaneous,

13

1

5

£4,422

18

10

Liabilities, 25th March 1883,

.

.

,

215

17

10

Profit, ....

• ■ "

"

"

1,326

19

8

£10,082

0

9

€r. Liabilities, 25th March 1882,

■

£143

13

0

Receipts —

Farm produce.

. £1696

9

4

Osiers, ....

874

6

2

Stock, ....

. 3293

6

10

Drain tiles, .

1

14

6

Shooting,

15

15

0

Eggs and poultry, .

20

14

6

Miscellaneous,

0

10

6

£5,902
618

16
16

10
5

Sundry debtors, 25th March 1883,

• •

Stock on hand —

10 Horses and 2 yearbngs.

. £262

10

0

70 Beasts, . .

1107

0

0

Carry forward, £1369 10 0 £6,665 6 3

APPLICATION TO AGEICULTURE.

137

Stock on hand— Brought forward, £1369 10

87 Ewes and 100 lambs, . . 407 8

64 Pigs, 81 12

100 Head of poultry, . . . 10 0

Corn in stack and granary, . 320 7

Hay, straw, and manure, . . 243 0

Pioots, growing crops, . . . 87 10

Tillage implements and tiles, . 482 19

Osiers,

374 8

0
0
0
0

0

0
0
0
6

£6,665 6 3

£3,416 14 6
£10,082 0 9

Variations in Live Stock.

No. on 25th
March 1882.

Bred.

Bought.

Sold.

Died.

1
No. on 25th

March 1883.

62 Cattle,
368 Sheep,
11 Horses,
5 Pigs,

loo

48

79

112

3

104

80

375

2

91

1
8

■ • •

2

70
197

12

64

1

I 447

157

298 548

11

343

It will be seeQ that no rent is charged in the balance sheet
for the sewage farm, there is just the rent of the 56 acres of the
cn-ass land of East Haddon, so the thirteen hundred and odd

o ...

pounds entered as profit is in reality not a profit. In adding
the purchase of the farm, the hiying it out, and the buildings, it
will be found to amount to £180 an acre if not more, which
would be, say £7 an acre for rent, then add to that labour, rates,
and sundries, and the sum would look rather formidable ; still
there aie many sewage farms in a worse position financially.

In the process of levelling the ground for the How of the
sewage, where the surface was removed to fill up the low places,
there is now little deficiency of the crops ; but by the dillusion
of the thud over the natural soil, it gets more than is requisite,
hence the corn croi)S are liable to be laid. It may be further
noticed, that there is no provision for overflow in a time of heavy
rain, so all that comes must be discharged on the land. The
aquatic osiers become a safety-valve then, and as will be seen
last year's sales of them amounted to nearly £i.>00. We said that
ten acres of the rye-grass were marie into hay, and that tlie
(piality was inferior, owing to the ditliculty of converting the
green and juicy stutl" into good hay. There is necessarily a
lart^e breadth under this ciop, and it is cut four or i\\e times in
the season ; tiie ditliculty is to get such a large (piantity of
succulent food profitably utilised. In a long interval of dry hot
weath"!-, it is possible to make it into hay, but thit sehhtm

138 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

occurs in these years. Eecently we were pleased to notice a
paper on this subject by Mr J. A. Clarke, in which be refers to
artificial drying as practised by Mr Cbampian on the Eeading
sewage farm. The corporation has purchased one of Mr Gibb's
hay-driers at a cost of £350, and with this machine the heavy
crops of grass are converted into sound hay, which will keep for
any length of time. The hay is reported to be good, and the
process is as follows : — "When mowed, the swathe is in a brief
time turned, and after three or four days' exposure it is carted
out of the swathes into a pasture field. It is there put into
considerable cocks arranged close around the drying machine, in
which it gets warm, and parts with a considerable C[uantity of
moisture. It is then put through the hot-air machine at a quick
pace, as fast as a couple of men can pitch it, which finishes it in
a condition fit for ricks of the largest dimensions.

The process is costly, inasmuch as the crop has to be removed
bodily from off the land on which it is grown, to make way for
the irrigation of the next cutting, and as pasture land has to be
provided for the process, it is more or less wasted, if occupied,
week after week for the four or five cuttings of the season.
Then again, the £350 for the hay-drier is a pretty costly invest-
ment for a small farm ; but if it makes the growing of Italian
rye-grass profitable it may well be adopted. Its cultivation is a
necessity, and as Mr Clarke puts it — what the cattle want, is of
all things dry provender, seeing that they must consume an
immense quantity of the watery grass fresh cut. Assuming that
20 acres are to be saved in that way, and that four cuttings
amount to 120 tons, being IJ ton of hay for each cutting,
estimated at £3 per ton, the aggregate value would be £18 per
acre. That looks like paying, if the costs are not too much.
The system of ensilaging might also be tested for preserving
sewage grass, although misgivings have been expressed in deal-
ing with materials so full of water. If it is successfully done
with ordinary meadow grass off the scythe, as is now demon-
strated, it surely can be successfully carried out with sewage
grass. It contains 70 to 75 per cent, of water, and the sewage
grass does not probably hold more than 85 to 90 per cent, of
moisture.

In disposing of the sewage drainage of towns by irrigation,
there is indeed a great waste of fertilising material, yet it is
probably the least wasteful of any ; but the financial results are
unsatisfactory in almost every case. It may be that in some
such direction as we have indicated the excrementitious matters
of towns may be turned to more profitable account. The
sanitary question, however, is paramount and compulsory, and
dwarfs the agricultural as it would not and could not be
permitted to discharge the drainage into streams, which supply

APPLICATIOX TO AGEICULTUEE. 139

the drinking water to towns lower down the river. Where
sewage can be conveyed to the farm by gravitation, the Bedford
farm and others, consisting of land adapted for sewage, would
pay their way, unless the initial costs are heavy. Where land
requires draining, and is very deeply drained, the liquid comes
from the drain mouth a brown fluid with a strong smell. Drains
are put in to carry off an excess of moisture from the land, and
they fulfil their functions, whether that moisture be rain water
or liquid manure, so in such soils there is a waste of fertilising
matter. Much depends upon the land, and also upon the level
of its surface ; and there are scarcely two towns alike as to
facilities for the discharge of sewage upon land, and its most
profitable application. Sir John Lawes and Dr Gilbert of
Piothamstead state that the direct result of the general application
of town sewage to grass land (by that we understand permanent
grass) would be an enormous increase in the production of milk,
butter, cheese, and meat. Many of the managers of English
sewage farms do not speak highly of the use of the liquid on
such fields, and this may perhaps be owing to the deposit left on
level land. The case is different with Italian rye-grass, which
is mowed three or four times in a season, and it must be to this
that these gentlemen refer.

Situation and circumstances entirely govern urban authorities
in the disposal of their sewage. Some time since, we visited a
town having a population of about 23,000, and found that it
only possessed 20 acres of irrigation land. Filtering beds and
settling ponds with other appliances were in use, but they all
failed, and were inadequate for discharging a purified liquid. So
after all the costs which have been incurred, a great expenditure
has to be incurred a second time. Negotiations were opened
with a neighbouring proprietor, who would not treat with the
authorities for a ninety-nine years' lease, but sell the land at £250
an acre ! This kind of thing has been too common, and certainly
it is far from commendable, for its agricultural value is not
more than £40 to £50 an acre. The only course open to that
place is to inquire whether they cannot with more advantage
deal with a desiccated and inodorous compound, as in the A. B. C.
process, which is described in the following pages. The Native
Guano Company at Aylesbury are prepared to undertake the
work of dealing with towns so situated.

Aylesbury A. B. C. rroccss.

The mode of dealing with the sewage at Aylesbury has
commanded some attention in past years from urban autho-
rities. At a concession of £200 a year from the town, tlie Native
Guano Company have saved the borough from nuisance and the
risk and cost of investinf^ in a sewa'^e farm. Bv the use of

140 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS

natural agents, they extract and preserve the dissolved and
suspended impurities of sewage, by what is called the A. B. C.
process, and it is sold as a dry portable manure at £3, 10s. per
ton. There was a large show of farm and garden produce grown
by this manure in October 1882 at Aylesbury, and finer samples
of corn, turnips, potatoes, onions, &c., could scarcely be got
too'ether. The value of the manure was thus demonstrated to
the manv visitors of all classes who attended the exhibition.
This system of sewage treatment has been in operation for
seven years, with pretty satisfactory results. Votes of satisfac-
tion have been annually passed by the Aylesbury Sanitary
Authorities. The process is attended with no nuisance, and the
effluent water may be passed into any brook or river.

Aylesbury has a population of 8000, and the daily quantity
of sewage is about 250,000 gallons in dry weather, but much
more in wet seasons. The name of the A. B. C. process is
derived from the initial letters of the principal constituents of
the precipitants — namely, alum, blood, clay, and cbarcoal. The
clay and charcoal, and where necessary a little lime, are finely
ground up with water to form an emulsion, and mixed with the
sewage ; a solution of alum is then added. It will best illustrate
the process to give the plan of the tanks and the explanation.

The sewage of the town flows to the works by gravitation, and
is discharged from the sewer at the point marked A, where
there is a grating to arrest rags, &c. It receives here from the
trough marked B the proper proportion of the purifying mixture,
which at once removes all offensive smell, and after flowing a
few feet the precipitating agent is added from the trough marked
C.

The sewage now having received all the materials necessary
for purification flows along the cliannel D to tank Xo. I. entering
at the point marked E, and thence through the taniv passing
round the partition board marked F, through the outlet G, into
the channel H, where it may be compared with the sewage flow-
ing into the tank, and it will be observed that most of th3 solid
impurities have been deposited. The water now passes into the
tank Xo. II. at inlet marked I, round partition board marked K,
through outlet L, into channel marked M, where it will be seen
that it has become still clearer and brighter. It now flows
through the inlets marked X into tank Xo. III., and pass'ng
slowly through is discharged at outlet marked 0, into the
channel P, thence flowing round the partition board Q, into
channel E, to the outfall S, where it is finally discharged in a
purified condition, within the requirements of the Elvers
Pollution Act, and fit to flow into any river.

It should be further explained, that when sufficient sludge has
been collected in the first tank, the treated sewage is shut off

Mz^Th. (3: A^no. Soo. Tpotzs.

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APPLICATION TO AGEICULTURE. 141

from it, and made to flow into another. As much of the water
as possible is run off from the mud, and the latter is drawn into
the acidifying tanks. From these the semi-dry mud is further
dried bv heat in revolving? iron cylinders, which discharoe it at
one end. The dry powdery mud is then packed into bags for
transport.

The okl process of precipitation by lime and other processes
were, we believe, tried here and elsewhere ; but the Aylesbury
Company have been working for the past seven years in the
manner described, and the Local Board have recently renewed
the af^reement for another seven years at an increased subsidy.
The cost of the works is about 10s. per head of the population
for small towns, and for larger places it is much less. The cost
of works is estimated at £8000 for 50,000 inhabitants, and the
cost of working (viz., materials, labour, &c.) depends largely
upon the position of the town, occ. The A. B. C. Company
undertake to effectually treat and dispose of the sewage of any
town, entirely relieving the authorities from all trouble, risk,
and responsibiUty, for a fixed annual subsidy. There is no tixed
scale, but generally the payment amounts to about Is. per liead,
if suitable works are constructed by the town. It would have
been of great advantage to many towns, if the Aylesbury plan
had been adopted instead of purchasing or renting a sewage farm.

The sewage is all dealt with at Aylesbury, except only in
times of heavy rains, when the sewers are relieved by storm
overflows. As in too many other towns, the storm water is
carried into the sewers, and no process can cope with the
immense quantities of su'jh water after heavy and continu-
ous rains. Of course, the sewage is at these times so largely
diluted, that after the first flushing of the sewers, it is very little
worse than the rivers in flood times. Still at these periods,
about three times the ordinary average dry weather flow is dealt
with, anil much more could be done with additional tanks. In
this respect the Aylesbury plan has the advantage of irrigation
farms, inasmuch as when drenched with rain, sewage cannot be
distributed over them without detriment to the crops.

The obliging and intelligent Secretary of the Company, Mr
Stevens, states that Aylesbury is the only place where the A. B. C.
system is actually in operation at present, but several towns
have the system under consideration. The Company patented
the invention, and in the evidence bef(»re the Committee of the
Privy Council, particulars are given of the materials and of the
])rocess of ]»urification.

Clay, which is by far the largest substance in use, carries
down tlie suspeniled matter, the alum coagulates the clay, to
whirh the blood also contributes, and the animal charcoal
purifies the materials and absorbs the gases. The result is that

142 TOWN SEWAGE, AND ITS APPLICATION TO AGPJCULTURE.

the whole of the solid impurities, and a good deal of the
dissolved substances are carried down in the form of clots and
flocks, and the supernatant liquid is sufficiently purified to run
into any river. This is fully evinced by the local authorities,
and by a large number of scientific witnesses who were examined
before the Privy Council, as well as by the thriving state of the
fish in the defecated water.

The fertilising power of sewage when not overpowered with
water is unquestionable, and the dried mud obtained by the
purifying process would probably be threefold its actual
manurial value but for the A. B. C. materials which constitute so
large a part of its weight. This fact explains the reason why
the dry product does not show well when tested by chemical
analysis ; but the good practical evidence of its value when
applied in quantity is proved by many testimonials of gardeners
and farmers who have been using it. The early estimates of
the value of sewage were greatly exaggerated, but when it is
considered that a gallon weighs a little over 10 lbs,, and that
there are only 60 to 100 grains of manurial matter in the gallon
(7000 grains to the pound), we arrive at sounder views as to the
value of sewage, and the enormous amount of w^ater with which
the manure is diluted. The liquid excreta of man, it may be
stated, has a high manurial value, and as the A. B. C. process
does not extract or precipitate all the manures in solution,
doubtless the comparatively low fertilising power of the " native
guano " is partly owing to that circumstance.

During an official trial on the purification of London sewage
by the A. B. C. process, there were used 80 tons of dry A. B. C.
materials, whilst the " native guano " obtained amounted in a
dry state to 131 tons, showing an increase of more than 63 per
cent. The amount of sewage treated during this time was
11,672,000 gallons. Therefore one ton of dry guano was
obtained from 89,100 gallons of London sewage. The quantity
of materials required to purify sewage depends upon the
character of the water, as well as upon the proportions of those
ingredients. For the nature, too, of the manufacturing refuse of
towns, the proportions of those ingredients have to be altered,
^s we have already said, farmers speak highly of the applica-
tion of this native guano to all crops. The quantities used for
the acre are very much the same as the cost of other artificial
manures. For wheat a dressing of from 4 to 8 cwt. is put on
the acre in autumn, and oats and barley get 6 to 10 cwt. at the
time of sowing. For turnips, swedes, and mangels, 8 to 12 cwt.
per acre, in row or broadcast, is applied to the acre.

THE AGRICULTURE OF THE COUNTY OF STIRLING. 143

THE AGRICULTURE OF THE COUNTY OF STIRLING.

By James Tait, 4 Argyll Crescent, Joppa, Edinburgh.

\_Preminm — Ten Sovereigns.']

The county of Stirling is bounded on the north by Perthshire,
and by the river and Firth of Forth. The parishes of Logie
and Lecropt are north of the Forth, and the parish of Alva is
a detached portion of Perthshire. On the east side the county
is bounded by the Firth of Forth and the county of Linlith-
gow, on the south by the counties of Lanark and Dumbarton,
and on the west by Dumbartonshire and Loch Lomond. The
greatest length of the county from east to west is 36 miles ;
but followin<:{ the curvature of its outline from Linlithgow
bridge to the neighbourhood of Inversnaid, Loch Lomond, in
the west, it is 45 miles. The greatest width is about 18
miles ; but in the west it is less than 5, and the average
width of the county is about 10 miles. The area of tlie
county as given in the Eeturn of Owners of Lands and Heri-
tages in Scotland, 1872-3, is 284,751 acres, and its gross annual
rental was then computed at £521,406, lis. From the same
record it appears that, in the county, there were 848 owners
of land of one acre and upwards, who were estimated to possess
283,468 acres, at a rental of £413,190, 2s., being a little over
£1, 9s. per acre ; and 3409 owners of less than one acre, who
owned 1283 acres, at a rental of £108,216, 9s., being upwards of
£84 an acre. The most extensive proprietor is the Duke of
Montrose, who is entered as owner of 68,878 acres, with a
rental of £15,706 a year, or less than 4s. 7d. an acre. In the
eastern part of the county, Mr Forbes of Callendar has 13,041
acres, at a rental of £12,795, 16s., or fully 19s. 8d. an acre,
besides £3419, 10s. for minerals ; the Earl of Dunmore, 4620
acres, rented at £8072, 10s., or nearly £1, 19s. an acre, and
£850 for minerals ; the Earl of Zetland, 4656 acres, at £9552,
or upwards of £2, Is. per acre, and £4255 for minerals. In
the county there are twenty-six parishes, and the population in
1881 was 112,798, an increase of 14,580 in ten years.

In the agricultural returns for 1882 issued by the Board of
Trade, the total area of the county is stated to be 295,285 acres.
The total acreage under crops, bare fallow, and grass was
114,543 acres. Under corn cn)])s there were .'U,45u acres, of
which there were 2786 acres wheat, 4846 barley and bero, oats
20,345, rye 70, l)eans 3389, and ])eas 8 acres. Under green
crops there were 9174 acres, of which 4066 were under jiotatoes,
4589 turnips and swedes, 16 mangold, 15 carrots, 81 cabbage,
kohl-rabi, and rape, and 407 vetches and other green crops,
except clover or grass. Of clover, sanfoin, and grasses under

144 THE AGEICULTUKE OF THE

rotation, there were 25,220 acres ; permanent pasture or grass
not broken up in rotation (exclusive of heath or mountain land),
46,679 acres; llax, 64; and bare fallow or uncropped arable land
1956 acres. Of horses, including ponies, as returned by occupiers
of land, there were 4862, of which 3301 were returned as used
solely for purposes of agriculture, &c., and 1561 were nnbroken
horses and mares kept solely for breeding. There were 28,991
cattle, of which 10,081 were cows or heifers in milk or in
calf; and of other cattle there were 9106 two years old and
above, while 9804 were under two years of age. Of sheep
there were 111,658, of which 71,667 were one year old or
upwards, and 39,991 were less than one jxar old. There were
2162 pigs.

The capital of the county is the royal burgh of Stirling.
The landward part of the parish does not cover more than
200 acres ; but witliin the parliamentary boundaries are
included parts of Logie and St Xinians ; and the small
village called the Abbey, which occupies the place where
once stood the abbey of Cambuskenneth, belongs to the burgh,
though it is situated in a northern link of the Forth, in the
county of Clackmannan. The population within the parlia-
mentary boundaries was 16,010 in 1881. Stirling unites
with Culross, Uunfermline, Queensferry, and Inverkeithing
in electing a member of Parliament, and the present repre-
sentative is Mr H. Campbell Bannerman. The town is of
considerable antiquity. Buchanan mentions it frequently
as existing in the ninth century, but gives no description
of the place. The earliest known burgh record is a charter
dated the ISth of August 1120, given at Kincardine by King
Alexander L, but that only confers some additional privileges
on the burghers and freemen, and is not a charter of erection, as
the burgh had existed long before. With Edinburgh, Berwick,
and Pioxburoh it formed " the court of the four burohs," an
institution found in existence at the dawn of our national history,
and from which is supposed to have emanated a collection of
the laws of the burghs in the time of David I. In 1368, when
Berwick and Roxburgh had come into possession of the English,
Lanark and Linlithg^ow were substituted for them. This burolier
parliament made laws and regulations for trade, and for the
management of burghal aftairs. In 1454 it was fixed by royal
charter that Edinburgh be the place of meeting. The four
burghs summoned others to their council, and thus arose the
Convention of Pioyal Burghs, which, though now somewhat
antiquated, was a most useful institution in its day.

About the middle of the twelfth century, Stirling had become
a royal residence, and in it David I. kept his court, probably to
be near Cambuskenneth, where he had founded an abbey in

COUXTY OF STIELIXG. 145

1147. No doubt the district shared the benefits which flowed
from the superior style of agriculture introduced by David, and
sedulously carried out by the monks in the various monasteries
founded by him. The condition of the district at a more recent,
but still remote period, maybe illustrated by the statement that
in 126.3 the sheriff of Stirling was employed in repairing the
ancient park, and in constructing a new park for King Alex-
ander III., for which he was allowed £80 ; and twenty years
later there was an allowance for two park-keepers, and one
hunter of wolves at Stirling ; and for the expenses of four
hundred perches of pjalisade round the new park, and for
mowing and carrying hay and litter for the use of the fallow
deer in winter.

In the arrangement of " metts, measures, and weights " for the
kingdom, Stirling had the custody of the standard pint, which
was to weigh of the water of Tay 41 oz. or 2 lbs. 9 oz. In
the reign of James II. it was ordained that "a general measure
be observed, according to the pint and quart formerly given to
the burgh of Stirling, for one universal standard, whereof each
firlot to contain 18 pints, and of this pint, quart, and firlot
three standards to be made, and given to Aberdeen, Perth, and
Edinburgh." It was likewise ordained that " the wheat firlot
shall contain 21 pints and a mutchkin of the Stirling jug, and
that the firlot of bear, malt, and oats shall contain 31 pints of
the same." The jug is now in the Smith Institute. It is made
of brass or yeltine, and weighs 14 lbs. 10 oz., and on it is the
lion rampant. It was lost in 1745, but was recovered by the
Rev. Alexander Bryce of Kirknewton, in the garret of a tinsmith
in the town. In 1826 it was, by authority of the town council,
sent on loan for an exhibition of ancient scientific articles at
Soutli Kensington.

Stirling is remarkable for the number of its hospitals. One
was founded by llobert Spittal, tailor to King James V., who
left an endowment for the support and relief of decayed
burgesses. Another was founded in the year 1633 by Robert
Cowane, merchant in Stirling, for the support of twelve Guild
brethren ; and this property has greatly increased in value, a
good deal of the land having been feued. A third was founded
in 1725 by John Alhin, writer in Siirling, who "mortified"
30,000 merks for the maintenance and education of the cliihlren
of i)Oor tradesmen.

Toward the close of the sixteenth century, Stirling had l)L'come
a manufacturing town, and a kind of worsteil stull" called shalloons
was nude, quantities of whicii were exported to the low coun-
tries. Early in the eighteenth century the manufacture of lartan
was begun, and it tlourished till about 1760, after which it
declined ; but later in tiie century the manufacture of carpets

K

146 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

became prominent, and there were thirty or forty looms con-
stantly employed in this work. Near the close of the century
cotton manufacturing was added; and about the year 1793 there
were 260 looms employed in weaving coarse muslin. At the
same date wool-spinning was added, and one firm had 100
persons engaged in teasing, combing, and scouring wool, making
it ready for spinning. The manufacturing industry has been
still further developed in various departments. There are four
woollen mills, all of considerable importance, in which there is
spinning of yarns for the manufacture of tweeds, shawls, and
fancy stuffs, at Forthvale Mill ; and at Parkvale and Hayford
Mills, dyeing, spinning, and weaving. The town has a good
reputation also for coachbuilding. In Stirling there is a weekly
grain market, w^here a large business is transacted. The sales of
grain in the three years beginning with 1880, as supplied by the
market clerk, were —

Wheat. Barley. Oats. Beans. Tares,

qrs. qrs. qrs. qrs. qrs.

1880, . . 2375 9,686 17,012 1986

1881, . . 811 10,459 16,056 1797 103

1882, . . 1390 9,559 19,123 3205 27

A good business is also done in malt, coals, wool, timber, bricks,
tiles, lime, and agricultural produce.

Falkirk was in 1600 created a burgh of barony, and in 1647
was made a burgh of regality by King Charles I. It is likewise
a parliamentary burgh, and unites with Linlithgow, Lanark,
Airdrie, and Hamilton to elect a member of Parliament. The
present re^^resentative is Mr John Eamsay of Kildalton, island
of Islay. Falkirk is a flourishing town, with some good public
buildings and rich surroundings, both as regards agriculture and
ironworks. In 1871 the number of inhabited houses in the
parliamentary burgh was 1238, and the population 9547 ; in
1881 there were 2721 inhabited houses and 13,170 of a popula-
tion. For agricultural stock there is an auction mart, where a
good business is transacted in store and fat cattle. Partly in
Falkirk and partly in Bothkennar parishes is Grangemouth,
which has during the past thirty years risen to the position of a
high-class port, with accommodation for large vessels. In 1871
there were 132 inhabited houses belonging to Grangemouth in
Bothkennar parish, and 651 inhabitants; in 1881 there were 267
inhabited houses, and 1412 inhabitants. In Falkirk parish there
were belonging to Grangemouth 121 inhabited houses in 1871,
and 1659 inhabitants ; in 1881 there were 572 inhabited houses,
and 2918 inhabitants. Kilsyth is a burgh of barony; and other
towns, with a population of 2000 or upwards, are Lennoxtown,
Alva, Bannockburn, Bridge of Allan, and Denny. There are
about a hundred villages and hamlets.

COU^'TY OF STIELING. i47

llixers.

The principal river connected with Stirlingsliire is the Forth.
Its source is a spring on the northern side and near the top of
Ben Lomond. The stream is, for the first eight or ten miles of
its course, called the AVater of Duchray; then it enters Perth-
shire, passing under the name of Avondhu, or the black river;
after which, returning to Stirlingshire, it assumes the more
familiar name of the Forth. It is a dark and sluggish stream,
very unlike any ordinary Scottish river, and in its noiseless
meanderings resembling the Xorthumbrian river Till. Winding
round the base of Craigforth, near Stirling, it receives from the
north side the clear waters of the Teith, and is joined by the
Allan just opposite the town. Below Stirling the river, increased
in dimensions by the tide, is curiously zigzag in its movements,
forming what are called " the links of the Forth." From Alloa
eastward it becomes an estuary, and is known as the Firth of
Forth. The Carron rises in the interior of the county, and,
flowing eastward, joins the Forth at Grangemouth. The
Endrick, a fine fronting stream, rises about the centre of the
county, and flows westward through a finely-wooded valley,
with a good deal of arable land, into Loch Lomond. The other
streams are the Avon, the Kelvin, the Blane, the Devon, and
the Bannock.

Geology.

Geologically, the county of Stirling is in the centre of the
great midland valley, which is bounded on the north by the
Lower Silurian rocks, rising into the rugged schists and gneisses
of the Hiohland mountains, and on the south bv the same rocks,
as developed in the contorted greywackes and shales of the
southern ui)lands. The substratum of the valley is the Lower
Old Led Sanilstone, which is exposed in the east of Scotland from
Stonehaven to the Firth of Tay, and thence extends south-west-
ward across the island to the Firth of Clyde. It contains abund-
ance of igneous rocks, among which the Ochil Hills are con-
spicuous. Along the southern flank of the Ochils the Lppcr Old
lied Sandstone ]>revails, till it is overlapped by carboniferous
strata. The volcanic material which is develo}»ed at the top of
the Old L'ed Sandstone, or base of tlie carboniferous series, is
exhibited in the long chain of heights stretching fi'om the
Cnnijtsie Fells to the south of Arran. To the lower half of the
carboniferous system belong the rocks on which the town and
castle of Stirling are built. Near Stirling are the Touch Hills,
which are continued westward by the Gargunnock and ]*'intry
Hills, and across the Endrick by the Killearn and Canijisie Fells.

148 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

None of these attain a height of more than 1500 feet, and most
of them are covered with grass, once browsed w^ith Highland
cattle, now generally pastured with blackfaced sheep. In the
west of the county, including the large parish of Buchanan, the
hills belong to the primary formation, and consist chiefly of
micaceous schist. The highest is Ben Lomond — 3191 feet above
the sea-level. The base of the Killearn district is the Old Eed
-Sandstone, and in the higher grounds are trap, freestone, lime-
stone, and clay. In Fintry parish there is coal in small quan-
tities, and there are fragments of granite, besides whinstone,
freestone, redstone, jasper, and fine specimens of zeolite. The
north-western boundary of the great coal-field which extends
from St Andrews Bay to Kintyre runs along the base of the
Lennox Hills, and coal is worked in many parts of the east and
south, but nowhere in the west and north of the county. Iron-
stone is found in almost inexhaustible quantities, a fact. which
influenced Dr Eoebuck, after having examined the wdiole of
Scotland, to fix on the neighbourhood of Falkirk as the site for
the Carron Ironworks. The richest variety is found at Kilsyth.
Limestone in many instances accompanies the coal in two strata,
one above, the other below the coal, the former being always the
best quality. Sandstone abounds in the south and east districts,
and is extensively quarried. Trap rocks, especially basalt, are
found north-west of the coal, and rise up in nodulated hills
through various parts of the coal-fields. Precipitous columnar
cliffs and extensive ranges of basaltic colonnade exist in solitary
protrusions, as in the broad mass of the Lennox Hills. A
peculiarity of all the hills in the county on or near the carse is
that the rocks on the west and south-west sides are bare and
precipitous, while the eastern and northern sides have a gentle
slope, and are covered with herbage. The reason assigned is
that ages ago the waters of the Atlantic rolled through the low
oountry into the German Ocean, and, washing the soil from the
exposed ribs of those rocks, left it deposited on the protected
sides.

Soils.

In the county there are great diversities of soil, and the
different kinds have been classified as carse, dryfield, hill, moor,
and moss. Agriculturally, the carse occupies the foremost place,
-and includes some of the richest land in Scotland. It extends
from the junction of the county with Linlithgow to the neigh-
bourhood of Buchlyvie, a distance of 28 miles, with an average
width of 2 miles, making in all about 56 square miles, or 36,000
imperial acres. In general the carse land is flat, but sometimes
it presents a gentle slope, rising gradually toward the south
from the valley of the Forth. It is sometimes 30 feet deep, is

10 parts,

44

28

2h

6"

n

i"

2

5

100

55

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 149'

seldom more than 25 to 40 feet above the level of the sea at
high water, and contains beds of shells, moss, and marl. A
good deal in the parishes of St Xinians, Airth, Bothkennar,
Falkirk, and Polmont has been actually reclaimed from the sea
at a comparatively recent date. Lord Dundas began a process
of reclamation in 1788, and in twenty or thirty years had made
174 acres of land. The Earl of Dimmore, about the same time,
reclaimed 170 acres; and other proprietors secured smaller
tracts of valuable land. The component parts of carse soil,
when analysed, are as follows : —

w u-rGij ••••«•

Silica, ......

Alumina, .....

Carbonate of lime, ....

Organic matter, ....

Oxide of iron, .....

Soluble salts, .....

Soluble matter. ....

Loss, ......

The carse was greatly improved by the thorough draining-
which followed the adoption of the system devised by Mr Smith
of Deanston. Crops were increased in bulk one-sixth to one-
fourth in good seasons on the best land, besides an improvement
in weight and quality ; in cold, wet seasons the improvement
was still more obvious. A good deal of the land would now
require to be drained afresh. Lents of carse lands in the
eastern district rise to 60s. an acre, and in exceptional cases
higher ; in the central district the best land is from 50s. to 60s.,
medium land 30s. to o5s., and inferior about 15s. an acre. The
lanils belonging to the hospitals in Stirling are let by auction,
and go higher than ordinary farms.

iJry field soil in the county varies in quality. In the eastern
district, from Linlithgow to Stirling, it is good in quality, equal
to carse or nearly so in value, and very favourable for mixed
husbandry. In other districts it is light and of poor quality,
but intermixed with patches of rich loam. Dry field soil
prevails in the parishes of St Ninians, Polmont, Larbert, Denny,
Kilsyth, l>alderii()ck, and parts of Cauipsie, Strathblane, Sla-
mannan, and Muiravonside. It comprehends the lower or arable
declivities of the hills, and the greater part of the vales in the
central and western districts. Along the sides of the hills in
the parishes of Lalfron, Killearn, Kippcn, and Clargunnock,
there is a tract of land, about L'O miles in extent, which slopes
down to the Forth and the Kndrick, increasing in fertility as it
approaches the rivers. In the vales of the Kndrick, the Llane,.

150 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

and the Kelty, the soil is either a fine light loam, clayey till,
or a sharp sandy mould. The subsoil consists of an impervi-
ous till, or a still more impenetrable rock of reddish freestone.
For dryfield land in the eastern district, the highest rents are
35s. to 50s. an imperial acre, for medium land 24s., and for
poor land 12s. 6d. an acre. Grazings are let on the Ochils for
8s. to 10s. a sheep ; other hill grazings are 2s. 6d. to 6s. a sheep,
counting average of stock for year according to quality. Hoggs
are chiefly sent out of the county to be wintered. On the
Campsie Fells is some of the best pasture in Scotland for black-
faoed sheep.

Westward from Stirling, and occupying a large space in the
centre of the county, are the hills of Touch, Gargunnock, Fintry,
Killearn, and Campsie; and in the parish of Buchanan the
hills attain a hish elevation ; and, north from Buchanan Castle,
they are covered with short heath mixed with grass. About
one-thirtieth part of the county, in various places, is covered
with moss, some of which is incumbent on fine clay, as in the
parish of Airth, where there are about 300 acres, with an
average depth of 12 feet, covering land of excellent quality.
Much has been done to remove this encumbrance by the last
two Earls of Dunmore, but, at the present rate of wages, it
will not pay, as it requires £30 to clear an acre, while the rent
of the land would probably not exceed £2. In former days a
good deal of moss land was handed over in small patches to
cottars, who were allowed to retain the produce on condition of
removing the moss and cultivating the land. For nineteen 3^ears
they had the land free, for other nineteen at a very moderate
rent, and afterwards at a higher rent. They were called " moss
lairds," but many of them were poor, and now they are nearly
extinct. In the western district of Slamannan parish is a black
expanse of poor land which yields very indifferent crops, and
several hundred acres of moss from 3 to 12 feet deep, and
resting on sand. This would be of no value even were the moss
removed.

Climate.

The climate of the eastern district is milder than that of the
west, partly because of the less elevation, partly on account of
the superior shelter afforded by trees and hedges, but partly
also because of the higher summer temperature in the east of
Scotland than in the west. In spring the east suffers heavily
from fogs and easterly winds ; but, on the other hand, the west
has more cloud, and a greater rainfall. Crops in the eastern
district are about a fortnight later than the early parts of Mid-
Lothian. The rainfall is much modified by the direction from
east to west, and by the proximity to or distance from hills.

COUXTY OF STIRLING. 151

At Ballocli Castle, Loch Lomond, near the borders of the county,
the annual depth of rain is 54'45 inches ; at Firkin, also near
Loch Lomond, it is 91*20 ; at Strathblane, Stirlingshire, it is
47*80 ; but at Polmaise, near Stirling, it is 37 ; and at Kerse,
near Falkirk, it is only 32*70 inches, or little more than in the
neighbourhood of Edinburgh. Often the] weather is fine in
the flat carse district, when rain is falling only a few miles
distant. In winter the higher grounds are covered with snow,
or sealed up with frost many times, when ploughing is in. pro-
gress near the banks of the Forth. In the west the excess
of moisture operates against successful cultivation of grain
crops ; but, on the other hand, the dropping climate is suitable
for grass and green crops, and makes the district well adapted
for dairy farming. In ordinary seasons, and where the soD. is
suitable, potatoes are successfuUly grown, and the facilities for
carriage by land and water are so good that a ready market is
found for all that can be produced.

History and To])Ocjra]jiliy.

In the county of Stirling there are not many large estates,
but there are some of medium size, and a large number of small
proprietors holding of a subject superior. Only the Duke of
Montrose and Mr Forbes of Callendar have more than 10,000
acres, and not more than seven other proprietors have 5000 acres
or upwards. Other two have 4000 to 5000 acres, other six have
3000 to 4000, six more have 2000 to 3000, and eighteen others
have 1000 to 2000, making forty-one altogether who have 1000
acres or upwards. A very large number of proprietors have less
than 100 acres, and many small feuars hold of a subject superior.
Apart from feus granted at a recent date, many originated in the
beginning of the eighteenth century or earlier, when the country
was unsettled, property was of little value, and landowners had
such difficulty in obtaining tenants that they were willing to let the
land on almost any terms. It was not unusual, then, for large
proprietors to parcel out tracts of land among their retainers
and their heirs for ever, at a rent equivalent to little more than
a moderate feu-duty. . Much land was thus alienated on the
estates of tbe Duke of Montrose, and the Earls of Mar, Men-
teith, and Glencairn. The Earl of Wigtown, who was o}>posed
to the Union with England in 1705, believing it would be
ruinous to the ccjuntry, disponed his extensive estates in the
parishes of Denny and neighbouring districts to his own tenants,
on condition that they would continue to pay the rents of that
time. Hence the great number of small proprietors in the
parishes of St Ninians, Denny, Campsie, Slamannan, and even
in the carse.

152 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

In this, as in most other Scottish counties, the earliest im-
provers of land were among the landed proprietors. In the middle
and latter half of last century gentlemen possessed of land worth
£200 to £1000 a year lived almost invariably on their estates.
Their education had been liberal, their views were enlightened,
and, as expenses tended to increase with the development of
civilised life, an increased income was needful to cover the gradu-
ally growing expenditure. They knew how to adopt the means
of improvement suggested by the progress of science, and they
had the good taste necessary for adding proper embellishments
to their estates. Farmers at that time had not the skill, the
capital, or the enterprise which they subsequently acquired, and
which transformed them into active and successful improvers of
land. At present the tenants are intelligent, industrious, and
thoroughly acquainted with the most improved modes of agri-
culture, which are carried out under strict personal supervision.
At the same time, the proprietors continue to interest them-
selves in the agriculture of the county and the management
of their estates ; and to the cordial co-operation of landlord
and tenant the success of Stirlingshire agriculture is in large
measure due.

Entering the county from the east, one of the first conspicuous
estates is Callendar, — the second in the county in area and
rental It extends about fifteen miles from Slamannan on the
south and east to Denny on the west, and it comes down to
the Carron at Camelon and Larbert. It lies in four parishes,
and includes carse, dryfield, and moorland soil. The estate was
purchased by Mr Forbes in 1783 for £85,000 ; its present rental
is over £13,000 a year. Beginning to improve the estate, Mr
Forbes took 4000 of the 7000 acres of which it consisted into
his own immediate occupation. He first subdivided the land,
throwing that near Falkirk into fields of six or seven acres,
which were enclosed with hedge and ditch. The old-fashioned
ridges were levelled with five or six ploughings, and the whole
was limed at the rate of 100 bushels an acre. The proprietor
took one crop of oats, and, along with the oats, sowed clover and
rye-grass, after which the lauds were let on lease. The remainder
of the estate was let to tenants, who were bound to improve it
after the example of the proprietor. The total income, iu elud-
ing minerals, is now estimated at £19,811 a year. Of this
amount £9868 is in the parish of Falkirk, derived from sixty
separate subjects, including the mansion-house, garden, and
offices, valued at £550 ; the woods, copse, and underwood, £400
a year, and the colliery of Pilrighill and Standalane, rented at
£1463, 13s. 4d. Of the small farms laid out toward the close
of last century many have been united, but still the greater
number are of moderate size. The highest rent is £523, paid

COUNTY OF STIKLIXG. 153

by Mr Adam Smith ; the next highest is £500, paid for Car-
mnirs by Mr James Fleming, and others are from £450 to
£180, but many are less. In the parish of Denny the same
estate has a rental of £5078, a good proportion of which is
for minerals. In Dunipace there is £1948, in Muiravonside
£1984, and £146 in Larbert. The estate is carefully managed.
The farm buildings generally are good, and the fences are
good on the best land, but not so good on clay soils. Farmers
are not restricted in cropping, provided they keep the land
clean and in good condition. The leases are generally for
nineteen years.

The Earl of Zetland has an estate which is entered in the
parliamentary return as extending to 4656 acres, at a rental of
£9552, besides what is derived from minerals. It includes a
rich tract of land in the parishes of Falkirk, Bothkennar, and
Polmont. In Falkirk parish the rental approximates to £6000,
but this includes £568, 3s. for a dry dock and ship-building yard
at Grangemouth, many rents for houses and business premises,
and a considerable number of feu-duties. In the parish of Both-
kennar Lord Zetland has two collieries, — one let for £1156, 15s.,
the other for £233, 5s. Id., both to the Grangemouth Coal Com-
pany. On this estate are many good specimens of carse farms.
Kerse House is in the centre of the carse, and the well-wooded
park is let for grazing at £370 a year. The highest rent paid
for one farm is £380, by Mr John Thomson for Carronfiats,
Painshead, and part of Inch. Mr liobert Buchan has Dalgrain,
rented at £190, and Kerse Mains at £204; Mr Alexander
Simpson has West Mains and East Thorn, 100 Scotch acres, at
£290 ; and Mr Marshall has Fouldubs at £262, 10s., and ^lary-
llatts at £85. In the county valuation roll there are in Falkirk
parish above 140 subjects, of which Lord Zetland is entered as
proprietor; but the great majority of them are comparatively
small holdings at Grangemouth, and hardly more than twenty
of them are farms, three or four of which have corn mills
attached. ^lost of the farms on the estate are let for about or
under £200 a year.

Farther west, and lying along the south side of the Forth, in
the parishes of Airth and St Ninians, is the estate of the Earl of
Dunmore, entered at 4620 acres, at a rental of fully £8000 a
year. In the centre of the carse, but situated on a gentle emi-
nence which commands an extensive prospect, is the mansion-
house ; and the extensive, beautifully-svooded park is let for
grazinpj at a rent of £1350 a year. In the park there is a con-
siderable ex]»anse of moss, but the cost of labour is so great tliat
there is little chance of having it removed. Formerly Lord
I)unmore lind a herd of sliorthorns; and the home farm, on
which was built a steading at a cost of £12,000, is between the

154 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

park and the riv^er. The herd has been dispersed, and the farm
is now let to Mr William T. Malcolm for £900, being £2, 7s. 6d.
an imperial acre. The farm, which many consider the best in
the county, includes 100 acres reclaimed from the Forth less
than a century since, and is not only rich soil, but also more
workable than most of the carse farms. It is in two divisions,
one of 200 acres, arranged in six subdivisions so as to suit the
six-course rotation, but without a fence in it ; the other 180 acres
are similarly subdivided. There are twelve acres of permanent
grass close to the Forth, on which cows are pastured. Among
other farms on the estate of Lord Dunmore are Linkfield, let to
Mr John Drummond for £327, 10s. ; Plean, a dryfield farm of
333 acres, rented by Mr J. T. S. Paterson at £540 ; Gallamuir,
also a dryfield farm of 340 acres, rented by Mr John Edmond
for £550 ; Carbrook Mains, by Mr Thomas Hope, for £505 ;
Sauchenford, by Mr James Hendrie, for £238, 4s.; Plean Mill,
by Mr William Ptitchie, at £410 ; and Ptosehill, by Mrs Walter
Weir, for £576, 10s.

Still further west, and including the carse lands near Stirling,
is the estate of Colonel Murray of Polmaise and Touchadam,
with a rental of £10,556, 7s., of which £1018 is for grass parks.
The mansion-house is beautifully situated on the wooded slopes
of Touchadam ; and the lands lie down toward the Forth, about
one half of the estate consistino^ of carse. There are above
seventy tenants, a good many of whom occupy farms at a rental
of £200 a-year or upwards, but some are of smaller size. Mr
James Christie pays £520 for Bandeath, Mr William Edmond
£463 for AVesterton of Cowie, and others are let from £100 to
£400 a-year.

In the parish of St Ninians, a principal proprietor is Sir
James Piamsay Gibson Maitland, Bart., who has a rental of
£6163, 16s., including £1107, 10s. for grass parks. The farms are
wholly dryfield, generally in good condition, and well farmed. The
farm of Muirpark is let to Mr James Adam for £321, 5s., and
Townfoot and Todholes to the same for £92. Little Sauchie is
occupied by Mr James M'Laren at a rent of £430 a-year, and
Foot of Green by Mr Ximmo at £341, 5s. This is a well-
managed farm, with an excellent steading roofed with slates.
The estate is about three miles in extent from north to south,
and it contains some remarkably good dryfield soil. It is noted,
also, for fine timber and luxuriant grass. The mansion-house is
near the centre of the estate ; and east from it, in a wooded glen,
is Howietoun Fishery, a kind of industry not strictly agricul-
tural, but destined probably to have an important bearing on the
production of human food. There are houses and ponds for
breeding fish, with complete arrangements for sending ova, fry,
and yearling and two-year-old fish to all parts of the country.

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 155

The capital invested is large, and the expenses are not small,
but the supply is sufficient to stock lochs and streams all over
the country. The development of this fishery will be watched
with much interest. In the valuation roll the estimated rent is
£377 a year.

In the parish of St Xinians, the valuation of which in 1880-81
was £53,243, there are in all 1279 occupancies on the roll, a
large proportion of which are owned by small proprietors.
Besides many farms of moderate size, there are some smaller
tenancies held by men who, with their families, do the whole
work, and from these landlords often get a higher rent than is
paid by farmers higher in the social scale. They are industrious,
hard-working people, who do their work well, pay their rents
honourably, and give very little trouble to landlords or factors.
There is much good growthy land in the parish, and along the
road sides may be seen great abundance of such wild fruits as
rasps, brambles, blackberries, and sloes. On the north side of
the river, over against the parish, are fully 9000 acres of valuable
land belonging to the county from Stirling to Alva. The lands
of Airthrey Castle and AVesterton are particularly fertile.

In Alva parish the lands are arable and pasture. Near the
base of the Ochils the soil is a rich hazel mould, intermixed
with gravel and small stones ; then there is a bed of moss rest-
ing on clay which is 50 to 100 yards wide, and is, in some
places, 7 feet deep. Next there is a belt of strong clay, which
extends towards the Devon, and meets the haugh lands which
is overflowed by the river two or three times a year. The soil
near the river is in some places more than 20 feet deep. The
size of the farms has recently been increased, and the tendency
is still in the same direction.

In the parish of Larbert, further to the south, is the
estate of Sir William Bruce of Stenhouse, Bart., the mansion-
house of which is one of the oldest in the countv. It is a
quaint, old-gabled place on a commanding situation, and
approached by an avenue of trees of great size. On the estate
is a common of eighty acres where the great autunmal Falkirk
Trysts are held for the disposal of store cattle and sheep. The
village of Stenhouse Muir is also feued ofl the estate. On the
edge of the Torwood Mr liolton, M.P., has the estate of Carbrook,
to which additions have been made lately.

Westward from Stirling, along the valley of the Forth, there
is carse of greater or less width, but of decreasing value to the
neighbourhood of Buchlyvie. A portion of the land has the
look of formerly being covered with peat, and, in the parish of
Kijjpen, begins the great expanse known as the Flanders Moss.
The peat Ijegins al)ruptly, suggesting the idea that improvers
in former ages have })roceeded with its removal till, for some

156 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

reason or another, a sudden halt was made, and the work has
never been resumed. Thus it happens that the cultivator runs
suddenly against a wall of peat, and for many miles the black
encumbrance lies heavy and solid on earth which might other-
wise produce good crops. The land near the moss has a
diminished value, owing to the moisture which cools the atmo-
sphere for at least half a mile all round. Doubtless the
proprietors have looked at the matter on all sides, but it may
be suggested that in these days of enterprise and joint-stock
companies, some way might be found to utilise the peat either
for ordinary fuel or for distillation purposes. If any such
company were formed, the proprietors might give great
encouragement, considering how largely they w^ould reap the
ultimate benefit. From Port of Menteith westward the dairy
system largely prevails, and the milk is sent regularly to
Glasgow by railway. Complaints are made that the dairy
farmers of the district are at a disadvantage because the morn-
ing train is not in time for the first delivery of milk in the city,
and on this account they cannot get the highest prices. In
Campsie parish there is dairy farming and mixed husbandry.
The green crop consists chiefly of potatoes, and to a smaller
extent of turnips. The oats sown are of the earlier sorts,
which are most suitable for the climate. Lime can be had at
various places in the parish, and, the soil being generally
ferruginous, it acts with great effect. The dairy system is found
to be suitable and profitable, and the cows are chiefly Ayrshires.
In Kilsyth district, oats, barley, and green crops prevail, but
wheat is not profitable. The dairy system is the great industry
of the locality, to which all else is subordinate. Potatoes are
grown extensively.

In the parish of Killearn there are 15,000 acres, of which
5370 are under cultivation, 8860 are moor, and 1140 woodland.
The chief proprietors are the representatives of the late Mr
Peter Blackburn of Killearn, Archibald Orr Ewing, Esq. of
Ballikinrain, M. P., Vice- Admiral Sir William Edmonstone, Bart.,
of Dnntreath, C.B., and Mr Wilson of Carbeth. Mr Orr Ewing
and Mr Wilson occupy their own lands, and both have made great
improvements. It is a picturesque district, with a good propor-
tion of arable land in the valley of the Endrick, but much of it
not very valuable ; on the south are the Killearn and Campsie
Fells ; on the north, across the valley, is the dark wall of the
Highland hills. Higher up the valley is the parish of Fintry,
the ownership of which belongs chiefly to the Duke of Montrose
and Sir George Home Speirs, Bart., though there are some
small proprietors. Eleven tenants pay more than £100 in rent,
of whom five are on the Duke's estate, and five are on that of
Sir George Home Speirs. The valuation roll shows 112

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 157

occupiers in the parish. The highest rent is £772 for Meikle
Binns, on the Dake's estate. This farm, occupied by Mr Tod,
is elevated in position, and is wholly pastoral, except an expanse
of meadow which is cut for hay. Other farms in the upper
part of the Endrick valley, such as Lurg, Spittalhill, and Tod-
holes, are wholly pastoral, with the exce^^tion of some small
fields near the steadings. In Balfron there are 257 occupiers, of
whom only twenty-one pay more than £100, and eiglity-one are
valued at less than £5 a year. In the town of Ealfron there is
some cotton manufacturing. In the parish of Drymen there is
a proportion of cultivation, bat the greater part of it is pastoral.
Buchanan Castle, the residence of the Duke of Montrose, is
situated in a splendid park, hnely wooded, and looking down to
the broad, level, and grassy haughs through which the Endrick
here winds toward Loch Lomond. The grounds are well kept,
and the fences connected with tlie policy and home farm are
carefully kept. The county is bounded for about fifteen miles
by Loch Lomond ; and the principal islands in the loch also
belong to it. Inch Caillach, or the Xun's Island, is chiefly
covered with oak trees. Inchfad and Inchcruin are arable, and
there are many islets of small size. The shores of the loch are
skirted with valuable coppice wood, consisting of oak, mixed
with ash, birch, and alder. It is all the property of the Duke,
and is cut for the bark every twenty-one years or tliereby.
Patches of arable land, of a sandy soil, occur ; but the greater
part of the district is fit only for pasture. The parish of
Buchanan is estimated to contain 41,598 acres, of which only
2800 are arable, 34,548 hill pasture, and 4250 woodland. It
belongs wholly to the Duke, but the Glasgow Commissioners have
a foothold in connection with the Loch Katrine waterworks. The
largest rent in the parish is £1100, paid by A. Orr Ewing, Esq.,
M.P., for the lands of Ben Lomond and Blairvockie, which are
pastured with blackfaced sheep. The rents of other tenants are
nearly all under £500 a year; not more than half a dozen
exceed £300 ; and thirty-nine tenants are under £100 of yearly
rent.

Farm Lnildings, Machinenj, and Inijyienients.

In the eastern district of the county many of the farm houses
are good, and some of those recently built are very siii)erior.
There is, however, great diversity in farm houses in dillerent
districts, and even on dillerent farms in the same district. Cot-
tages in the east of the county are generally fair, but the num-
ber is scarcely BuOlcient. Labourers can, however, be obtained
from the villages when reipiired. In other parts of the county
there is need for ini[)rovement as regards dwelling-houses and

158 THE AGEICULTUKE OF THE

steadings, but especially cottages. Good houses exist in many
places, but in other instances they are deficient in accommoda-
tion and stability. Dwelling-houses are generally slated ; stead-
ings partly tiled and partly slated; cottages slated, tiled, or
thatched. All new buildings of any kind are slated. Steadings
vary with different districts according to the style of farming,
but generally tliey are fairly adapted to their purpose. Un-
doubtedly the best steading in the county is on Dunmore home
farm, but it was erected at great cost for a special purpose, and
cannot be considered a fair specimen. This steading is exceed-
ingly commodious, and contains all appliances for the health and
comfort of animals. The frontage toward the south-east is
about 100 yards ; and the measurement from south-east to north-
west is 70 yards. For feeding cattle there are 16 boxes, measur-
ing each 12 feet by 11, and three others, making 19 altogether.
A wide passage, with rails for a w^aggon, between the rows of
boxes, gives facilities for the easy and expeditious distribution of
food to the feeding troughs, which are alongside of the open
passage on either hand. Beside each feeding trough is a separate
trough always full to the brim with clear water, which comes by
gravitation, and is continuously flowing, so as to be always pure.
For wintering cattle there are four courts, each 20 yards square,
and each sufficient to accommodate 15 cattle. Over all is a lofty
open roof covered with tiles, which are considered better than
slates, leaving space for ventilation. There are nine boxes for
calves, very commodious and airy. The stables are proportion-
ately excellent, with abundant room, lofty roofs, and sufficient
means for ventilation. In a detached building on the north side
are sheds for young horses, opening into a paddock that extends
down to the river. The thrashing machine, driven by steam, is
centrally placed, perfect in construction, and with ready access
to the stack-yard, the cattle boxes, and the stable. In the south-
west corner of the steading is a smithy, where a blacksmith
attends when wanted in the evenings. The stack-yard is on the
north-w^est side ; and at a little distance on the south-east is the
farm house. Of an ordinary steading on a dryfield farm, a
fair specimen is at Gallamuir, also on the estate of Lord Dun-
more, and tenanted by Mr John Edmond. It is a quadrangle, of
which the stable for work horses, containing ten stalls, forms
part of the east side, and the line is continued with feeding-stalls
for cattle round the east and north angle. Outside the stalls in
front of the cattle is a shed fox turnips, with openings through
w^hich turnips are deposited in the troughs where the cattle are
tied up in stalls. There are 54 stalls for feeding cattle, and^
including sheds, there is accommodation for about a hundred
feeding and wintering cattle. The courts are partly roofed with
tiles. The thrashing machine is driven by steam, and with it

COUNTY OF STIRLI^^G. 159

nearly all the crop is tliraslied. On the south side of the quad-
rangle is the cart-shed, over which there is a good granary ; and
there are suitable arrangements for accommodating young horses,
as well as for the storage of manures, and for other necessary
purposes. The stack-yard is on the west side of the steading,
and is in two divisions, separated by a wide road — a measure of
precaution by which a portion of the crop might be saved in case
of fire. The farm-house, built five or six years ago, is very com-
modious, with tastefully arranged garden and lawn. In the
west of the county less accommodation is required, and the chief
interest is centred in a good and well-kept byre ; but the stead-
ings generally are compact and well kept. At Blairoer, in Dry-
men parish, Mr M'Adam occupies his own estate of 167 imperial
acres, all arable except 6 acres of braes. The house is substan-
tial, with every appearance of quiet comfort, with graceful and
spreading lime trees and a well-sheltered garden, a pattern of
neatness. The steading, close at hand, is compact; and the
byre, with accommodation for 29 cows, is commodious, well
ventilated, well lighted, and a pattern of cleanliness. In the
uplands of Fintry parish, on the estate of the Duke of Montrose,
where the farms are wholly pastoral, the steadings at Lurg,
Spittalhill, and others are remarkably clean and neat, as well as
substantially built, and the farm-houses, though of moderate
dimensions, are thoroughly comfortable.

In farm economy thrashing and winnowing machines have
long been regarded as essential; but more than two-thirds of the
crop, especially wheat and barley, are now prepared for the
market by travelling machines. Still, most farm steadings have
a thrashing mill, driven by water where that is possible — in
other cases by steam or horse power. Mr Simpson, Westmains,
Grangemouth, has a thrashing machine with a high-speed drum,
driven with six horses, and with this the whole crop has been
thrashed during the past twelve years. He finds it useful for
giving tlie horses needful exercise at times when work on the
land is impracticable. At Gallamuir ]\Ir Edmond has a machine
driven by steam, with which nearly all his crop is thrashed ; and
steam appears now to be the favourite motive power.

Land is turned over with the common ])lough, and on some
liglit land there is double furrow i)k)ughing. A good deal of
work is done with Tennent's two-liorse grubbers, and zigzag
iron haiTows are used in the carse to break the clods. Twenty-
five years ago Stirlingshire took the lead in beginning steam
j)longhing, but after a trial of five or six years it was found not
to i)ay tlje company. Some farmers have a feeling against it,
and HiJiintain that by going too deep it brought up worthless
soil and injured tlie land. Once or twice since tlieu a set of
tackle has been tried in the county, but it has always failed to

160 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

pay the projectors. Double-moulded ploughs are used for drill-
ing land and earthing up green crops ; and a small one-horse
grubber is used for weeding. Dickson's patent harrow is used
for turnips before thinning. Hay is cut with mowers, especially
those made by Wood, Wallace, and Kemp ; and it is collected
into windrows with horse rakes. For cutting grain the reapers
made by Kemp, Harrison & M'Gregor, and Wallace are used.
Hay and corn are conveyed in the common Scotch cart, with
wooden harvest frame ; and some harvest carts are used, of light
make, weighing about 7 cwt. These are very convenient for
taking the crop off the land. Implements are used for lifting
potatoes ; and there are a few turnip-lifters in the county, but
they are not in general use.

On the carse near Falkirk the Scotch plough is chiefiy used,
and in some cases the single furrow wheel plough is used in the
autumn and winter, being a very suitable implement for a learner
to use. The double-furrow ploughs are discarded, and grabbers
are not much used ; but the land is ploughed and then broken
up with heavy break harrows drawn by three and sometimes
four horses. The usual stone and metal rollers are used, and on
some farms the Norwegian harrows. Machines are not generally
used for sowing grain except beans, which are, in some cases,
drilled with a bean harrow every second furrow, or a drill every
20 inches. This allows the horse hoe to pass between the drills,
and is considered by some to give the beans more air for podding.
Others are of opinion that the preferable way is to sow beans
broadcast with the hand. Turnips are thinned with the hand
hoe. Hay is generally cut with the combined reaper and mower,
but some have a mower for the hay alone. No tedding machines
are used, as it is considered best to keep the hay as whole as pos-
sible. Grain crops are all cut with reaping machines, except in
the case of isolated patches which have got so twisted as to be un-
manageable for the machine. In the case of wheat such portions
are cut with the sickle, but if barley or oats it is cut with the
scythe. No binding machines are used. Beans are cut with the
side self -delivering machine, which is thought to be a saving, as
the sheaves need not be touched till they are ready for binding:
others have them cut with manual-delivery machines, and liave
the sheaves lifted to one side.

Boads — Fences — Tillctge Operations — Succession of CroiJS —

Manures.

Facilities for communication by road, rail, or canal are abun-
dant in all parts of the county. There are about 116 miles of
what were turnpike roads, besides others, which are better
kept since the Eoad Act was adopted. Fences vary in different
districts. In the carse there are few fences, except sometimes

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 161

hedges along the roadsides, and marches between farms, which
often consist of a deep ditch. Xo fences are required, as there
is no pasture. Such fences as exist on the arable land in the
north and north-west are hedges only; in the east, south, and
south-west, hedges, stone dykes, and wood, and wire. Hill
grazings are fenced to a considerable extent, and most of the
fences recently erected are of wood and wire, but in some cases
stone with two wires on the top. The best kept fences in the
county are believed to be on the estate of Mr Blackburn, Kil-
learn. Mr Orr Ewing has done a great deal of fencing at
Ballikinrain. On the roadsides the fences are stone walls, sub-
stantially built, with a coping of hewn stone embedded in lime.
On the estates of the Duke of Montrose there are hedges, the
gaps being made up with paling. The tenants are bound to
maintain the fences on their farms, but they are allowed wood
with which to repair them. Fences near Buchanan Castle and
on the home farm are good and well kept.

Tillage operations are difficult to manage on the carse. The
soil gets very easily wetted, when operations must cease, and if
it dries too rapidly it is difficult to get a braird. The drains put
in many years ago are beginning to lose their efficacy, and a
great deal would require to be re-drained. This partly accounts
for the poor production in recent seasons. After a wet spring it
is not easy to get the crops sown in time ; and much labour is
required in breaking clods, which is done with zigzag iron
harrows, and rollers of various makes. The usual rotation in
the carse is the six-shift, in about equal divisions, consisting of
(1) green crop or fallow, (2) wheat, (3) beans, (4) barley, with
which grass seeds are sown, (5) hay, and (6) oats. In some
cases there is a seventh, called maslin, consisting of oats and
beans mixed, and this is highly approved by some good farmers.
This crop is seen occasionally on the dryfield soil, but much
more frequently on the carse. A modification of this plan is
sometimes adopted. Mr Alexander Simpson, who farms West*
mains, contiguous to the grounds of Kerse House, at a rent of
£2, 10s. per Scotch acre, has for green crop turnips, potatoes
sullicient for the requirements of the farm, and tares to be cut
green for summer use, but on the remainder he has beans instead
of fallow. Abundance of manure is obtainable from Falkirk,
Grangemouth, and even from Glasgow by the canal. The best
stable dung from Glasgow is delivered at 7s. a ton. With a
qu;intity of this dung applied in the autumn, Mr Simpson finds
that a good crop of beans can be reaped from land which would
otherwise be unprofitable, and tlie manure is sullicient to insure
that a good crop of wheat will follow. It is considered im-
portant that the manure be ajtplied in autumn. About half the
quantity will suffice, and it permits that the beans be sown in

L

162 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

drills, giving facilities for weeding, and generally yieldiag a
better crop. In the absence of fallow, it is necessary to have
the land in good heart, so that the crop may start freely and
keep down the weeds. On Dunmore home farm the rotation is
the six-course, without mashlum. About 45 acres can be worked
with a pair of horses, which is more than can be done on most
carse farms. The whole work on the farm of 380 acres is done
by seven pair of horses, except in spring, when there is an
additional pair. A good deal of spring work is saved by having
the manure spread on the soil and ploughed down in autumn.
On the dryfield farm of Gallamuir Mr Edmond has adopted the
plan of having the dung spread and ploughed down in autumn,
leaving only the artificial manures to be dealt with in spring.
This requires some additional capital, as there is always a year's
accumulation of dung on hand, but it seems to answer well.
The same course is followed by others in the county. The farm
of Plean has been occupied by Mr Paterson for about sixteen
years. Naturally a good farm, it has been particularly well
managed during the present lease, and is now one of the best
farms in the county. The farm house is above the average as
regards accommodation and general appearance ; the steading is
well arranged, beautifully kept, and very commodious. The
fences are in good order, the land is in rich bearing condition
and remarkably clean, and the crops generally are among the
earliest and best in the neighbourhood, the turnip crop especially
taking the premium not unfrequently at the show of the Stirling
Agricultural Society. The live stock of the farm includes a
small but superior herd of shorthorns, which occupy a con-
spicuous place at local shows. It is wholly a dryfield farm,
adjoins the farm of Gallamuir, also entirely dryfield, and the two
are managed much in the same way, and are good specimens of
dryfield farming in the district. On dryfield land the five and
six course rotations are the most common, with two or three
years of grass, and in some instances an additional year. In
the eastern district many tenants crop as they see fit, provided
the land is kept in good order, but leases generally bind them
to the six-course for carse land, and five, six, or seven for
dryfield.

The chief fertiliser is farm-yard manure, a supply of which
can be obtained from the towns and villages, as well as from
Glasgow. Stable and cow dung is bought in the towns and
villages at 6s. 6d. a ton ; and the best Glasgow stable manure is
delivered at railway stations east of Stirling at 7s. a ton. Mr
Paterson, Plean, will use 400 to 500 tons a year of stable
manure, and Mr Edmond, on the adjoining farm of Gallamuir,
200 to 300 tons. In the west of the countv the cost of carriaoje
from Glasgow is much higher, though the distance is shorter.

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 163

Mr Dykes, Blairnavid, near Drymen, has a farm of 257 acres
nearly all arable, on which are grown yearly 10 to 15 acres of
potatoes, for which Glasgow manure is used. The cost at
Drymen station is 8s. 4d. a ton, which is Is. 4d. more than at
Grangemouth, and as much as at Glamis. beyond Perth. Little
artificial manure is laid on carse land. Lime and bones are
applied to a limited extent. Mr Simpson, Westmains, has lost
faith in artificial manures except nitrate of soda, which is applied
as a top-dressing to oats and grass with good results. On dry-
field farms there are applied to turnips Peruvian guano and
dissolved bones, in addition to farm-yard manure. Special
manures are used occasionally for potatoes, wheat, and barley,
and nitrate of soda is used for top-dressing oats and hay. These
fertilisers are sometimes used at a cost equal to one-third or
three-fourths of the rent. Feeding stud's are used on dry field
farms to the value of one-half or three-fourths of the rent, but
on small and grazing farms the quantity is less.

A good many farms are worked on the dairy system, especially
near towns, and in the south and south-west of the county, and
also along the lines of railway, by which the produce can be
sent to the neighbouring towns and to Glasgow. In the towns
throughout the county, milk is supplied direct to the consumer
at Is. 4d. a gallon, in some cases a little less ; to middlemen it
is sold at 6d. to Is. a gallon. In Stirling, milk is sold for lOd.
to Is. 4d. a gallon, butter Is. 3d. a pound ; in the west of the
county less is obtained. In the eastern division of the county
most of the farms on the hidi q-rounds are dairv farms, and there
are dairymen also in the small towns. The milk and butter are
chiefly consumed in the district, the milk being sold half direct
to the consumer and half to middlemen, at an average price of
lOd. a gallon. In the mining districts there is a good demand
for dairy produce. West from Port of Menteith dairy farming
is almost universal, and the milk is carried to Glasgow by
railway for three farthings a gallon. Cheese-making in the Ayr-
shire fashion is conducted by Mr Fleming at Lower Ballaird,
near Puchlyvie, and Mr Archibald at Gartfieran, near Loch
Lomond. Mr Fleminix has a farm of 304 acres situated well
down toward the bottom of the valley. It is mostly cultivated
in the seven-.shift rotation — oats, green crop, oats, hay, and three
years in pasture. The grass is cut the first year, made into hay
and sold. At first Mr Fleming had it pastured with sheep the
first year, but found this unprofitable and not beneficial to the
pasture. No restriction is placed on the selling of hay in the
district, and on some farms a good part of the rent is made up
in this way. Some farmers top-dress the hay with nitrate of
soda, but Mr Fleming objects to this, as the hay is not so good
in quality, and the pasture is not improved. Mr Fleming has

16 J: THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

an excellent stock of Ayrshires, and a well-managed farm, which
he has greatly improved, and one of the most airy, comfortable
byres in the district. He has four pairs of horses in spring,
besides one for the milk- van, and he breeds some good Clydes-
dales. Cheese -making is prosecuted only in the height of
summer. In the early part of the season calves are reared, and
milk is sent to Glasgow, but the arrangement with the milk
merchant is that the deliverv of milk mav cease on a short notice
given by either party. No butter is made on the farm except
from the ligjht cream that collects on the whev, and the cream
taken from milk used in the house and on the farm, where the
workino' men have an allowance of skimmed milk. In winter
the cows giving milk get cooked turnips, with steamed chaff and
meal three times a day ; the others get turnips and straw. Pigs
are a suitable accompaniment where there is cheese-making, and
Mr Fleming has the whey conveyed in a pipe from the cheese
room to the piggery. Mr Archibald, Gartfieran, has 37 pure Ayr-
shire cows. Every season he rears about 20 calves, which pay
very well. The calves get warm milk till about the 24th of
May, when they are turned out to the grass, after which tliey
get cake mixed with water once a day, and also salt and water,
which they like, and which is very beneficial. They come in as
young cows at three years old, but, if kept w^ell, a year earlier.
From the 24th of May cheese-making progresses till autumn,
when the milk is sent to Glasgow. The whole dairy w^ork of
the farm is managed by Mr Archibald's own family, which is
found to be a necessity, as efficient servants can hardly be got.
He has diminished the cropping of the farm, as grazing pays so
much better. Wages in the district are high. First men have
£17 in the half year, second and third hands less, with meal,
milk, and a free house and garden. Outworkers have Is. 6d. a
day, extra hands in times of pressure get 2s. and even 2s. 6d.
At hay-making they get 2s. 6d., and in harvest 3s. 4d. to 3s. 6d.
Mr Dykes, Blairnavid, Drymen, has a farm of 257 acres,
wholly arable, rented at £1, 8s. an acre. He has twenty-one
good Ayrshire cows, and sends milk to Glasgow, and has about
a dozen medals, gained at different times, for Ayrshires in the
parish of Old Monkland. He has a comfortable house and a
neat, well-kept steading. He has four horses and a pony, and
grows potatoes and turnips, for which he uses farm-yard manure
and dissolved bones, but less artificial manure than formerly for
potatoes, as the crop has become uncertain. Turnip lifting is let
by contract, at the rate of 7s. the imperial acre. Potatoes are
lifted in the same way, at the rate of 45s. to 50s. an acre. The
potato crop is regarded as a great difficulty by the farmers. It
has been the means of raising rents, and now is very precarious
and not so profitable as it once was.

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 165

Mr M'Adam, Blairoer, Drymeii parish, occupies his own land,
167 acres in extent, and nearly all arable. The rotation is oats,
green crop, oats with grass seed, and three years in pasture.
The land is well drained, but in a few years the tiles get choked
with a kind of ferruginous ore, so that a good deal of renewing
is required every time the land is broken up. In a park near
the house are some good Leicester sheep, originally from the
flocks of Oldhamstocks and ]\Ir Smith, Castlehill. The pasture
is excellent, the shelter good, and the sheep have a thriving
look. At a little distance is a flock of Cheviots, which also do
well. The principal feature, however, is the fine herd of Ayr-
shires, bred by Mr M'Adam and his father, who took prizes at
the earliest Drymen shows. Mr M'Adam himself has often
acted as a judge of Clydesdale horses and Ayrshire cows at local
shows, and at meetings of the Highland and Agricultural Society.
The number of cows is twenty-nine, including some finely-bred
animals. The milk is sent to Glasgow, and the prices are, from
May to July inclusive, 6d. a gallon; August, 7d.; September, 8d.;
October, 9d.; November, 9d.; December, lOd.; January, lid.;
February, lOd. ; March, 9d.; and April, 8d. The carriage costs,
as at all stations west from Port of Menteith, three farthings a
gallon. j\Ir M'Adam is in the habit of using Glasgow manure,
at the rate of about 200 tons a year, and the cost at Drymen
station is 8s. 2d. a ton.

Grain Cwps — Root Crops — Pastures — Meadows.

On carse land the principal crops are wheat and beans. In
1882 there were 2786 acres of wheat, and in the ordinary rota-
tion it follows the green crop and fallow. On the fallow break
it is sown early in autumn^ and on other land as soon as it can
be ploughed after the potatoes and turnips have been removed.
In a good season the yield will be 10 bolls per Scotch acre ; in
an average season, 7 to 8 bolls ; the weight 60 to 6o, and
occasionally 65 lbs. a bushel.

Leans were grown in 1882 to the extent of 3389 acres. The
crop is a profitable one in a good season, and the yield is
about equal to that of wheat ; but in some recent bad seasons
the produce would scarcely be more than the seed. The beans
nre sown either broadcast or in drills. The latter mode eflects a
saving of seed, and aflbrds facilities for weeding with hand or
horse hoe.

liurley and here in 1882 covered 4846 acres. The chevalier
variety is sown upon light soils ; but on stronger soils or more
ungenial districts the conmion varieties are sown, and frequently
yield a better return. The average yield of barley is 36 to 42
bushels an acre, but sometimes more in a good season. The

66 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

weight varies from 52 to 57 lbs. a bushel, and the quality in the
eastern districts is generally good.

Oats cover a larger area than all other kinds of grain together;
and in 1882 there were 20,345 acres, which is nearly twice the
extent of all the others. On good early land the potato oat is
grown ; in later or more uncertain districts the sandy, the
Barbauchlaw, the Providence, and other varieties are grown.
Blainslie oats are grown on the carse ; on dryfield land potato
or sandy oats. The yield on dryfield soil will be 30 to 40
bushels per imperial acre, weight about 40 lbs. Eye and peas
are not grown to any great extent.

Turnips are grown more or less extensively on all arable
farms ; and in 1882 there were in the county 4589 acres of
turnips and swedes. On carse lands turnips form the principal
green crop, as few potatoes are grown. The favourite varieties
are improved swedes, green top and Aberdeen yellows, and
purple top yellows, with a few whites for early use. Swedes
are found to be the most profitable when the land is good and
well manured. Some of the best farmers apply farm-yard manure
in autumn, and add to their own manure a good quantity
purchased from the towns. The additional manures applied
when sowing are at the rate of 6 to 9 cwt. an acre on dryfield
land, and comprise generally a mixture of dissolved bones,
superphosphate, potash, also bone meal, guano, and sometimes
nitrate of soda. The yield varies from 16 to 24 tons an imperial
acre, but in some cases heavier weights are reached. In 1880
Mr Edmond, Gallamuir, got the first premium at the Stirling-
shire i\gricultural show, with a weight of 30 tons an acre; and
in 1881 Mr Paterson, Plean, got the prize, with 26 tons. On
the carse turnips require a showery season to get started in
time. They do not often yield a bulky crop on the carse, but
they are solid and of good nourishing quality.

Potatoes and turnips are grown in about ecpial quantities on
the break devoted to green crop on dryfield land from Stirling
to Falkirk ; and the yield of potatoes will be 4 to 8 tons per
imperial acre. In the district of Slamannan the proportion will
be about one-third of potatoes and two-thirds of turnips. In
the districts of Kilsyth and Campsie potatoes are in the
ascendant. In all the western districts potatoes are grown to a
considerable e.\tent, and a ready market is found in Glasgow.
In 1882 there were 4066 acres under this crop.

In the carse of Falkirk the mode of operation is somewhat as
follows : — Wheat is sown generally in October and November,
but on fallow it is sown sometimes in the end of September.
The kind of wheat chiefly sown is woolly-eared. When wheat
is sown after beans, the land gets a dusting of lime on the
stubble to kill the slugs, then a thin furrow, after which it is

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 167

ploughed somewhat deeply, and then sown. This practice is
adopted on some farms where dung can be readily obtained, and
it is considered a safe plan, as not much reliance can be placed
on the turnip crop where the laud is heavy and stiff*. From two
to two and a half bushels of wheat are sown with the hands on
a Scotch acre of fallow ; as the season advances the quantity of
seed is increased up to four bushels an acre. The seed wheat is
dressed with bluestone at the rate of one pound to four bushels,
which prevents ball, and hardens the .seed. After the wheat
crop has been removed, the stubble is dunged for beans at the
rate of twenty to twenty-five tons to the acre. Turnips are
generally dunged in the drill ; ninety square yards of police dung
is allowed to the acre when no artificial manure is added. Hay
is top-dressed with from f to Ih cwt. of nitrate of soda to the
acre, sown at two times, allowing an interval of two weeks.
Oats are similarly treated. Friesland oats are grown on many
farms, a very prolific sort, weighing 38 to 41 lbs. a bushel, and
yielding a good proportion of meal. Where land is very rough,
bare fallow becomes necessary ; but in many instances wheat is
superior after a green crop, being stiffer in the straw, and not so
liable to o^et lodcjed. Wheat after fallow sometimes f?ets thrown
out with frost in spring, in which case it does not ripen regularly,
and affords a poor and thin sample of grain.

Cattle — Horses — >S7i ecp.

Since the Earl of Dunmore's herd was dispersed there has
been no first-class breed of shorthorned cattle in tlie county ;
but there are still some very fair specimens, among which may
be noted those of Colonel Murray of Polmaise ; Mr Paterson,
riean ; Mr Buchanan, Whitehouse ; Mr Mackenzie, Xorthfield ;
Mr Malcolm, Dunmore home farm ; Mr Sim, Mains of Pow-
fo wlis ; and ^Ir Christie, Bankend. But although breeders of cattle
are few, there are some successful exhibitors, who have success-
fully studied the physiology of nutrition, and know how to
manage cattle. They have had materials analysed with a view
to ascertain their adaptation to the feeding and fattening of
cattle ; and, Ijesides the natural products of the soil, such as
grass, turnips, and straw, auxiliaries such as cake, corn, and
potatoes, have been added to facilitate the production of good
beef. In the carse, cattle are bought in autumn, and wintered
on bean chafT with a little cake, after which they are sold for
grazing if not tit for the butcher. Of the cattle thus purchased
and fed some are shorthorns, but generally they are of cross
breeds. On dryfield farms the custom is to obtain at the autumn
markets a su])ply of cattle, those for feeding at the earlier, and
those for wintering at the later markets. The feeding cattle get

168 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE

turnips uncut, with oilcake, and sometimes bruised grain ; at
first generally 4 to 5 lbs. a day, but for the last two months 6 to
9 lbs. The feeding cattle are sold from Christmas till April,
and are generally cleared out by the 1st of May. The cattle
that have been wintered are put on to grass and fed during
summer. Those fed on rich pastures like the Dunmore policies
are fattened on grass alone ; those pastured on ordinary grass
have 4 to 6 lbs. of oilcake daily.

The county excels in Ayrshire cows. In 1882 there were
10,081 cows and heifers in milk or in calf, most of which
were pure Ayrshires. The dairy system prevails on all the
higher grounds, and in the valley of the Forth it continues to
increase toward the west, till beyond Buchlyvie there is nothing
but dairy stock. At agricultural shows from Denny and Dunipace
westward, Ayrshire cows take the lead, and at Drymen show
there is no other breed exhibited. At most of the dairy "farms
a proportion of calves are reared ; and in 1882 there were 9804
cattle under two years of age. Mr William Weir, Inches,
Larbert ; Mr John M'Kean, Strathblane, and others, have taken
premiums at shows of the Highland and Agricultural Society.
Mr Dykes, Blairnavid, has about a dozen medals taken at dif-
ferent times for Ayrshires. Mr M'Adam of Blairoer has an old
established and most excellent herd. Mr Archibald, Gartfieran,.
and Mr Hugh Fleming, Lower Ballaird, are from Ayrshire, and
know well how to breed animals with the finest qualities. Mr
Duncan Keir, Buchlyvie, is likewise a successful breeder.

Horses are bred in all parts of the county, chiefly Clydesdales,
generally of excellent quality, and a few roadsters. The number
of unbroken horses, and mares kept solely for breeding purposes
in 1882, w^as 1561, — about one-third the number of horses in
the county kept solely for agricultural work. Breeding is prose-
cuted chiefly in the w^est, but is not confined to that locality. Mr
Simpson, West Mains, Grangemouth, is a successful breeder of
horses. He has three to four pairs of superior Clydesdales ; and
in 1883 his mares produced four foals. Two of the dams were
young brown mares, a " Darnley " and a " Gold Dust ; " and their
foals, by Corsewall, are very promising. In the same season Mr
Simpson took the first prize at the Falkirk show with a foal from
an aged mare bred on the farm, which has always been a good
breeder, and all her progeny have been first prize-takers. The
mares on the farm are descended from some of the best sires of
the day, including " Topsman," " Black Prince," " Prince George,"
" Gold Dust," Corsewall," and " Darnley." Two of them had foals
in 1883, which are very promising. " Kate," a " Topsman " mare,
took the prize given by the Highland and Agricultural Society at
Falkirk in 1880. Mr Simpson has gained six cups at Linlithgow
for the best pair bred by exhibitor, and not under three years old.

COUIS'TY OF STIRLING. 169

On Iriveravou farm Mr John Best has two brood mares, with
stock by "Eosebery." On Mumrills farm, tenanted by Mr
Kobert Calder, are some fine animals descended from " Old
Times," " Time o' Day," and " Darnley." The amount of atten-
tion given to breeding horses in the district maintains a healthful
rivalry at local shows, where the competition is often very
spirited.

There are a few flocks of Leicester sheep in the county, among
which may be mentioned those of Mr Fleming, Carmuirs ; Mr
Learmonth. Parkhall ; Mrs Eeid, Waulkmilton ; and, in the
western district, Mr M'Adam of Blairoer ; but the great bulk of
the sheep are blackfaced. Stirlingshire is not conspicuous as a
sheep county, the total number of sheep of all ages in 1882
being only 111,658, which is less than the average of Scottish
counties, and about 50,000 less than the small county of
Selkirk, but there are many flocks of good blackfaced sheep.
Among the principal breeders are Mr Buchanan, Killearn ;
Mr Foyer, Knowehead, Campsie ; Mr Coubrough, Blair-
tummoch ; and Mr Orr Ewing of Ballikinrain On the lower
ranges of hills Leicester rams are used with blackfaced ewes,
in which case the lambs are fed for the butcher; but on
the higher ranges the stock is purely blackfaced. Mr Orr
Ewing, M.P., has a flock of blackfaced sheep at Ballikinrain,
and another on Ben Lomond, the graziugs of which are rented
from the Duke of Montrose. They are principally breeding
ewes. Leicester rams are used with old ewes in the parks at
Ballikinrain, and a crop of cross lambs taken, which are fed and
sold to the butcher. On the hills the flocks are pure blackfaced
sheep, the tups also being blackfaced. These are put among
the ewes at Martinmas and separated about the New Year, after
which the tups are fed in the parks on turnips and hay. The
lambing season begins about the second week of April in the
parks, about a week later on the Killearn and Campsie hills,
and about a fortnight afterwards on Ben Lomond. Ewes are
clipped about the Hrst week of July, and there are about live to
six fleeces to the stone of wool. Some of the lambs reared in
the parks are fit for the butcher about the middle of July, and
they are sent away gradually as they come forward. The i»ulk
of the lambs are separated from the ewes about the middle of
August. Tiie sheep get no feeding in winter except in cases
when food is unusually scarce, and the death-rate is not high.
In general the death-rate has diminished in the county, with
the extension of draining. Among the Fintry Hills Mr (Jowan,
huru,, has about 1000 blackfaced sheep. Leicester tups are
useil ; and the lamljs are sold for grazing or to the butcher.
They are sent away in the first week of August onward till the
end of the month, and all are cleared ofl by the 1st of September.

170 . THE AGPJCULTUEE OF THE

On the neighbouring farm of Spittalhill, occupied by a brother
of Mr Cowan, there is a pure and rather famous blackfaced
flock. On this farm Mr Cowan and his father before him have
been successful in getting good prices for tups, which are pur-
chased regularly by old customers. The spare ewe lambs are
also sold for good prices. Mr Alexander Norris, Todholes,
adjoining Spittalhill, also on the estate of the Duke of Montrose,
conducts operations on the same principle, selling his young
tups and his second ewe lambs. Mr Tod, Binns, is one of the
most extensive farmers on the Duke's estate, and has a large
flock of pure blackfaced sheep. He has extensive meadows,
with the hay of which he winters 100 head of cattle, besides
about 40 cattle wintered outside. Mr James Cowan, Gartcarron,
has Leicester tups and blackfaced ewes. All these hill farmers
have Ayrshire cows, though not in large numbers, and winter a
few Highland cattle, which graze outside all winter.

Tenure of Land — Cajpital Required.

Leases generally are for nineteen years, sometimes with breaks
at five and seven years ; but in some cases a lease of nine years
has recently been adopted. In the south and west of the county
the term of entry is at Whitsunday ; in the north and east at
Martinmas. Small holdings are in some cases occupied from
year to year. Turnips and straw are not usually allowed to be
sold, except in the case of the last crop, when they are offered
at valuation to the incoming tenant, and, if not taken by him,
can be sold otherwise. All necessary improvements are usually
done in the county by the proprietors ; and in some cases it is
said that proprietors pay one-third of the lime put on carse land
during the seventeenth year, and one-half what is put on in the
eighteenth year of the lease. On some estates there is a disposi-
tion to make leases less restrictive than formerly, and in some
instances farmers are allowed to take their own way, provided the
land is kept in good order. The capital required for entering an
arable farm is £10 to £12 an imperial acre. In the central district
the rent of the best carse land is from 50s. to 60s., and in some
cases more, an imperial acre ; of medium land 30s. to 35s., and
of inferior land about 15s. an acre. In the upper districts the
rent of the best land is from 30s. to 40s. an imperial acre ; of
medium 24s., and of inferior 12s. 6d. In the eastern district of
the countv the rent of best carse land is from 60s. to 80s. ; of
dryfield, 40s. ; of high and inferior land, 10s. to 24s. ; and of
waste or moor pasture land, about 4s. an acre. Farm rents are
in some cases paid in grain according to the fiars prices, but this
is chiefly in old leases. Eents of grass parks are very fluctuat-
ing. Grazings on the Ochils are let at 8s. to 10s. a sheep, other

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 171

hill grazings at 2s. 6cl. to 5s. During the past twenty-five years
rents have risen 15 to 20 per cent, and upwards, but the rise
has been chiefly in grazing and mixed husbandry farms, not so
much on the carse. Eents are thought to be too high, but there
is no lack of competition for any good farm that becomes vacant.
During the recent adverse seasons a good many proprietors have
returned 10 to 15 per cent, of the rental.

Peasantry.

There is a good supply of all kinds of labour, and the people
are fairly comfortable. The bothy system prevails to a limited
extent, but generally the unmarried servants get their food in
the kitchen and sleep in a bothy, which is carefully kept clean.
There is a good proportion of married ploughmen. Foremen
ploughmen get £32 to £38 of money, 6| bolls of oatmeal, half a
gallon of skimmed milk each morning, a free house, coals driven,
and two or three bags of potatoes. Ordinary ploughmen have
the same perquisites, with £26 to £32 a year in money, with
occasionally a small plot of garden ground. As a rule, no hens
or pigs are allowed. The engagements are yearly, beginning
usually at Martinmas. Single men are engaged by the half year,
and have their food in the kitchen, with £9 to £12 in money.
Women can be got in abundance from the villages. They get
Is. 6d. a day in summer, and 3s. to 3s. 4d. in harvest. For potato
lifting they get 2s. 6d., pulling turnips 2s., and thinning turnips
Is. 6d. a day in summer, but more if the work be pressing.
Wages rose in fifteen years from 30 to 40 per cent., but tliey
have fallen about 10 per cent, from the highest point of late
years.

In tlie parish of Airth, the bothy system exists to a very
limited extent ; and the cottages, which are generally good, are
about sutlicient to supply labour for the district. The Dunmore
estate is well sui)i)lied with comfortable cottages. Farm ser-
vants are not allowed to keep a cow, but, in addition to gardens,
they have 400 yards of potatoes planted. On some farms there
is only one cottage, and the rest of the work-}ieople live in the
village of Airth, where a good many married labourers live,
paying 20s. to 30s. a year for an old cottage and a small garden,
in tlie parishes of Denny and Dunijiace farms are generally
small, having only one or two pairs of horses. The men servants
are generally single, and live in the farm house, but where the
farms are larger, the bothy system is adopted. The men pre}>are
their own footl and make their beds, but the buthy is cleaned
for them. Fur manual labour, specially in turnij) time and
harvest, the wives and families of miners are obtained from
the villages. In Gargunnock, there are few cottages cou-

172 THE AGPJCULTURE OF THE

nected with farms, but accommodation for workers is found in the
villages. In this parish the population has diminished, as hand-
loom weaving, on which the village depended, has come to an
end ; but the people who remain have good gardens, for which
they pay £2, and more than a dozen of the villagers keep cows.
They conjointly rent a park, and get the summer grass for 70s.
to 75s. For winter keep they purchase standing oats, which
they cut, dressing the oats for their own use, and giving the
straw to their cow^s. The cottages contain two apartments, have
generally thatched roofs, with walls in bad repair, floors damp,
ceilings low, and the interiors smoky and badly lighted. In
Larbert parish many of the people are employed at the Carron
ironworks, and at collieries. The condition of cottages for farm
labourers is fair, with good gardens attached. In St Ninians
parish the number of cottages has increased, but the bothy
system still prevails to some extent. On some farms the ser-
vants get their food in the kitchen, and sleep either in the house
or in the bothy. In time of turnip thinning and harvest work,
people are got from the neighbouring villages ; and some Irish
people come from Stirling in harvest, who sleep in barns and
other outhouses. In some cases the singling of turnips is done
by Irish females and lads, who go down on their knees and thin
the turnips with their hands without using a hoe. They are
very expert, and can make 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. in ten hours, at the
rate of Id. or l^d. per 100 yards. By working long hours some
have been known to earn 5s. and upwards in a day. In Kippen
parish the farms are generally small, and a good deal of work is
done by the families of the farmers, and young men who board
with them. The extra work is done by gangs of Irish, who go
out from Stirling and Eaploch, take their bedding with them,
and sleep in an outhouse. The farmer's family and the servants
have their food at the same time, though there is a slight dis-
tinction in the viands, especially in the morning and evening.
In Kilsyth parish, the cottages are fair both as regards number
and accommodation, and have gardens attached. In the town of
Kilsyth are feus called " allotments " and " pendicles," which
originated in the division of a common by Act of Parliament
about eighty years ago. The ownership includes a title to "grass,
moss, meadow, and arable land," but the holders are generally
poor. The usual hours of work for farm servants in summer
are from seven in the morning till six in the evening, with an
hour for dinner. In winter the hours are from daylight till
dusk, with the like interval of an hour.

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 173

Profjress in the incst Twenty-Five Years.

During the past quarter of a century the county has made
great progress in many respects. The population has largely
increased. In 1861 it was 91,926, and looking back still
further, to 1831, it was only 72,621. In 1871 it had risen to
98,218, and in 1881 it was 112,443. Of this population 64,673
consist of dwellers in towns, 22,141 inhabit villages, and
25,629 reside in rural districts. In Falkirk and its suburlDS the
increase has been 3887 ; in Stirling, 1733 ; in Grangemouth,
1991; in Alva, S^b] in Milngavie, 792; and in Kilsyth, 510.
There has been a decrease in Denny, Lennoxtown, and to a
very small extent in Bannockburn. In the county there are
now 251 persons to the square mile. Taking the whole popu-
lation and area of Scotland, there are 125 persons to the square
mile, or 51 acre to every person. Twenty-four counties have a
more sparse, and eight a more dense population than the county
of Stirling. The rental of the county has also very greatly
increased. For the year ending with Whitsunday 1856, when
the new system of valuation had just come into force, the rental
of the county was £370,549, of which £51,534 was in towns and
burghs, the remainder in the landward portion of the county ;
in 1882-83 it was £415,479, exclusive of railways, canals, and
tramways, which amounted to £103,870 additional.

There have been improvements in the way of reclaiming
waste land, draining, liming, fencing, as well as in the numbers
and quality of stock. The most notable instance is at Ballikin-
rain, in the parish of Killearn. In the year 1862 Mr A. Orr
Ewing jJ^^rchased for £55,000 an estate of 5000 or 6000 acres
lying along the hills of Killearn, and sloping down towards the
river Endrick. Less than 2000 acres were arable, and the
estate was occupied by a number of comparatively small tenants.
Mr Orr Ewing took the whole under his own management, and
began a process of systematic improvement. The land formerly
under tillage was drained to a depth of 3 feet 6 inches, the
drains 18 feet apart, and in the smaller drains 2^-inch tiles.
The cost of draining was 3s. 9d. to 4s. a rood, making about £8
an acre. The same process was extended to land higher up the
hill sides, which had previously been worthless, and covered only
with stunted heatli. The total extent thus treated was upwards
of 2000 acres. The land, having been drained, was all ploughed
and subsoiled, chielly with subsoil grubbers made by Gray of
Uddingston. A croj) of oats was then taken, and then a second
crop, consisting of swedes, purj)le top, and Aberdeen yellow
turnips, sown in drills. Besides farm-yard manure 3 cwt. of
dissolved bones were given to each acre. The yield was, in
some instances, 35 tons an acre ; the average about 25 tons.

174 THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE

The turnips were all carted off. Next year a crop of oats were
taken, and the land was sown down with two bushels of rye-
grass and 3 lbs. of red, white, and alsyke clover to the acre.
Lime, at the rate of 6 tons, and 3 cwt. of crushed bones, were
applied and harrowed in with the grain. The oats were Provi-
dence, Barbauchlaw, and sandy ; and the average yield was 7
bolls an acre. The land was then pastured w^ith sheep, and soil
previously worthless would keep four sheep to the acre for the
first year.

For fourteen years the land lay in grass, pastured with cattle
and sheep. Young cattle get no extra feeding, but those pre-
paring for the butcher get oilcake and Indian corn. About 80
cattle can be pastured on 100 acres for a few years after being
well laid down ; and 2^ to 3 sheep can be kept on each acre.
Sheep in the parks have no extra food, except a little in February
and March. About 160 cattle are fed every season. They are
grazed in summer, but put into byres in winter, fed with oilcake,
Indian corn, and bruised oats, and sold to Glasgow or to local
butchers. At present there are 12 pairs of horses, but while
the principal improvements were in progress there were 22 pairs.
There are twelve steadings of various sizes on the estate. After
fourteen years the land is again broken up, and the same process
as at first is followed. The yield is equally good after the
second process as after the first. The drains are working as
well as they did when put in, but in boggy parts or near planta-
tions they have required cleaning.

The sheep are blackfaced, and Leicester rams are used with
those in the parks, which are chiefly old ewes, from which a crop
of cross-bred lambs are taken, fed off, and sent to the butcher.
On the hills the stock consists of pure blackfaced sheep. Eams
are put among the ewes at Martinmas, and removed at the New
Year, after which they are fed in the parks with turnips and
hay. Lambing begins in the parks on the second week of
April, on the hills about the 14th of the month, and a fortnight
later on Ben Lomond, the grazing of which Mr Orr Ewing rents
from the Duke of Montrose for £1100 a year. From this moun-
tain pasture the cast ewes are brought to Ballikinrain parks,
thus obviating the necessity to purchase stock.

The new fields at Ballikinrain vary in size from 20 to 100
acres. They are fenced with stone walls, very substantial and
well built, and with continuous iron-fencing. The walls are
about 5 feet high, with copes of hewn stone embedded in lime.
The cost was 33s. to 36s. a rood. The iron-fencing has five bars,
four flat and one round, in four yard length hurdles, and the cost
was 2s. lOd. to 3s. a yard. The principal steading is a square,
of which the south side is occupied partly by the thrashing mill,
driven by a powerful steam-engine, and the east side by the stables

COUXTY OF STIRLING. 175

for work horses, which are roomy and well-ventilated. The horses
themselves are the best class of Clydesdales, well fed and
well kept. In the centre of the square, isolated from the other
buildings by a paved passage about 12 feet wide, is a large
covered court for cattle. The whole steading is supplied with
water by gravitation.

For the site of a new mansion Mr Orr Ewingj chose a situation
high up on tlie hill side, with a most extensive prospect.
Nothing grew on the place but poor heather, the land had to be
thoroughly drained, and, in laying out the policies, a great deal
had to be done in the way of excavating at some points, and
levelling up at others. The cost is said to have been £100,000,
but the result is a magnificent mansion, with grounds and
gardens in the most superb style. The old mansion still stands
in a secluded, sheltered, but rather sunk situation not far from
the river Endrick.

Of improvements other than agricultural within the past
twenty-five years, a notable example is furnished by Grange-
mouth. A sum of £600,000 has been expended on docks, and
there are now 12 acres of docks and 8 or 9 of basins. One
chief feature in the traftic is the extent to which steamers have
superseded sailing vessels. The Carron Company have steamers
three times a week to and from London, carrying all kinds of
goods. Next to them are the Eotterdam steamers, which take
out iron and other floods, brin^inc^ back vegetables, mancjanese,
and all kinds of produce. Messrs James Currie & Co., Leith,
have lately resumed the Hamburg traftic. About 300,000 tons
of pig iron are yearly brought from Cleveland, the principal
importers being Messrs James Watson & Co., Glasgow. In 1858
the number of vessels entering and leaving the port was 1010.
They were 125,000 tons register, and the cargoes were 202,000
tons. In 1882 there were 1G16 vessels, 437,000 tons register,
and carrying 800,000 tons of cargo. The amount of cargo has
therefore increased more than fourfold in twenty-foui- years.
The traftic in 1882 was the higliest ever recorded at tlie port;
but it was very closely approached in 1877, after which there
was some decline. Grangemouth was made into a Inirs^li of
police in 1872, and a water supply was introduced on the 19th
of September 1876.

In implements for farm work there have been great improve-
ments within the past twenty-iive years; and in this department
the county is well represented by the firm of Kemp & Nicholson,
agricultural engineers, Stirling. This lirm began operations in
1848, and since that time there has been a great development of
implement manufacture. A good share of business has been
retained by the Stirlingshire makers. In 1860 they began to
construct reaping machines ; and these im})lements, with im-

176 THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE

provements suggested by practical experience, have found their
way into all the Scottish counties, as well as to the Continent,
Australia, and New Zealand. Prizes were awarded for these
machines by some district societies in 1860, by the Highland
and Agricultural Society at its Perth meeting in 1861, at the
International Exhibition in London, 1862, and at the Inter-
national Exhibitions of Hamburg, Dublin, Stettin, and Cologne,
besides many other shows in intervening years. Twenty-five
years ago grass and grain were cut laboriously with scythe and
reaping-hook, but now cutting with machines worked by horse-
power has become almost universal Great progress has also
been made — in which the same firm has acted a conspicuous
part — in the making and adapting to special circumstances of
horse rakes, harrows, grubbers, land rollers, turnip-sowing
machines, drill ploughs, drill grubbers, turnip cutters, .sheep
fodder racks, and food-cooling barrows.

Other Industries.

In the county of Stirling there is much business activity
The Carron Ironworks maintain a position among the foremost
of their kind in the country. The first furnace at Carron was
blown early in January 1760, when the company consisted of
Dr Eoebuck, who was manager, with his brothers Thomas
and Ebenezer, Samuel Garbett, William Cadell of Cockenzie,
William Cadell, junior, and John Cadell. The chief articles of
manufacture were cannons, mortars, and chain shot, prepared
for the arsenals of Europe, including the British Government,
who obtained from Carron the whole battery train used by the
Duke of Wellington. The company received a charter of
incorporation in 1773, with a capital fixed at £150,000. The
works were visited in 1821 by Prince Nicholas, afterwards
Emperor of Russia, and subsequently by Prince Leopold and
Prince Maximilian of Austria. The Prince of Wales was there
in 1859. No carronades or other war castings have been made
since 1852 ; but a great amount of work is done in the smelting
of iron and the manufacture of axles, grates, cooking ranges,
stoves, boilers, kettles, pots, stewpans, sugar pans, &c. The
farm connected with the works, called the Roughlands, with the
lands adjacent, extending to 400 acres, is stocked with everything
necessary in the way of feeding and fodder for the foundry
horses.

The Falkirk Ironworks, also very extensive, were started
about sixty years ago by some workmen connected with Carron,
but came into the hands of the present proprietors in 1848.
The buildings cover 8 acres of ground, and the work-people
numbering 900 men and boys, turn out more than 300 tons of

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 177

castings a week. They have made such heavy articles as the
columns for the Solway viaduct, and castings for some of the
principal bridges in India, Italy, and Spain, besides tubular
telegraph posts for South America ; and a great business is done
in making register stoves, hat and umbrella stands, gi rden seats,
verandahs, iron stairs, &c.

Other ironworks on the banks of the canal are Burnbank,
Gowanbank, Grahamston, Parkhouse, Camelon, the Union
Foundry, the Port Downie, and the Forth and Clyde Ironworks.
There are also the Abbots, the Gael, and the Etna Foundries,
and, close to the branch of the Xorth British Eailway at
Grahamston, the Callander and the Vulcan Ironworks. There
is also the extensive engineering establishment of Messrs Black-
adder.

There are at least thirty-four coal pits in the county, the
principal of which are in the districts of Bannockburn, Auchen-
bowie, Denny, Lennoxtown, Kinnaird, Falkirk. liedding, and
Slamannan. The number of men employed is above 1800.

Calico printing is carried on in the west of the county,
especially by Messrs Pi. Dalglish, Falconer, & Co., at Lennox
Mill, Campsie. Every description of calico printing is there in
operation, from the finest muslin to the coarsest calico worn by the
pariahs of India. Lennox Mill contains seven printing cylinders
and 200 tables. The water-power is equal to about 20 horses,
and the steam-engine is 30 horse-power. The heating and
dyeing are all done by steam, and for these purposes about 250
horse-power of steam is employed. About 30 tons of coal are
consumed daily. The stock of copper rollers amounts to 1500,
and weighs about 155,000 lbs. The works give employment to
545 hands, and 250,000 pieces can be produced annually. There
are calico works also at Blanefield, five miles from Campsie to
the west.

At Alloa, Stirling, and Bannockburn there is yarn spinning
and woollen manufacture. In Alva there are nine spinning
mills employed on yarns for making shawls, tartans, and tweeds.
About 220 persons are employed. The weaving of shawls,
handkerchiefs, plaids, and shirtings is the principal trade of
the village, and gives employment to 700 journeymen and 100
apprentices in the busy season, besides 500 or GOO women
employed in winding, twisting, and finishing, and a number of
boys. In Stirling there are woollen mills ; and at P)annockburn
are two extensive mills owned by Messrs William Wilsun and
Sons, one of these includes spinning, dyeing, and the weaving of
carpets, tweeds, and tartans, in which fourteen carding machines
are employed; in the other, carpets only are manufactured. About
500,000 lbs. of wool are used yearly, and 180 hands are emjiloyed.

Manufactories of chemical })roducts are numerous in the
county. The works of tliL- Hurlet and Campsie Company were

M

178 THE AGRICULTUKE OF THE

begun in 1806. for the manufacture of alum, copperas, prussiate
of potash, Prussian blue, &c., and the works usually employ
over 300 hands.

At Stirling, Denny, and Falkirk there are pyroligneous acid
works, in which the distillation from wood is used in making^
iron liquor for printfields, and also vinegar. The oldest firms
employed in this work are those of Messrs William M'Laren
and Sons, and Mr James M'Alley, Grahamston. The Lime
Wharf Chemical Works were begun in 1845, and are still
successfully conducted.

There are paper works in the district of Denny ; and at
Herbertshire Mill Messrs Wm. Collins, Sons & Co. employ about
100 men and women.

Extensive quarries have been opened in the county since
railway communication gave facilities for the conveyance of
stone, and building stones have been extensively taken to
Glasgow and Edinburgh. The most important quarries are
those of Dunmore, Polmaise, and Plean near Baunockburn,
where the coal measure sandstone terminates. In 1867 Mr
James Gowans, Eockville, Edinburgh, sent from Plean quarry a
large quantity of material to be used in building the new
warehouse in Paternoster Eow, London, for Messrs Nelson and
Sons, publishers. About 450 men are employed in the freestone
quarries of the county, and their wages are 20s. to 25s. a- week.

Lennoxtown, in the parish of Campsie, is the chief district
for limestone, which is worked by Mr Mathew H. Muirhead of
Bally glass, Mr David Wilson of the Glorat Works, and Mr
John Kirk of Balgrochan Works, who employ in all about 160
hands. The limestone is of the very finest quality, some of it
containing 93 per cent, of carbonate of lime.

As previously mentioned, there are coach works at Stirling,
belonging to Mr George Thomson and Mr William Kinross ;
and Messrs James Kobertson & Son and Thomas Hastie have
works of a like kind at Ealkirk.

There are distilleries at Glenguin in the Blane Valley,
Glenfoyle, Gargunnock, Cambus, Bankier, Bonnymuir, Eose-
bank, and Camelon ; and Messrs James Aitken & Company
have a brewery at Falkirk.

Shipbuilding is the great industry at Grangemouth, where
Messrs Dobson & Charles build vessels of iron and wood from
300 to 1000 tons. Boats for the canal trade are built at Port-
Dundas by Mr Gilbert Wilkie, and sails and ropes are made at
Grangemouth and Bainsford.

In St Ninians are two leather manufactories, and in Falkirk
four, in most of which currying as well as tanning is performed.
The average wages are 26s. a week ; tanners earn 20s., and
tanning labourers, 16s.

Candle-making is carried on by Mr John Eiutoul at Falkirk.

COUNTY OF STIRLING. 179

Caudles are made for mines ; but some ordinary caudles, both
dipped aud moulded, are also made. With modern machinery
about 8000 dipped candles cau be manufactured in a day by a
single workman.

On the estate of the Earl of Dunmore, near Airth Eoad
Station, 7 miles by road from Stirling and 6 from Falkirk, is the
Dunmore Pottery, which has acquired a good reputation for
certain kinds of earthenware.

In 1874 was begun the construction of fish ponds at Howie-
toun, by Sir James E. Gibson Maitland, Bart., who thereby
introduced to the county a new aud important species of
industry. The various ponds aud houses occupy about
eleven acres, and are of the most complete and excellent
description. To feed the fish in the ponds, three or four horses
are killed each week, aud a plentiful supply of clams is brought
from Xewhaven. Instead of the old method of incubating the
ova in wooden boxes, the plan has been adopted of incubating
on tubular j^dass Gfrills ; aud from eight to ten millions of ova
can be hatched every year. The hatching houses, ponds, and
arrangements for the despatch of ova or fry are admirable, and
the results are so immense that from the Howietoun ponds
there might be sent forth sufficient to stock all the rivers aud
lochs in Scotland. The demands from distant parts of the
country are large and increasing ; and fry can be sent long
distances without difficulty. In one season a consignment of
40,000 eggs of Lochleven trout were carefully packed and
forwarded to the Norfolk and Suffolk Acclimatisation Society ;
and they arrived with only a dozen dead eggs in the whole
number. The prices of eggs from Howietoun is about the same
as that charged by the German Government, which has given
much attention to pisciculture. For year-old aud two-year-old
trout the prices are about one fourth of those charged on the
Continent, and the arrangements for conveying fish are so good
that hardly any deaths occur.

APPLICATION OF TOWN SEWAGE IN AGRICULTURE, AND
THE EFFECT OF THE HERBAGE ON THE ANIMAL SYSTEM

By James Barr, junior, "Wliitesliaw, Carluke.
[Prem ium — Fifteen Sovereigns.']

The farm of Whiteshaw is situated in the parish of Carluke,
Lanarkshire, aud is close to the town of Carluke, in which there
is a population of 3700. The farm contains 2G0 acres, aud the
soil is very varied in character ; in the upper portion of the farm

180 APPLICATION' OF TOWN SEWAGE IN AGEICULTURE.

there is a small outburst of the millstone grit, and also a por-
tion of the limestone formation, on both of which the soil is a
fertile clay, suitable for growing fine nutritious crops of hay.
A large dyke or throw in the strata brings in the coal measures,
and on the other side of this dyke the soil undergoes a complete
change to a thin bare clay. The lands have a northern and
western exposure, at an elevation rising from 500 to 630 feet
above sea-level, some of the fields having a gradual slope suit-
able for irrigation.

As far back as the year 1862, I had a tank for collecting all
the urine of the steading, and a cart for taking the urine out to
the fields ; after two or three years' experience, however, I found
that all the benefit of the application was more than lost by the
horse and cart damaging the heavy land in the rainy winter
months. So the tank and the cart were abandoned, and the
rich dark urine found its w^ay to the nearest ditch, in the com-
pany of the drainage of the steading, grumbling, as I now think,
at the ^vasted life to which it was being condemned.

I had included 2 lb. per acre of Timothy seed in my grass
mixtures for some years ; and having a field in green crop in
1870, I thought I would try the experiment of sowing 20 lb.
per acre on about an acre and a-half next the steading, and run
the urine and drainage of the steading upon it. I did not want
to incur expense till I saw how it might succeed, so it was
ploughed along with the rest of the field, the ridges having a
slight round on them, which made it not so suitable for irriga-
tion. The application was most successful, the strong vigorous
growth in the early spring, the early cut of grass for the dairy
stock, and two or three times a year, if it was required, made the
meadow so indispensable that it has been allowed to remain in
'the same state until now. On too many farms the drainage of
the steading is allowed to find its way into the nearest ditch, and
sometimes even to pollute the drinking water of the family or
the cattle; but if the urine, the water from the roofs, and the
waste water of every kind, were brought together into one out-
fall, and run upon the nearest field with a slope for irrigation,
farmers would be surprised how richly they would be rewarded.

In the year 1875, the town of Carluke was formed into a
drainage district, and the only outfall for a small portion of the
district was the ditch in wdiich the urine and drainage from the
steading had been allowed to run to waste. At my request, the
local authority readily consented to lay the sewage pipes a
considerable distance into the field, in which the urine meadow
is placed. The quantity of sewage thus obtained is received
from a population of about 250. There are fifty houses, none of
which have more than three apartments, and there are no water
closets, the quality is therefore very weak and diluted ; but it
is sufficient to manure nearly three acres of meadow land, and

APPLICATION OF TOWN SEWAGE IN AGRICULTUEE. 181

if allowed to run too long upon one place, the crop becomes too
heavy and lodges. The only obstacle is, that a constant and
sufficient quantity is not received, and in the dry spring months
of the year, when the greatest benefit would be got, the supply
is nearly dried up. The mode of application is a very simple
one : — As there is not a sufficient vohime of sewage to carry out
what is known as catch work, shallow ditches are cut out with
the spade here and there over the land, where they are seen to
be required ; the sewage is run in these ditches and spreads itself
over the land, its course being changed once a week ; the cost of
all this is very small, the work being done by a labourer on the
farm at odd times, but if a correct account was taken the outlay
would not exceed 5s. per acre. When the grass is cut early in
spring for the cattle, the sewage is run upon the land after being
cut; but when it is allowed to mature for hay, the sewage is kept
running through the crop till within two or three weeks of cut-
ting, when it is run off by a side ditch.

The field was in green crop the previous year, and without
incurring any expense in preparing it for irrigation, the land
was sown down to grass with an oat crop, the grass mixture
including 16 lbs. of Timothy per acre. There were also sown
smaller quantities of the best natural grasses — the Fescues, the
Poas, Meadow Foxtail, and Crested Dogstail, from 1 to 3 lbs. of
each ; my usual practice being to include all these in my grass
mixture, along with Italian and perennial rye-grass. The Italian
dies out after the first year, the rye-grass after the second or
third year, their place being taken up by the slower growing
natural grasses, and a rich close sward formed. But for our
soil and climate, Timothy should form the larger part of any
grass mixture for a meadow, for irrigation, or for continuous
cutting. It is strong in the straw, does not lodge readily, and is
not easily injured by the weather. Horses and cattle are all
fond of it, and I have often observed the coats of the horses
turn glossy and sleek when fed upon it. To discard Italian and
perennial rye-grass from our grass mixtures, as some agriculturists
propose, would be a mistake which would soon rectify itself.
They are in their own time and place most valuable, but when
these alone, with the clovers, are sown, it is no wonder that the
land gets covered with fog. When, in a year or two, the rye-
grasses die out, and there are no natural grasses to take their
place, the fog speedily does so; then the land is said n<»t to
graze well, and has to be ploughed, and is sown over again with
the old rye-grass and clover mixture, to be followed as quickly
by the fog. No crop of the farm has hitherto received less
attention than the grasses, yet of all the crops it is the one
which is ca])able of yielding the most delight, and, when care,
and .^kill, and money, are judiciously spent upon it, it is of all
others the most profitable.

182 APPLICATION OF TOWN SEWAGE IN AGPJCULTURE.

The value of a crop is not always to be measured by the bulk
of it, and success in farming, beyond all the other professions, is
often gained by doing things at the nick of time. So, when the
east wind blows far into the month of May, and the turnip crop is
eaten up, and the face of the country is brown and bare, then it is
that for green cutting, the sewage meadow comes in worth some-
thing far beyond its own value for a dairy stock, and it is
scarcely possible to put a price per acre on such a resource to
fall back upon. In some years, however, nearly the whole of
the crop is allowed to mature for hay, and when grown as hay
the crop has never been less than 4 tons per acre. When
handled quickly, and secured in good condition, the quality is
fiue green sweet Timothy, and is relished by both horses and
cattle. If sold off the farm, taking one year with another, the
value would be not less than £12 per acre, and some years would
run up to £15 to £16 ; and all these sums are inside the value.

After an experience of six years, I have never observed any
injurious effect from using sewage grass upon any animal on the
farm. The grass has been cut green from the early spring, and
at other times all through the summer, and supplied to the cattle,
but in this green state it has rarely been given, and then sparingly,
to the horses. It has always, however, been given along with
other food, and I should not like to incur the risk of feeding any
breeding stock exclusively upon grass grown with sewage, or to
permit them to graze npon it ; but w^hen it is allowed to mature,
and when made into hay, I have no hesitation in supplying it
in any quantity to every animal on the farm, and practically this
has been done for the last six years.

Separated by two fields from my own meadow, but on a con-
siderably lower level, is a field of 13 acres on Kirkton estate.
It is leased by Mr Pinkerton, butcher, Carluke, and when he
entered, it was poor, bare land. It has, however, a fine fall for
irrigation, but was otherwise in a rough uneven state. When
Carluke drainage district was formed in 1875, it was found that
about 10 acres of this field was on a level to receive the sewage
from nearly one-third of the town, being a population of 1400
to 1500 inhabitants. One half of the field was allowed to lie
in the state it then was, the other half was ploughed out of the
lea and sown with oats, and along with the oat crop was sown
a grass mixture of all the best natural grasses recommended by
myself, in addition to 2 bushels of rye-grass. On the removal
of the oat crop, the sewage was run upon the whole 10 acres,
and the land, which was fully rented at £2 per acre, rapidly
increased in value, and is now worth £4 per acre. Considerable
expense, equal to about a year's rent of the field, was incurred
in erecting a large wooden conduit and cutting a deep drain, and
laying with 12-inch glazed pipes, to convey the sewage to the
centre of the field, but with this exception, the sewage is con-

APPLICATION OF TOWX SEWAGE IN AGEICULTUEE. 183

ducted over the field in shallow ditches, in the same manner as
upon my own meadow, and at an annual cost not exceeding os.
per acre. The quality of this sewage is fatter and of more value
than mine is ; it is also received in much greater volume, and is
not so difficult to manage ; and the quantity of sewage received
upon this field is sufficient to manure from 5 to 10 acres more
land. The produce has not been matured for hay, but is grazed
by cattle and sheep to accommodate Mr Pinkerton's business as
a butcher. The animals have access to water in a burn running
at the bottom of the field, but they have also free access to the
sewage water. Here then we have a valuable opportunity of
testing the effect upon the animal system of herbage grown with
sewage, and of drinking sewage water; and the answer is at once
complete and unmistakable. Mr Pinkerton, in carrying out his
business, buys cattle and sheep, grazing them for a week or two,
as he may require, on the sewage meadow ; but when any animal
was kept over from six to eight weeks it began to lose condition,
and to look unhealthy; liver rot set in, to be followed ere long
by death. This is not now allowed to take place, for the animals
are either slaughtered in proper time, or sent to a change of
pasture, to prevent what is now known to be certain loss. For
horses, cattle, and sheep, the land as grazing land has been proved
to be both unhealthy and deadly ; but as the sewage runs upon
some part of the land all the year round, it is impossible to say
how much of this is due to drinking the sewage water, or to
eating- the herbage.

My own sewage meadow is about 150 yards from the stead-
ing, and we have never felt any offensive odour, nor have any
complaints been made of Mr Pinkerton's meadow ; and in walk-
ing regularly over the ground myself, I have never seen any-
thing, or felt any smell, likely to injure the health of either
man or beast ; and I would gladly receive upon my own farm
any quantity of town sewage.

Thougli with our clay soil and retentive clay subsoil, it is
unsafe as grazing land, it has not been fuund to be so in every
instance. It gives me much pleasure to record the larger
experience of another experimenter, in which he says : —

" We have sheep-grazing on irrigated meadow during the
winter months, which always thrive well and fast.

" I never knew of a sheep drinking sewage water.

" Stall-fed cows do well on irrigated grass, both milk well and
also feed well.

'* Our own horses are very fond of it; but great care must be
exercised in giving soft grass to work horses. Our waternuin
has watered the meadows for about thirty years, and is always
well. I have been amongst sewage irrigation all my life, and it
has not had any bad effect on me."

Should ensilage become a success in this country, a new mode

184 THE OLD AND REMAEKABLE

of dealing with the produce of sewage meadows will be opened
up, which may greatly enhance their value; but at the present
time I am well satisfied with the results as carried out upon my
own farm, having found it to be both successful and safe.

This report may have comparatively little bearing on the
great body of farmers, for few farms have any opportunity of
receiving town sewage; but the number of farms suitable for
irrigation is very large. My experience of the value, of the
sewage which can be collected about a farm itself, leads me in
my journeys through the country to observe how much is going
to waste, and this may be the means of drawing the attention of
some of my brother farmers to the subject, and no one who has
not had practical experience of it can form any idea of the value
about a farm of even one acre of such land.

THE OLD AND REMARKABLE HORSE CHESTNUT TREES

IN SCOTLAND.

By Robert Hutchison of Carlowrie.

[Premium — Five Sovereigns.]

The horse chestnut {^sculus Hipyocastanum) does not appear
to have ever been largely cultivated as a timber tree in Scotland.
Probably, from the brittle nature of its wood, it has never
attained a front rank among the hard wooded trees suitable to
the Scottish climate, as a valuable timber-producing tree for
economic purposes. But whether this be the reason or not, the
fact remains that our old friend Professor Walker, in his
Catalogue of Ptemarkable Trees in Scotland, only cites four
specimens of the horse chestnut, namely, at " Bargaly, in Gallo-
way," at " Hatton in Mid-Lothian," and two trees of the species
at " New Posso, in Tweeddale," which he says, writing in 1780,
are probably the oldest and the largest in North Britain, and
that they were then known to be about 150 years old. Dr
Walker in his memoir further states, that " the planting of the
horse chestnut in Britain," in his day, was not " of a very old
date." Pieference will be further made to these two individual
trees at New Posso, or as it is now called Dalwick, in this chapter,
which Dr Walker in 1780, and subsequently Gilpin, and Sir T.
Dick Lauder in 1826, considered the oldest, largest, and finest
in Scotland at the time they wrote. The measurements given
by Dr Walker of the only four trees he quotes, being only from
6 feet 10 inches at 4 feet from the ground for the smallest, to 11
feet 4 inches for the largest, show conclusively that in his day
the horse chestnut had not been held in much esteem for
extensive planting in Scotland during the early years of its
introduction from its native habitats into Great Britain.

HORSE CHESTNUT TEEES IN SCOTLAND. 185

The horse chestnut appears to have been introduced into
Europe from the northern parts of Asia about the year 1550 ;
and the earliest notice of its appearance in England occurs in
Gerard's Herhal, where in 1579 he speaks of it as a rare tree.
When first introduced it was planted with walnuts and mul-
berries as a fruit tree, and it is curiously enough described as
" a tree whose fruit was of a sweet taste, roasted and eaten as
the ordinary sort," and shows how little was really then known
of it or its fruit. Evelyn, who wrote in 1663, referring to the
slow progress the tree had made in popular estimation even at
that date, says of it : — " In the meantime, I wish we did more
universally propagate the horse chestnut, which, being increased
from layers, grows into a goodly standard, and bears a glorious
flow^er, even in our cold country. This tree is now (1663) all
the mode for the avenues to their country palaces in France, as
appears by the late superintendent's plantation at Vaux." A
branch of the horse chestnut with flowers on it was received by
Clusius from Vienna in 1603, Singularly, even he had never
seen it till that time, and gave the first figure of it in 1605. It
was not known in Paris till 1616, and was probably first planted
generally in Britain about that time, or soon afterwards.

According to the authority of Dr Heldreich, director of the
Botanic Gardens at Athens, the horse chestnut is undoubtedly
found wild, and indigenous to the mountains of northern Greece,
Thessally, and Epirus. He states that he has seen numerous
groups of trees in various localities in the mountains of Eury-
tania. In the summer of 1879, he found it in five different
localities, all of them in the lower pine region, at altitudes vary-
ing from 3000 to 4000 feet above sea-level. In such sites it
occurs in shady forest ravines, and is associated with the alder,
walnut, plane, ash, oaks of various varieties, holly, hornbeam,
sycamore, and Ahics apollinis. It is very probable that the
earliest introduction of the horse chestnut into Britain was from
the districts along the shores and maritime ports of the Levant,
and tliat its introduction was coeval with that of the laurel to
Eu'disli ''•ardens from the same sources.

According- to Evelyn, the name horse chestnut was given it
from a belief in its supposed medicinal property of curing
broken-winded horses and other cattle of cough ; but other old
authors a.ssert that it was so called from the peculiar appearance
presented by the base of the young leaf-stalks on being cut
across in a slantim; direction, between the joints of the former
year's growth, wlien an exact representation of the frog and sole
of the hoof of a horse is seen. The generic name is of course
derived from " A'.sm," si«^'nifying food. One enthusiastic admirer
of trees in general, and of this sj)ecies in particuhir, exclaims
— "' How can this tree fiul to be otherwise than a much-admired
favourite, for its very name is designated by a combination of

186 THE OLD AXD EEMAEKABLE

three words signifying separately, a noble animal, an elegant
game, and a delicious kernel !"

Before noticing some of the more remarkable trees, of which
details of their measurements and localities are accurately given
in the appendix to this chapter, it may be proper to state
generally some of the more characteristic features of the horse
chestnut, and of its suitability for various soils and situations,
and glance briefly at its economic or commercial value as a
timber-producing tree in this country.

The first noticeable feature in the progress and growth of the
horse chestnut is its early budding in spring in our northern
latitude. Each short stout twig being soon surmounted by its
terminal bud in early spring, which swells and strives with active
energy to outstrip its lateral fellows in throwing off its win try scales
and coating — like a youth at school defiant of his winter top-
coat— even so in like manner, imprudent of future chilly and
severe weather, does the horse chestnut cast off its gummy cell
and envelope at Nature's call, as the increasing warmth of the
sun's rays begins to melt away the gum with which the outer
scales had been sealed together, thereby causing the expand-
ing pressure from within to unfold the delicate young leaves
and embryo spiral flower stalks. The horse chestnut, while not
fastidious as to soil, succeeds best and grows most rapidly in a
rich loam, with a cool subsoil rather damp. That it is a tree of
rapid formation of wood may be inferred from the fact, that
when it has attained twenty years of age, it is frequently
met with from twenty-five to thirty feet in height, and at that
age its entire length of annual growth is generally completed for
the season within a month from the bursting of the bud in
spring on the terminal shoot ; ample time is thus afforded for
the mature ripening of the season's growth, and for the formation
of the young shoot bud-sheaths for protection from winter ; the
summer and autumn nutriment of the tree going entirely to the
thickening of branches, and development of woody fibre in the
trunk and limbs. From this peculiarity, however, the timber
of the horse chestnut is soft and brittle, and of little commercial
value for manufacturing or constructive purposes. The principal
uses for which its wood can be most advantageously employed,
are for water pipes to be kept constantly under ground, for
which it is very suitable, or in the manufacture of packing
cases, for which it is in large demand in many shipping ports
and industrial centres of export fabrics on the Continent.
In this country the horse chestnut can hardly be regarded
as other than an ornamental park tree, and as such it
is perhaps unrivalled for symmetry and efiect when planted
singly, or in the formation of a straight avenue line. Noble
examples of horse chestnut avenues exist, and are referred to in
the appendix. Who has not heard of the famous avenues of

HORSE CHESTXUT TEEES IX SCOTLA^"D. 187

Eushey Park near London, which, when in full flower, it is well
worth any lover of trees going a day's journey to see and admire ?
In our northern latitude, also, we find many umbrageous stately
avenues of this beautiful and graceful tree. For example, at
Drummond Castle, Perthshire, along the roadside towards
Crieff, one of the finest avenues is to be seen. It is perfectly
vigorous, and presents one continuous beautifully arched aisle
for several miles. For a considerable distance, well proportioned
beeches of majestic growth, guard, sentinel-like, the highway,
planted about 20 feet apart ; then for another stretch, tall
healthy overarching lime trees take up the line, till the horse
chestnuts prevail and continue the beauty of the scene, vying suc-
cessfully with the other lines in adding pleasing and picturesque
effect to the landscape, while their grateful shade is most re-
freshing to the pedestrian. These trees are all of large dimen-
sions; many of them girth from 11 to 13 feet at 5 feet from the
ground, and are from 60 to 70 feet in height. Another mixed
avenue of horse chestnuts and limes may be seen within the
Drummond Castle Park, and is of commanding growth and
beauty. The soil is a light loam upon the trap-rock formation,
which crops out in many places on the surface in the park.

At Gilmerton, East Lothian, there is a fine avenue of horse
chestnuts, which average 72 feet in height, and present noble
boles from 18 to 25 feet in length, while their circumferences
vary from 10 feet 2 inches to 11 feet 5 inches at o feet from the
ground. The soil is a heavy clay loam upon a tilly clay
subsoil. Other avenues worthy of notice, in various districts,
might be named from the notes furnished by correspondents in
various parts of Scotland; but we need not lengthen out this
chapter with needless repetition of evidence to inculcate the fact
well known to every tree-lover, that in rich loamy free soil, in
sheltered situations, avenues formed of the horse chestnut will
amply repay their owners, in richness of shade, and gorgeous
effect when in flower, for their beautiful minaret-like spikelets
rising tier above tier of handsome blossom, form not the least
conspicuous features in a well-formed avenue of this very
suitable tree. The finest horse chestnuts in the southern counties
of England are said to be at Mount Edgecombe in Devonshire, but
details of the growth and dimensions of the individual trees com-
posing it have not yet been received.

It would appear that if planted as an avenue tree, the horse
chestnut should be used alone in its formation, for it is impatient
of other species near to it ; and at the api)roach to the Wimborne
Cemetery, Dorsetshire, a striking instance of this occurred
lately. xVbout seventeen years ago, an avenue of horse chest-
nuts was planted. The trees were considered too wide apnrt (25
feet), and accordingly, about eight years afterwards, an English
yew was planted between each. The result of the appropriate

188 THE OLD AND REMARKABLE

intermingling of the yew trees' gloomy foliage in such a situa-
tion has been most unfortunate, for the horse chestnut avenue,
previously very thriving, has drooped away in growth every
year, and is now rapidly dying out. The cause, wiiatever it may
be, seems fairly attributable to the close proximity of the yews^
and probably arises from the roots of the two species having
incongruously got into contact.

As a park specimen tree, the horse chestnut is largely
employed in Scotland, and in such a position its tine symmetry
is well displayed. Perhaps when so planted it requires a more
sheltered situation than the sycamore or oak, as it is more easily
injured by wind in an open site, and is consequently not so well
adapted to resist a stormy gale without suffering more or less
damage, which shows more upon the horse chestnat from its
beautiful and striking peculiarity in an open situation, of always
presenting a regular parabola in its contour of dense umbra-
geous head. A striking example of this peculiar character-
istic is found in a tree, given in the appendix, growing at
Kirkconnel House, Dumfriesshire. It stands on the lawn in
front of the mansion, near another very fine specimen, although
less conspicuous in this special feature, and which is also given
in the appendix. The latter girths 11 feet h inch at 5 feet above
ground, and has a diameter of spread of branches of 72 feet,
with a finely balanced head 55 feet in height. The former,
which presents from a distance the appearance and outline of a
husje mushroom, is 40 feet high, and 9 feet 11 inches at 5 feet
from the ground, and has a diameter of spread of branches of 89^
feet, A third fine specimen here, growing in a plantation, and
consequently taller, being probably " draivn up'' is 65 feet high,
and girths 10 feet 97^ inches at 5 feet from the ground. In the
same district, at Ardwall near Gatehouse, and growing at an
altitude of not more than 30 feet, and within 200 vards of the
sea, stands a beautiful horse chestnut 75 feet high, girthing
12 feet 2 J inches at 3 feet, and 12 feet 3^ inches at 5 feet above
ground. Many other fine specimens of similar dimensions are to
be found at St Mary's Isle, Kirkcudbright, and in other localities
of Dumfriesshire and the Stewartry, as well as in Wigtownshire
and South Ayrshire. In the last mentioned county, several
notable specimens occur, and are given in the appendix. Of
these we may refer to the FuUarton horse chestnut, 11 feet 5
inches in girth at 5 feet above ground; Loudoun Castle specimens,
of which the largest is 13 feet 9 inches at 1 foot, and 14 feet
10 J inches at 5 feet, where it branches into two huge limbs,
each a goodly tree in itself ; while the Eglinton Castle specimen
outstrips all others in the district, and is a very noble tree.
It grows in soft light loam upon clay, and is nearly 60 feet in
height, and girths 18 feet 11 inches at 1 foot, and 17 feet 9
inches at 5 feet, w^here its bole divides into a beautifully
umbrageous head. This is indeed a very old tree, and shows

HORSE CHESTNUT TREES IN SCOTLAND. 189

evident symptoms of antiquity. It stands near the front court
of the castle, and has been clas^jed very many decades gone by,
and bolted on several occasions, the bolt in some cases passing
ric{ht throunjh the main trunk. Its mvlh. is 17 feet 3 inches at
3 feet, and at 4 feet it branches out into heavv limbs, two of
which measure 12 feet 6 inches at the joint with the trunk,
and are 9 feet 6 inches and 9 feet 10 inches after they divide.
The diameter of spread of branches is 70 feet clear. Soil very
damp and marshy.

At Camis-Eskan, Dumbartonshire, growing in light soil and
gravelly subsoil, we find two very good specimens, respectively
I*! feet 5 inches and 15 feet 6 inches at 1 foot, and 13 feet 3
inches and 13 feet 9 inches at 5 feet above the roots, and thriv-
ing in the genial and salubrious climate of the west coast. But
for the largest and most remarkable growths, we must look to
the more inland counties of central Scotland, where we find the
premier specimen of Scotland, at Moncrieffe, Perthshire. This
noble tree is now 21 feet 10 inches at 1 foot and 19 feet at 5
feet from the ground, with a massive bole 8 feet in length.
This grand tree grows at an altitude of 50 feet above sea-level,
and is 80 feet in height. At the point where its bole divides into
three large limbs it measures 22 feet 3 inches in girth. The largest
limb itself measures 11 feet 8 inches, the next in point of size
10 feet 10 inches, and the third 10 feet 6 inches in circum-
ference. Tradition reports it to be about 250 years old. Walker
gives the oldest horse chestnuts in Scotland, and he is corro-
borated by Gilpin and Sir T. D. Lauder, as growing at Dalwick
in Peeblesshire, and they are given in Walker's Catalogue
as "perhaps the largest in Britain," and as being then (17S0)
about 150 years old. Diligent inquiries as to their existence
and condition at the present day have failed to elicit any infor-
mation. So they are probably gone. Here also is another due
tree, which is SO feet high, and girths 13 feet 8 inches at 5 feet
above ground. At Lawers, Perthshire, another magnificent
specimen is noticed ; and for others, we may simply refer in
the following order to the trees detailed in the appendix, from
Dunipace (Stirlingshire) ; Hatton (Mid-Lothian) ; Edzell* and
Gray (Forfarshire); Gordon Castle, and Ballindalloch (Moray-
shire) ; while others not quite so heavy, but still of considerable
magnitude, in various counties and altitudes and soils, illustrate
how well the horse chestnut tree succeeds in Scotland generally
as a park tree.

The horse chestnut in Scotland sometimes presents peculia-
rities in its form of growth worthy of notice. For example, we

* Tliis historical tree " by the oM Ca.stle of Eilzell," is iiicutioned as Wing in
1863, 12 feet in girth at 4 feet above ground, an»l will be seen to be now 13 feet
9 inches at 5 feet. Its trunk, whii-h was in 1803sliglitly dccayoil by a lodgiumt
of water, is now liealefl ovlt. Under this tree one of the lairds of Kd/ell is said
to have been murdered by an assassin, employed for the i»urpose by the betrothed
lover of his sistir, who wis luirjss to the estatf.

190 THE OLD AND EEMAEKABLE

find it in the park of Dunkeld House assuming quite a pendu-
lous or weeping habit. This specimen is a very handsome and
vigorous tree. It is now 71 feet high, and girths 16 feet 4
inches at 3 feet above ground. One or two other trees in the
district, but not so tall or noteworthy, present a similar aspect.
At Biel, in East Lothian, in a low-lying but open site, we find a
very handsome tree, on the other hand, with a peculiarly distinct
fastigiate habit of growth. It is 102 feet in height, with a clean
and handsome bole 40 feet in length, and girths 10 feet 10 inches
and 9 feet 11 inches, at 1 and 5 feet respectively. While such
extreme and opposite eccentricities are not so common in the
case of horse chestnut as in the beech and some other hard-
wooded species, we find the round dense " parabola " form of
head of the horse chestnut frequently presenting peculiar
" sports," and distinctly peculiar growths. Sometimes the form
of outline is flat, at other times pyramidal, but densely clothed
with branches, and again its contour assumes that of a complete
globe. The bark of the bole, also, not unusually resembles, in its
curiously regular and spiral twistings, the stem of the Spanish
chestnut. An instance of a densely rounded head may be given
of a remarkable tree growing at Skene House, Aberdeen. By the
kindness of Mr Hamilton, residing at Skene, we are enabled to
give details of this curious tree. It is 13 feet 3 inches in girth
at 2 feet from the ground, 11 feet 5 inches at 5 feet. The space
covered by the branches is 90 feet by 70 feet, but heavy
branches have been lopped in from time to time to prevent the
tree encroaching on the walks in the garden and surrounding
flower beds. About twelve branches or limbs touch the ground,
but a clear space is left round the trunk of 22 paces, without
obstruction for walking, and a table could be placed to accom-
modate a very large company, without any obstruction or
difficulty, under its umbrageous shade. This old veteran
flowers annually, and appears vigorous ; but alas ! recently only,
in taking the measurements of the tree for this paper, a split
has been discovered, by which two large limbs have been torn
from the main trunk, the split reaching down almost to the
centre of the bark and bole, and water is observed to be oozing
out on both sides, within 4 feet from the ground. Measures are
to be taken at once to retard further decay. 'No historical
reference to this fine old specimen can be found, although
evidently its site, appearance, and care bestowed upon its prun-
ing, lead to the conclusion that it has probably been a memorial
tree. The place belonged to an old family named Skene, who
held it since 1317. The last of the direct line died about fifty-
five years ago, when the property went by the female line to the
Earl of Eife, The lat-e Earl of Eife boasted of being the " 34th
laird of Skene." No record of any sale of the property could
be found in the Eegister House, Edinburgh, till about three
years ago, and all documents of ancient date or ancestral estate

HORSE CHESTNUT TEEES IX SCOTLAND. 191

matters remain in possession of the Fife family, and no informa-
tion can be traced as to this old and remarkable tree.

It is popularly believed in many districts that the horse
chestnut has the property of not being liable to be struck by
liglitning. Certainly it has been recorded by Evelyn, that in an
experience of forty years no instance had ever occurred. Hence
also, it was from this belief that we find it so often introduced
as a tree for shade and shelter for pasture lands.

There are several varieties of the species, such as ^sculus
ruMciiMcla, and a double flowering white variety, as well as its
yellow kinsman, the Pavia or Indian chestnut. Properly speak-
ing, the Pavia jiava is a distinct species, but they are so very
closely allied, and so capable of being hybridised, that the two
species may be accepted as one. They are both equally hardy
in England, and in most situations in Scotland, if sheltered.
The Pavia flava, yellow or Calif ornian variety, surpasses most
autumn trees in beauty of tint, presenting a beautifully clear
yellovv^ colour, and richness of tone quite marked and conspicuous
when grouped amongst other varieties. But the horse chestnut
itself, of the ordinary variety, is a wqxj ^\\o\\\ '' aufAiriin-tint''
tree. Becoming yellow sometimes even in the month of July,
it gradually assumes a rich deep russet hue as the season
advances. Its luxuriant foliage and majestic appearance in
early summer, combined with the handsome candelabra-like
blossom spikes in spring, render the horse chestnut a charming
object in any landscape ; and we must admire it for its beauty,
if not for its utility, and for the conspicuous and prominent bear-
ing at a distance, more particularly when in flower, which has
obtained for it the soubriquet of "the Giant's Nosegay."

One or two minor commercial uses to which tlie horse
chestnut is adapted have not been noticed, and in closing this
paper tliey may be briefly referred to. Its wood, although light
and of little value, as we have said, yet if cut up fresh, may be
utilised for ornamental carving, and for the manufacture of
articles of domestic use, where a white-grained easily wrought
surface is required. The nuts are useful and highly nutritious
for deer and sheep. In fact, in some countries on the Continent
they are crushed up by machinery, and 2 lbs. weight are given
daily, morning and evening, to sheep that are being fattened for
market. The nuts when boiled and given to poultry are very
beneficial. They also contain a saponaceous principle, and
when decayed they turn into pulp or jelly, which has been
found to answer tlie purpose of soap. In Ireland they are
used to whiten (laxen cloth, and they make an excellent ])aste,
which is also useful in glazing calico. The bark is sometimes
used for a yellow dye, for which it is well adapted. It is also
verv bitter, and is sometimes used medicinallv as a substitute
for " Jesuit's bark."

[ArrKXDix.

192

THE OLD AND REMAEKABLE

APPENDIX. — Description of the

County.

Place.

Altitude above

Sen-Level

in Feet.

Soil.

Subsoil.

Aberdeen,

Keithhall, . -[

200 to)
350 i'

Deep loam,

Clay,. .

>)

Skene House,

• ■ •

Loam,

Gravelly, . .

!>

Invercauld House, .

1110

Black loam.

Compact gi-avel.

JJ

Philorth,

40

Soft loam, .

Clayish,

Moraysliire,

Dalvey, .

100

Light loam.

Sandy,

Banff,

Ballindalloch,

470

Good loam,

Clay and gravel,

)>

>>

J)

5>

j>

J)
Ross-shire,

>>
Gordon Castle,
Brahan, .

100
100

Dark sandy loam,
Rich loam,

Bluish sandy clay, .
Strong clay,

>)

))

5)

))

)!

Forfar,

Gray, .

...

Black loam.

Sand and gravel,

)!

Kinnaird,

30

60

370

Deep sandy loam,

Gravel,

))
1)

Camperdown,

Good light loam,

Tilly, . . .

!)

Edzell Castle,

200

)

Gravelly, .

9 9

Glamis, .

230

Black loam,

_j Gravelly (or red)
"( sandstone), . )

)>

>>

>>

>>

>)

Prethshire,

Moncrieffe, .

50

Light loam.

Freestone,

)>

j>

;>

)>

)j

!>

5)

Dnimmond Castle)
(Policy);
(Wood)
,, (Deer Park)
Lawers, .
Abercairney, .

150

))

Gravelly loam, .
Good loam,

Trap rock, .
Gravel and sand,

Sand and gravel,
Clay and gravel.

>>

>)

)»

>>

!>

Blau'drummond, .

55

Sand,

Sand and mossy gi-avel,

)>

Dunkeld,

...

Good loam.

Sand and gravel.

!>

Kinross, .

Castle Huntly,
Cleish Castle,

550

Light loam.

Light clayey loam, .

Sandy,

Clay and gravel,

Fife, .

Kinross House,
Donibristle, .

"30

Light loam.

J)
Sandy gravel, .

Stirling, .
Linlithgow,
Mid-Lothian, .

Dunipace,
Carlo wrie,
Inghston,

*92

98

Sharp loam,
Heavy loam.
Loam,

Gravel,
Clay,. .
Sand and claj^, .

HORSE CHESTNUT TEEES IX SCOTLAND.

193

Horse Chestnut {/Esculiis Hijppocastanicm).

50

Height

Length

; of Treelof Bole
in Feet 'in Feet.

Sheltered,
Open,

S.W.

Open,

S.W.

S.W.
Sheltered,

Open,

Ft. in.
Open, j 53 0

„ ! 58 0

E. tlO 0

N.E. ' GO 0

! 45 0

Open, i 70 0

i 65 0

„ j 70 0

N.E. 65 0

W. and S.i 58 0

W. and S.I 65 0

63 0

55 0

45 0

40 0

65 0

90 0

55 0

80 0

80 0

65 0

71 0

84 0

63 0

58 0

60 0

50 0

63 0

70 0

5.5 0

65 0

60 0

55 0

60 0

73 0

64 0
:a 0
75 0

Ft. in-

20 0

9 0

6 6

13 0
10 0

18 0

15 0

14 0

36" 0

10 0

13 0

28 0

16 0
13 0

12 0

50 0
10 0

8 0

14 0

10 0

11 0
18 0

15 0
20 0
15 0
30 0

7 0

10 0

25 0

24 0

15 0

20 0

20 0

21 3
12 0
15 0

Present

Ciicumference of

Trunk at

1 foot.

Ft. in.
10 3

13 0

10 8
10 3

10
13
16

21 8
12 10

16 2

14
11

9

15 2

11 7

15 3

21 10

16 6

19 3

13 9

12 0
19 5

9 7

9 11

11 9

9 11

12 6

13 5

11 8

12 2

19 8
12 1

16 0

3 feet.

Ft. in.

16 0

5 feet.

16 4

5 9
10 7

Ft. in.
9 6

11 3

11 8

12 1

12 6
9 8

13 9

8 11

9 10

19 0

13 8
12 6

- -5 so
r " ""

- X :=.

9
11

14 8

8 9

8 8

8 9

8 8

11 5

12 5
8 11

10 9

14 9
10 2

12 8

Ft. in.

8

7

55

0

9

3

•

.

8

10

90

0

8

9

12

13

9
3
6
6

92"

"0

76 0

40 0

75 0

80 0
74 0

66 0
82 0

REMARKS.

f Diameter of spread of branches
(. 90 ft. by 70 ft.

j Contents 103 cubic feet. Flower.s
( annually, but fruit does not form.

( Calif ornian or yellow variety (Pavia).
( Fonns a magnificent arbour.

A splendid tree in Brahan Policy.

North-east of Gray House. A very
fine gpecimen.

{Girthed 12 ft. at 4 ft. from giound
in 1863. Grows on north side of
Castle Edzell, popularly believed
to be 500 years old.

In front of Castle.

' In 1S63, 21 ft. 3 in. at 1 ft, and each
limb girthed 10 ft. 6 in. Ginhs
at S ft., where tnink divides into
three huge limbs. 22 ft. 3 in. A
noble tree.

J Planted at same time as the forego-
( ing-

On roadside from Castle to loch.

A very handsome tree.

( A Tcry handsome tree, of peculLnr
"( weeping habit.

Several here of similar sire.

N

194

THE OLD AXD EEMAEKABLE

Description of the

County.

Place.

Mid-Lotliian,

Haddington,

Berwickshire, .

Roxburghshire,
Dumbarton,

Renfrewshire,

Ayrshire, .

Bute,

Kirkcudbright, ,

Dumfries,

Inghston,

Newbattle,
Hatton House,

Belton, .

Biel,

Tester, .

Gilmerton,

Tyninghame, .

Duns Castle, .

Wells, .
Camis-Eskan,
PoUok Park, East

wood, .
Eglinton Castle,
Loudoun Castle,

Murdostone, .
Mount Stuart,

Kames Castle,

Ardwall,
Kirkconnell, .

o
>
o ^

^ >-s

^ ^ c=

98
95

70

85

400

40

500

120

350

250

500

)j

80
30

30

Soil.

Loam,

Good loam,
Sandy clay.

Red loam, .

Clay loam.

Clay, .

Clay loam.

Red loam,

Light,

Loamy,
Light soil.

Alluvial,

Light loam
Loamy,

))
Sandy,
Clay, .

Light sandy clay,
Sandy loam,

Gravelly soil, .

Good loam,
Light loam,

Subsoil.

Sand and clay, .

Open gravelly, .
Clay and gravelly, .

Gravel and ft-eestone,

Damp gravelly, .

Clay,.

Tilly clay, .

Sand,

(Gravel and dampi

1 clay.

Gravel and sand.

Gravelly, .

Sandstone,

Clay, .

Loose gravel, .
Clayey,
Clay, .
Marly clay.

Clay, .
Rock,

Gravel,

Sand and gravel,
Sandy gravel, .

)

HORSE CHESTNUT TREES IN SCOTLAND.

195

Horse Chestnut — contimied.

Present

.

a

Circumference of

H O i,

5 ^

Height I
of Tree,
inFeet.!

Length jrunk at
of Bole 1

imete
iread
ancli

REMARKS.

^ o

in Feet. ,

-- (—1 ""

W

1

•;: x —

IfooL

3 feet.

5"feet.

■H

Ft.

n.

Ft. in. Ft. in. 1

Ft. in. i Ft.

in.

Ft. in

(Goes into two huge limbs, 5 ft. 5 in.
J and 6 ft. 8 in. respectively in girth,
j and head is iron-hooped or clasped
( together.

/-v ^

72

0

1 o

*7

Open,

8 0

13 3

...

12

7

...

S.W.

75

0

15 0

14 3

...

13

0

103 0

E.

48

0

33 0

18 2

16

3

...

A splendid specimen.

...

75

0

50 0

...

11 9

•

.

...

A magnificent tree. Close to house.

Sheltered,

99

0

40 0

10 11

...

9

10^

...

Verj- upright in habit.

>i

55

0

...

9 8

...

8

6

...

j Near flower garden. Ninety years
( planted.

j»

57

0

...

11 1

• ••

9 11

• • •

In "Anna Park."

11

72

0

24 0

13 3

• ••

10

6

• ••

( One of a fine avenue. All others of
\ similar size.

E.

60

0

18 0

11 8

• ••

10

4

...

• • •

44

0

18 0

13 4

• ■ •

11

3i

• ••

Growing near margin of lake.

40

0

20 0

10 3

8

5

...

• • •

65

0

12 0

14 5

■ ••

13

3

...

S.W.

80

0

18 0

15 6

• • ■

13

9

...

( In 1860, this tree girthed 13 ft. 7 in.
\ at 1 ft., and in 1836, 10 ft. li in.

S.W.

56

0

5 0

18 11

...

17

9

70 0

Sheltered,

68

0

12 0

13 2

• • •

9

5,

...

60

0

4 0

13 9

14 10^

...

Branches into two stems at 4 ft.

...

45

0

15 0

9 3

• ••

9

0

58 0

...

50

0

20 0

7 2

• • •

6

8

56 0

...

48

0

16 0

9 3

• ••

8

7

72 0

...

60

0

15 0

10 4

...

9

4

78 0

...

43

0

12 0

10 0

...

9

8

63 0

...

53

0

14 0

10 4

• ••

9

10

• ••

Sheltered,

85

0

...

11 10

• •■

10

9

(A beautiful specimen. Branches
< sweeping the ground very grace-
( fully.

Open,

76

0

5 6

13 2

• • •

12

li

73 0

...

75

0

...

...

12 2^

12

H

...

Grows within '200 yards of the sea.

• • •

65

0

20 0

12 5

...

11

Oi

72 0

J Very handsome specimen. In front
\ of mansion house.

• ••

40

0

14 0

10 7

• ••

9

11

89 0

Shaped like a huge mushroom.

...

65

0

25 0

11 11

...

10

9i

...

( In plantation, a "drawn up," but
( a tine tree.

196 THE OLD AND REMARKABLE

THE OLD AND EEMAEKABLE WALNUT TREES IX

SCOTLAND.

By Egbert Hutchison of Carlowrie.

[Premium — Five Sovereigns.']

Whatever difference of opinion may exist in the minds of
arboriculturists as to the indigenous nature of some other
species of hard-wooded trees to Scotland, or even to Britain,
there can be no doubt regarding the walnut having been an
importation and a foreign acquisition to our Sylva. Old and
large examples at the present day are few in number, and, like
the Spanish chestnuts,— with which in point of introduction
the walnut seems to be coeval, — are generally found around
ruined monastic buildings and foundations, or adjoining the
castellated remains of the strongholds of feudal barons of the
Middle Ages, in sites which appear to have been carefully
selected, with due regard to prominence and yet shelter,
where the cherished nut tecded with care, and probably the
memento of some distant pilgrimage, might remind the old
monk of some foreign shrine, or recall to the memory of the
gallant knight-errant in after years in his native land, the
grateful shade and refreshing fruit of its parent tree, under
whose umbrageous branches he had rested after the toils of the
battle-field. Some authorities ascribe the introduction of the
walnut to the Eomans during their occupation of Britain, but
however this theory may hold good as regards the southern
parts of England, it cannot be supported by either fact or
inference, if we take the oldest survivors in Scotland as living
witnesses, or notice the total absence of all traces of any remains,
or even of later specimens existing at or near to any Koman
station in Scotland.

Few, if any, walnuts appear to have existed in this country,
north of the Tweed, earlier than about the year 1600. It is a
curious fact, that Dr Walker, who wrote his Catalogue after
about foity years of patient compilation, mentions only four
" remarkable " walnut trees in Scotland, and Sir Thomas Dick
Lauder in 1826 adds none to the list which the old Professor
had collected. The cause of this scarcity of good examples
existing in Scotland about the beginning of the century will be
afterwards referred to, and probable reasons assigned for it, but
meantime, we may glance at these old walnuts noticed and
recorded by Walker, and endeavour to identify any of them at
the present day, and notice their growths and condition. It
should be observed also, that the otherwise very fastidious
arborist and collector Dr Walker condescends to notice in his

WALNUT TREES IN SCOTLAND. 197

scanty list, three trees of no notable size whatever, thus showing
that verv few trees of dimensions worth recording were known
to him from 1760 to 1790 ; and so minute and exacting an
inquirer into all nature's secrets was Dr Walker, that if many
fine trees of the walnut species had then existed in this country,
even at wide and distant points, his industrious and intelligent
investigations would have led him to them, and he would have
certainlv discovered and recorded them. Walker's first men-
tioned walnut is one growing in the garden at Lochnell in
Argyleshire, which, in July 1771, girthed 3 feet 3 inches at 4
feet from the ground, and was 25 feet in height, and was then
known to be exactly thirty-six years old. It is to be regretted
tliat repeated inquiries made as to the existence and condition
and size of this tree at the present day, for the purpose of this
paper, have been met with no response regarding it.

Walker's second walnut grew at Alva, Stirlingshire. It was
planted in the garden by Sir John Erskine anno 1715, in
presence of his brother the Lord Justice Clerk Tinwald, after-
wards proprietor of the estate. In October 1760, at 2 feet from
the ground, it girthed 5 feet 4 inches. This tree we find, after
careful inquiry, is departed, but neither date nor manner of its
decease has been preserved or recorded. Walker next refers to
" a number of walnut trees at Games " (Kainies), isle of Bute,
" vigorous and well grown," which in September 1771 were about
seventy years old. " They were then," he remarks, " between 50
and 60 feet high, and the largest of them girthed at 4 feet from the
ground, 6 feet 1 inch." On inquiry and careful investigation
by Mr Kay, the able and intelligent wood manager on the
Kaimes estate, we have ascertained that none of these trees now
exist. When they were felled, or how they disappeared, not
even the oldest inhabitant can tell, so much had they probably
been regarded as merely ordinary hard- wooded trees at the
time of their disposal. It is, however, somewhat remarkable
than in the island of Bute, a district isolated, and replete with
many very remarkably large and notable trees of almost every
variety, no instance of a walnut of anything like timber size has
been obtained. Thus it is that frequently in the most likely
localities, as regards soil, climate, and other circumstances, the
enthusiastic exj^lorer is disaj)pointed, while in the most
unexpected quarters, often rare and remarkable specimens of
dilVerent descrii)tions of trees are found. And as a further
instance of this, we need only notice Walker's fourth,
and indeed only large walnut, — which "grows," says he,
" before the front of Kinross House, in Kinross-shire, and in
" September 1796, measured at 4 feet from the ground 9 feet 6
inches in circumference." He further adds — "The house of
Kinross was finished by Sir Williani Bruce in 16S4, and the

198 THE OLD AND REMARKABLE

tree appears to be coeval with the house. It is probably the
oldest and largest walnut tree in Scotland, and is evidently on
the decay, but whether this proceeds from accident or from age
it is uncertain." Gilpin, in 1791, in noticing this tree (but
without reference to its girth at that date), says, " there are many
walnut trees of a size, equal if not superior to that of this tree. '
From recent inquiries made for the purposes of this paper, — and
seeing it is not mentioned in the Highland Society's Catalogue
of Old and Remarkable Trees, collected in 1863, — we find, and
are glad to state that the old veteran is still alive, and in con-
siderable vigour. It now measures at 4 feet from the ground
23 feet in circumference. It is unfortunately shoru of much of
its grandeur, from having lost some of its largest limbs, but still
evinces considerable vitality.

Of the more recently collected statistics of the walnut in
Scotland, we may recapitulate those of the Highland Society's
list, which we have been able to trace, before proceeding to
consider and describe existing notable specimens at the present
day, given in the appendix to this paper, and not hitherto
recorded. The number we have been able to tabulate of trees
in Scotland at the present day in the appendix is 39, — while
those given, and many of them of smaller dimensions, in the
returns collected in 1863, number only 13. The venerable
tree which is recorded as growing at Eccles, Dumfriesshire,
and which in 1863 girthed 22 feet at the base and 13 feet at 12
feet from the ground, is now no more, having been blown down
in a gale a few years ago. The old walnut recorded in 1863,
" in a vigorous condition," growing near the mansion house of
Belton, and then 65 feet high, and girthing at 5 feet from the
ground 15 feet 4 inches and at 7 feet 16 feet 8 inches, was
measured in 1880, and found to be at 5 feet from the ground
16 feet 1 inch, and although the foliage was healthy, the tree
had evidently ceased to grow, many branches giving symp-
toms of decay. The severe winter of 1880-81 proved too much
for this hoary veteran, and he died its victim, and was taken
down last year. lb has not been found possible to identify
precisely any of the other specimens given in the catalogue of
1863, or of those in Loudon's scanty list made up in 1834.

Coming now to the descriptions of the old walnuts tabulated
in the appendix to this report, we notice first, the old tree still
growing, but in a very decaying condition, at Flowerdale,
Ross-shire. It still exhibits the remains of a fine tree for
that latitude, and considering the situation it occupies. It
girths 9 feet 5 inches at 1 foot from the ground, and 8 feet 4
inches at 5 feet, and is now 55 feet in height. It stands in
front of the house of Flowerdale, in a sheltered glen only about
a quarter of a mile from the sea, and about from 30 to 40

WALNUT TEEES IN SCOTLAND. 199

feet above its level. The site is the most westerly point on the
mainland of Scotland where trees grow. Xothing is certainly
known of its age, but from circumstances connected with the
history of the Mackenzie family, it was in all probability
planted between 1755 and 1760. Another fine old walnut in
the north of Scotland is at Altyre (Morayshire). Viewed in
1881, this venerable patriarch, which stands close to the
mansion house, has evidently seen its brightest and best days ;
but hooped as it is with strong iron clasps, it may stand
the blasts of many a winter yet. It is quite hollo u^, has three
large limbs still remaining, a fourth having been removed as it
threatened an outhouse of the mansion, and is now, though
crowned with a leafy head, evidently "living on its bark."
It girthed 15 feet 2 inches at 1 foot and 13 feet at 4 feet from
the ground. The soil is a deep sandy loam, recumbent on gravel.
It yields large crops of fruit, which ripen almost ever year.
There are other trees in Morayshire of nearly similar dimen-
sions, but on account of the soil and situation which they occupy,
being somewhat later, it is only in very favourable seasons that
their fruit becomes fit for dessert. Since the notes for this
paper were prepared, it is unfortunate to have to record regard-
ing this interesting old walnut, and also regarding the one at
Moy (Morayshire), also mentioned in the appended list of old
trees, that both veterans succumbed to the wrestling hurricane
of 26th February 1882. The largest walnuts, and probably with
few exceptions the finest trees as specimens found in Scotland,
are in Perthshire. Eeferring to those noticed in the appended
list, specially may be noted the fine example growing at Mon-
crieffe, in a light loam soil, upon a gravel subsoil. This tree,
which is extremely picturesque, is the last survivor of a fine
group which occupied a space of ground, supposed to have been
adjoining the original garden. The largest erect tree of the
group measured in 1880, 13 feet 7 inches at 1 foot from the base,
and 10 feet 9 inches at 5 feet from the ground. The trees com-
posing this group had to be taken down in April 1881, for the
extension of an avenue, and the only survivor left, and already
referred to, is now, at 5 feet from the ground, 11 feet 4 inches in
circumference. It is, however, considerably decayed and lying
in a procumbent position on the ground, but it is still evincing
its vitality by a good crop of walnuts this season, well filled,
and (|uite fit for table use.

The system of planting walnut trees in groups does not
ai»pear to have been so common in Scotland during last century
as in England. It appears rather to have been the practice to
plant in lines or in straight rows at considerable distances apart,
and this i)hin was probably adopted from a belief that the lieavy
foliage and dense shadows cast was inimical to the crops under-

200 THE OLD AND EEMAEKABLE

neath and around, and an idea also prevailed that the bitter
juices contained in the falling leaves in autumn were injurious
to the soil. Traces, however, do exist where the walnut has
been planted to form avenues to old buildings. One of the
finest of these is still to be seen at Logiealmond, within two
hundred yards of the old mansion house. Many of the trees
once forming this fine and imposing old avenue were blown
down during the great gale in December 29, 1879, when the
Tay Bridge disaster occurred ; and one or two also succumbed
to the storms of last spring (eTanuary and Tebruary 1882).
There are, however, still seventeen trees standing, and at
present four of the last blown ones are lying on the ground
as they fell. The trees, reckoning from the concentric circles,
are about 110 years of age ; the largest still surviving mea-
sures, at 1 foot above the surface 10 feet 3 inches, at 3 feet
it is 8 feet 8 inches ; and at 5 feet, 8 feet 1 inch in circum-
ference. The seventeen trees will average from 6 to 10 feet
in circumference at 1 foot from the ground. The Kinross
House walnut has long been considered to be the largest tree of
its species in Scotland ; but this is not so, for reference to the
appended list will show that at least one tree is larger. This
premier walnut exists at Stobhall, Perthshire. It is no less
than 26 feet in girth at 1 foot and 21 feet 2 inches at 5 feet
from the ground, with a massive bole 12 feet in length, and a
total height of 70 feet, and the diameter of its spread of branches
is 99 feet. It is in a vigorous condition. Another picturesque
old Perthshire walnut is to be seen at Abercairnev near Crieff'.
It stands near the site of the old mansion house. The inside of
the trunk and heavy limbs are very much decayed and quite
hollow, so that a full-grown man can stand inside the trunk,
while the holes in the giant limbs are the haunts of many
species of the feathered tribe. The top of the tree appears
quite vigorous, and when in foliage looks perfectly healthy.
It grows in a good loamy soil, upon clay and gravel subsoil,
at an altitude of about 120 feet above sea-level.

Growing on the lonely island of Inchmahome, in the lake of
Menteith, are some interesting and picturesque old trees. They
are chiefly Spanish chestnuts, but amongst these are several
walnuts around the old garden of the jmory. One fine
specimen given in the appendix, stands sentinel-like and con-
fronting a large Spanish chestnut at the western gateway of
the priory. These two trees, as well as others of the same
species, have evidently been selected to fill special points in
what has in the Middle Ages been a well-laid out and artistically
arranged pleasure ground. The Spanish chestnuts on the island
have been already described in the chapter on that species, and
need not now be referred to. Mary, Queen of Scots, when a child,

WALNUT TKEES IN SCOTLAND. 201

is said to have resided for a time on this island ; and part of the
old garden, the quaint walks of which are still traceable, with
their boxwood edgings now grown into trees 20 feet high,
and fully 3 feet in girth, still bears the name of " Queen
Mary's bower," and " Queen Mary's garden." The walnut tree
referred to in this site is still sound to all appearance, and its
foliage looks quite healthy, while it fruits quite freely every year ;
but from a crevice near the root on the east side, it is " oozing "
slightly, as old walnuts frequently do, indicating incipient
internal decay.

The finest walnuts in Fife are to be found at Otterstone, near
Aberdour ; and at Balbougie, on the Fordell estate, near Inver-
keithing, there is a very handsome specimen. It is commonly
reported to be " the finest walnut tree in Scotland ;" but however
highly it may rank in point of symmetry and general contour,
its dimensions and bulk of timber are eclipsed by several
trees in other localities, and by some of those to which refer-
ence has been made. It is, doubtless, a very fine tree, and
is 55 feet in height, with a bole of 12 feet, girthing 13 feet 6
inches at 1 foot and 12 feet 3 inches at 5 feet from the ground,
and the diameter of its spread of branches is 63 feet. The
Otterstone trees are more majestic, but unfortunately two of the
finest of this group fell in the awful gale of 14th October 1881.
The largest of these girthed no less than 16 feet at 12 feet
from the ground, and one limb alone was 13 feet 6 inches in
girth, above the 12 feet measurement of the bole. Each tree
contained from 9 to 10 tons of beautifully sound and valuable
timber, great difficulty being experienced in transporting the
trunks to the railway, for, owing to their immense bulk, no
j anker in the neighbourhood was either large or powerful enough
to take in either tree. The other tree, it may be stated, was
18 feet in girth at 20 feet from the ground. The two trees
were sold for a little over £50 for cabinet work, and the roots
were sold separately for gun-stocks, and were most beautifully
striated with richly coloured markings. The date over the old
doorway of the oldest portion of Otterstone mansion house is
1589, and the walnuts, Spanish chestnuts, beeches, and other
magnificent timber trees adjoining the garden and house appear
to be coeval with this portion of the building.

We need only notice cursorily tlie walnuts of notable
appearance and dimensions to be found south of the Forth, as
for instance at iJundas Castle (Linlitligowshire), Duntarvie
Castle (Linlithgowshire), Newbattle Abbey and Edmonstone
(Mid-Lothian), where the largest specimen south of the Forth
which we have been able to find still exist. It is now IS feet
2 inches at 1 foot and 17 feet 3 inches at 3 feet from the
ground. The soil is a strong blue loam, overlying the

202 THE OLD AND REMARKABLE

Mid-Lothian Coal Measures, and the altitude of the site is 320
feet The tree is quite vigorous. Fine examples are also
recorded in the appendix at Belton, Salton Hall, and Yester
(East Lothian), and Milnegraden (Berwickshire). At Wells
(Roxbnrghshire), at an altitude of 500 feet, we find a very
fine tree with a beautiful bole of 15 feet, and girthing 10
feet 8 inches and 9 feet 2 inches at 1 and 5 feet respec-
tively, showing the suitability of the walnut to such an altitude.
In the soutli-west division of Scotland, fine trees are found at
Cessnock Castle (Ayrshire) ; and in the quaint old churchyard
of Kirkconnel (Dumfries), a picturesque old example still
exists. It is 50 feet in height and girths 14 feet at 1 foot and
13 feet 10 inches at 5 feet above the ground. This fine old
tree is very much swayed to one side, from the soil and subsoil
both being sandy,, and its three massive heavy limbs, which
spring quite horizontally from the trunk in one direction, with
their additional weight of foilage, being a severe strain upon
the roots. It presents a very weird appearance, and is an
appropriate and suitable feature in the foreground of the quaint
old parish churchyard and its surroundings.

Having thus discussed the statistical features of the principal
trees in Scotland which we have been able to discover, we
may now proceed to notice the general characteristics of the
walnut, and its capabilities and value as a timber tree in
Scotland.

The scarcity of old and remarkable walnuts in Scotland, both
at the present day and when the older authorities, such as
Evelyn, Walker, Selby, and Loudon collected statistics, has
been already referred to, and we may now, perhaps, consider
if it is not possible to discover the reason why a tree so
valuable, alike for its fruit and for the high price which its
timber fetches when of large size, is not found so extensively
distributed over Scotland as one might expect it to be, con-
sidering these special qualities, and its suitability of habit and
hardihood to our climate. That is it quite hardy in Scotland
there can be no doubt, for we find it even in the northern
counties of Scotland of large size, highly ornamental and
regularly fruiting, and in favourable autumns ripening its
fruit sufficiently for use as dessert. Xor is the soil unsuitable,
for it will thrive in almost any soil not water-logged, though
it prefers, like the oak, a strong adhesive loam, if the subsoil
be well drained or free from constant damp. Nor does altitude
of site much affect it in this country, for we find it of large
size and quite hardy, flourishing at altitudes of 500 feet and
upwards in Scotland, as, for example, at Wells (Eoxburgh
shire), where it is 10 feet at 1 foot and 9 feet 2 inches in
circumference at 5 feet from the ground {vide appendix);

WALNUT TKEES IN SCOTLAND. 203

while at Hawkstone Park, in Shropshire, at 1000 feet above
sea-level, there is a fine specimen 99 feet in height, and 22
feet in girth at 1 foot and 16 feet 6 inches at 5 feet from
the ground, with a circumference of branches embracing 279
feet. The causes of the scarcity of fine trees in this country
must, therefore, be looked for to other than climatic reasons,
and it may probably be accounted for on the following grounds.
The walnut in Britain never has been, at any period since its
introduction, propagated either as a timber or as a fruit tree
to anything like the same extent as it has been in France and
other continental countries, where from an early date every pos-
sible encouragement has been given to its increase and cultiva-
tion. In this country it has been more planted as an orna-
mental or park tree, its chief use when cut down being for the
manufacture of gun or musket stocks, for which it was formerly
in great demand, and for the supply of which large quantities of
walnut timber were imported from the Continent. During the
Peninsular wars, when many of the chief continental ports and
markets were closed against us, walnut timber in Britain rose to
an enormous price, as we may judge from the fact of a single tree
having been sold for £600 ; and as such prices offered tempta-
tions which few proprietors were able to resist, a great
number of the finest walnut trees growing in this country
were sacrificed about that period to supply this trade. The
deficiency and scarcity thus created, as well as the hi^h
price, led to the introduction of the American walnut
timber, as well as of large supplies from the coasts of
the Black Sea, from whence any quantity can always be
obtained, and at prices lower than the timber can be grown
for in Britain. Hence this facility of procuring unlimited
supplies from abroad has also done away with the inducement
to plant walnut trees in this country, where it is a slow-
growing and long-lived tree before reaching maturity as a
timber crop, and its cultivation as such may be said to be
at an end in Great Britain, and especially so in Scotland.
Tlie few specimens left to us of any magnitude sliow well
as trees of position, and for effect, in the landscape, as well as
for variety of foliage in mixed plantations, but only as such
will the -walnut take its place among the forest trees of ScotLand
in the future. Indeed, it is probably best adapted for plantin'--
now as a park tree, or in hedge rows ; for, in mixed plantations,
its enormous and deep-penetrating roots, — indicating <Teat
power and resistance to the elements, — and its impatience of
interference, evince its unsocial habits, and mark it out as better
fitted for an open or exposed site ; and the only objection that
can be stated to its extensive introduction as an ornamental
tree of first importance, is its late period of coming into folia<'e

204: THE OLD AND REMARKABLE

in spring, and the early shedding of its graceful light green
pinnate leaves, which fall at the earliest approach of the
first autumnal frosts in our latitude. It does not admit of being
pruned at all when of any size ; this operation, if necessary,
should only be done when the tree is quite young, and never
close to the main stem. Such treatment would be most injurious
to the tree, and its pernicious effects are observable in old trees
which have come under our notice in Scotland, — such a process
of close-pruniug having invariably produced decay more or less
at the lower edge of tlie wound, caused doubtless by the wood
being naturally capable only of slow cicatrisation, and also
from the soft loose texture of the young wood of a tree which
otherwise, when allowed to mature and ripen, produces a timber
of close-grained quality, of beautifully coloured and veined
appearance, and of the very finest quality for all artistic and
ornamental constructive purposes or for internal decoration and
furniture.

Evelyn states that it had been observed by a friend of his that
the " sap of the walnut tree rises and descends with the sun's
diurnal course (while it visibly slackens in the night), and more
plentifully at the root on the south side, though those roots cut
on the north side were larger and less distant from the trunk of
the tree, and that they not only distilled from the ends which
were next the stem, but from those that were cut off and
separated," and which, he observes, " does not happen in birch,
or any other sap-yielding tree.""^ It is a pity the \vorthy and
observant arborist does not tell us more of the details of the
experiments and observations by which he arrived at this
conclusion regarding this relation between the sun's diurnal
course and the flow of sap in the walnut tree, which he seems
to point to as unique. May it not have rather been, or be
perhaps, due to lunar influence, if such a phenomenon, as he
alleges, exists at all, and afford inquiry, or fair field foi' investiga-
tion into a matter of the most profound interest in the economy
of the vegetable kingdom and arboricultural world, viz., the
periodiciti/ of the rise and fall of sap in trees throughout the
various periods of the moon's growth and decline in all months
of the year, — a function probably which, if better understood
and investigated, may be found to correspond to a similar law
in the animal kingdom for keeping alive and periodically revivi-
fying and quickening the latent forces of nature.

Many curious old and superstitious practices and ideas pre-
vailed in the last century regarding the walnut tree. These
were particularly common in Germany and in other countries
of the continent of Europe. In Erankfort and Hanau in

* Evelyn's Sylva (Hunter), voL i. book i. p. 171.

WALNUT TREES IN SCOTLAND. 205

Germany, until a very recent time, no young farmer was per-
mitted to marry till he had given proof that he had himself
planted, and was " the father " of a stated number of walnut trees
— a law which was most religiously enforced down to very recent
times, so great was the advantage supposed to be to the inhabi-
tants, and to the country generally, from the abundant presence
of the walnut tree. In olden times, again, the fruit of the walnut
was wont to be strewed by the bridegroom at a wedding, — to
indicate that he had, on entering his new phase of life, cast aside
his boyish amusements and games, or perhaps more likely to
signify that his bride had desisted from being any longer a votary
of Diana, to whom the walnut tree was sacred. From a very
early date, the individual properties of the walnut, in many parts
of the Continent, were held in great veneration and repute. It
is almost ludicrous to recount some of its fancied curative pro-
perties and the superstitious practices prevalent regarding these ;
and with respect to the various parts of the tree, — fruit, foliage,
oil, and bark. Thus, — a bitter decoction of the leaves and husks
of the fruit macerated in hot water, and spread upon lawns or
garden walks, would destroy worms and slugs without injuring
the greensward. The water of the husks was believed to be an
unfailing antidote against all pestilential infectiDus, and that of
the leaves to heal inveterate ulcers. The green husks of the
fruit boiled used to make a good dye, of a deep yellow colour
without any mixture. A distillation of walnut leav^es with
honey and urine would make hair to grow upon bald heads.
The kernel masticated, if applied to the bite of a suspected mad
dog, and after it has lain for three hours, if cast to poultry, they
will die if they eat it, should the dog have been mad. In Italy,
at the present day, the country people drink a pint of fresh
walnut oil to cure any pain in the side or liver, and are said to
receive immediate relief; but " more famous," says Evelyn, " is the
wonderful cure which the fungous substance separating tlie lobes
of the kernel, pulverised and drunk in wine in a moderate
quantity, did perform upon the English army in Ireland, afflicted
with a dysentery, when no other remedy could prevail." The
juice of the rind was also used as an effectual gargle for sore
throats.

With such a list of healing virtues, real or supposed, no
wonder that the walnut tree has been so extensively propagated
in continental countries ; and probably, owing to a belief to some
extent in these reputed qualities, it was tirst introduced into this
country by the early monks from the continent of Europe ; and
lience the earliest specimens now extant are, as we have shown,
chietly to be found flourishing beside the mouldering ruins of
the old ecclesiastical foundations of their departed hierarchy.

206

THE OLD AXD EEMARKABLE

APPEXDIX. — Description of the

County.

Place.

Ross, . . ; Flowerdale, .

Moray, . . AltjTe,

Moy,
Banff, . . Gordon Castle,

Forfar, . . Camperdown,

Ballinshoe Castle,

)>
Castle Huntly,
Pei'tii, . . Dunkeld,

^loncvieffe, .

Stobhall,

Logiealmond,
Bendochy Manse,
Abercaimey,
Gar\'ock,

Kinross, . . Kinross House,

Stirlingshire, . Alva,

Inchenahome Is-
land,

Fife, . . Balbougie Fordell,

Otterston,
>>
>>
}>

Dumbarton. , oamU Eskan, .

Linlithgow, . Dundas Castle,

Duntarvie Castle,

Newbattle Abbey,
Edmonston, .

Belton, .

Biel,

Salton Hall, .

Yester, .

)>
. Milnegraden,
Wells, .
Cessuock,

SpringkeU, .

>

« > d)

(B <» OJ

'2 -^

35

200
150
150

360

350
350
200

Mid-Lothian,

East-Lothian,

Berwickshire,

Roxburgh,

Ayrshire,

Dumfries,

Kirkcudbright, Heughan of Airds,

115
120

90
)

r -

1150
100

50
200
230

320

75

150
170
400

100
500

250
150

Soil.

Subsoil.

Light sandy loam, .

Deep sandy loam, -<

>»
Dark sandy loam, .

Sandy loam (tUlj ),

Black loam,

))
Sandy loam,
Black loam.

Light loam.

Clay and gravel,

Deep rich loam.
Good black loam.
Rich loam,
Black stiff loam,

Clay loam,

Hea^'5• loam, .
Good loam,

Good loam,
Sandy loam, ,

Sandy loam.
Good loam.
Deep loam, sandy.

Deep light loam.
Strong blue loam.

Hard boulder gravel,

Gravel, sand, and \
clay, . . )
Gavel and sand.

Bluish sandy clay, .

Till,

Red clay,

Gravel and clay.
Clay and gravel,

Gravel,

TUl,
>>

Clay and gravel.
Clay,

Gravel and clay.
Clay,

Till, .

Clay and tUl, .
Gravel,

Sand and clay,
Damp clay,

Loam,

Good
Light
Clay,

>j
Light
Good
Light

Light

loam,
loam,

soil,

loam,

sandy,

sandy.

Light loam.

Gravel,

Clay,

Clay,

Sandy gravel,
ilid-Lothian
Measures,

Coal^

Freestone rock.

Gravelly and clay,
Limestone,
Clay, .

Boulder clay.

Gravel,

Till,

Sand,
Gravel,

WALNUT TEEES IN SCOTLAND.

207

Walnut {Jurjlans Regia).

©02

w.

s.

s.w.

Sheltered.

S.W.

W.
E.

Height Length
of Tree of Bole
in Feet in Feet

Ft. in,

55 0

63 0

70 0

66 0

48 0

52 0

65 0

56 0

80 0

60 0

70 0

65 0

48 0

50 0

75 0

74 0

60 0

80 0

55 0

78 0

70 0

80 0

75 0

60 0

73 0

50 0

45 0

73 0

71 0

65 0

72 0
55 0
50 0
53 0
80 0
45 0
40 0

50 0

37 0

Ft. in.
8 0

short.
11 0

5 6

8 0
7 0

15'"o

13 0

12 0

13 0
9 0
9 0

17 0

6 0

20 0

18 0

12 0

37 0

5 0

18 0

15 0

13 0

25 0

20 0

15 0

12 0

30 0

25 0
15 0
18 0

7 0

Present

Circumference of

Trunk at

1 foot.

3 feet. I 5 feet. , ->

^"^ on

Jh ® ®

-•^ ^ o

2 o a

^ « c3
•-■ -7-. M

Ft. in.

9 5

15 2

14 3

13 8

9 5

17 0

17 7

11 11

13 9

13 7

10 8

26 0

10

6

13

16

23 0

10 9

10 1

13 6

9 5

13 10

14 3

13 9

14 6

8 3

7 10

16 1

18 2

15 4

11 3

12 0

13 9

13 7

10 8

8 11

14 0
7 3

8 8

23 0

8 9

13 10

17 3

53 0 -

Ft. in j Ft. in. Ft. in.
8 4

13 0

12 2

13 4

6 3

15 7

16 2

10 8
12 4

11 4

9
21

8

5

11 8
14 6

14 2

9 3

8 4

12 3

12 11

8 6

11 6

10 6

10 3
12 3

5 11

6 1
10 3

16 1

11 0

8 4

11 8

11 6

13 9

9 2
6 9

13 10

5 8

207 0

66
99

63 0

75 0

ee:marks.

/^Growing on the most westerly

J point of the mainland of Scot-
land where trees grow, but is

V, now in a decaying condition.

J Hooped together with ti'on bauds.

( Contains about 200 ft. of timber.
Fell in gale of 26th Feb. 1882.

(In 1838, girthed 9 ft. 6 in. at 5 ft.

( A very handsome specimen.
This tree had originally branched
off into two large limbs at bh ft.
from the base, and from "the
fork the trunk has now split
down to the root, but both
heads are quite \igorous and in
full foliage.

^The last remaining of a fine group.
J. It is considerably decayed, but
( still fruiting.

(One of seventeen still remaining
'( of a fine walnut avenue here.

A very handsome specimen.
( Inside quite hollow, but top
) vigorous.

A very magnificent tree.
(Divides at 6 ft. into three large
< limbs. This tree is mentioned
( by Dr Walker in 1790.

Blown down Feb. 1882.

At west gateway of old Priory.

(Supposed to be one of finest in

( Scotland.

/'Two magnificent walnut trees
were blown down here in gale
of Oct. 14, ISSl. Each tree
contained from 9 to 10 tons of
timber, and they were sold for
upwards of £50 sterling, for

l^ cabinet-work and gun-stocks.

(Grows on west side of old Xorman
\ keep.

Have stood in ohl castle garden.
In stalile orchard.

/This tree has had to be taken
' down, beingquitedead this year
(1883). Many more fine wal-
nuts here.

I

(Stands in iiuaint <
( yard of Kirkconnel.
J A very vigorous and

'( tn«>

Id church-
handsome

208 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

By Alexander Macdonald, Sub-Editor, North British Agriculturist,

Edinburgh.

[Premium Five Sovereigns.]

Introductory.

Beyond vague tradition, we have no reliable indication of the
origin of the blackfaced or heath breed of sheep. It is a
common belief in Scotland that it is not indigenous to Britain,
and many circumstances tend to confirm this opinion. Dr
Walker, who is acknowledged to ha^^e been a high authority on
the subject, supposes that it is of foreign origin, and that the
forest of Ettrick vv^as selected as its first locality in Scotland.
He mentions that a flock of some 5000 sheep was imported by
one of the Scottish kings for the use of the royal household,
and from that stock the whole of the blackfaced race, it is
supposed, succeeded. The opinions of other writers, however,
combined with the natural character of the breed, indulge the
belief that there is some truth in the conjecture that it
originated among the mountains of Cumberland, Westmoreland,
and Lancashire, and that it was introduced into Scotland at an
early date. Some people hold, on the other hand, that the
blackfaced sheep originated among, and were the earlier
inhabitants of, the mountainous parts of the south of Scotland.
There is no breed of sheep existing in Britain at the present
time to which this breed bears much resemblance, and this,
coupled with the fact that the only similar sheep known is
Wallachian, goes to support Dr Walker's argument.

The comparatively valueless character of the fleece, as well
as the whole figure and general independent bearing of the
blackfaced sheep, suggests, or in fact points it out, as the native
of a high and stormy region. This peculiarity, says a writer,
may in all probability have been derived from the character of
the hills where the breed originated. The influence of the soil
and climate on the covering of animals is well known, and has
been strikingly exemplified in the natural history of the sheep in
this and other countries. A humid atmosphere has the effect of
lengthening the covering of sheep as well as of other animals.
The cattle in the west coast have, as a rule, longer hair than
those of the east, because of the dampness of the atmosphere.
The depth and quality of the soil are also supposed to exercise
a considerable influence on the growth and character of the
wool and general development of the sheep.

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 209

History of the Breed.

Notwithstauding the inferior quality of the wool, and other
defects of this breed in its aboriginal and unimproved condition,
its peculiar adaptability to withstand severe climate, and to
fatten on the coarsest herbage, commended it to occupiers of
large tracts of heath and mountain land ; and to quote Hector
Loethius, who wrote about the year 1460, and speaking of the
sheep in the vale of Esk, says — " Until the introduction of the
Cheviots, the rough-wooUed blackfaced sheep alone were to be
found," From this, it would seem that the blackfaced or heath
breed of sheep had been the prevailing breed at an early date.
After the introduction of the Cheviot and other fine-woolled
breeds, it was supplanted by them in many districts, at different
periods during its history — a circumstance regulated by the
prices of wool — but the race has never been allowed to die
out. The germs of its early fame had never been entirely extin-
guished, and for many years past they have been gradually
regaining strength. It is only within the past century and a
half, or litttle more, however, since flockowners began to direct
attention to the improvement of the breed, but during that
time many defects have been removed. Since the advent of
the present century, an enthusiasm has been manifesting itself
among sheep farmers to raise the value of their flocks, and a
healthy emulation has existed among breeders for upwards of
sixty years.

Their desire to resuscitate the faded popularity of their favourite
breed has been vastly encouraged by the Highland and Agricul-
tural Society and kindred associations, who at their annual exhibi-
tions, give handsome premiums for the best specimens of the
breed. It is a matter for regret, however, that the inducements
held forth by these associations have not been more generally
responded to. Only the small minority of the breeders have
apparently become alive to the importance of devoting means
and attention to the amelioration of their Hocks. Foremost
among the improvers have been the ^fessrs Gillespie of Lanark-
shire ; the Messrs Archibald of Overshiels ; ^Ir Charles
Howatson of Glenbuck ; and Mr Foyer, Knowehead, Campsie.
The (llenbuck stock is perhaps the oldest, having possessed a
well-known reputation for upwards of a century. It has always
been distinguislied for its superiority of blood and excellence of
ty])e. JJefore ]\Ir Howatson became owner, the grazing of
Glenbuck was in the hands of the M'Kersies, who took a great
interest in rearing sheep, and they acquired for their Hock a
name which will long have a familiar ring among breeders of
blackfaced sheep. Mr Foyer, Knowehead, is owner of a very
old and celebrated stock ; while the Hock of the ^lessrs Archi-

0

210 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

bald, Overshiels, has long been regarded as a source of pure
blood, and good breeding. A distinguished sheep farmer,
writing to u.s on the subject of blackfaced sheep, likens them
to the favourite tribes of black Polled Aberdeen or Angus
cattle, thus-—" I should say of the blackfaced sheep which are
notable for their long standing and superior breeding, that the
Glenbuck stock occupies the position of the ' Ericas,' and the
Overshiels and Knowehead stocks the places of the 'Prides'
and * Lucys.' "

Other gentlemen who have aided in the improvement of the
breed are Messrs Fleming, Ploughland, Lanarkshire ; James
Greenshields, West Town, Lanarkshire ; T. Aitken, Listonshiels
James Craig of Craigdarroch ; Pi. Buchanan, Letter, Kill earn
J. Moffat, Gateside, Dumfries ; P. Melrose, Westloch, Peebles
Thomas Murray, Braidwood, Penicuik ; John Sloan, Barnhill,
Ayrshire ; James Duncan of Benmore, Argyllshire ; William
Whyte, Spott, Kirriemuir ; Peter Piobertson, Achilty, Dingwall ;
James A. Gordon, Udale, Invergordon ; Donald Stewart, Chapel-
park, Kingussie ; and Mr Brydon, Burncastle, Berwickshire.

I have to acknowledge my gratitude to several of these
gentlemen for their valuable assistance, in placing at my disposal
their observations and experiences in connection with the
breeding and rearing of blackfaced sheep. Their communica-
tions will not only form an interesting appendix to my treatise,
but they have served in confirming former opinions. Lanark-
shire has from time immemorial been regarded as the nui^sery
of blackfaced sheep, and this and other southern counties have
played important parts in the resuscitation of the breed. Their
annual sales have been valuable institutions for many years, and
have been the mediums through which a great deal of excellent
blood has been disseminated. Drafts of young tups from the
best breeding stocks in Britain are disposed of at these sales,
and the gradual increase of prices obtained for tups during the
past quarter of a century, affords a good indication of the grow-
ing desire to procure pure blood and fashionable types. The
great secret in keeping blackfaces is to avoid overstocking.
The importance of this was sadly overlooked in the earlier
history of the breed, but with the enlightenment of the past fifty or
sixty years this disadvantage has been generally guarded against.

The principal events of the year for breeders of blackfaced
sheep are the Lothian ram sales, the Perth sales, and the
autumn Palkirk trysts. At all these there is generally a good
representation of the leading sheep stocks in Scotland, which
country may be designated the home and fountainhead of the
breed. The Lothian ram sale is an important event to breeders
who go in for high-class stock, and we are pleased to note that
these are year by year increasing in number. That they are

THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP. 211

increasing in number is well indicated by the fact, that the
demand has been gradually becoming more active for many
years. This fact has not been so forcibly demonstrated within
the past few years, but from 1850 to 1876 there was a very
remarkable improvement in the character of the tup market.
The increased fastidiousness of flockowners in selecting high-
bred tups has been the means of bringing large prices into the
hands of a few of the most enterprising and successful sheep
breeders. The demand has been pressing for tups extracted
from some of the Hocks which I have previously mentioned, and
tlie owners of these may be said to have enjoyed a monopoly of
the trade. The rise in the prices of high-class stock within
the past twenty-five years has been remarkable, and affords
additional evidence of the desire now extant to produce an
altogether finer race of sheep. Tups which were worth about
£7 each twenty-five years ago — and £7 was considered a good
price — would now bring from £60 to £70, while £20 each is
not considered a very high price for well-bred rams. For ewe
stock the demand has been less active, and consec[uently the
advancement in prices of ewe stock has been less marked.
Some thirty years ago, however, 25s. was regarded as a more
extravagant price for a ewe lamb than 50s. or 60s. would be at
the present day.

The great advancement thus indicated in the prices of black-
fdced sheep has not entirely resulted from one cause. There
have been several agents working with combined force in
bringing it about. An important one of these agents has
undoubtedly been the prevailing anxiety to improve the
character of the blackfaced breed, whose natural character-
istics are so well calculated to resist the hardships of a severe
climate. This anxiety has long existed among a few Hock-
owners, but it has been gaining a hold upon the majority in
recent years, and extending rapidly. The causes for this are not
far to seek or ill to find. The revolutionary tendency of the
wool market, and the meteorological severity of the past eight or
ten years, have turned the attention of many admirers of finer
svoolled breeds to the blackface. In all industries the branches
expected to yield most profit are generally pursued, and it is
believed, if indeed not actually proved, that considering the
scanty fare on which this breed subsists, and even thrives,
Iligldand Hocks are on the whole most profitable. What proves
an obstacle to the development of pastoral pursuits in Scothind,
however, is the large extent of deer forests. Fashion is the all-
powerful agent which has been at the bottom of the mania for
creating and extending these. It was estimated in 1S7."> that
the number of sheep displaced by forests in Scothind was
400,000, while it has been computed that since then the

212

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

number of sheep displaced has been raised to 481,550. The
number of forests in 1872-73 was said to be between 60 or 70,
and now, including those only partially cleared, the number is
96. Of these 96 forests there are 5 in Aberdeenshire, 6 in
Argyllshire, 1 in Banffshire, 1 in Caithness, 5 in Forfarshire,
So in Inverness-shire, 5 in Perthshire, 37 in Eoss and
Cromarty, and 3 in Sutherlandshire. The total number of
sheep in these counties at present is about 3,363,414.

Many experiments have been tried during the history of the
Highland breed of sheep with a view to the improvement of its
wool. These were conducted in various parts of the south and
north of Scotland, by way of crossing blackfaced ewes with
tups of other breeds, bat the results have invariably been dis-
appointing. The experiments tended rather to degenerate
instead of improve the Highland breed. " Some time is
required," says a sheep- farmer, " before the blackfaced stock
can be restored to its natural purity after being crossed with
tups of other breeds. " Crossing blackfaced ewes with Leicester
rams is a common practice among flockowners who fatten their
young stock for the market. In these circumstances, such a
course is justifiable and commendable, as it produces heavier
and earlier-maturing lambs.

The depreciation of the finer varieties of wool in the wool
market arises from the fact that the demand is being supplied
from other countries. The Cheviot and Leicester breeders are
thus being undersold by their foreign competitors, and the
breeders of Highland sheep would share the same fate, if the
wool of the blackfaced sheep had not a speciality which adapts
it for peculiar purposes. Its coarse, shaggy fibre is found to be
more durable and serviceable in the manufacture of carpets and
other rough textures than any other variety of wool.

The following is a comparative statement of the average
prices of white wool of both Cheviot and blackfaced sheep since
I860:—

Cheviot.

Blackfaced.

s.

d.

6'.

d.

s. d.

s. d.

I860,

from 1

6*

to

n

from 0 8^

to

0 10

1861,

6|

5

0 9i

0 9

1862,

6"

7

0 9^

1 01

1863,

7i

10

1 01

0 11

1864,

lOi

4|

1 0

1 31

1865,

0^

i

1 0|

1 n

1866,

11

7i

1 u

0 \u

1867,

8

^2

0 lOj

0 8j

1868,

u

5

0 6^

0 7^

1869,

4

H

0 71

0 7

1870,

3l

2

0 7i

0 7

1871,

2-

10|

0 8

1 Ih

1872,

2

2^

9

1 4

1 0

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 213

Cheviot.

Blackfaced.

s.

cl

s.

cl

s.

d.

s. d.

1873,

. from 2

1 to

8

from 1

2 to

0 9

1874,

8i

7

0

10|

0 10

1875,

7

8

0

10

0 lOi

1876,

Ih

4i

0

10

0 8

1877,

5|

4'

0

9

0 8

1878,

2"

3^

0

8

0 9

1879,

Hi

4

0

6

0 7

1880,

3

5

0

8

0 8|

1881,

3

?l

0

r— X

0 7

1882,

2

0

^ 1

0 7

1883,

0

9

0

11

0

6"

0 7i

These figures show a great irregularity in the prices of wool,
the result of the fluctuations being a very considerable decline
during the past ten years. It will be observed, however, that
in consequence of the cotton famine and American war in
1864, the prices of both classes of wool rose materially in value,
and continued high till the end of 1867. Another ascendency
took place in 1872, as a result of the Franco-Prussian war in
1870-71, but since then the variations have been less marked.
The prices of Cheviot wool have been falling more rapidly than
those of blackfaced sheep, which is shown to have been at as
low an ebb as 7d. in some former years, but not within living
memory has the price of Cheviot wool been so low as it now is
(1883)."^ In reference to this subject, Mr Aitken, Listonshiels,
says — " Owing to foreign competition, wool has been selling very
cheaply of late, being nearly as low as it was fifty years ago,
the ditt&rence being from Id. to 2d. per lb. for wool of the best
quality. Highland wool in some cases only brings 5d. per lb.,
while in 1864 the current price was as high as Is. 3d. — more
than double the present selling rate."

Though for many centuries the prevailing breed in the
mountainous parts of the south of Scotland, the blackfaced
sheep were not introduced into the north until a comparatively
recent date. The Cheviot breed was largely scattered over the
northern counties before this hardy species had passed the
Gram})ians. For at least a century, however, blackfaced sheep
have been in possession of northern farmers, and within the
past twenty or thirty years they have greatly increased.
Cheviots still liold a place in the counties of Caithness, Suther-
land, Iioss, and Inverness; but fur many years they have been
losing ground, and tlio Highland breed on the ascendency, both
north and south. The leading promoters of the breed in tlie
north are Mr Kobcrtson, Acliilty, who has a large sheep run
attaclied to his arable farm ; Mr Gordon, P>almuchy ; and Mr
.Tames Gordon, Udale. These gentlemen are careful in their
selection of tups, and raise equally as good tup himbs as those

214 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

to be met with in the south of Scotland. A writer, in describ-
ing a tour from Land's End to John o' Groats, in 1864, made the
following reference to the upper reaches of Strathspey, in which
the counties of Perth, Banff, and Inverness all join :—

" The sheep in this region are chiefly the old Scotch breed,
with curling horns and crooked faces and legs, such as are
represented in old pictures. The black seems to be spattered
upon them, and looks as if the heather would rub it off. The
wool is long and coarse, giving them a goat-like appearance.
They seem to predominate over any other breed in this part of
the country, yet not necessarily nor advantageously. A large
sheep farmer from England was staying at the inn, with whom
I had much conversation on the subject. He said the Cheviots
w^ere equally adapted to the Highlands, and thought they
would ultimately supplant the blackfaces. Although he lived
in Northumberland, full two hundred miles to the south, he had
rented a large sheep walk or mountain farm in the Western
Highlands, and had come to this district to buy or hire another
tract. He kept about 4000 sheep, and intended to introduce
the Cheviots upon these Scotch holdings, as their bodies were
much heavier, and their wool worth nearly double that of tlie
old backfaced breed. Sheep are the principal source of wealth
in the whole of the north and west of Scotland. I was told
that sometimes a flock of 20,000 is owned by one man. The
lands on which they are pastured will not rent above one or
two English shillings per acre ; and a flock even of 1000
requires a vast range, as may be indicated by the reply of a
Scotch farmer to an English one, on being asked by the latter
one, ' How many sheep do you allow to the acre ? ' ' Ah mon,'
was the answer, ' that's nae the way we counts in the High-
lands ; its how monie acres to the sheep ! ' "

Cheviots were then, as already indicated, displacing the High-
land breed in many parts of Britain, but since that time a very
material change has taken place. Even the green mantled hills
of the south are being more extensively put under blackfaces
every year. "From the time of King James down to the year
1785," says Hogg, in his Statistics of the County of Selkirk, " the
blackfaced or forest breed continued to be the sole breed of
sheep reared in this district; and happy had it been for the
inhabitants had no other been introduced to this day." The
latter clause of Mr Hogg's remarks will, we have no doubt, be
very freely re-echoed by many flockowners who have had the
disagreeable experience of changing stocks, as the maxim of
supply and demand required. A writer on the subject, in the
year 1844, states that in the south of Scotland " Lord Napier
made strenuous and successful exertions to arouse and direct
the solicitude of sheep farmers to the improvement of the

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 215

Hifrhland breed. In the Yale of Ettrick he becran con amore to
take and to give lessons on sheep husbandry ; and in 1819 he
succeeded in forming a pastoral society, which since the date of
its establishment has steadily and successfully directed the
energies of the farmers." " So early as 1798," continues the same
writer, " the majority of sheep walks in the south were stocked
with Cheviots, but the old blackfaced sheep, in the rough
character which belonged to it before the era of modern
improvement, was some fourteen or fifteen years ago reintro-
duced to two or three farms in the county of Selkirk, but it has
never reacquired favour, or been fairly tolerated, except where
the less hardy whitefaced sheep is too fragile for the abrasions
of the climate."

CharacterisfAcs of the Breed.

The nature and habits of the blackfaced sheep are truly
Highland. When left for a short time on the hills unmolested
it becomes wild, and wherever depasturing during the day, it
has the peculiarity of returning regularly to one particular spot
over night. It seeks its bed on elevated ground, and it is both
pleasant and interesting to watch its instinctive movements on
the hillsides on a fine summer evening. About sunset it repairs
to its sleeping ground, and in olden times it was regarded as a
foretaste of good weather if the flocks moved early and heartily
to their lodging places.

The following are the points which pure-bred tups should
possess : — Long-wool ; evenly covered body, with a glossy or silky
appearance ; legs, roots of the ears, and forehead (especially of
lambs) well covered with soft fine wool ; the muzzle and lips of
the same light hue ; the eye bright, prominent, and full of life ;
the muzzle long and clean, the jaw being perfectly bare of
wool; the ears moderately long; the horns with two or more
graceful spiral turns, springing easily from the head, inclining
outwards, downwards, and forward — the upper edge of each
turn beini]f horizontal with the chaflVon ; the carcase loner, round,
and firm ; the neck thick and full where it joins the shoulder ;
the shoulder bones well slanted ; the limbs robust and chest
wide ; and the ribs well curved and full, wool coming well down
on the thighs and chest; face and legs, if not entirely black,
should be speckled, and the hind legs well bent at the hocks,
and free from black spots or " kemps." The general figure of
the ewe is the same as the tup, but the horns should be tlat and
" open," or standing well out from the head. Big-boned lanky
sheep, with narrow chests and Hat ribs, are generally of weak
constitution, and these, as well as sheep with bare hard hairs on
their legs, breast, neck, and face — which are far too common —

216 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

ought to be got rid of. On these animals there is a great
proportion of the wool " kempy/' or full of hard white hair, and
destitute of felting property. It is observed that sheep with
strong or rising noses are generally hardier in constitution than
those with weak hollow faces. The most objectionable point of
the present race of Highland sheep is the inferiority of its wool.
The average yield is as nearly as possible 4 J lbs. per hogg,
3 J lbs. per ewe, and from 4 to 5 lbs. per wether. The return,
both in quantity and quality, varies in accordance w^ith the
nature of the pasture, soil, and climate on which the sheep are
kept. A higher return is obtained in the south of Scotland
than in the northern counties. Where the sheep are pastured
on strong grassy land, the quality of the wool is finer than when
they are confined to heathery pasture ; but the latter gives an
additional f]avour to the mutton, which is a favourite commodity
in the metropolitan markets. The females of the blackfaced
breed are not so prolific as those of the Cheviot or Leicester
breeds, there being as a rule a return of only one lamb for each
ewe. It sometimes happens, however, that Highland ewes have
two lambs, but in the majority of cases, or in fact in nearly
every case, they give birth to and foster only one lamb. The
number of ewes allotted to each ram varies with the different
systems of management, but one tup has often been known to
sire over 60 lambs.

On the better farms in the south of Scotland the return of
wool is considerably heavier than on the northern pastures,
having been greatly improved since the pastures came under
the management of the present tenants. As an instance of this,
I may mention that in 1864, which was a fairly representative
year, tlie average weight per fleece of ewes and hoggs on Mr
Howatson's (Glenbuck) pastures, was 4J lbs., whereas in 1875
it was 5^ lbs. ; in 1876, notwithstanding the severe season, it
was 5| lbs,, thus showing an increase of 40 per cent, in twelve
years. Since 1876 this successful breeder has raised the average
yield of wool per ewe p'ld hogg to about 5J lbs.

Management of Higliland Sheep.

Over the immese tracts of mountainland, which constitute a
large proportion of the entire area of the United Kingdom, a
very efficient system of pastoral farming has prevailed for
nearly half a century. As early as the advent of the present
century, many flockowners in the south of Scotland had begun
to give a considerable amount of attention to the management of
mountain pastures, and their good example ultimately extended
to the remotest corners of Britain. Generally speaking, every
large sheep farm is so situated that one part of it is best adapted

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 217

for ewe stock ; another portion is more suitable for hoggs ; while
the more elevated and barren parts are only fit for the rearing of
wethers. One of the points of pastoral farming which has hitherto
been greatly overlooked, and which is now beginning to claim
the well-merited attention of farmers, is the drainage of hill
pastures. This is not only the means of removing many
dangerous streams, springs, and flat swampy bogs, which
usually intersects mountain pasture, but it improves the quality
of the grass, and prevents rot and other diseases which are
fostered by wet land. Fencing sheep pasture is a practice not
very extensively adopted, except on small farms where flocks
are confined, and require the constant attention of a shepherd.
Boundary fences are common in some parts of Britain, and
these prove advantageous. It would be of much service if the
practice of enclosing and dividing mountain farms was more
generally pursued. It would afford accommodation foy separat-
ing flocks as occasion required. On farms on which breeding is
regularly conducted, parks are specially valuable, though they
are not so common as they should be. Besides preventing
sheep from straying, they afford special facilities for keeping
tups and ewes separate, which becomes necessary at certain
seasons of the year, and also for the weaning of lambs.

The southern districts of Scotland claim the honour of raisinci;
the best stock, and as being the districts in which the spirit of
improvement has been longest and most actively at work. In
the counties of Lanark, Ayr, Dumfries, Selkirk, and Mid-Lothian,
the greatest pains and attention have been bestowed on the
breeding process for a long period. The northern counties,
though at one time far behind in their production of stock, have
been pulling up within the past twenty or thirty years.
Farmers who had previously been groping in the dark, as to the
" secrets " of successful breeding, have recently been showing
inclinations to vindicate the honour of the Highland fleece. A
most active system of (Highland) sheep farming now exists
throughout the United Kingdom, and we have no doubt but,
" with a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether," farmers
will yet acquire a much higher celebrity for their Highland
breed. The selection of tups, and the " weeding out" of inferior
females from the flocks, are now receiving a considerable
measure of that careful attention which these points so strongly
demand and so well deserve.

'I'ups are generally put to the ewes from the 20th to the oOtli
of November, — according to the situation and character of the
farm, — but it is a widely recognised rule on mountain farms
that it is much better, both for the mother and the offsprinu:, to
have tlu' lambing a little too late rather than too earl v. In the
more northern and inland districts, flocks in the fall of tlie year

"218 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

are generally sent to be wintered in the low country or seaboard
parts. The character of the winter on the hills is, as a rule,
much more severe than in the low arable country, and the
system of wintering keeps down the rate of mortality among
Highland flocks. About 1860 the average price per head for
wintering ranged from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d., but since then it has
been doubled. Six shillings per animal is a common price now ;
and if a small extent of turnips is allowed along with pasture,
7s. 6d. or 8s. is sometimes obtained. Two reasons for this great
increase in the expense of wintering may be put dow^n thus.
The first is, that owing to the increased value of the sheep,
owners thereof in upland districts turn more of them to
the low country than formerly, in order to get them as well
wintered as possible. The second is, that many lowland
farmers, who formerly let their winter pasture, now prefer
either to keep sheep all the year round, or to buy them in to
winter, wdth a view to sell in spring or through the summer
season. Between the years of 1830 and 1840, the cost of
wintering sheep was calculated at from Is. 6d. to 2s. per head.
Hoggs are usually put to the wintering ground about the 1st
of November and taken home about the 1st of April. .

Messrs Kennedy and Grainger, writing in the year 1829, thus
compute the profit and loss from a flock of 1000 blackfaced
breeding ewes in Inverness-shire : —

126 Ewes, at ^9 per score of 21, . . £54 0 0

105 Shot lambs, at ,£2, 10s. per score, . . 12 10 0

252 Wedder lambs, at £6 „ . . 72 0 0

180 Stones of laid wool, at 5s. per stone, . 45 0 0

£183 10 0

Dedvxtions.
Smearing, .... £25 0 0
Two shepherds' meal, &c., besides

pasturage, . . . 10 0 0

Interest of money, . . . 35 0 0

70 0 0

Remaining for rent and all public burdens, £113 10 0

*' This sum was considerably short of what was wanted for
the landlord ; and the only resources for the tenant, in order to
enable him to make up the deficiency, and keep his family, was
the keep of a few cows, and the growth of potatoes, but which,
after all, would yield a very unprofitable return for the time
employed and the capital invested. The rent, however, is now
lowered, and the price of the wool considerably raised." In the
southern counties of Scotland the flocks are seldom taken off
the lower hills during the winter season. About Christmas the
rams are withdrawn from the ewes, and fed upon turnips, hay,

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 219

crushed oats, cake, &c. Flocks kept on hill farms during
winter require the close attendance of shepherds, particularly
during stormy weather. Despite the vigilance of the most
trustworthy shepherd, the sheep — having a tendency to crouch
in sheltered places, where snow when drifting is sure to
accumulate — frequently become embedded in wreaths of snow.
Heavy losses are sustained in this manner. One of the most
striking characteristics of the black faced sheep is its endurance
amongst snow. I have seen cases, during my experience of
liill-farming, of sheep being buried under a wreath for six or
seven consecutive weeks, and coming out alive after a thaw.
Frequently, however, after being subjected to such prolonged
confinsment, they succumb to the elements after being set at
liberty. The pasture on hill farms generally gets scant during
the winter season, and it is found necesary to supplement the
food which flocks gather on the hills by hay, straw, turnips,
&c. When farmers send their sheep to be wintered in the low
country, they are always careful to place them under the charge
of trustworthy and faithful shepherds. For successful sheep
farming a careful shepherd is the all-important functionary.

In his description of the qualifications of a mountain
shepherd, Mr Little says — '•' The shepherd should be honest,
active, careful, and, above all, calm-tempered. A shepherd who
at any time gets into a passion with his sheep, not only occa-
sionally injures them, but acts at great disadvantage both in
herding them and working among them. A good-tempered man
and a close-mouthed dog will effect the desired object with half
the time and trouble that it gives to the hasty passionate man.
The qualifications of a shepherd is not to train his dog to run-
ning and hounding, bat to direct the sheep, according to the
nature of the soil and climate, and the situation of the farm, in
Huch a manner as to obtain the greatest quantity of safe and
nutritious food at all seasons of the year. Those shepherds who
dog and force tlieir Hocks, I take to be bad herdsmen for their
masters and bad herdsmen for the neighbouring farmers."
These remarks are to the point in every sense of tlic word, and
cannot be too frequently impressed upon the minds of both
shepherds and masters. At all seasons, interested shepherds
can, by care and judgment, do a great deal in improving the
condition of Hocks.

Most farmers take a quantity of turnips along with lowland
pasture during the winter, and when the supply of grass falls
short in the first of spring, the sheep are usually netted on the
turnips. This is found to encourage the growth and muscular
development of young stock. Kwes in lamb are sometimes
also allowed a supply of turnips, but if they can be brought
throutrh without it there is less danger of mortality at the

220 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

lambing season. When ewes, heavy in lamb, are kept upon
such nutritious food, the growth of the horns of the male lambs
becomes so stimulated as to frequently entail the death of the
one or the other, or both ewe and lamb, during lambino^. Lambs
are often to be seen among Highland flocks as early as the 1st
of April, but farmers have been taught some costly lessons in
recent years, to guard against early lambing. The hoggs are
put to the hills when taken home from the wintering, but
breeding ewes are, as a rule, kept on dry ground near the farm
steadings or sheep cots, in order that the closest attention can
be given them during the critical period. It is customary, when
practicable, to give a few turnips to ewes immediately after
lambing, and this enriches the supply of milk for the lambs.

Tup lambs are castrated about the end of June, or when they
are eight or ten weeks old. Clipping is begun among hoggs
about the middle of June, and is generally finished about the
second week of Julv. It is the custom on manv farms to wash
the sheep before clipping them. In the shearing operation
mutual assistance is frequently given. Keighbouring shepherds
help each other during the clipping. The sheep are generally
branded on the horn or marked with tar or paint at clipping,
while some farmers dip them immediately after the fleece is
removed. The lambs are allowed to remain with their mothers
until the end of July, when weaning begins. At this stage the
lambs (but in some cases the wether lambs are not weaned till
later on) are separated from the ewes and kept on clean pasture,
usually preserved for the occasion, for at least a fortnight, out of
hearing of their mothers. Commonly the " weeding out " process
takes place at the weaning season, that is the singling out of
inferior lambs, or technically speaking " shotts," which are then,
or shortly afterwards, disposed of along with " cast '"' ewes. The
age at which ewes become "cast "is, generally speaking, five
years, but in exceptional cases they are sent to the market earlier.
The prices of " short " lambs vary from 8s. to 16s., while those of
"cast" ewes range from 16s. to 24s. This year (1883) prices
were several shillings a head over these sums. These are
disposed of at the nearest market. Sheep farmers in the North
and West Highlands are largely accommodated for disposing of
their summer drafts by the Fort-William and Inverness sheep
and wool fairs, and the Muir of Ord markets, while the Falkirk
trysts and Lanark fairs are the chief emporiums of southern
flockowners. Since so many extensive districts in the High-
lands were cleared of men and black cattle and converted into
sheep walks, immense flocks of black faced sheep — chiefly
wethers — are annually disposed of at Doune and Falkirk trysts,
and driven into the Lothians and England, where they are fed
on turnips. A few flockowners, who have a lowland farm

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 221

along with a large range of bill pasture, feed the weclder lambs
on the lowland farm instead of selling them at weaning time,
and dispose of them in the spring, or through the following
summer.

Practically speaking, so soon as the shearing and weaning are
over, and the sheep carefully marked, the ewes, lambs, and
wethers are divided, if necessary, and disposed of according to
the nature of the farm. The old and true proverb, that " shelter
is half meat for sheep," is prominently kept in view^, and
shepherds are watchful to move their flocks to sheltered ground
during stormy weather. During the past thirty years the
practice of smearing, once so common on hill farms, has been to
a great extent abandoned. Some farmers in the north, how-
ever, still smear their flocks. The great mass of flockowners
prefer to dip their sheep, as will be learned from the opinions
of the leading breeders subjoined. It is found to involve less
expenditure, and be on the whole more profitable than smear-
ing. Most farmers dip their flocks twice a year. This is
regulated by the character of the pasture, whether wet or dry.
On very dry pasture one dipping in the year is — at least for old
sheep — sufficient. Lambs are generally dipped at weaning
time, and again before being sent to the wintering.

Besides the experiments tried with a view to the improve-
ment of the blackfaced breed, some enterprising gentlemen have
also made some progress in the direction of improving pasture
land by draining and liming, &c. Mr Howatson made an
experiment on his property at Dornel, in the parish of Auchin-
leck, some years ago, which is worth being recorded. He took
two farms, which had been previously used for dairying
purposes, into his own hands, and having drained and limed
them, he put them under a regular breeding stock of blackfaced
sheep. After a trial of some eight or nine years, however, the
experiment proved unsuccessful and he abandoned it, and let
the farms. He found that a sufficient number of sheep coukl
not be kept to consume the grass, without the latter getting too
foul from their droppings, and not having a portion of rough
pasture to graze upon, the sheep lost a good deal of their
hardiness of constitution, which is a very valuable feature of
this breed; and, moreover, the sheep stock on such land, was
not so remunerative as the dairy cows which had previously
been kept upon it. The experiment, however, was not without
its value, as showing that the class of land is chosen for eac.'h
distinctive breed of stock which is best adai)ted for it. The
flocks of this gentlemen are, as I have already indicated, of the
highest and purest breeding. He gives and gets long prices for
tups annually. In IcSTO he sold a tuj) at £00, and in 1872 he
purchased one at £50. Mr Archibald, Overshiels, has, in

222 THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP.

recent 3'ears, liad the distinguished honour of obtaining the
highest average prices at the Lothian ram sales. He sold two
beautiful specimens to Mr Howatson, at £71 and £08 respec-
tively in 1882.

Smearinrj versus Bipjmig.

Smearing and dipping, though practically two distinct opera-
tions, tend to the same object, viz., the destruction of parasites
peculiar to sheep ; they also stimulate and improve the quality
of wool, and conduce to a healthy, and muscular development of
the sheep. Smearing is confined for the greater part to the western
and northern Hiahlands of Scotland, but even in these districts it
is now less fashionable than it was some ten or fifteen years ago.
The advocates of dipping, as a substitute for smearing, have
increased in recent years, and the former process is now all but
universally preferred in the south of Scotland. The advantages
of dipping are undoubted, but they are by no means best
exemplified in its effects upon wool. The strength of its utility
lies more in its efficacy in destroying keds and all vermin
peculiar to sheep. To dipping, some people prefer pouring with
oil, butter, and turpentine for hill stock on lowland farms.
Smearing entails more labour than dipping or pouring, and is
consequently more expensive. The process is so elaborate that
a man can only smear about a score of sheep per day. The
wool has to be parted at a distance of about two inches, and the
composition inserted to the skin in each "shed" with the fingers.
The smearing composition usually consists of Archangel tar,
butter, American grease, brown grease, and palm oiL A
dip, consisting of a combination of oil and grease, has been
considerably used during the past ten or fifteen years. Smear-
ing is recommended for flocks on the Grampians and Monaliadh
ranges, and the highest parts of the counties of Argyll and
Eoss. In respect of the extent to which dipping and smearing
are used, the former undeniably bears the palm. Though the
latter process might be considered more suitable than dipping
for certain climates and situations, its cost is nearly three times
that of dipping ; and in view of the present condition of the
sheep and wool markets, such an expenditure is considered by
many entirely unnecessary, and is being abandoned accordingly.

The following is a comparative statement of the price per
pound of white and laid Highland wool at different periods
since 18^1:-—

Laid Wool. White Wool. Laid Wool. White Wool.

s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.

1841, 0 4 0 3| 1872, 0 10 1

White Wool.;

s.

d.

0

31

0

4^ 1

0

8j !

0

6i :

1843, 0 3 0 4i 1876, 0 6 0 8^

1860, 0 5^ 0 8| 1880, 0 5^ 0 8

1868, 0 4} 0 6j : 1883, 0 4 0 5|

THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP. 223

Besides the labour which smearing involves, it depreciates the
value of the wool very considerably, and gives rise to the
question, whether the benefit which the sheep derives from smear-
ing is equivalent to the sacrifice in the price of the fleece by its
application ? The average yield of wool from smeared and
dipped sheep is as nearly as possible thus : Smeared — wethers,
6 lbs. to 7 lbs.; ewes, 3-^ lbs. to 5 lbs.; and hoggs, 4 lbs. to 5 lbs.
Dipped — wethers, 3J lbs, to 5 lbs.; ewes, 2^ lbs. to 4 lbs.; and
hoggs, 3 lbs. to 4 lbs. These figures show that to make up for
the reduction in the value of laid or smeared wool, there is an
increase in the yield or weight of the fleece over that of white
wool. But out of this has to come the wages of the smearer
and the cost of smearing materials, which together cannot be
less than 8d. per head. Dipping is calculated to cost from 2d
to 3d. per animal.

An important and noteworthy fact in favour of the dipping
theory is this, that white ewes, i.e. dipped, or poured, keep their
lambs better than laid ewes. In proof of this an experiment
was tried on the farm of Biallid, near Kingussie, in 1861, by Mr
Stewart. The ewe stock was 2000, 1000 of which were laid
with tar and butter and 1000 poured with —

8 lbs. Tobacco juice, \
6 „ Hellebore, / . , ^^ ,
4 „ Soft soap, \ ^^^ ^^'^ "^^^P-

\ „ Arsenic, )

The whole of these ewes were grazed indiscriminately over
the farm. It was a bad winter, and worse spring ; and lambs
were rather a short crop, and as follows : —

Poured ewes, . . 782 lambs

Laid do., . . . 702 do.

80 at say 10.<. =£40

in favour of the white ewes. This result most clearly demon-
strates that the white ewes invariably yield the largest crop of
lambs.

The subjoined list of dipping material is found to make a
very servicable bath for 100 sheep : —

30 lbs. of Grease butter.

14 ,, Rougli turpentine.

3 „ Soft soap.

2 „ Soda.

6 bottles of Spirit of tai .
45 to 50 bottle.^ of Water.

Hints for the Improvement of the Breed.

How can this mountain breed be improved and increased
in value without detracting from its natural hardihood and

224 THE BLACKFACED BKEED OF SHEEP.

general independent bearing ? Tiiis question lias perplexed the
minds of people engaged in pastoral pursuits for tiie greater
part of a century, l3ut their past experience has now led to a
practical solution of the problem. With a slight modification of
the rough character of the Highland wool, which has already
been effected in some parts of the country, it cannot be doubted
that the blackfaced breed will hold its own, at all times, against
all the other varieties of sheep. It is now universally admitted
that the only means by which this breed of sheep can be
improved or enhanced in value, is by judicious selection and
careful breeding ; and with a view to encourage and if possible
assist ilockowners in effecting the desired object, I subjoin a
few suggestions which, if carried into effect, I have no doubt
will answer the design for which they have been written: —

1. Select the best woolled tups and ewes of the blackfaced
breed, possessing the most fashionable type — which I have
previously described — of bodies, heads, and horns, from flocks
which are known to contain blood of the purest description, but
avoid in-and-in breeding.

2. Having selected say, five, ten, or twenty ewes, which come
nearest ideal perfection, mate them with tups coming as nearly
as possible to the standard of excellence in every point.

3. Care should be taken that these and their produce be not
allowed to pasture among the ordinary hill stock.

4. Care should be taken that the female progeny of the first
selected lot be not allowed to come in contact with the tups
until they are at least eighteen months old, at which time another
tup will require to be selected, but not from the same source as
the sire or dam of the gimmers had come.

5. This practice of getting a new tup for each succeeding race
should be adopted until the flock would increase so as to permit
a portion of the gimmers being sold. All inferior gimmers should
be disposed of every year, as should also the whole of the ram
lambs.

6. It is specially important that the pasture should never be
overstocked, that the ewes should be kept in good condition
during winter, and that the lambs should not be allowed to fall
off in condition during and after the weaning season.

Appendix.

Mr Howatson of Glenbuck gives it as his opinion, that the
blackfaced sheep are increasing in number, and are deservedly
becoming more popular throughout Scotland every year. The
average yield of wool per animal on his farm is 5 J lbs. per hogg
and ewe. It is a great mistake, says Mr Howatson, to smear
sheep ; it should never be done, and no good farmer will persist

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 225

in doicg it. He clips his sheep twice a year, at a cost of about
6d. per head. The only way in which he considers the wool of
the blackfaced sheep could be improved is by procuring the best
blood for breeding purposes.

Mr James Archibald, Overshiels, Stow, says blackfaced sheep
farming is now more extensively pursued than it was ten or
twelve years ago. Cheviots were then the favourite breed in
many districts, but in consequence of the very great reduction in
the price of wool, combined with the effects of the recent bad
years, that breed has greatly depreciated in the estimation of
sheep farmers. It is actually dying out and giving place to the
hardier blackfaced race.

Writing to us on the same subject, Mr James Greenshields,
West Town, Lesmahagow, says — " Between thirty-five or forty
years ago the blackfaced sheep were very much supplanted by
Cheviots, but a reaction has again taken place, and the blackfaced
breed is rapidly being re-established. As early as the first of the
present century, almost every Hock of blackfaced sheep was
smeared, but now smearing is all but unknown. In this district
the yield of wool per ewe is from 5 lbs. to 6^ lbs., the yield
per hogg being 1 lb. more, which is about the average of other
southern districts. Smearino- cannot be done at anvthincr less
than 8d. per head." Mr Greenshields has tried some experiments
in the crossing of the blackfaced with other breeds. He has
used Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Border Leicester tups to black-
faced ewes with little success. He preferred the produce of the
Leicester tup, however, to that of any of the others, as they
matured more rapidly, were earlier ready for market, and fed ou
scantier fare.

In this district, says Mr Aitkeu, Listonshiels, and in the south
of Scotland generally, sheep farming is far more extensively
pursued than it was fifty years ago. Blackfaced sheep have
been increasing in popularity during the past quarter of a
century. Their fine hardy constitution enables them to with-
stand the severity of the winter and backward summers better
than any other breed. The Cheviot and other breeds are dying
out in Scotland. There is most money to be taken out of black-
faced sheep when properly managed, and in recent years black-
faced sheep farming has been more remunerative than in earlier
periods. South country farmers have become alive to this fact,
and more attention is now being bestowed on the breeding and
rearing of young stock. The average clip on Mr Aitken's farm
is 5| lbs. per animal. Smearing is not practised in his neigh-
bourhood. He di])S his shei'p once a year, either in the month
of Fel)ruury or October. His lambs are always di})ped at wean-
ing time. The cost of di}»ping is about IMs. per 100 sheep, or
2d. per head. On soft grassy pasture the quality of wool is
always better than on hard heathery land, but there is great

p

226 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

room for improvement in any case. It cannot be improved,
however, by crossing the blackfacecl with other breeds, without
impairing the hardiness and natural characteristics of the High-
land breed. The tups used ou all kinds of pasture should have
strong shaggy coats, entirely free from " kemps." The wool
must not be short and curly, but, on the contrary, long and
straight in the staple. Mr Aitken considers that the best way
to improve the wool of the Highland breed is to select the best
ewes, whether deficient or not in wool, and mating them with
good hardy well-bred tups. This invariably gives rise to a stock
of capitally woolled lambs. Crossing blackfaced sheep with
other breeds, says Mr Aitken, has always a detrimental effect,
and after introducing strange blood into a flock, it is several
years before it can be reduced to a state of purity.

Mr J. Moffat, Gateside, Sanquhar,Dumfriesshire,says — "Black-
faced sheep at one time, within the past thirty years, threatened
extinction by the growing interest shown in the Cheviot breed,
but winters have been so severe in recent years, that the
mortality amongst the latter mentioned variety has been so
great as to necessitate restocking of farms with the blackfaced
or heath breed, whose hardihood is better calculated to withstand
rigorous climates. In this part of the country it is now
threatening to be overdone." Sheep farming, says Mr Moffat,
could be made to pay better by increased liberality on the part
of the landlord in renting farms. The average yield of wool per
animal in this district is about 5 lbs. Mr Moffat holds that
there is no profit in smearing sheep, but on farms where this is
practised the average outlay per head is about 9d. He dips his
own flock twice a year, using arsenic and carbolic acid, which
cost about 4s. per 100 sheep.

A gentleman who has been singularly successful in improving
the quality of the wool of his large and superior flock of black-
faced sheep is Mr Eobert Buchanan, Kill earn. He has also by
careful attention greatly raised the character of his flock ; and
besides having won many distinguished prizes in agricultural
shows, he has obtained high prices for his shearling tups. Kot
later than the month of June last, he sold a lot of shearling tups
to Mr Malcolm of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, at £20 each. The
only means, he says, of improving the type of the blackfaced
sheep is by careful selection from the best stocks, and he would
suggest the following as the points which a good sheep should
possess : — Strong bone, a good face, w^ell laid-in shoulder, well
set on nice short legs, wool free from " kemps," and coarse hair.
He has during the present year (1883) sold hoggets about eleven
months old at 51s., and he says 45s. is quite a common price
when well fed on turnips and grain. These are extensively
bought in by low country farmers to feed instead of crosses, as
they cost generally about 10s. a head less than greyfaced lambs.

THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP. 227

There Las been no smearing in this part of the county, says Mr
Buchanan, for the last twenty years. As a general rule, it is
found that dipping answers equally as v^ell as smearing, and
is much cheaper. Dipping can be performed with half a pound
of grease at say 8d., and dip and men's wages, say 2d. — 5d. in all
for each animal ; while smearing would cost as much as Is. a
head. He dips his Iambs at weaning time, and again at the 1st
of November, when sending them away to the wintering. Hill
ewes are dipped once a year, generally in the end of October.

Mr William AVhyte, Spott, Kirriemuir, corroborates the
remarks of other authorities regarding the popularity of the
breed, and mentions the counties of Lanark, Dumfries, Koss, and
Inverness specially in wdiich the Cheviot breed is being sup-
planted by blackfaced sheep. The amount of sheep pasture,
however, says Mr Whyte, w^hich has been put under deer has
greatly curtailed the extent of sheep farming. It has not been
paying so well as could be desired of late, owing to the low
price of wool and the cost of wintering. The latter expense has
been doubled within the past thirty years. Wool is selling at
half what it realised some twelve years ago. The clip of well-
wintered w^ethers averages from 5 lbs. to 7 lbs., while that of
ewes is from 4 lbs. to 5 lbs. Smearing is not practised in this
county. Mr Whyte dips his lambs when they are weaned in
August, and again in the 1st of October before sending them
away to the wintering. The wool of the blackfaced sheep, Mr
AVhyte continues, can only be improved by selecting fine woolled
tups of the same breed, without tampering with crossing.
Crossing might be the means of temporarily improving the wool,
but thereby tlie type and hardiness of the sheep would be
destroyed.

Mr Gordon, Udale, Invergordon, concludes that the most
efficient way to secure and conserve the best qualities of the
blackfaced sheep, as well as to eradicate its defects in a proper
and satisfactory manner, is by careful and judicious selection.
He has tried various crosses, and br.id them back to the pure lieath
breed again, but without success. The tups used in crossing
were those of the Leicester, Lincoln, and Cheviot breeds, and of
what is known as the improved Lincoln tup, tlirew the best
progeny as regards the quality of wool and flavour of mutton.
The blackfaced breed of sheep, says Mr Gordon, has always been
popular in the central and western counties of Scotland, and
even in the counties of Sutherland, lioss, and Inverness, where,
about the beginning of the present century, it was almost
entirely supei-seded by the Cheviot breed ; it is again predomi-
nant, and lias increased greatly since the heavy mortality among
sheep stocks during the severe winters of 1859-60, 1878-79,
and 1880-81.

Mr 1). M'x\rtliur, Elmpark, Helensburgh, a retired sheep

22 S THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP.

farmer, who had long experience in the breeding and rearing of
bhcick faced sheep, concurs with the remarks of other gentlemen
previously given geaerally, and adds that by the present laws
he does not see how sheep farming could be made to pay better,
except by reducing rents and fencing hill pasture. The average
yield of wool for three-year-old w^ethers dipped with grease, is
about 7 lbs., that of milk ewes 4 lbs., and that of hoggs 5 lbs. a
head. Dipping with about half a pound of grease for each
animal costs in all about 5d. a head.

Regarding these lattsr two points, Mr Samuel Davidson,
manager to Lord Tweedmouth at Guisachan, states that the
usual yield of blackfaced wool per animal is 6 lbs. white wool
and 8 lbs. laid wool. It is not profitable, says Mr Davidson, to
smear sheep, on account of the high price of smearing materials,
men's wages, and the low price of laid wool. Smearing costs on
an average from lOd. to Is.' per head. Dipping, says Mr David-
son, is preferable to smearing. It has generally to be performed
twice a year, each dip costing about 2d. per animal.

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

By David Archibald, Awamoa, Otago.

[Premium — Five Sovereigns.]

There can be few more interesting subjects to breeders in
Scotland than the breeding of the blackfaced sheep. These
hardy animals have now gained a place and reputation for them-
selves that will entitle them to claim notice and attention.
The breed may indeed be said to be at present the mainstay of
Scottish sheep farming, as they were in the first instance largely
the means of developing the pastoral resources of the country.
Ill reference to their origin there is a good deal of uncertainty.
Theories to account for it are, however, plentiful enough. To
begin with, there is the usual story that they came from Spain
with the Armada — a story which seems to be told about nearly
all wool-bearino' animals whose descent it is difficult to trace.
A second tradition is, that they w^ere introduced by one of the
Scotch kings (whom Hogg calls James IV.) into Ettrick forest;
but the quarter from which they were supposed to have come is
a point on which this narrative is altogether silent. Another
belief, which has attracted more attention than these, is that the
blackfaced breed were originally the product of a cross between
the goat and the old whitefaced native sheep. This is an opinion
which was at one time pretty current, and is found mentioned
in the works of several writers. The publication which gave
most importance to it was perhaps the Old Statistical Account
of Scotland. The reference to the subject occurs in the report

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 229

on the parish of Urr by the Eev. James Muirhead. This writer,
after pointing out " that in the reign of James VI. Galloway was
understood " to produce the finest wool in Scotland, perhaps in
Britain, fixes the date of the introduction of the blackfaced as
about the time the king left Scotland for England (in 1603), and
then asks, " Whence these sheep came '? " " It may be observed,"
he says, " that Gralloway abounds with goats, which in the marshy
or soft tracts are almost uniformly of a black colour ;" and then
he gives some countenance to the theory that the goats and sheep
bred toofether, mentionino- that moncjrels or crosses between the
two animals were quite common. Bub while he ventures on
this suggestion, ^luirhead confesses that any inquiry upon the
subject is not attended with much satisfaction. Then again,
another and more widely accepted opinion has been, that the
breed travelled northward from Yorkshire. This hypothesis
was brought forward by Marshall, the author of numerous
agricultural works at the end of last century. There is, however,
this objection to accepting Marshall's authority, that in two
separate works, published witliin a few years of one another, he
makes statements that are slightly at variance. In a work on
the Rural Economy of Yorkshire, published in 1788, in speaking
of the moorland sheep, he says they " are probably of Scotch
origin," adding that " they resemble much the Scotch sheep which
are sometimes brought into the vale." Six years afterwards
Marshall must have had but an indistinct recollection of what
he had \vritten in 1788. In an essay published in 1794, on the
agriculture of the central Highlands of Scotland, he states " that
the breed, which is now supplanting the ancient breed of the
Highlands, is that which is well known in Scotland by the name
of ihe blackfaced breed, which on the southern hills, as well as
in the highlands or mountains of Braemar, is the established
breed." .Then, in dealing with the question of the origin of the
breed, he gives altogether vague testimony. " Whether this
breed has heretofore travelled northwards from the moorlands
of Yorkshire, where a similar breed has been so long established
as to be deemed natural to a heathy or mountainous situation,
or whetlier that breed was drawn ori^inallv from Scotland,
might perhaps be easily traced upon the southern borders."
Further examination of the recorded opinion of many writers
leads to no more satisfactory result. So much is tlependent
on conjecture, that it is quite impossible to form any definite
opinion based on reliable grounds. This view is fortified by
the position taken u]» by two writers whose opinion carries
considerable weight. Naismyth of Hamilton, writing in Young's
Aniuds of Afjriculturc, in 1700, descriptive of a visit he had
made to Lammermuir, states that the l)reed prevalent there was
" the blackfaced muir kind, having generally liorns, and called
the short slicep," but that " it is impossible to trace their origin,

230 THE BLACKFACED BKEED OF SHEEP.

there being no traditions of the sheep here being of a different
kind, nor can they be called a distinct variety of the species." A
passage very similar to this occurs in a Report on the AgricidtuTe
of Peebles, written by the Eev. Mr Findlater in 1802. " There
seems to be," this writer says, " no clear tradition nor even
plausible conjecture as to when or whence sheep were first
introduced into this country, or whether the present breed are
indigenous or from another country. There is, indeed, aii
obscure tradition, that previous to the introduction or general
prevalence of sheep in the parish of Tweedsmuir, the farmers in
that parish paid their rents by grazing, for hire through summer,
the oxen then generally used by Lothian farmers for their
winter ploughing. The native Tweeddale breed, which has con-
tinued the same as far back as memory or tradition extends, are
all horned, with black faces and black legs and coarse w^ool."
While there is much uncertainty in connection with the origin
of the breed, it is beyond doubt that the system of sheep farming
began to grow in importance just at the time when blackfaced
stock began to grow into a prevalent type. Xapier, in his work
on Store Farming, which bears the date of 1822, adopts this view.
" The present system of sheep or store farming does not appear,"
he writes, " to have taken place till about the end of the reign of
James VL," a statement which it may be pointed out agrees with
what Muirhead says in the Old Statistical Account. " Before this
time," Napier explains," the mountainous south country districts
are said to have been under a stock of black cattle and some
small straggling flocks of sheep, as was the case in the High-
lands till of late years." It is quite in accordance with this
opinion, that it is ascertained that nearly two centuries ago a
breed, which was known as the Linton sheep, had established
themselves pretty firmly in the south of Scotland. These sheep
were also called the Forest, the Tweeddale, or the Lammermuir
breed, according to the district in which they were found, — there
being, however, no difference among them except in name, — and
were most widely spoken of as the Linton breed, because of that
village in Peeblesshire being the principal market for them, and
a very important market it at one time was, as is indicated by
the fact mentioned by Mr Thomas Johnston, in his General
Revieio of the Agriculture of the County of Tioecddale, " that as
many as 9000 were sometimes sold in one day," in the beginning
of the eighteenth century. This then is the view that it seems
best to take. The origin of the breed is uncertain. Though the
quotations that have been made from old writers are all
interesting, their authority is not convincing. As to the
character of the breed, when it first came prominently
into notice, there is, on the other hand, no dubiety. Descrip-
tions of their appearance are numerous and minute, and on
the testimony of different chroniclers there is fortunately no

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 231

puzzling diversity. The sheep are universally described as
having black faces and legs^^ — hence, of course, their name. In
regard to weight, it is more difficult to get at the truth, in con-
sequence of the eccentricities of the old Scotch scales, in con-
nection with which nearly every county has a law unto itself.
But still some reliable information is obtained from Nasmyth,
who, as has been said, himself made a tour of personal inspection
in the Lanimermuir district in the year 1796. In this man's
writings it is stated that " sometimes a fallow or eild ewe from the
hill, killed, weighs from 9 to 10 lbs. avoirdupois per quarter."
With reference to the fleeces, Xasmyth also gives us some light,
in availing one's self of which it must, however, be borne in mind
that the practice of smearing was everywhere followed. The
statement he makes is that " eight hogg fleeces, nine ewe fleeces,
or six wedder fleeces, make a stone of 24 lbs. avoirdupois." Xor
does the clip appear to have been any heavier in other districts.
In an article on the " Sheep System on the iMoors of Lesmahagow
Douglas, Moorkirk, &c.," he states, " from 6 to 7 fleeces make
a stone ; the wool is not washed before shearing ; " and then he
adds, " salving is general, and in the central parts of the county
the tar is very grossly laid on, with very little mixture of
butter," " The length of the staple," he says, referring to the
Lammermuir district, in a way that Implies that he was writing
just before shearing time, " is from 4 to 5 inches long." One
fact which it is not unimportant to note, is that there was much
more black hair in the wool then than there is now. " The
lambs," Nasmyth says, — and in this he is corroborated by several
other writers, — " are niostly white, but some have black spots on
different parts of the body, and one perhaps in thirty-six is
black all over." As to their general appearance, when we come
down as far as the beginning of the present century, we find it
related in the Farmers Magazine that the points of a good ram
are " long and well-turned horns, a long black face, forehead
rough and slightly tinged with brown, jaws straight and long,
nose long, and nostrils wide."

A highly interesting cliapter in- the history of the blackfaced
is that connected with their introduction to the Hiiih lands.
There they were by no means universally welcomed. A ruutU
white breed, celebrated for the fineness of their wool, were found
in possession ; andtlie admirers of these animals mourned loudly
over the inroads of the hardy blackfaced. One of the loudest
of these mourners was Dr James Anderson, who, writing in
1790 to the Highland Society, relative to tlie improvement of
wool ill the northern counties, 5ays, " the coarse-woolled slieep
have l>een debasing the breed (meaning the old breed), under
the name of improving it, so that I am inclined to believe tliat in
the mainland of Scotlnnil the true unmixed breed is irrecover-
ably lost." In another passage, Dr Anderson gave it as his

232 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEB.

opinion, that if the original breed still existed anywhere entirely
unmixed, it was in the Shetland isles. In connection with this
reference to Shetland, it may not be out of place to mention a
curious fact related by Sir John Sinclair, in his work on the
northern counties of Scotland, published in 1795. " It is now
pretty clearly ascertained," Sir John says, " that the celebrated
Shetland breed of sheep came originally from Denmark and
Norway, along with the first adventurers who settled in these
islands some centuries ago. A young sheep from Eanders, in
Jutland, was presented to Sir John Sinclair by Mr Gladstone ,
merchant at Leith, and was found to be exactly similar to the
sheep of Shetland." This passage has suggested to some that
possibly the old whitefaced Scottish sheep was a similar animal
to that which was formerly common in all the northern countries
of Europe. This opinion receives no countenance in an account
given by Marshall of the central Highlands. " Formerly," he
writes," and T believe from time immemorial, the Highlands and
the entire north of Scotland were stocked with a race of sheep
almost as different from those of the southern provinces as goats
and deer are from the ancient breed, whose fur consisted of a
sort of down, overtopped by long straight rigid hair, somewhat
like the coat of the beaver and other furred animals ; widely
different from the wool of European sheep in general. And
besides this distinction of coat, there is another characteristic
difference which marks them still more strongly. The tail,
which in all varieties of wooUed sheep is long and all covered
s^ith wool, resembling that of the rest of the body, is, in the
animal under notice, short, slender, tapering, and thinly covered
with strong silvery hairs, and not exceeding in size that of the
deer or the goat. Its face, too, is covered with sleek hairs, as
that of the deer ; and, like this, it has the eyes prominent."

A more flattering description of the breed is found in the
survey of Aberdeenshire produced by Dr Keith. On the fineness
of the wool this writer has a good deal to say. " Their wool,"
he states, " though deficient in point of length and quantity, was
of most excellent C[uality, and not inferior to any Spanish wool.
Stockings made from it were worn by persons of the first rank
in Britain, and exported to the Continent at very high prices.
One lady belonging to this county knitted them of so fine
texture that they were sold at three guineas a pair, and several
of them were commissioned for by the Empress of Eussia. They
were so fine that a pair of them could have been drawn through
a ring that was taken off the finger of the fair manufacturer."

Of this much-lamented breed there is now absolutely no trace
among the large Highland flocks. They not only disappeared
before" the black faced, but they disappeared without having
engrafted any of their characteristics upon the new comers.
They have, in fact, simply died out under the pressure of a

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 233

stronger and a more aggressive breed. The first appearance of tlie
blackfaced in the Highlands dates back about one hundred and
twenty years. They are traced in the first instance to Perthshire
and Dumbartonshire, from which counties they crept gradually
northwards till in the extreme northern counties their colonisation
was checked by the Cheviots, on whose side the influence of Sir
John Sinclair was strongly cast. In reference to Perthshire,
Eobertson, the minister of Callander, who writes an account of the
county at the beginning of the century, states that about forty
years before he wrote, " the blackfaced or mountain breed were
introduced from the south." In a Report on Dumbartonshire,
publislied about the same time as Perthshire, compiled by the
Eev. Andrew Whyte and the Eev. Dr Macfarlane, it is men-
tioned that the blackfaced sheep were brought originally from
the counties of Dumfries and Lanark, and were introduced there
about 1750. Argyllshire, too, claimed about the same time. In
the Farmer's Magazine there is mention made of Mr John Camp-
bell of Lag wine, " who was certainly the first who banished
cattle from the West Highland hills, and supplied their place
with blackfaced muir sheep from his native place."

Mr Campbell, we are told, was at one time a proprietor of
Gar i eve, Ayrshire, but misfortune came upon him about the
year 1755 or 1756, and he then "set off for the West Highlands,
and leased the extensive farm of Glenvoe, part of the Ardkinless
estate." From Perthshire the sheep were taken to the north by
Sir John Lockhart Eoss of Balnagowan. About their fitness for
the hills tliere was from the outset no doubt. The climate was
trying, but their hardiness was equal to it. Thus, in Mackenzie's
Review of Ross and Cromarty, the writer narrates how in travel-
ling through the Highland districts of Perthshire he observed
" the blackfaced or Linton breed of sheep were kept exposed to
the severest winters by the farmers in that county, and were
far more profitable stock than black cattle."

Witliin recent years blackfaced sheep have improved very
much in character. In the first place, they have had a sharp
tussle with the Cheviots, and this no doubt has had the efiect of
putting breeders on their mettle. The encroachments of the
whitefaced sheep on the ground of the blackfaced went on
almost uninterruptedly until the disastrous season of 1800, when
the ditlerence between the two breeds was verv marked — the
Cheviots suffering severely, while the others escaped nearly
untouched. Then the tide of favour began to flow for the black-
faced. Farmers in high-lying districts changed back to their
old stock, while on ground which Cheviots had always hail to
themselves the hardier type took their place. This transition is
still going on, stiauilated greatly by the trying seasons that have
been so common of late, aiul also no doubt by the consideration
that the diiVi/rence in the value of the wool of the two breeds is

23-1 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

not nearly so great as it formerly was. The sheep, as has been
said, have improved in appearance just as they have grown in
popularity. Excepting the stocks of one or two breeders, they
were, within so recent a date as twenty years ago, sheep with
narrow frames and very little symmetry, now they are generally
well-proportioned and wide-ribbed. In nothing have they
altered more than in the styles in which they are set upon their
legs. In carcass and wool they have increased materially. A
common clip in former times seems to have been, as has been
pointed out, about 3 lbs. overhead in a general ewe and hogg
stock. At present a common clip is 4|- lbs., while in some cases
the average is as high as 5 or 6 lias. The staple of the wool has
increased in even greater proportion. Formerly the length was
usually from 4 to 5 inches; now it runs from 9 to 10 inches, and
it has been known occasionally to be as much as 15 inches.
The weight of the carcass has increased to such an extent that
eild ewes on good farms commonly average from 15 to 16 lbs. a
quarter, while in the best stocks they are sometimes equal to 20
lbs. From this it will be seen that both wool and carcass now
give a better return by at least 40 per cent, than formerly.

In tracing the history of the breed from the time when they
became common over the country, the first mention found of a
breeder who appears to have attained eminence is that of David
Dun of Kirkton, whom the statistical writer for the parish of
Campsie says " has been with some propriety styled the Scotch
Bake well." Dun farmed what is described as pasture ground,
on the muirlands of the estate of Kirkton lands, which it may
be mentioned is now part of the farm of Knowehead, in the
occupancy of Messrs Foyer. In the Statistical Account of 1795,
he is described as having the best stock of blackfaced ewes that
are to be met with in Scotland. "They are," it is stated, "com-
pletely muir ewes " (which simply ineans blackfaced), and yet
they weigh 12 lbs. per quarter, 22^ ounces to the lb., or nearly
17 lbs. imperial per quarter. They are sold at a guinea a head
when fed. This breeder is also mentioned, in an account given
of the parish of Fintry, as a man " whose exertions in improving
the mode of grazing are truly laudable, and to whose example its
present advanced state, through a considerable part of the west
of Scotland, is in a great measure owing." Some indication is
given of the extent of the trade carried on by Dun. From this
account it does not seem to hav^e been a trade that would have
counted as anything w^orth notice at the present time. " He
annually sells," it is stated, '■' about 60 tup lambs of a year old,
for which he never receives less than a guinea each, and his
lambs for killing at annual sales in May at half a guinea each."
Dun, it may be added, was killed in 1794 by an accident which
happened to him while he was among his flock attending to
their shearing. He w^as leading a sheep across a bridge; the

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 235

rail of the bridge gave way, and falling, he was killed upon the
spot. While Dun's reputation was at its best, the sheep in the
parish of Douglas, in Lanarkshire, obtained some distinction,
without however having so good a claim to it. This is learned
from the Statistical Account, which says, " the sheep in Douglas
parish are superior to those of the neighbouring parishes."
Their weight is given at from 7 to 10 lbs. per quarter Dutch,
very much less than Dun's. Coming down to the present century,
the principal breeders in the early part of it are found to be Mr
Welsh, Earlshaugh ; Mr Weir, Priesthill ; Mr Gillespie, Douglas
Mill ; Mr IJobertson, Broomlea ; Mr M'Kersie, Glenbuck ; and
Mr Foyer, Knowehead, the grandfather of the present tenants.
All these men lived about the same time half a century ago.
About twenty to thirty years ago the most important breeders
were the late Mr Foyer, Knowehead ; Mr Watson, Xisbet ; Mr
Watson, Mitchellhill ; Mr Craig, Craigdarroch ; Mr Dryfe, Barr ;
Mr Murray, Eastside ; Mr Miligan, Kirkhope ; Mr Sandilands,
Cummerhead ; and Mr M'Kersie, Glenbuck. In more recent
years, the stocks which have taken the lead have been those of
Mr Archibald, Overshiels ; Mr Foyer, Knowehead ; Mr Craig,
Craigdarroch ; Mr Aitkeo, Listonshiels ; Mr Brydon, Burncastle ;
Mr Craig, Southhalls ; Mr Fleming, Ploughlands ; Mr Green-
shields, West Town ; Mr Sloan, Barnhill; Mr Howatson of
Glenbuck ; Mr Watson, Culterallers ; Mr Melrose, Westloch ;
Mr Moffat, Gateside ; Mr Ptobertson, Achilty; Mr Malcolm of
Poltalloch ; Mr Coubrough, Blairtumnock ; and Mr Buchanan,
Letter.

For the sale of blackfaced sheep, the market held at West
Linton, in the end of June, continued the most important in
Scotland till 1857, when it was transferred to Lanark, where
blackfaced ewes and wedder hoggs are still largely represented ;
but for tups it has been entirely superseded by the autumn ram
sales, the most important of which are Edinburgh, Perth, and
Ayr, — the sale at Edinburgh being established as the Lothian
Piam Society in 1864. It is at lAlinburgh that the highest
prices arc obtained. Till 1871 the trade remained at a com-
paratively low level. In this year, however, prices made a
decided spring, Mr Greenshields averaging £12 for a lot of 46,
and Mr Aitken, Listonshiels, £11, 2s. (jd. for a lot of 50. In
1872 the highest prices were those of the Over.shiels sheep,
which averaged £0, 14s., while the next were Mr Brydon's, at
£9, 2s. 6d. Since that year Mr Archibald has always realised
the highest prices, except in 1875. The highest prices yet
obtained were those of last year (1882), when the Overshiels lot
averaged £16, 12s. lid. The largest figure ever given for a
single tup was £71, which was paid by Mr Tlowatson in 1881
for one of Mr Archibald's lot.

In an essay of this kind it is not necessary to go into minute

236 THE BLACKFACED BEEED OF SHEEP.

details of management, but merely to give a short outline of the
general principles.

Throuohout the south of Scotland, the method of management
varies very little. There, as a rule, it is a ewe stock that alone
is kept. Between the northern and southern counties there is,
however, a considerable difference. In the first place the High-
land farms are mostly under a mixed ewe and wether stock ;
then again the practice of wintering makes an important dis-
tinction between the two parts of the country. In the south
nearly all the sheep are wintered on the farm. To this rule the
priucipal exceptiou is the case of the south-western counties,
where the practice is to send away the hoggs to winter on
the dairy farms in the low-lying districts. The Highland
farmer, on the other hand, is compelled to winter away all
his hoggs, and sometimes part of the one-year-old sheep as well.
The routine of the year's management may briefly be described,
— taking first the south. A fit time to begin the season's work
is with the sale of the cast ewes in October, which are
generally drafted when six years old. Formerly it was the
almost universal practice to sell these sheep by the clad score ;
but this custom has of late been disappearing, owing to the
popularity of auction marts. The price generally realised by
this class of stock has been in past years about 263., but during
this and last autumn they have reached the extraordinary price
of from 35s. to 40s. The purpose to which they are generally
put is one for which they are admirably adapted. This is the
production of what are known as greyfaced lambs. The ewes,
after being bought by the lowland farmer, are crossed for
one year with a Leicester or some other long-woolled tup.
Where the land is not suitable for bringing the lambs into
the fat market, they are kept on, and brought out as hoggs in the
following year. One characteristic of these ewes and their pro-
geny, which tended greatly to popularise them, is their hardiness.
This enables them to winter on rough ground without turnips or
artificial feeding. In these days, when cultivation has been
paying so badly, the inducement to farmers to give increased
attention to this mode of adding to the resources of the farm has
been very considerable, and it is therefore not surprising that
the blackfaced trade has been materially benefited. The localities
to which the ewes usually go are the northern counties of
England, and the districts of Scotland where the pastures are not
"stormed with snow," and where sheep can pick their way
through the winter.

When the cast ewes have been put away, attention is generally
turned to the dipping, though, as with Cheviots, it may be
questioned whether it is not better to delay this operation till
January or February. The dip that can be most recommended
is a mixture that may easily be prepared by any farmer. The

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 237

ingredients are — 1 gallon of soluble carbolic acid added to about
90 o aliens of water, 2 lbs. arsenic, mixed with the forei^oiuoi
after having been dissolved in a slow boil in two or three gallons
of water, and 4 lbs. of pearl ash or washing soda. With this
mixture sheep can be dipped at a cost of 2s. 6d. per 100. To
those who object to the use of arsenic, if a half gallon of carbolic
is substituted, it will be found quite effectual. The practice of
smearing has almost died out. After dipping, where this is
done at the old time, immediately comes the marking of the
stock and the checking of the numbers. Then, this over, the
tups are put to the ewes on the 22nd November. The number
of ewes given to one tup is usually three score. It is advisable,
it mav be said, to draw out some of the best ewes to a select
tup. This practice has hitherto been far too seldom adopted
among blackfaced sheep, and breeders would do well to give
more attention to it. The tups are brought away from the ewes
about the 1st of January. Wintering in the south is, as has
been pointed out, a very simple matter. Oscasionally, in trying
seasons, there is no course except to give the sheep a little hay ;
but this the blackfaced require rarely, in comparison with the
Cheviots, which are much less self-reliant and active. During
lambing, which is the next business on liand, the ewes, which
begin to drop about the 17th April, — a few days prior to which
they should have all been udder-locked, — need much less
assistance than any other breeds from the shepherd. A great
ease in lambing is no doubt partly due to the care which has
been given to shape of the horn, for since farmers began to show
preference for sheep with horns that lie sliglitly back instead of
the forward horned kind, the ewes appear even more easily
managed than formerly. Another thing that takes a weight off
the shepherd's mind is that the mothers are generally better
milkers than the Cheviots, while the lambs are so much more
hardy, that even with no better nursing they would manage to
live, while Cheviots would succumb. Twins are not regarded as
an advantage, except where there are parks for them, or where
they are of service in " beating up " deaths. Of tup eild sheep
there are fewer than among Cheviots. The castration of the
lambs — after those to be kept as tups have been selected — takes
place at the end of June, unless where the stock are intended for
the fat market, in which case it is done a fortnight or three
weeks earlier. It was the custom at one time to wash black-
faced sheep, but within the last twenty years the practice has
been discontinued. Clipping begins about the 10th July.
Ijlackfaced, like all other classes of wool, has sull'ered from the
recent depression, but not to the same extent as Cheviot and
some of the finer kinds, — the reason being perhaps partly the
original lowness of price, and partly the improvement that has
taken place in the quality and length of staple, long deep wool

238 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

commanding tlie highest price. A fairly remunerative price
may be said to be 18s. per stone of 24 lbs. The prevalent price
of late has been from 12s. to 143. The lambs are weaned at two
different times — the wedders at the beginning of August, and
the ewes a fortnight later. For both kinds the principal market
is at Lanark, the one fair being held a fortnight later than the
other. For wether lambs a satisfactory price is from 15s. to IBs.
Before being marketed the ewe lambs are drawn, the best are
retained for the maintenance of the stock ; and the seconds,
which are not required for this purpose, are sold. Of late years
the demand for these lambs has been very brisk, in consequence
of their popularity for crossing purposes, and also of the desire
to substitute them for Cheviots. Thev have therefore com-
manded good prices, and from 22s. to 24s. has been a figure very
commonly paid for them. This brings the round of the year to
a close.

In the south, it may be added, rents average about 7s. or 8s,
per head, where the hoggs are reckoned as part of the holding.
This rent may be said to be largely the growth of recent years.
In proof of this, it may be mentioned that in a General Vieu- of
Berwicl'sliire, written in 1794 by Alexander Lowe, it is stated
that thirtv or forty years before that date a common rent was Is.
6d. per head, and that this figure had risen first to 2s. 6d. and
then to 4s. 6d. In the north the manac^ement differs from that
just described, inasmuch as is the necessary result of the stock
being partly ewes and partly wethers. The sales from a High-
land farm embrace the wethers, which are usually disposed of
when three years old, and the draft ewes, which are sold at the
same age as in the south. The principal markets for these are
Inverness in July, and Perth sales and Falkirk tryst in October.
In addition to these sales, there is of course the wool. Smear-
ing is still followed by a number of farmers in these districts,
The believers in this practice are, however, yearly becoming fewer.
The most serious consideration which north country men have
to face is the cost of wintering. Within the last twenty years
the expenditure entailed by this has doubled, and now as much
as 7s. and 8s. per head has to be paid. The rent itself usually
runs from about 2s. to 3s. on the summer stock. In connection
with the Highlands, it is important that it should be pointed out
that the extension of the fences would be one of the greatest
advantages that could be conferred on the pastoral interests.
Were farms fenced, sheep would be prevented from straying and
being lost, s^ab might at last even be got rid of, and in the
neighbourhood of deer forests there would be no more trouble
and annoyance arising from complaints of trespassing.

The principal diseases from which the blackfaced breed
suffer are braxy, rot, louping-ill, pining, sturdy, and foot-rot.
None of these diseases are of recent growth ; they are all common,

THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP. 21^9

and have been long common to all kinds of hill sheep. This is
apparent enough from the mention that is frequently made of
them by old writers. In several now forgotten works a number of
curious opinions are formed with reference especially to braxy,
which seems to have exercised the fears of the flockmasters of
last century. To the present day this disease continues to inflict
the most severe losses. In the south a death-rate equal to 3 in
the score among hoggs, due to this cause alone, is not uncommon.
In this breed, as in others, the fancy of the day varies con-
siderably. It may, however, be said that the most successful
breeders have a pretty definite ideal before them. The points
which shouhl be looked for in a perfect animal, as this is at
present understood, are a thick, broad face; nostrils full; horns
low set at the crown (that is to say, coming low out, and not
rising too mucli), and turned backwards rather than forwards,
and with a division or clear space on the crown between the
horns ; the colour of the face should be black and white, with
the black predominating moderately clear and bright ; the chest
broad and deep ; the shoulders lying well back ; the ribs widely
arched and deep ; the back sliort, wide, and level ; the quarters
full and lengthy ; the thigh strong and large ; the body well set
on clean flat legs, with well-developed joints ; the wool uniform
in quality, coming well down to the knees, with a strong deep
fleece, and a fine sharp curl upon it, and free from kemp hairs, and
blue or black. A slight tuft of wool on the forehead in young
sheep is generally an indication of good wool. Judged by this
standard, the sheep of the present time are deficient principally
in their wool, which too frequently does not stand age ; it
beincj a serious defect to cultivate a class of wool that onlv
shows a curl upon it in one-year-olds, and afterwards becomes
short and bare. Some objection might also be taken to many
sheep as being too narrow in the chest. The advice might, there-
fore, be given to breeders to aim at having the ribs of their stock
wider than they have generally been in the past. Some atten-
tion to the manner in which the sheep are set upon their legs
would also be well bestowed, as their legs have very commonly
been too close together. The colour of the face should be
closely kept in view. In many cases, the quality of the wool, as
well as the substance of the sheep, has been a good deal inter-
fered with by a tendency to run too much on clear-faced sheep.
Fi)r avoiding very bright colour, it is not, however, altogether
desirable to go to the opposite extreme. It is no doubt true
that dun faces very often go along with good fleeces, but these
should not be strongly recommended, as it is best to keep the
colour of the face in moderation. It has already been j^ointed
out that it is imyiortant to have the horns lying a little back.
To the change that has taken place in this respect may to some
extent be ascribed the improvement of late noticed in the frames

240 THE BLACKFACED BREED OF SHEEP.

of the sheep with the " wheely " horns, so EashioDable [ifc one
time ; there almost invariably was found a hoUovvness between
the eves, which in turn indicated a certain slenderness of bone
and delicacy of constitution. In regard to the development of
the breed, it is only necessary to add that just in proportion as
the practice of shedding ewes to select tups spreads, so will the
maintenance of a good type be made the more certain. Any
change in the breed which would in the smallest affect its
hardiness is to be strongly guarded against ; but there is little
fears of tliis, or its powers of endurance being affected, so long
as width of chest is made the chief point in the shape of the
animal There can be no doubt of the future of the blackfaced
sheep. It has carried a high character ; its friends include
many of the nobility of the country, whose purchases at the lead-
ing sale rings give an impetus to breeding; it has, in fact,
become of paramount importance in relation to the- pastoral
resources of the country.

NOTE BY THE EDITOR.

In the two preceding papers on blackfaced sheep, no allusion has been
made to the importance of grazing cattle on the ground. I myself, from an
experience of over thirty-three years, am quite confident that not only are
sheep very much more healthy, but a greater number can be kept on a farm
when cattle are grazed on the rough coarse grass. My system is to put a
considerable stock of cattle on to the ground in the end of May or beginning
of June, and I have them herded by a boy, who is directed l;>y the manager
from time to time where to keep them, and I take them off the end of
August. When I first took my present farm, no cattle had been on it for
some years, the sheep were very unhealthy, and the death-rate, chiefly from
trembhng or louping-ill, enormous. Now the deaths are very few, and
trembling has all but ceased. I have letters from sheep farmers of great
experience on the subject. A well-known farmer in Ross-shire WTites —
" I have had plenty of experience of this both with myself and others. I
beheve that the heavy tramping of cattle, where they don't cut the ground
too much, helps to firm the ground and sweeten the grass. Fou can
scarcely go wrong in putting a good many cattle along with sheep from
March till the middle of August." He adds — " I can also corroborate your
remarks as regards trembling."

A very skilful manager of both sheep and cattle in Perthshire, who is
very successful in the prize rings, writes — " The grazing of cattle along with
sheep is what I have advocated for a number of years. In a large tract of
woodland here the sheep have always wintered better, and quite as many
of them, since I summered cattle in it, and the rough grass on the hill has
been much greater benefit to the sheep since I began to graze cattle on it."
He adds — " I am often surprised the farmers on the upper farm here do not
graze more cattle, and as a result, their sheep are deteriorating very much."

In those days of cheap wool and agricultural depression, surely the sheep
farmers should not throw away a chance of adding to their farm receipts,
and at the same time improving the health and quality of their sheep.

ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883. 241

ACCOUXT OF THE SHOW OF THE HIGHLAND AXD AGRI-
CULTURAL SOCIETY HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883.

The annual Show of the Society was held at Inverness on the
24th, 2oth, 26th, and 27th July. This was the fifty-sixth
Exhibition, and the seventh which has been held in that
quarter.

The site chosen for the Show occupied about 24 acres on the
farm of Dalneigh, on the estate of Mr Baillie of Dochfour, and
in close proximity to the town. The situation was beautiful,
commanding a view of the woods of CuUoden, Ben Wyvis, the
valley of the Ness, the Beauly Firth, with the Black Isb, the-
remarkable hill called Tomnahurich, and the wooded mountain
ridge which terminates in Craig Phadruig.

In no district visited by the Society is there a greater degree
of interest excited among all classes than in the capital of the
Highlands. It was, therefore, with a corresponding feeling of
regret that the inhabitants learned that, in consequence of the
prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland, the propriety
of holding the Show was discussed by the general meeting in
June. Fortunately, however, the Directors, in consideration of
the regulations by the local authorities of the county and burgh
of Inverness and the wishes of the exhibitors, resolved that the
Show should go on, though no doubt fear of contracting disease
prevented some who had made entries from sending their stock.
It is satisfactory to state, on the authority of Principal Williams,
Edinburgh, and Mr Thomson, V.S., Inverness, who were in at-
tendance throughout the Show, that the stock was in a healthy
and satisfactory condition; and it is a source of much gratifica-
tion to add that no evil resulted from the Show.

The general arrangements of the yard were similar to those at
former meetings of the Society, but some of the fittings were
arranged in a somewhat different manner than usual, the Com-
mittee Ptooms, Members' Club Pioom, General Meeting Pavilion,
Band Stand, and Pefreshment Tents being erected right and
left of the main centre thoroughfare.

For the first time in the history of the Society, stewards
were appointed for the different departments — Sir James
Gibson-Craig, Bart., being for Cattle ; Lord Arthur Cecil, for
Horses; the Pev. John Gillespie, Mouswald, for Sheep, Swine,
Poultry, &c. ; Mr Forbes of CuUoden, for Forage ; and Mr Scott
Dudgeon, Longnewton, and Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir, for Imple-
ments.

The business of the meeting commenced on Tuesday morning,
with the judging of the stock, at eleven, and took place during.

Q

242 ACCOUXT OF THE SHOW HELD AT IXYEEXESS IN 1883.

much rain ; in the evening the Directors and Judges dined in
the Caledonian Hotel On Wednesday the yard was open from
8 A.M. till 5 P.M. ; throughout the day the rain fell fast and thick,
and planking was laid down ; the Showyard meeting of
members took place at 1.30 p.m. ; and the President's dinner
was held in the evening in the Caledonian Hotel— Lord Lovat
presiding, and Mackintosh of Mackintosh acting as croupier.
Daring Thursday the weather showed an improvement, and the
yard was open from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. ; in the evening a ball was
held in the Xorthern Meeting Eooms, and was attended by
about 200 ladies and gentlemen. On Friday the yard was opened
at the same hour ; the weather kept tine, people poured in from
all quarters, and the business of the meeting was brought to
a close at 5 p.m., highly to the satisfaction of all interested.

During the three last days of the Show, the band and pipers
of the 2nd Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, as
w^ell as the pipers of Sir Eobert Menzies, performed an excellent
selection of popular pieces.

The front of the Committee Eoom was tastefully laid out by
Messrs Munro Brothers, nurserymen, Inverness, with a choice
variety of evergreens, which imparted to the building a very
neat and jjleasant appearance.

The exhibition consisted of the following entries in the
different classes of stock : —

Cattle.

Bulls.

Cows.

Heifers.

Oxen.

Total.

Shorthorn,

Ap'shire,

Polled Angus or Aberdeen,

Galloway,

Highland,

Fat Stock,

Extra, ....

35
6

33
3

37

■ • •

• • •

14
12
11
5
25

• • ■

2

25
11
50
16
36
2

2
-2

io

12
5

76
29
96
24

108
14

7

Total,

114

69

143

31

354

Horses.

Stallions.

Entire
Colts.

Mares.

Fillies.

Geld-
ings.

Total.

Agricultural Horses,
Hunters and Roadsters, .
Ponies, ....
Extra, ....

9

■ • •

4
2

61

• • ■

20
11

8

...

39

6

8
4

• « •

135

19

16

2

Total,

15

61

39

39

18

172

ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883.

243

Sheep.

•Xi

ai

o:

t-

35

03

o

H

Pd

3

'.)'

^

H

Blackfaced,

•

44

36

36

36

60

212 '

Cheviot,

•

27

6

12

6

5

56

Border Leicester,

•

27

21

27

• • •

75

Long-Woolled, other than

\

Border Leicester,

• . •

. . .

Shropshire,

•

11

9

6

• . .

26

Short- WooUed, other than

}

1

1

Shropshire,

(

. . •

• • •

• • •

Extra Section,

• • »

...

• • •

0

0

Total,

110

72

81

42

70

375

Swine.

Boars.

Sows.

Pigs.

Total.

Berkshire Breed,

Small Breed, ....

Extra,

2
1
1

3

2
3

9
9
3

14

12

7

Total,

4

8

21

33

Collie Dogs.

Long-haired Dogs, .

Do. Bitches,
Short-haired Dogs,

Do. Bitches,

19
3

2

2

26

Poultry,
Implements,

303 entries ; 304 head.
1280 entries; 105 exhibitors.

The following is a comparative view of the exhibition of the
stock and implements, the premiums offered, and the receipts
(gate money and catalogues) at each of the seven Shows at
Inverness : —

244 ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883.

m

a3

orses.

lieep.

a;

lenient

m

•r-»

o

O

W

XJl

m

2

p^

l-l

I— H

1831

198

' 77

129

11

• • «

4

<£318

£71

1839

302

93

445

43

• • •

24

744

211

1846

428

112

357

33

76

59

1050

254

1856

248

131

469

43

156

231

1000

315

1865

361

132

812

43

294

707

1300

920

1874

391

175

477

48

451

1161

2030

1120

1883

354

172

375

33

304

1280

1978

1295

Cattle.

The shorthorns were, both in respect to numbers and sustained
merit, a good show. In the section of aged bulls there were
fourteen entries, four of which were absent. The first, second,
and third prize bulls were animals of great merit. In the two-
year old section there were ten entries, and only one absent.
There was considerable diversity of type and character in this
section, and it was with some difficulty that the Judges could
get animals of the same character to follow each other in the
prize list. The prize bulls, however, were all well covered with
flesh over the quarters, loins, and ribs, and were very useful
animals. In the one-year-old section there were ten entries,
three of which were absent. In this section the first prize bull
was decidedly the best male shorthorn in the yard, and got the
Tweeddale Gold Medal accordingly ; the other prize bulls were a
verv good lot. In the section for cows there were fourteen
entries, and all present. The first, second, and third prize
cows were animals of great merit, being young cows, and
evenly fleshed, with good feminine character ; the others were
so good that five were highly commended and commended. In
the section of two-year-old heifers there were seven entries, and
all present. There was a lack of quality in this section. The
first prize animal was rather strong in her bone, but had a good
outline, being deep in carcass and well balanced; the others
were a fair good lot. In the yearling heifer section there w^ere
seventeen entries, and three absent. This section was large,
and generally a good one. The prize animals were a very
promising lot. "Eosaria 2nd," the first prize aged bull at Glasgow
in 1882, was present, and looked as handsome and evenly
fleshed as when exhibited in his younger days.

The number of Ayrshires was altogether very small in every
section, bat the quality of the different animals was very good,
particularly the section of bulls, those carrying the first and

ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883. 245

second prizes being first-class animals. The cows in milk were
not what one would like to see at the Society's Shows, only two
being shown of ordinary quality. The section of cows in calf
was a very tine one, all the animals shown being of very good
quality. The first and second prize animals, in the section for
two-year-old and one-year-old heifers, were all of first-class
quality.

The Polled Angus or Aberdeen breed was very creditably
represented. In a small but good section of aged bulls, the first
prize animal was an admirable specimen of the breed, and very
well developed for his age, broad, deep, and level in form, with
a very rich cover of evenly laid on flesh. The two-year-old bull
section was larger, but it was not quite so good as it has been at
some recent Shows. In the section of yearling bulls there was a
very long and a very close contest between the first and second
prize animals. Both were of very high merit — the first long,
level, and stylish ; the second shorter but thick, compact, and
also of attractive character. Again, between the third and
fourth bulls, both thick, large, and heavily fleshed, the result
was for a considerable time doubtful. In the section of cows,
which was very good indeed, the first prize animal had very
strong opposition, but could not be passed over. On account of
their excellent symmetry, true character, fine quality, aod
levelness, two smaller cows (smaller to appearance than in
reality, as they stood on short legs) were selected for the second
and third prizes. Two or three of the other cows also .showed
very high merit. In point of excellence the two-year-old heifer
section was the best in the class. The three prize winners have
rarely been excelled at their age, the first, in particular, being
an animal of great size and wealth of flesh, and almost faultless
in symmetry and character. The yearling heifer section, in
which there were no fewer than thirty -two entries, but a good
many empty stalls, contained about a dozen animals of very
high average merit, such as may be safely entrusted with the
perpetuation of the breed. The first and second prize heifers
competed closely, the excellent underline and robust, yet truly
feminine character of the first, ultimately carrying her to the
front. The third prize heifer was small in size, but almost
perfect in symmetry. Prince Albert of Baads (looG), winner of
the first prize at Kelso in 1880, was shown as extra stock, and
being still in good form, was greatly admired.

Seeing the site of the show was so far distant from the south-
west of Scotland and the west of En^dand, where Gallowavs are
kept, it was not to be expected that there would be a very
numerous representation of that breed at Inverness. lUit while
the entries were fairly numerous in these circumstances, the
turn-out was niisera))ly small. This was solely due to the fear

246 ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVEKNESS IN 1883.

of foot-and-mouth disease entertained by intending exhibitors.
There were only seven animals forward, comprising one aged
bull, one cow, two two-year-old heifers, and three yearling
heifers. The aged bull was a capital animal, and although he
was a little undersized, yet he was symmetrical, stylish, and of
excellent quality. He looked well, especially considering the
fact that he came direct from York, where he had been exhibited
in the Royal Showyard for nearly a week. The cow was a
superior animal in good bloom. The first prize two-year-old
heifer is a very good one, with level outlines, and combining
substance and quality in a special degree, while the one placed
second was not far behind her. The first prize yearling heifer
was a well-proportioned promising one, while' the second was
first rate in almost every point except at the tail roast, which
was beginning to show symptoms of patchiness.

Although several good herds were not represented, the show
of Highland cattle was large and attractive. All the various
classes were represented, and the places of merit were keenly
contested in each. The display will compare favourably with
any held under the auspices of the Society for some years.

The class of fat cattle was very creditable, being marked by an
almost total absence of too old and overfed animals, which cost
much money, and make beef of a very inferior quality. The
large number of six-quarter-old animals were very good.

Horses.

As a whole, the stallions for agricultural purposes was a fair
collection. Aged horses did not muster strong, and as a class
were not of very equal merit. One or two animals in this class
were considered of the best stamp to breed from, but not in
good form at the time. The three-year-olds were a better look-
ing lot, the leading horses in this class promising well at their
age. In two-year-old colts, the first and second prize animals
were clearly ahead of the others, good colts, though of very
different stamps from the two first. Yearlings mustered well,
by far the most numerous class, and many promising youngsters
amongst the lot. Those awarded premiums were perhaps of
more equal merit than in any of the older lots.

The display in the sections for draught mares, fillies, and
geldings, though short of what it usually is when the Show is
held in the south, was on the whole much better than might
have been expected, and in almost every section the prize
winners were animals of high merit. The mares with foal at
foot were a moderate class, but the first prize winner was a good
animal. The mares in foal were a much better class than the
preceding, the first and second prize mares being especially in a
high degree meritorious. The three-year old fillies were a small

ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883. 247

class ; both the first and second prize animals were good fillies ; of
the two, the latter had more quality, but it lacked the size and
substance of its more successful rivaL The two-year-old fillies
were a large class, and the best of all the sections. The first,
second, and third prize winners were animals of extraordinary
merit, all three being splendid specimens of the Clydesdale
breed ; and several others in the class gave promise of future
distinction. The yearling fillies were a fair class, the first and
second prize winners being especially meritorious. Only three
aged geldings appeared, but they were all valuable horses. The
three-year-old geldings were also a small class, but the first
prize winner was an extra good animal.

In the roadster, hackney, and pony classes there was a
smaller exhibition than was expected. The Judges had little
difficulty in coming to a decision. The first and second prize
winners in the section for hackneys were very superior goers.
In the extra class there was but one animal that answered this
descripfion — a Basuto pony — a strong, active, useful-looking
animal.

Sheep.

The quality of the blackfaced sheep exhibited, no less than
their number, far exceeded any other class of sheep in the Show-
yard. This was especially the case in the sections for shearling
tups and gimmers, which were numerously represented, and
included animals from some of the most noted and most
admirably bred fiocks in the country, which probably had never
been excelled at any former Show of the Society.

Cheviot sheep were not numerous, nor was there anything
special in the quality. Tups were below an average, but ewes
and gimmers made a fair appearance.

The Lorder Leicesters were not so numerous as when the
Society visits tlie home of the race, but the excellence of the
show fully maintained the high character of these valuable and
symmetrical sheep. The prize animals were splendid specimens
of the breed, and the unsuccessful exhibits were creditable to
their owners.

The Shropshire slieep exliibited fairly represented the
character of this very useful rent-paying sheep, marked by
hardiness of constitution, large amount of lean llesh, good
quality and weight of wool. The exhibitors are entitled to the
credit of having done much to enhance the reputation of this
valuable breed of sheep, which is now lirndy established in
Scotland.

In fat stock, the blackfaced sections were uncommonly nice,
and it is doubtful if such a large number of well-finished
wethers was ever seen in any showyard. The other classes of

248 ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883.

sheep, namely, Cheviots and crosses, were smaller, but composed

of very serviceable animals.

Swine.

Of swine there were nineteen entries bv eight exhibitors.
Although the display was not equal to several of the former
meetings at Inverness as regards numbers, a few of the animals
were very good. The large boar, which took the first prize at
Glasgow in 1882, was exhibited as extra stock, and being highly
commended, a minor gold medal was awarded.

Collie Dogs.

The rough-haired collie dog section was a very good one, both
in numbers and quality, some of the animals being of very
great merit. Eough-haired bitches were an average class.
" Halla," winner of the first prize at Stirling in 1881, was
present, and being very highly commended, a minor gold medal
was aw^arded. There were tw^o entries in each section of short-
haired collies, but the class was unrepresented.

Poultry.

The silver grey dorkings were a very good class throughout,
9S were also the coloured, though not so numerous. Cochin-
chinas were very fair. In Brahmas, the old section contained
nothing of special note, but the young birds were very promis-
ing. The Spanish w^as a really good turn-out, comprising birds
of great merit, one of the best shows of Spanish ever seen at the
Society's Shows. Scotch greys were also a very fine show. The
remaining classes, with the exception of duoks, geese, and
turkeys, were rather below the average.

Implements.

Considering the distance that Inverness is removed from
the great centres of implement manufacture in the south, the
display of high class and valuable appliances for reducing the
labour bill to the farmer was most satisfactory.

The arrangement of the implement yard was much the same
as at former Shows, except that more care was taken to place all
the implements, purely agricultural, quite distinct from the other
exhibits ; and that for the hrst time the control of the imple-
ment yard was in the hands of stewards.

Prizes, after competitive trial, were offered for potato planters,
turnip thinners, and "weed eradicators, which at the proper
seasons have still to be competed for. The machines entered for
trial are now locked up at Inverness in the hands of the Society.
Some of the Inverness tradesmen exhibited very creditable col-
lections of implements, and the south country manufacturers
deserve great credit for their energy in going so far north to
display their goods.

ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT INVERNESS IN 1883. 249

The sales in the yard were very satisfactory, and it was con-
sidered that all the exhibitors were well remunerated for the
expense and trouble they incurred in going so far north. Some
exhibitors, from a selfish point of view, maintain that Inverness
is too far north, and that it should be dropped out of the rota-
tion of the Shows, but it would be a sad mistake to deprive the
agriculturists in that district of the opportunity of seeing all the
most approved implements of agriculture, more especially as the
Society was first established for the benefit of the Highlands.

HirjlilaMcl Industries and Fisheries.

The only entry in this department, which the Society saw fit
to re-establish last year, was a guard rail for fishing boats
and other vessels, patented and exhibited by Mr John Gunn,
The Hermitage, Golspie. This invention is intended to prevent
the great loss of life caused by men falling or being washed from
the decks of fishing boats, the gunwales being so low that with-
out guard-rails they afford little or no protection to the fisher-
men. This rail, whilst affording ample protection, is at the same
time of such a character that it can be raised or lowered at
pleasure, in suitable sections, with ease and rapidity. The
Directors were so highly pleased with the invention that, in
addition to the premium of £8, they awarded Mr Gunn a medium
gold medal.

Bee Hushandry.

The Caledonian Apiarian Society held their annual show in
the bee tent, erected for their use, in the Showyard. Owing to
the very unequal season, the honey display was the worst that
has been since their opening exhibition in Edinburgh in 1877 ;
but at no Show, either in England or Scotland, has there been so
much interest taken by the general public in driving and
manipulating operations carried on in the covered tent, and there
cannot be a doubt that these exhibitions are a step in the right
direction, as it educates a class, such as shepherds and agricul-
tural labourers, &c., who can (if they only obtain the knowledge
how to do it) supply the market, not only of Scotland, but also
of England, with the finest of all sweets, namely, heather honey,
and thus keep the trade at home. Mr Bennett, the Secretary,
has long hi'ld the opinion and advocated the cause of home-
collected honey. He boldly affirms that £.~)0,<)00 per annum
could be collected from our heather hills, if Bee farmers would
only give half their attention to their stocks that they do to any
other i)ortion of their farm work. They might calculate on 100
per cent, at least, on capital expended, over a period of five years.
Sir Bennett, Honorary Secretary, 50 Gordon Street, Glasgow,
will be happy to give any infornrition and enrol members.

250 THE XATUPtAL AXD ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF
SCOTCH HILL SHEEP.

By Robert Wallace, Professor of Agriculture, and Edward Kinch,
Professor of Chemistry, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

[Premium — Twenty Sovereigns. ]

Part L— By Professor R. Wallace, F.R.P.S. and M.R.A.S.E., &c.

A LIVELY interest has been awakened within recent times as to
the grasses which form the best of the old pastures of England,
and also as to the seeds that should be sown in the laying out of
new permanent pastures. A good guide to the value of most of
these has been given by analysis. We are not aware that the
composition has ever been determined of those plants grown on
hills and moorlands that are found by experience to be valuable
to sheep.

Such information is quite as necessary to the hill farmer as
the former is to the lowland grazier. In consideration of this,
analyses have been carefully made by Professor Kinch, of the
Royal Agricutural College, Cirencester, of all we considered
important or necessary. The results, along with his remarks, are
published in Part 11. of this paper.

It is quite true that in a hill country we cannot determine
on the kind of grass that shall grow by sowing the seed, as a
lowland farmer can ; but very much may be done by the altera-
tion of natural conditions, so as to make them better suited to
the healtby growth of the more valuable plants ; and again, by
laying out the boundaries for any one lot of sheep in such a
manner as to include a suitable change of food, not only for the
one season of the year, but for all different times and seasons.
It is often the case that the boundary fence or dyke of a farm,
or subdivision of same, runs on the borders between the land
good for winter food and for that only on the one side, and on
the other, hard green land excellent for summer pasture, but of
little use in winter. It is clear, that if a certain " stock " or
number of sheep were put on each division, the one lot would be
doing well when its pasture was at its best, and the other lot
would be going back because its pasture was bad, and
vice versa ; wdiereas, if both lots of sheep were put together,
and the shepherd, understanding his business, were to turn
them at different seasons of the year over the land best
suited at the time, the sheep would not only be in good
condition the whole year through, but more stock could be kept
in good order on the same land, as the amount of stock any

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 251

place will carry must be governed by the minimum supply of
food at any one particular season. The latter remark applies to
all, but refers specially to grazings which do not have hoggs
wintered away. Much might be saved, if farmers would first
get to understand the values of the different kinds of plants on
the different descriptions of ground ; and secondly, arrange in
" hirseling " their sheep, that each division should have its due
share of every kind of pasture ; and thirdly, encourage the better
growth of the best pastural food plants. Some grown under
certain conditions are much eaten by sheep, while under other
conditions they seem only to be taken if nothing else can be
got. The latter fact is most important, as w^e shall see more
fully when we come to speak of the different sorts separately.

In addition to the considerations as to the natural food, this
paper contains results of our experiences with regard to the
judicious administration of artificial food to hill sheep at certain
seasons. Our observations extend over a period of ten years, but
more particularly within the last three years, when we have had
a better opportunity of carrying out such experiments on an
extensive scale and in a satisfactory manner.

No lowland pasture can be really first-rate, even on good land,
unless it has all through it a sufficient number of good natural
grasses of the varieties that come forward to perfection at the
different seasons — spring, summer, and autumn — each set giving
way as it were in turn to the one which follows. It is the want
of good spring-growing grasses that makes a pasture (noted for
its summer grazing powers) backward and bare in the early
months of the year ; while the sudden failure of others in
autumn can be accounted for in the same way.

This is a matter worth considering in a low country, but as
the difficulty can be easily met by supplying artificial foods, it is
not of so great importance as in a hill district, where a given
amount of stock is desired to be upheld by natural food as much
as possible ; and that not only for the three more favourable
quarters of the year but for the adverse winter season as well.
Hill grazings dilier materially from lowland pastures, in that the
soil is not so homogeneous or the plants so thoroughly inter-
mingled on the same ground. A patch of one kind of soil is found
growing a few varieties of plants in perfection, while others, to
wliich the conditions are not suited, are there only as it were on
sull'erance. Adjoining this is another description of soil, or it may
be the same, but subjected for a long time to a different degree of
moisture or some other external inlluence ; the plants here may
liave changed places as to relative numbers, or some may have
disapi)eared altogether, and others taken their places. Hill land
not only presents a most irregular surface, but in this way a
very varied appearance, and great dill'ereuce in point of muney

252 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

value. The influence of climate as affected by elevation; the
amount of moisture ; the amount of sunlight and heat available
particularly in winter, (depending on how the hill ranges run) ;
exposure to prevailing winds ; and the liability to death of stock
on some grounds — particularly when subjected to certain sudden
changes of weather — affect the value of land to a greater degree
than is supposed by the general public.

In reviewing the valuable hill plants, we begin with common
heather, Erica (Calhma) vulgaris, because it covers a greater
extent of surface than any other, and is perhaps best known to
all classes. To the general public, especially tourists, it is
interesting on account of the lovely purple its flowers lend to
the hillsides in August and September. To the sportsman it is
known as that part of the food of grouse and black game which
gives the wild flavour to their flesh, and as the shelter in which
these may cower in the early part of the season until within
ranoe of the o-un. With the farmers' interests we have more to
do. Sheep are very fond of the young and tender shoots, and
Wxll eat them at all times of the year, more or less vigorously,
according as there is a large or short supply of other food.
Winter is the season when a sufficiency of heather is most
valuable, owing to its being evergreen, and from its habit of
growth standing up on a strong woody stem, so that sheep get
readily at it during a storm of snow. It resists well the action
of frost in ordinary years, or if covered to a small extent by
snow ; but, sometimes after a long " black " frost in winter, it
becomes of little value late in spring before the new shoots appear.
This particularly if it is very old ; i.e., if it has been too lung since
it was burnt. The burning of heather may take place any time after
it is dry enough in spring until 11th April, when grouse nests
begin to be found, and it would be injurious to the game. When
thought desirable by all concerned, burning may go on for fourteen
days longer, with an order from the sheriff and the consent of the
proprietor. It is a most necessary operation for every one who
has in it an interest that can be measured in money. There is
only one right treatment, although there are fifty different
opinions about it ; and we are sorry to say the matter does not
rest there. Heather burning has been, and is, the cause of
much dispute and bad feeling between tenants and proprie-
tors; and the strange thing about it is, that whoever is in the
wrong, be he tenant or proprietor, is doing, although he may not
know it, an injury to himself as well as to his opponent. If too
much surface be burnt by the tenant, then there is not enough
shelter for the proprietor's game in the shooting season, but at the
same time the tenant's sheep will suffer during the first severe
snow-storm, the very time that heather is most valuable. He
has no doubt more heather-growing land in good summer feeding

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 253

order, but at that season every other thing is green and abund-
ant, and it is not wanted. On the other hand, shoukl, at the
desire of the proprietor, too little be burnt, the evils to himself and
land are considerably greater, though more insidious. Heather,
when very old and large, loses vital power, grows slower, and in
some cases may even die or be killed by severe frost. When
burnt at last, it is found to be growing from a few roots. The
plants are long in forming fresh shoots, and when they do come,
there being but a small extent of them, the sheep or cattle on the
grazing continue to pick up every green shoot that appears,
because of a want of a sufficient supply of this kind of food,
until the roots die, and grasses of different sorts permanently
take the place of heather. There is no doubt that many of our
hard green hills were at one time, and that quite recently, clad
with luxuriant crops of heather, and were then far more valu-
able, both as shootings and as sheep walks, than now. If the
sheep stocks were removed for a number of years, no doubt
many of these would grow heather once more. So also, we have
good reason to believe, certain districts would, under similar
treatment, soon become forest. As such treatment is out of the
question, all we can do is to preserve what is yet left, by a more
rational system of management. In addition to the future evil
consequences, very rough heathery land is not for the present
best for grouse or black game, except that it is '' more easily
shot." The birds do not want the shelter at breeding tirae, as
nests are found in detached bunches, not in dense masses of long
heather.

No doubt it is instinct which leads qame to see that youns
ones in wet seasons vvould get thoroughly soaked and chilled to
death, if among a rank growth of any sort. This is exactly what
happens if a large proportion of the ground is too rough ; the little
ones, after they are hatched, wander into it, and never come out
again. Tlien again, old heather is no use as food, as it is only the
younger and most tender shoots that grouse care for. The
consequence is that the birds, although they like shelter at times,
migrate to places where they get the most agreeable food, and are
lik(dy to remain there most of their time, as well as die there. A
very remarkable instance of this peoi)ling a hill with grouse, by
burning of old and useless heather, came under our notice some
years ago in the ca.se of a holding, Glenlee Mains, in Galloway,
which was once farmed by us.

Heather should be burnt in regular rotations, f. or ^^^ of the
whole every year ; the amount being determined by the nature
of the ground. As I mentioned before, heather grows on nearly
every (lescription of hill and moorland, but much more slowly on
Lard, dry land, than on " living moss." Less is consctpiently
required to be burnt on this land, though regular attention to it

254 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

is more necessary. Heather may be neglected to almost any
extent on soft moss, and grow again after burning, but it is not
so with the slow-growing heather of dry land.

By far the best way is to burn it in strips, not too small.
Of course, it is more expensive than simply burning a large
patch here and there, as more men are required to keep the fire
within control, but there are many advantages. A clear road is
made through the rank heather for sheep to get about from one
part to another, without having to go a long way round, as would
often be the case ; and again, the different ages of heather are all
close together, which is an advantage both to sheep and game.
The latter have the best and youngest shoots to feed on along-
side of the roughest parts, which are only good for shelter.
Another loss to the farmer, from allowing heather to get too old
before burning, is the large amount of wool which is torn from
the bellies of the sheep, as they walk over the ground, by the
stalks or " birns" left standing for years after. If farmers and
proprietors could only come to see that their interests in
heauher burning are identical, it would do away with almost the
only source of difficulty between them in these high districts.

The two plants, Erica Tetralix, or bell heather, and Erica
cinerea, or ling, are of comparatively little use as food either for
sheep or grouse. There is a little confusion in some botanical
books as to which of the so-called heathers is " ling." Tn Scot-
land there is no doubt that ling is the Erica cmerea, that plant
with the long slender stem growing in wet moss land, and made
into the brooms which are regularly seen in farm kitchens.

We will next take the useful Juncacece, or rushes. First, stool
bent, Juncus squarrosus. This little rush, like heather, has the
valuable property of being evergreen. It is much eaten by sheep
when grown under suitable conditions ; i.e., on black-topped or
moss land which is moderately moist. If very wet, the plants
that do grow are small, and not relished. The leaves are succu-
lent, particularly where they join together at the crown, and
agreeable to the taste, and are greedily sought for by ^heep in
*'hard " weather, when no snow, or only a slight covering, is on the
ground. In snow the plant is not easily got at, from its habit of
growth being to spread out its leaves all round from the centre
close to the ground. When not covered up, however, a sheep
gets right into the crown of the plant, and leaves but a small
portion of it, reminding one of the shells of turnips which sheep
hollow out when eating a standing crop. Like some other plants
on which sheep fall back in winter and spring, stool bent is
entirely neglected by them when the full flush of grass in
summer arrives. These plants are very well in a sense, and
invaluable at their season, but grasses grown in the summer sun
have far more flavour as well as feeding value.

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 255

" Spret," Jn/iicus articulatus, is the only other rush lliat is a
valuable food on hills. It gets the name " avticidatus " from a
false joint that is to be seen every here and there in its upright
hollow leaves. It is not evergreen, unless in very mild open
winters, when the young shoots or " pods " have been found
growing the whole season through. The plant is essentially one
belonging to a moist or even wet, but not a pure, moss soil The
young shoots push up in spring, or, as I have said, even in winter
whenever the weather is mild enough to encourage growth, like
as many little green darning needles, from thick woody under-
ground stems, which often run pretty close to the surface.
Sheep begin to pull and eat these as soon as they are long
enough to get hold of ; and on such land (which is usually
sto2ked with the Cheviot breed) sheep do well, and have a large
number of lambs, if the spret is to be had early in spring, in
March ; while they are sure to do badly if it is a month later.
When a little more developed, cattle, like sheep, eat it and thrive
well. Both, however, leave it off to a great extent as the plant
matures with the advancing summer. If cut about the end of
July or in August,' when coming into flower, it makes excellent
hay for cattle, though too coarse for sheep as a rule ; it is
much valued for making hay-tea for cows after calving in
spring. Strong well-grown spret makes the best of thatch for
hay-stacks in a hill district. Put on green, it lies down flat, and
will remain good for two years. It has the great advantage over
straw, that rooks and others birds, on the look-out for grain, don't
scrape it off' and destroy the roof. The great disadvantage of
really first-rate spret land is, that it grows spret far too luxuri-
antlv, to the exclusion of almost all else. In such a case, the stage
is soon passed at which cattle and sheep eat it, and it is too
coarse for hay when that time comes. Finally, it falls down as
autumn advances, or with the first cover of snow, and there rots,
destroying every other green plant, and being itself of no use for
eight or nine months of the year. The usual remedy is to surface
drain thoroughly, and see that the drains keep constantly running
by frequent cleaning, which is no easy matter, as the roots of
strong spret iu a very few years will quite choke an ordinary
drain. There is no doubt but deep draining gives by far the
best result on such land, but then the extra cost puts it quite
out of the question in ninety-nine cases out of the liundred.
There is this, however, to say for it, that if deep draining will not
pay on the best quality of spret land, it need not be attempted
on any other description of hill pasture. Draining weakens
generally the growth of spret, and not only improves the quality
of what remains, but allows fine grasses, principally Fescues and
Poas, to come up. The grt)wth which is not eaten off' in summer
remains standing, and is then of some use as foggagc in winter.

256 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

Fescues grown under the above conditions very frequently
becomes viviparous — that is, in place of seeds forming out of the
flowers, young plants are produced on a spike at the top of the
flower stalk. These can be planted and made to take root and
grow. This is a peculiarity met with in various orders of plants
grown on high and wet districts where there is not sufficient
sunshine to mature seeds ; and is no doubt a provision of
nature to allow for the propagation of th(} species, other than by
the usual way of seed, when the conditions are not favourable
to these ripening.

Other methods are adopted for keeping down the excessive
growth of the spret plant. Grazing cattle along with sheep, if
judiciously managed, is a very excellent plan. Burning off all
withered remainy of the growth of the previous year, during the
dry weather of spring, is an easy method, and has some special
advantages in destroying parasitic pests which may be lodging
there. It has one disadvantage, that there is no use made of the
produce of the soil, all being dissipated ; and besides, there are
certain classes of clay bogs that are much injured for years by
such burning.

I approve more of the very effectual way of cutting for hay.
This, if under the care of an intelligent shepherd who has the
interest of his sheep at heart, cannot fail to be a success.
The experienced shepherd knows what will stand and be of
use in winter, and what will fall and decay. The same part will
not require to be cut more than once in two or three years.
Of course, this way is expensive, and would only be gone in for
when hay could be made use of to advantage ; and operations of
this sort, especially on a large place, must be within controllable
limits. It is not too much to say, however, that a certain amount
should be cut for the purpose indicated on all really good " spret-
land " farms. There are advantages besides those alreadv named.
The aftermath of fine fresh grasses and young spret which comes
up, is most valuable in autum^n, when nearly all else is old
and partly withered, and the best eaten out of it by the sheep.
If the winter be frostv, such bare land would be of no use ;
but, on the other hand, if the weather be fresh and open, there
will always be green pickings got all through, and will be the
first available when growth comes next spring. One disadvant-
age of burning is the checking of the early spring growth, besides
the browning by singeing the tips of the young shoots, and so
preventing sheep eating them so soon as they otherwise would.

The great thing to do in mowing hill land is not, as is usually
supposed, to avoid cutting too much, but to cut the right places
at the right season, which latter means not too late in the year.

We now take the Cyperacece, including sedges, and after that
the more important plants will be arranged in the order in which

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 257

they come In season, without regard to their botanical " Natural
Order."

Draw-moss, or sheathing cotton sedge, Eriophorum vagmatum,
is a most invaluable plant on certain farms, tvhere it exists in
quantity. It forms often the backbone of the early spring food
of some places, and when sufficiently abundant and forward
by the end of February, no fear need be entertained of ewes
being in bad condition at lambing time. Many farmers con-
sider that a good supply of draw-moss will prepare ewes better
for milking and lambing than a full allowance of turnips, and
it has the additional advantage that it is their natural food.
Draw-moss grows best on very wet mossy land. The plant
exists on dry moss land, but is then of no use. Its habits and
time of growth are entirely changed. It grows more or less in
tufts. As early as January, if the land is sufficiently moist and
the weather mild, large handfuls of rounded succulent leaves
may be pulled up from these places, 6 or 8 inches long, the part
which has not been exposed to the air being beautfully white,
and agreeable to the taste. As it shoots up into the light with
the advancing season the leaves become green, and fade or
wither next " fall" after frost to a uniform brown. The tufts
of draw-moss are distinguishable by this at a little distance in
winter time from tufts of another plant, deer hair, which is not
unlike it in the withered condition, but has a mottled appearance
from the presence of different shades of brown on each stem.
When the season is cold and backward, or if the land is naturally,
or from overdraining, too dry, the "moss" will often not be
" come " sufficiently to draw or be of any use till even the end of
March or into April, and this on many places makes the difference
between a first-rate year and a very bad one. This covers the
most critical time of all the year, including the " milk-making"
month, March. No subsequent favourable conditions can ever
make up for loss sustained at that time. Again, a " black-frost"
sometimes comes late in spring, and binds up the land, so that
the " moss" will no longer " draw," This, however, is not often
so serious, as, if fairly grown, the sheep can do very well for a
time on what has risen above the ground, and which breaks of!'
short on being pulled. The appearance of the " moss-crop " or
flower indicates that the leaves are well forward and will })ull.
The flowering spikelet is single and terminal ; when matured into
fruit, it has a woolly or cottony a]>pearance. It is distinguished
from the worthless common cotton sedge by the latter having more
than one flower on the stalk and more cotton on the seed. There
are also on the latter very few radical leaves, which constitute
the valuable part for sheep, and it only grows well in chokud-up
ditches and on land excessively wet, such as a hole from which
peats had been cut at one time, and no proper outlet drain made

R

258 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

Draw-moss is most valuable when situated in a low and
sheltered place. Good " moss " is often found on the exposed,
wet tops of high hills, but is of no use in stormy weather,
which is often too frequent at the very time the food is most
w^anted. There is one very important point in the treatment of
draw moss land on which too much stress cannot be laid, and to
neglect which is ruinous in the extreme, and that is, it must not
he over-drained. The wetter the land, the more luxuriant the
plant grows, and the earlier does it come in spring. The land
must only be dry enough to allow sheep to pass freely on to it,
and no drier. This point can be easily ascertained practically.
Many a man has ruined his farm, his stock, and himself, by
draining such places " not wisely, but too well." Burning is not,
as a rule, suited to land of this description. Now and again, if
getting very foul, it may be allowed, but by no means frequently,
as it weakens the plant, and renders it of little service the first
season,

Carices, or common sedges, might have been taken sooner if
we had been arranging the plants in order of their early growth.
Though valuable, they are nut of so much importance as those
that have been already mentioned, because they occupy but a
small proportion of the surface area. There are very many
different species commonly found, but the two most useful that we
specially mention are the tufted and carnation carices, C. cmspitosa
and -panicea. These may be seen growing all the winter in damp
places, more or less according to the kind of season, and are sought
after and eaten by sheep. The " pry " hay of some districts is
made from sedges. This is the first illustration we have come
to of a plant, which is valuable on hill pasture, but which is
despised in the south and considered an indication of poverty, or
rather of wetness, which is a synonymous term in many cases. The
carnation grass (so called from its peculiar glaucous green colour)
of the south of England is a well known indication of a cold
clay subsoil, or what we in Scotland would term a " till-bottom,"

Common nard, mat-grass or wire-grass, Nardiis stricta, is
hardier, and comes earlier in spring than any other grass. It
appears in a good year and in an early district in March, while
in a cold vear or on the Highland hills often a month later.
After getting a start, however, it keeps growing, although the
weather be very backward. In exceptionally mild seasons, as
1883-84, new leaves spring in autumn and continues to grow
the whole winter and is constantly eaten. It grows to perfection
only on hard dry land, and is, somehow or another, found in
abundance on farms much subject to " trembling " or " louping-
ill." We don't for a moment suppose it has anything to do with
the production or encouragement of the disease, only this is a
coincidence which has been noti3ed and remarked upon. It is

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 259'

constantly eaten by sheep before it runs to flower : it then
becomes hard and wiry, and consequently unpalatable and
unsuitable. Wire-grass land is much improved by being burnt
in spring, and the earlier the better, to prevent singeing of the
tops. This also carries out Professor Williams' idea of destroy-
ing the organisms which produce such diseases as louping-ill.

Deer hair, Scirpus cccs'pitosus, comes a little latter than wire-
grass ; varying much with the season, from the beginning of
April till even into May at times, in the ■' Highlands." It grows
best on mossy and damp soils. Where there is no draw-moss
deer hair is eagerly looked for by the shepherds, as on such
black-topped land sheep are never independent until it is fully
come. Where tliere is a considerable amount of hard land
growing nard, this takes its place. By June, or even before, if
plenty of grass is come, sheep leave off eating it. It becomes
hard, and the tops turn brown, or a terminal flower, w^hich begins
to form very soon after the plant appears, hardens, and this the-
sheep don't like. Cattle will eat it later than sheep, and do well
on it. If it were not for this tendency of running early to seed,
and that other food come into season, sheep would no doubt
continue to eat it longer than they do. It is thought to be
better for producing flesh than milk. Burning such land is the
best way of keeping it in good order, and this should be done
early, for the same reason as in the case of nard.

Sweet vernal grass, Autlwxanthum odoratum, is the next
grass to come in spring after mat-grass, sending up its broad
light-coloured green leaves through the old withered tufts, over
nearly every description of hill land, about the end of April in
an ordinary year. This is the grass which gives the sweet scent
to natural hay. As its flowers and seeds are not eaten by sheep
or cattle they may be seen all the summer through in natural
pastures, mountain as well as lowland. The leaves are valued
as food for both sheep and cattle, not so much on account of
their intrinsic worth, as because they come early.

Blow-grass (a corruption of the Scotch Blae-grass) or purple
Molinia, Molinia cceridea, springs a little later than the vernal
grass, and is easily mistaken for it. It is not nearly so wide-
spread, being more limited to a particular kind of black-topped
or mossy soil — not too dry, if it is to grow in luxuriance. In
spiing it pushes up erect little green shoots, two leaves rolled
together, which, on l)eing palled, break ofVea.sily, low down, close
to the root, and draw up, the lower part quite white, like draw--
moss. When young, the leaves, which come up like a " braird"
of oats, especially after burning, are much eaten by .'^heop and
cattle. Both fatten and do well on them, living in some places
on little else for a month or more, and continuing all the summer
to eat a i)art. Ou such laud the animals are usually small-boned.

260 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

The leaves, when full grown, are broad, but thin, having little
" body." When cut for hay, they wither and dry very quickly.
In fine sunny weather it is no unusual thing to cut this " flying
bent " in the morning, and put it into ricks in good condition in
the afternoon. It has been successfully used for paper-making,
but we are not aware that the practice is carried out at the pre-
sent time. It is called " flying-bent," owing to the thin light
leaves breaking off by the root, when they wither in autumn,
and getting blown before the wind. These settle in drains,
which get choked by this and the sand brought down by the
next flood. This is a great nuisance on land where there is much
blow-grass, necessitating each spring the regular looking to of
drains stopped in this fashion. If not done regularly, the
difficulty of cleaning out is much increased by another year, and
the damages by sanding and Hooding from such drains can not
easily be estimated. Blow-grass land, if not mown, sliould be burnt
every second year. The flower-head, which grows on. a tall stem,
is of a beautiful purple colour, giving origin to one of the names.
The seed is used bv seedsmen to adulterate the smaller sized
seeds of natural grasses. It is, however, not grown for that pur-
pose in this country. As a rule, it does not germinate ; but it
would make little difference, as on an ordinary agricultural soil
Molinia would not find suitable conditions, and would verv soon
die out.

Tufted aira. Air a cccspitosa, is a very strong, coarse, rough-
leaved, dark green grass, which growls in bunches or tufts. It is
hardy, and able to resist the action of frost to a much greater
extent than most grasses, so much so that, at any time all the
winter, part at least of the centre of a tuft is green, and it
is on this account that it is so valuable on some farms. Th3
sheep are able in a storm to push their noses in among the
withered roughness and get something they can eat. It is
usually found growing on the better quality parts of hill land,
as in good green hollows that are not too dry. It was to the
roots of this grass among others that the vole did so much
damage, on some of the Scotch Border farms, in 1876-77. The
vole is a large, dark coloured mouse, with a short nose. Its
work and habits were described by Sir Walter Elliot, in a paper
published in the Transactions of the Berwickshire Naturalists'
Club, 1879. As there has been no recurrence of the pest on a
large scale, the facts, which were so alarming for a year or two,
are now almost forgotten. The tufted aira is considered one of
the most obnoxious weeds on the fine old permanent pastures of
Lincoln and Cambridgeshire. Cattle and sheep both leave it
when they have abundance of the finer grasses, and the con-
sequence is it grows the stronger, and stands up giving an
irregular appearance and want of uniformity of surface in graz-

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 261

ing, which is so much objected to on the better class of old
pasture land. As summer advances on the hills, neither cattle
nor sheep care much to eat the leaves of this grass, they become
so hard and rough. Its great value is as a winter food. If cut
early it makes excellent hay, and gives a large yield.

Many of the hardier natural grasses unite with the plants
already mentioned to 'form a covering for the surface of the
ground, but are a little later in the season before coming to
much account. Among those we may name (occupying the
land best united to each) Meadow Fescue, Sheep's Fescue, and
hard Fescue, particularly the latter, which is often very abund
ant, on dry places as well as on land after draining. It has a
large range of soil which it seems to consider suitable. Crested
dogstail is another excellent hardy grass, which is often abund-
ant ; and the various Poas also make their appearance, as well
as Agrostis alha or " Fiorin," the latter often to a large extent.
On mossy land which has been drained and improved, Yorkshire
fog, Holcus lanatus, may ahvays be found. This can hardly be
classed as one of the best grasses, only it is most valuable in
this way, that it is often the only grass that will grow for a time
on reclaimed moss. Fiorin, after a while, mingles with it on
such a place, and other grasses come gradually as useful vegetable
matter accumulates and the soil becomes richer. Yorksliire fog,
liowever, taken as a hill grass, kept well down and eaten young, is
not so bad as usually considered. Of plants that do good
by merely covering the land, there is the little toad rush, Juncus
hiifonius, which springs up after draining, as it were spontaneously
on those bare patches seen on level peat-moss land, which has
been excessively wet from stagnation of surface water.

Thistles are by no means so objectionable on hill land as they
are on an arable farm. Several varieties are found, eaten
close down to the crown in hard springs, and are valuable, as
most green plants are at that season. It is a well known fact
that thistles are quite palatable to animals, and it is only
because of the j)rickles that they are not eaten. When thistle^
are cut before they get too large, and allowed to lie in the sun
for a few hours to wither, but not long enough to become hard,
cattle pick them up and eat them greedily. Although we
usually think of thistles as worthless weeds, they are highly and
justly valued in jdaces. In some districts of New Zealand, after
thistle seed was imjtorted, it was thought tlic whole country
would be ruined by the obnoxious plant — it grew so luxuriantly
and spread so wide — but in a few years it turned out to be one
of the greatest blessings the country has seen ; ami the seed is
now bought by those who can atVord it at veiy high prices, and
actually sown on land to be taken in. The i)lant grows enor-
mously for a few years to the exclusion of everything else, and

262 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

theu suddenly dies,, leaving the soil much richer than before,
and perfectly clean. The roots seem to bring up valuable plant
food from deep down in the soil, and this, with the remains of
the great vegetable growth on the top, raises the standard of
fertility for years.

The leaves and young shoots of the blaeberry or bilberry
plant, Vaccinium myrtillus, are in some districts much eaten by
both Cheviot and black faced sheep during winter and spring.
The plant is evergreen, and stands up so that sheep can get at it
by scraping with their feet, even when there is a cover of snow.
It is unfortunate, however, that it is usually found growing on
or near the tops of high hills, where it is too stormy for sheep to
remain at the very time it would be of most service ; also I am
assured on good authority, that in Wester Eoss, where it is very
abundant, sheep rarely if ever touch it, and that in Perthshire
this is also the case. On the Dumfriesshire hills, on the other
hand, where it is frequently found, it is kept close nibbled down,
lb may be, although I have not yet verified the fact, that the
plant, as in some cases we have already alluded to, is so much
altered by being grown under different conditions that sheep
do not care for it.

The crowberry is another Vaccinium, which grows in high
places, like its connection the blaeberry, but gets even less atten-
tion from sheep. There is no doubt, however, that sheep do eat
it in part when hard up for food. Ptarmigan pick the young
buds of this in the same way as grouse eat common heather.

It would be impossible and unnecessary to even name, in an
article of this sort, all the plants found on hill pasture that sheep
will eat. One or two more common or useful ones, and we have
done : white clover, which grows most abundantly on dry land
that has been limed : old-fashioned red clover, Trifolium medium,
which we believe to be the true cow grass, but this is found only
in certain districts : rib grass, which no doubt is of real value on
hills, but has been over-rated in low pastures and is now often
struck out of mixtures of seeds for good land : the bog asphodel,
Narthccium ossifragum, which grows on very wet mossy land,
and comes late in summer, is much sought after and eaten : eye
bright, which has rather a peculiar though pleasant taste, and is
no doubt taken more by way of a change or relish than as food :
yarrow, with its astringent properties, may be put in the same
class.

We have now mentioned or described all that we consider
necessary of the plants usually found in hill pasture. It must
not be supposed that all the different varieties are got on one
farm, or even if found, that they exist in quantity sufficient to
be of service to sheep. It is on account of the presence or
absence of certain of these that a place gains the character of

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 263

being good or bad in spring or winter. The size and quality of
a stock depends on there being a regular rotation of plants the
whole year through, one set coming forward for use as the pre-
ceding one begins to decline.

It is the duty of the shepherd to keep his sheep regularly
going in the way mountain sheep naturally incline, viz., up to the
hill tops at night to lie, and down over the lower and usually
sweeter feeding ground through the day. Sheep, especially
Cheviots, sometimes get into lazy habits, and would remain all
the while on the low grass lands. If allowed so to do, by care-
lessness or otherwise, they very soon injure themselves as a flock,
and the death-rate increases ; the best land becomes filthy, and
the sheep do not have the varieties of food so beneficial to all
classes of stock ; and besides, mountain sheep if they are to
thrive require exercise.

Another way in which sheep may go utterly to the bad, is
seen in the disease termed " vanquish," on land overlying
granite rock. If sheep are allowed to remain about the heights,
as they sometimes naturally incline to do, and are not regularly
turned down, so that they may have a thorough change of food,
they become excessively poor, and die of sheer weakness.
There is no organic disease, simply anaemia, and if taken to a
good pasture and with a complete change, they begin to improve
at once. The disease has not been properly investigated, and its
actual cause is not understood. It is not the result of want
of food, as is often supposed by those who have never seen it.
It has something to do with the quality of food, no doubt, as
it is only caused by herbage grown on granite land when
sheep restrict themselves to a few varieties. We have known
a farm, which was very subject to the disease, get quite clear of
it by the sheep being made to run in large " hefts," and con-
sequently travel over more land, and by burning all rough land
which was not actually necessary for the sheep in spring.

Another advantage of good shepherding is, that sheep are
turned into shelters in stormy weather, which in the end means
food, as it saves them from falling oft' in condition. When
once used to being taken to shelter, they will go themselves,
if caught by a snowstorm at night or when the sheplierd is
taken unawares. Thus he knows where to find them, Shelters
of various forms, made of high stone walls, are, or should be,
built on all exposed farms. Some object to more elaborate
shelters, such as plantations, because they say slieep lie there
often when the weather is fine enough for them to be out
gathering food, and thus spoil themselves. This would be the
fault of the shej)herd if allowed to occur. No doubt shelter is a
great boon, and the better the shelter the more valuable. A
man might as well say — " I won't have that lOU acres of really

264 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

fine old grass laad at the bottom of my hill, because the sheep
would be sure to lie too much on it and spoil themselves." All
that he actually has to do is to see the shepherd attends to his
duty, and the sheep will be much the better for it. An excellent
method of securing warmth, which is much the same as shelter
to lean sheep — useful also if there should be an excessive death
rate in a flock from lung disease produced by parasites or any
other cause — is, to cover their backs with cloth. For ewes
ordinary canvass wrapping made waterproof by brushing on
boiled liuseed oil does well, cut into 2 feet squares, and sewed
on firmly to the wool with stocking yarn.

Artificicd Food.

The question, as to whether under any circumstances artificial
food, such as corn, &c., should be given to hill sheep, has been
long a subject of controversy, and is yet unsettled by the
agricultural public. The facts stand thus. Certain lands have
not a sufficiency of early growing plants, more especially in a back-
ward year, to keep the usual stock of the place in good condition
during the spring months. The consequence is, that the death-
rate is frequently doubled, the crop of lambs lessened by
half, and the constitutions of the living sheep are so shaken
by being reduced in condition, that even the great advocates
of non-feeding admit they take years to get over the evil con-
sequences. The question then arises ; are these consequences
less serious than those that follow feeding ? The answer will
depend much on how the process is carried out. Injudicious
and excessive feeding, though no doubt it might save the lives of
those sheep that would otherwise die of poverty, and thus secure
a good crop of lambs that year, might not, to speak of the expense
incurred, leave the constitutions of the flock so changed for the
worse that the result in time would be greater disaster than if
thev had been left to nature. This is the blackest side of the
picture, and, though possible, would be difficult to bring about,
and very unlikely to occur. Feeding highly, nevertheless, has a
tendency to reduce constitution. There is, however, a middle
course in this matter, which is the right one to adopt. What is
wanted can be attained by a little trouble and forethought, viz.,
the " tiding " of hill sheep through hard cold winter and spring
months by a sufficient, though not extravagant or excessive, aid in
the shape of artificial food — enough to keep them neither improv-
ing nor falling off, but " at the bit," until nature finds the means
of providing that which is more natural and congenial to them.
When the feeding results in failure, the methods adopted in
the actual giving of the food are often quite as much at fault as
the quantity or quality given. It is too frequently the case.

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 265

that when any artificial assistance is supplied, the sheep are
taken entirely from what natural food they could get, which
no doubt was insufficient in itself, but only required to be
slightly aided to be all that was wanted. Taken from a hill,
and put into a bare pasture field, that had perhaps only a few
sheltered places to recommend it, sheep require, to keep them
even from falling off in condition, more than twice the amount
of corn, &c., that would have guaranteed their doing well, had it
only been used as a supplement to the natural food. A short
time of this treatment, while it is positiv-ely necessary, as during
a snowstorm, will do little harm, as we shall see further on ;
but to continue it for weeks or months together, as is often done
in the case of lean sheep drawn in from the hill, is certainly a
mistake. Their constitutions which were weak before from some
cause, are not improved, as is seen the following spring when all
of the lot are found again amongst the lean sheep, and requiring
to be in earlier than before. This is perhaps the strongest argu-
ment which the advocates of non- feeding can bring forward.
They do not see that there are two reasons why it goes to prove
nothing against feeding properly conducted, and is consequently
most misleading. Firstly, the experiment is made with sheep
which have something soft about their constitutions originally and
were poor in consequence before ever they were fed ; and secondly,
the food given is not supplied under suitable and proper
conditions. The sheep either have it in too great quantity, if it
is intended to keep them up at the time when insufficiently pro-
vided with their usual natural and bulky food ; or, on the other
hand, if they are given too little concentrated food as well as too
little bulky food, they are starved. Again, if the feeding is done
on the hill, which is not so frequently the case, the worst
place possible is selected, viz., on the low-lying land. This
brings the sheep down away from their feeding ground, and
there they incline to remain until spoiled, as in the manner
previously explained. They have been taken, this time, however,
by their own freewill, from the food which is natural to them,
and which is not used in any other way. The actual loss
sustained at the time is not the only disadvantage. Sheep
treated in the above way get into the bad habit of Hying to the
low ground on the first appearance of snow or hard weather next
year. There they spend valuable time looking for the feeding
troughs, and foil (Scotch, file) the land in such a manner that
when an actuid storm does come, and they must of necessity be
brought down, there is nothing worth having for them. Another
very common practice is to sto]) feeding at a certain fixed date,
say when lambing begins, regardless of whether there is a sulli-
ciont sjiring of grass or not. It is needless to say that feeding
sheep WL'll for a tinu- and then starving them, is what no farmer

266 THE NATURAL AND AETIFICIAL FOOD OF

will admit is right, yet many do it without thinking, because
it is not the custom to feed sheep on a hill while lambing. It
is clear then, that, to be successful in giving hill sheep artificial
food, they must only get it when they require it ; they must
not have too much nor yet too little ; and they must have it
given at such a time and in such a place as will enable and
encourage them, not to neglect the natural food at their disposal,
but be a stimulant to further exertions in the way of making
use of even more of this than formerly. This can be done, and
has been done by us successfully, and on a large scale for three
years. The sheep practised on were about 1800 (mostly
Cheviots) on the farm of Twiglees, Eskdalemuir ; and others on
various places with which we had connection. In the case of
Twiglees, had the stock been a good one and doing well, there
might have been some risk in making such a great and sudden
change as feeding so many sheep with artificial food. We had
no fear from this, however, as nothing but very extraordinary
management could possibly have made a stock do worse than
it was doing under the old system before the farm came to
our hands. As proof of this, I only require to say that between
the time we got it — Whitsunday 1879 — and weaning time, which
was in the following September, 220 lambs died out of 1100
delivered to us; and the place was herded by the same men and
stocked in the same way, as it had been for years before. The
chances were therefore much in our favour that any change would
be for the better ; aud it is gratifying to be able to say that we
are pleased with the result. The sheep naturally go in distinct
" hirsels " or lots, and it was thus an easv matter to have a certain
number receiving no artificial food, and various other lots receiv-
ing different quantities; some were begun to be fed early in spring,
some late ; and the feeding of some stooped off before the grass
had quite come, and of others continued until they could get a
" full bite." It would load the paper, and be of no real good, to
state the different exact amount given to A, B, or C lot of sheep ;
as in any case the effects on the stock must be judged of by our
selves.

The first opportunity we had of observing the effects of
artificial food on hill sheep on an extensive scale was during
the severe snowstorm of December 1873 which lasted for nearly
a month, and begun to break up on New Year's Day. Every-
thing was so covered up and plated over, by the snow partially
thawing and then freezing, that sheep could not get down by
scraping, except in some places which had steep heathery hill
sides with a southern exposure. Then they w^ere able to break
through about the " heat of the day," and the snow naturally
slipping down out of the way, they got at their food.

The sheep referred to consisted of about 3000 little Galloway

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 267

ewes — blackfaced and Cheviot. They were fed for about a
week with natural hay cut from the hill, but on this being-
finished were brought down into a large, well-sheltered meadow,
and fed (as nothing else could be had) entirely on oats and bran
mixed — fully 1 lb. per head per day for quite a fortnight. It was
considered not safe to give more of this concentrated food under
the circumstances, but no doubt they would have eaten and been
much the better for hay in addition. Some few would eat much
more than their own shares one day, but nature cured itself, and
these sheep were seen to have a slight scour and to hang back
at feeding time, eating but little for a day or two after. Only
a few lean sheep got corn during spring after the storm broke
up. The after results were entirely satisfactory, although no
one could say that the sheep looked to be doing well at the time
under conditions so different from the natural ones. Their bellies
got tucked up from want of bulky food. The spring throughout
was mild and open, and the crop of lambs came quite up to an
average. This was not the case with many sheep that were fed
in the neghbourhood entirely on the best rye grass hay, at double
the expense, though it was considered more natural. There was
no general deterioration of constitution noticed, as the sheep
did well in after years.

Before describing fully the method of feeding now adopted
by us at Twiglees — being, as we give it, the outcome of all our
experiences there and at other places — we give a short account
of the four last spring seasons, with some account of the general
plan of feeding. The spring of 1880 was a pretty good one, but
with cold winds and sudden hard frosts at times. We began
early (February) to feed a certain number of sheep, which have
been fed regularly every spring since, except in 1882, which was
a good season, and when they did not require it. Contrary to the
expectation of many, the lambs of those sheep which had been
fed regularly through the hard weather of 1880-81-83, were not
only the best of all during the years they were fed, but the best
as well in 1882, when none but lean sheep got artificial food,
although, from the quality of their pasture, they ought not to
have been so good as some others. Most of the sheep we
thought of feeding in future were taught to eat from troughs in
1880, so that they would be ready to start at once when the
time came.

In 1881 was a very bad spring. All the sheep were fed except
those which have never had feeding at all, and with which we
compare the others. As stated before, those that had been fed in
1880 did best, Uf the remainder, the ones that were started to
feed in February were next best, and the various lots grailually
doing worse, as we were later iu beginning the food : we could see
no impruvenient on those which began artiticiul feeding in April,

268 THE NATUEAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

as compared with those which got nothing. Again, the sheep
which had feeding continued on through the early part of the
lambing season (until " the grass," which was later than usual,
came) were appreciably better than those which had begun to
feed at the same time, but had been stopped feeding when
lambing started.

The spring of 1882 was an excellent one, and sheep were as a
rule quite able to do without feeding. Only a few lean ones were
taken in to get corn. The lambs of those that were fed for two
years not only topped the lot when drawn, but there were fewer
small ones to come out, showing that the constitutions of the
ewes had been saved.

1883— an open winter, with plenty of food, though rather wet.
Sheep were in good condition up till the end of the first week
of March. A vile month of east wind and hard, frost followed,
binding the draw-moss, which had begun to pull early, and
withering up every green thing. In some places the snow was
very deep, but with us there was little. The lean sheep, which
had been in and feeding before the storm began, and were fed
on through it, excepting those with bad constitutions, brought
good lambs. Some lots on the hill were begun to be fed at once,
and some later as the storm lasted. The sooner the feeding
began the better was the result. Some tliat were fed only during
two weeks at the end of the storm did better than those that had
none.

These remarks apply to all of the sheep fed, with the
exeption of one small " heft " of about 100, which, although it
was well fed during the necessary time in 1881 and 1883, failed
nevertheless to give the results expected of it and obtained from
the others. The grain brought up the number of lambs to
above the average of those not fed, but the quality was not up to
the standard desired. We are inclined to believe that the com-
parative failure had to do with someting else than the feeding,
as the " run " and " downfall" of this particular lot had been
altered. Independently of this, we ought not to put too much
weight on sucli a small test, when so much larger ones alongside
of it have proved quite satisfactory.

Sheep, which have not been accustomed to eat from troughs
while young, are at first afraid, but most will do so, in a few days,
if a small number understand it, and show the wav. Those that
persistently refuse (and there are some would stand by for months
and never learn by the force of example) require to be taken in,
and a little grain put into each of their mouths, also keeping a
trough with corn in the fold, into which they are again let
loose to stand for an hour or so. This seldom requires to be
repeated more than once or twice. The hoggs each year should
be taught at the earliest opportunity, so that no time may

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 269

be lost when a storm comes. It is a well known fact, that
sheep in good order will much more readily take to an entirely
new kind of food than those in lean condition, or down in spirit
from want of food. Having once learned, there is no furtlier
difficulty. To avoid as much as possible disturbing the usual
habits of the sheep, we have the troughs carried out to con-
venient, sheltered positions on the high land close by the places
where the sheep habitually lie at night. During a severe storm
of snow it would be impossible or absurd to think of feeding so
high up. We refer to the cold and backward weather which
occurs often in winter and more particularly spring. When a
good year comes we strongly believe in giving no feeding what-
ever, and our experience is, as we have already briefly stated,
that the ewes we have taken most care of and fed most regularly
during bad weather in previous years, those in fact which have
never got down in condition, do best in seasons when they require
no artificial food. This shows clearly that the constitution is
preserved rather than injured by moderate feeding.

Feeding is done once a day — early in the morning before the
sheep leave their resting ground, which they do a little later
than usual on a frosty morning. The advantages of this time
over any other are numerous. Xo extra " gathering " is
required ; the sheep lose no valuable time. After feeding they
lie down for a short while to chew the cud, and are retarded
from beginning to eat rimy grass on a frosty morning, which is
hurtful to all sheep, but particularly to those under a year old,
being the great means of inducing the disease called braxy,
especially if the grass be " tath " or that dark-green luxuriant
growth which springs from the droppings of animals, usually of
cattle. They are further stimulated by the concentrated food to
greater exertion through the day. Should the ground be plated
by a frozen covering of snow, they are supported until it becomes
soft, as noon approaches, then they work steadily till night,
scraping away the snow as instinct directs them. The cattle of
Europe will not scrape like sheep and horses, but starve where
either of the others thrive. A little attention is required at first
to prevent any sheep hanging about the troughs tOD long, but
this is no great difficulty, as they are very easily trained if regu-
larly reminded of their duties. Having rested for a short time,
they spread out over the lower and better feeding ground, and
have all day undisturbed to pick up what is to be had, return-
ing as darkness sets in to dry elevations near to the troughs.
After clipping, sheep naturally do this little tour daily, but for a
while before that time are inclined to be lazy, and require more
attention to see that they do it. During summer, from before
lambing time (April in the north) until about the beginning of
October, sheep do not as a rule rise at night to feed, but move at

270 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

day break ; after October the day is not long enough to suffice,
and they get up and feed from about eleven till two o'clock. On
dark nights they don't travel far, but when the moon shines they
often wander about a good deal. The troughs used are made of
two f inch spruce boards, 6 inches wide, nailed together, so as
to make a box, the cross sections of which form a right angle ;
the ends being closed by triangular pieces cut from boards 1
inch thick. This box is sunk a distance of 3 inches (to keep
the troughs low and partly to give strength) into two feet, which
are made from planks 5 inches deep by 2 inches thick. The
whole box, 9 feet long, weighs about 20 lbs. ; one is allowed for
twelve sheep. A good strong fellow can carry six of these at a
time a short distance, when it is necessary to'move them, as into
shelter if the wind changes. They don't require to be brought
home in summer, but are simply inverted and built up to keep
them off the ground. If coal-tarred and regularly stacked up
while not in use, they last for a good number of years. The
advantage of the boxes being low is that sheep don't hurt
themselves when they jump over, even when heavy in lamb.
They are as much as possible, prevented from jumping by
allowing them to approach by the ends of the troughs. These
are placed end to end in rows 12 or 15 feet apart. A well-
trained dog will easily keep the sheep off until the food has
been put into the troughs. This allows all to start alike, and
thus have a better chance of getting an equal share.

As soon as the sheep have left, the troughs are regularly
turned over to keep them dry, prevent their filling with snow,
and to let any dung which may have got in drop out. Sheep
are most sensitive to smells, and will upon no account eat food
that is near any filth in a trough. The amount given to each
per day is about | to J of a lb.; of course, according to circum-
stances, this may vary a little, but we are certain it is not worth
while giving less than J lb., and more than 1 lb. comes to
be unnecessarily expensive. We find it pays better to give a
moderate quantity of food per day, extended over a considerable
period, than to give the same amount in larger quantity per day
extending over a shorter period. Mixed foods, in this as in
other cases of feeding, give far better results than any one kind
by itself. Bran we consider unnecessary when sheep have
plenty of natural bulky food, and besides it is easily blown
away by wind, or soaked, should it rain, so that sheep will not
eat it. Cakes, as linseed or cotton cake, give quite as good
results as grain, the only objection being their getting wet and
disagreeable when it rains. Those foods we find to do best
under any circumstances, which are not affected by either wind
or rain during the short time they are exposed. Oats, peas,
lentils, and Indian corn, either mixed all together, or two

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 271

together, one being either peas or lentils, have given excellent
results. The actual mixture is determined by the relative prices,
according to the feeding value of the suitable food substances
in the market. We do not consider it dear if, calculating all
carriages and charges, we have it on the spot at about Id. per lb.
This brings the cost per head, giving § lb. each, if continued
nearly eight weeks to 3s. Half this will be repaid in an
ordinary year by the increased quantity and quality of the
wool alone. We usually buy before Christmas what oats may
be required, and should these not be all used up, we usually have
had by selling in May, at least 6d. per bushel profit for
storing.

For convenience, enough of the mixed food to suffice for a
week or so is put into a strong wooden box or barrel, with the
joints made water-tight by nailing along strips of leather cut from
old cart harness, placed on dry ground, near each lot of troughs.

Sheep have been successfully fed by us on Indian corn, sown
out on a clean dry and bare piece of ground ; and we have
known good results from locust beans given in the same way.
Sheep soon learn to gather these off the ground. The practical
difficulty of giving food thus is not easily overcome on an
ordinary hill farm, although it may do very well in bare, hard
fields, and besides, though better than no feeding, the best
results can not be expected from such foods alone.

Turnips are so bulky and heavy, that to carry those on to a
hill would be quite out of the question. Wether hoggs, that
go off at three years old, do well to winter on them in the low
country ; but turnips are not at all suitable to give to ewe hoggs,
as they have such an effect on the constitutions of hill sheep,
if given before the sheep are a year old, that the greater number
lose their incisor or front teeth about the age of four, which is
serious where it is the custom to keep them till five years old
or even more. It is a matter of little consequence with sheep
in a lowland district, which are put away after having three
lambs ; as the alteration of constitution does not show itself in
any other way than by the loss of teeth. It has been supposed
by some, that the cause of the second teeth falling out so soon
may be that the lambs break their milk teeth by biting the hard
turnips ; but this has been shown to have nothing to do with it,
as the result is the same whether the turnips are given whole or
cut.

We look forward to ensilage to supply a want long felt to
hill sheep in a cold and barren spring, when nearly every green
thing is withered up, but more particularly to ewes in lambing
time, that are a little short of milk, and those that have to
be shut up to get a lamb " twinned." Ensilage can be made
by piling grass, spret, or any succulent grassy food, into a

272 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

close dry house, and loading the top with weights, to at least
one cwt. per square foot of surface. Put in during summer, it
would be in good condition the following spring, and could
then be removed by cutting out narrow " dasses " every day or
second day as wanted. It would be expensive to build a " silo "
on a hill-side to store ensilage, but use might be made of many
an old barn or other house to store sufficient to keep the sheep
provided with green food whenever it is necessary to bring
them down, as in a snowstorm. This would be supplying, at
the very worst pinch, the bulky natural food which is considered
of so much importance in our system of feeding. The large
rumen of a sheep is injured if allowed to remain contracted for
any considerable time from want of bulky food to distend it,
and the sheep suffers from the after consequences of this as
well as from getting into low condition. When sheep are
unable to get anything for themselves, we strongly recommend,
for the above reason, that chaffed hay be mixed with the con-
centrated food. Of course, ensilage would be much superior.

From all the experiences which have been detailed, we deduce
the following conclusions : —

1. That it does not pay to feed hill sheep in good seasons,
and that it would be a mistake to do so.

2. That feeding is necessary during a severe sno\vstorm, and
better results are obtained by giving concentrated and bulky
food together, than either separately ; and that if the weather
becomes mild after the snow melts, the sheep do well enough
without further feeding.

3. That sheep do much better on some places in backward
springs, when there is but little fresh growth, if supplied with a
moderate quantity of concentrated food, judiciously administered,
■and this must not be stopped until a sufficiency of grass comes.
We do not, however, forget that feeding is expensive, and requires
some discretion to determine when sach treatment will pay and
when it will not.

4. That it will always pay well to feed very lean sheep, and
that until grass has fully come. They should not be confined in
a small bare place, however much food be given. On a large
farm it works well to have a few hundred acres of enclosed
rouoh land on which cattle can be grazed in summer, but not
too late into autumn. Tt might then be used to shed ewes
into beside a special ram, or it might be stocked in October
with thin ewes (not necessarily the ones to come in next
spring), or with small hoggs, if not subject to braxy. It should
be cleared by New Year's day, and lean sheep shed in as they
are noticed.

The present system of valuing hill fSrms, at so much per
head of sheep as they stand before the valuer, without any

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP. 273

deduction being made for extra costs, is a decided discourage-
ment to the adoption of a system that would in the end be a
benefit, direct or indirect, to all classes of the community.

Part II.— By Professor Edward KI^'CH, F.I.C, F.O.S., &c.
Chemical Composition.

The composition and nutritive value of the important fodder
plants of hill pasture specially mentioned in Part I. have been
hitherto comparatively little studied. I am not aware that any
analyses of British specimens have been published, although
since the date of the late J. T. Way's classical paper on the
composition of different natural and artificial grasses {Journal of
Royal Agricultural Society, vol. xiv. p. 171, 1853) very numerous
analyses of fodder plants have been published. Among the most
important and useful of these papers may be mentioned the follow-
ing:— by Eitthausen and Scheven {Jaliresbericht fur Agricultur-
Chemie, 1859, p. 76) ; by Arendt and Knop (Lanclivirthschcftlich
Ver sucks- Stationen, 1860, p. 32), this includes ten sedges and
rushes ; also E. Wolff and J. Klihn have given tables showing
the average composition of hay of many kinds, taken in the
main from German sources. Within the last few years much
useful work in the analysis of fodders has been done at
some of the various Agricultural Colleges and Experimental
Stations of the United States and by the Department of Agricul-
ture, Washington. The results of the latter will be found in the
Eeports of the Commissioner of Agriculture. In that for 1878
is a report on grasses and forage plants by the chemist, Peter
Collier, and the botanist, George Vasey. In this thirty-four
analyses are given, including ash analyses ; in the report for
1879 are given about ninety analyses of fodders, for the most
part of specimens of wild grasses ; in the report for 1880 are
analyses of fifteen grasses and three leguminous plants, each at
from two to five different stages of growth, and in addition
thirty-seven other analyses of plants mostly in full bloom ; in
1881-82 report are summaries of much of the work, with an
average of seventy-seven analyses of wild grasses taken in
bloom. In the latter years the albuminoid and non-albuminoid
nitrogen have been determined separately.

F. H. Storer {Bulletin Bussey Institute, 1875, 1877, 1878)
has analysed many fodder plants and weeds, including some
Car ices, Juncacecc, and Equiseti.

The chemists of the Connecticut Agricultural Exi)eriment
Station, under the direction of Professor S. W. Johnson, has
examined a large number of fodders ; and Dr H. P. Armsby, of
this station, has determined the amount of albuminoid and non-

S

274 THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

albuminoid nitrogen in twenty-one samples of hay ; the results
of these analyses are given in the report of the station for 1879.

Oscar Kellner has investigated the nature of the nitrogenous
matters in various fodders at different stages of growth and in
hay {Landvjirthsclmftlich Jahrliuch, viii. suppl. i. 243, 1879 ;
Jahresh. Agiicidtur-Chemie, 1879, p. 147). He estimated the
amides and amido-acids by Sachsse's and Schulze's methods.

The specimens of which the analyses follow were collected by
Mr J. R. W. Wallace of Auchenbrach. They were for the most
part taken in May and June of this year 1883, though this was
rather late for some of the plants. Only those plants, or parts
of plants, which would have been eaten by sheep were taken for
analysis. After collection they were immediately packed in
damp cloth, and sent to the laboratory by post ; on arrival the
amount of water was determined at once by drying a sample at
100° C. ; in this way the amount of water in the fresh plant was
obtained within narrow limits.

The fibre was determined by the usual " acid and alkali "
method of Henneberg and Stohman, which^ consists in boiling
the dried grass first with a dilute solution of sulphuric acid, then,
after filtering and washing, with dilute caustic soda, and washing
thoroughly with hot water and with dilute solution of ammonia.
The fatty or oily matter was obtained by extracting the dried
grass repeatedly with ether. This yields not only true oil, but
waxy and resinous matters, and more or less chlorophyll and
other colouring matters ; but little use can be made of this
determination in considering the nutritious value of grasses, for
the amount of matters not fat extracted by the ether varies
much with different grasses, and even, though to a less extent, with
the same grass at different stages of growth. In the case of
the rushes examined but little foreign matter other than fat was
extracted by the ether, whilst from the sedges and grasses, in
most cases, much colouring matter, &c., was dissolved by the
ether. The percentage of ash given is that of crude ash,
obtained by burning the grass at a low temperature. The
amount of silica in the ash was usually determined; in the case
of the two rushes examined, it was less than 2 per cent, and in
the ash of the blow-grass less than in that of most grasses, being
about 13 per cent. The non-nitrogenous extractive matter
was in all cases estimated by difference. The total nitrogenous
matters were estimated by multiplying the total nitrogen
obtained by a soda-lime combustion by 6'2o.

The nitrogen in grasses and other fodder plants is not all in
the form of albuminoids, but partly as amides, amido-acids, and
sometime as nitrates, ammonia, and possibly other forms. These
latter nitrogenous bodies do not fulfil »the same functions as
albuminoids in the nutrition of the animal body, and it is

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP.

275

therefore of considerable importance to estimate the amount of
true albuminoids apart from the other nitrogenous matters.
In most of the published analyses of fodders, except the most
recent, the " albuminoids " have been estimated by multiplying
the total nitrogen found by 6*25 or by 6'33. Many methods
have been suggested for the separation of the albuminoids in
foods from the other nitrogenous substances, with a view to their
subsequent determination. Xearly all these consist in extract-
ing the food with water or acidulated water, to which is added
some substance known to coagulate and render insoluble
albuminoids, whilst it is assumed that the whole of the amides
and other nitrogenous matters pass into the filtrate ; a nitrogen
determination is then made in the insoluble portion. Church
{Lahoratory Guide, 5th edit., p. 229) proposes a 4 per cent,
solution of carbolic acid with a little metaphosphoric acid ;
Eitthausen used copper sulphate and copper hydrate ; Sestini
{Landvnrth. Versuchs-Stationen, xxiii. 305), lead acetate ; Hoppe-
Seyler and Schulze, ferric acetate ; Hofmeister, lead hydrate ;
tannin has also been used ; Stiitzer {Journal fiXr LandwirtJischaft.,
1880) proceeds by treatment with water containing a little
lactic acid and precipitation of the dissolved albuminoids with
copper hydrate. In some cases mere boiling with water appears
to be sufficient to coagulate all the albuminoids, and this was
found to be the case in some samples of hay examined by
Armsby {Rept. Conn. Expt, Station, 1879).

In the fodders now examined the albuminoids were detsr-
mined by Church's carbolic method and by the copper hydrate
process (see Church's Lahoratoryjukiide, p. 229). In all cases the
results by the last process were slightly higher than those by
the former ; this may be due to the presence of a small amount
of nitrogenous acid forming an insoluble compound with the
copper hydrate.

The results of the analyses were as follows : —

GRAMINEiE.

Air a c(Espitosa, Tufted Hair Grass.

Percentage Composition.

Moisture,

69-18

AbH,

l^s^^

* Nitrogenous matter,

4-40

Fibre,

9-(»4

EtliLT extract,

114

Nou-nitrogeiious extractive matters.

14-44

UH)-l>0

* Containing albuminoids by carl.)olic method,

by copper hydrate,

>»

276

THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

An analysis of this grass is given by Ritthausen and Scheven
{loc. cit.) ; it contained about 1 per cent, less nitrogenous matter
than this specimen.

Moisture,
Ash,
■^Nitrogenous matter
Fibre,
Ether extract.

Nardus strida, Mat Grass.

Percentage Composition.

56-58

• •••••

2-37

3r,

6-05

13-52

• •••••

•63

xtractive matter.

20-85

100-00

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method^ 4-15

by copper hydrate method, 4.37

?»

Molinia ccerulea, Blow Grass, Purple Melic Grass.
Percentage Composition.

Moisture,

69-82

Ash,

1-28

Nitrogenous matter, ....

6-19

Fibre,

9-25

Ether extract,

•98

Non-nitrogeuous extractive matter,

12-48

100-00

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method,

a

4-83
by copper hydrate method, 5-02

Cyperace^.
Carex ccespitosa, Tufted or Common Sedge.

Percentage Composition. '

Moisture, 68-26

Ash, 1-60

* Nitrogenous matter, 6-20

Fibre, 8-39

Ether extract, -93

Non-nitrogenous extractive matter, . . . 14-62

100-00

»

•* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method, 5-53

„ by copper hydrate method, 5-59

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP.

277

Carex panicea, Carnation Carex.

Percentage Composition.

Moisture,

67-73

Ash,

1-95

* Nitrogenous matter,

6-49

Fibre,

7-M

Ether extract,

1-18

Non-nitrogenous extractive matter,

15-41

100-00

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method

»

5-63
by copper hydrate method, 5-75

Scirjnis ccespitosus, Deer Hair, Tufted Scirpus, Scaly-stemmed Club-rush.

Percentage Composition.
Moisture,

Ash,
* Nitrogenous matter,
Fibre,

Ether extract.
Non-nitrogenous extractiv'e matter.

68-52

1-18

4-89

8-38

•97

16-06

100-00

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method, 3-28

„ by copper hydrate method, 3-56

In another specimen 71-5 per cent, of moisture was found.

Eriophorum vaginatum, Draw-Moss, Sheathing Cotton Sedge, Hare's Tail

Cotton Grass.

Percentage Composition.
Moisture, ....

xxsn* • • • • •

* Nitrogenous matter,
Fibre, . . . . .

Ether extract.
Non-nitrogenous extractive matter,

74-46
•83

3-51

8-17

-18

12-85

100-00

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method, 3-40

JUNCACE^.

Junciis articulatits, Spret, Sharp-flowered Rush.

Percentage Composition.
Moisture, ....

Ash, .....

Nitrogenous matter,

Fibre,

Ether extract,

Non-nitrogenous extractive matter,

82-09
1-44
2-45
4^82
•19
901

100-00

278

THE NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FOOD OF

Juncus squarrosus, Stool Bent, Heath Rush

Percentage Composition.

Moisture,
Ash,
* Nitrogenous matter,
Fibre,

Ether extract.
Non-nitrogenous extractive matter,

75-95

1-39

2-62

7-25

•24

12-55

100-00

■^ Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method, 2-19

„ by copper hydrate method, 2-25

An Analysis of Juncus glaucus is given by Way and some of

J. hulhosus hj Storer.

Ericaceae.

Erica (Calluna) vulgaris, Heather.

The young tops only were taken for analysis.

Percentage Composition.

Moisture,

Ash,

^Nitrogenous matter,

Eibre,

Ether extract, ....

Non-nitrogenous extractive matter.

* Containing albuminoids by carbolic acid method,

65-4
1-12
3-13
7-52
2-87

19-93

100-00
2-66

The young heather shoots contain a good deal more water and
less fibre, resinous matter, and other constituents than the iQore
mature parts of the plant : they are less nitrogenous than most
of the other foods : in the dry matter they contain less nitro-
genous matter than any of the foods noticed, and less than half
that of the Carices and Molinia. They are particularly rich in
matters soluble in ether, more than 8 per cent, of the dry
matter being so soluble. The indigestible fibre in them is lower,
and the digestible non-nitrogenous matter higher than in the
other foods.

The percentage of water in the mafe grass is much lower
than in the other fodders, and consequently the fibre and non-
nitrogenous extractive matter higher. The Molinia is richer in
nitrogenous matter than most grasses ; the two species of Carex
examined are also particularly rich in nitrogenous matter, about
20 per cent, of the dry matter of each of these three consisting of
nitroojenous substance. The draw^-moss contained less nitrosjen
than the other Cyperacece,h\x\j nearly the whole of it was albuminoid.

SCOTCH HILL SHEEP.

279

Summary of Results.
Composition of Fresh Plants.

o

i^

^-2

•

cj

S' -^

m «

cc •"!

a-

o "^

,

-l-»

tC-M .

O O ^H

-s-^-d

.— ia-,"^

-(J

• »-(

c

<

2«5

ft.

Non-nitr

ous extra

matte

Albumino

Carbolic

metho

Albumino

Copper H;

metho

Aira ciBspitosa,

69-18

1-80

4-40

9-04

1-14

14-44

3-77

3-97

Molinia cserulea, .

69-82

1-28

6-19

9-25

•98

12-48

4-83

5-02

Nardus stricta,

56-58

2-37

6-05

13-52

-63

20-85

4-15

4-37

Carex csespitosa

68-26

1-60

6-20

8-39

-93

14-62

5-53

5-59

Carex panicea,

67-73

1-95

6-49

7-24

1-18

15-41

5-63

5-75

Eriophorum vagi- )
natum, \

74-46

-83

3-51

8-17

•18

12-85

3-40

Scirpus csespitosus,

68-52

1-18

4-89

8-38

•97

16-06

3-28

3-56

Juncus articulatus,

82-09

1-44

2-45

4-82

•19

9-01

. • •

• . .

Juncus squarrosus,

75-95

1-39

2-62

7-25

-24

12-55

2-19

2-25

Erica vulgaris,

65-43

1-12

3-13

7-52

2-87

19-93

2-66

...

Composition of Dry Matter.

Ash.

»-4

•l-H

o

o

-nitrogen-
extractive
natter.

uminoids
Carbolic
I method.

^- S 2

"^ -*^ r^
»« »— ^^

t- 0 ^

^

S »^ "

^ ^-5

i^^:5

rP -^ -S

r^-^

^ o

<'" <

"^ <

'-g'3

Aira cfespitosa,

5-86

14-12

29-26

3-72

47-04

12-25

86^73

13-27

Molinia cserulea,

4-24

20-50

30-65

3-25

41-36

16-00

78-05

21-95

Nardus stricta,

5-46

13-93

31-13

1-46

48-02

9-56

68-61

31-39

Carex cse.spitosa,

5-04

19-56

26-43

2-92

46-05

17-43

89-14

10-86

Carex panicea,

6-04

20-12

22-42

3-68

47-74

17-57

86-84

13-16

Eriophorum vagi- )

3-26

13-75

31-99

•73

50-24

13-35

97-09

2-91

natum, \

Scirfius ciespito.sus,

3-75

15-58

26-61

3-09

50-99

10^44

66-99

33-01

Juncus articulatus,

8 •OS

13-68

26-90

1-04

50-30

. . .

. . .

Juncus squarrosus,

5-77

10-90

30-17

•99

52-17

9-12

83-69

16-31

Erica vulgaris.

3-24

9-06

21-74

8^33

57-63

7^69

84-83

1517

* The percentage of albuminoid nitrogen i.s calculated from the results of the
carbolic acid method.

In the mat grass and deer hair nearly one-third of the nitroj^en
was non-albuminoid, in the Molinia about one-fifth, and in the
Cariccs about one-tenth to one-eighth was non-albuminoid. In
the draw-moss the amount of ash constituents is low. As far
as valuable nitrogenous matters are concerned, Carex caspitosa
0. panicea, and Molinia carnlea are the best of these fodders,
and the heather shoots and stool bent the poorest. In heat-
producing materials the heather shoots are the richest. In

280 EXPERIMENT FOR ASCERTAINING WEIGHT OF STOCK

the young rushes the percentage of water is high, and that of
the other constituents correspondingly low. The amount of fibre
is not greater than in the grasses. It is proposed to make a
further study of one or two of these species and of others which
are eaten, though to a less extent than these, by sheep.

REPORT ON AN EXPERIMENT FOR ASCERTAINING THE
ACTUAL ADDITION OF WEIGHT TO FATTENING STOCK
BY THE USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD.

Bj John Milne, M.A., King-Edward, Aberdeenshire.

[Premium — Ten Sovereigns.']

The Society directs the attention of experimenters to various
roots, grains, oilseeds and cakes, and to the effect of warmth and
proper ventilation, and the difference between food cooked and
raw. In experimenting with oilseeds and cakes attention is
directed to be paid to the comparative advantages, economically
and otherwise, of the substances in those states. It is directed
that, before commencing comparative experiments, the animals
ought to be fed alike for some time previously, and that the
experiments should extend over a period of not less tlian three
months. It is specified that in the case of cattle no lot should
consist of fewer than four, and that the animals selected should
be of the same age, sex, and breed, and so far as possible of the
same weight, condition, and maturity ; and that the live weight,
before and after the experiment, should be stated, with their
dead weight also and tallow, if killed.

Cattle feeding is the most important industry in the north-
east of Scotland. More than 1600 cattle, worth upwards
of £50,000, in the highest possible condition, are sent alive
annually from Aberdeenshire alone to the London Christ-
mas market. Banff, Moray, Koss and other counties bring up
the total annual supply from Scotland to the London Christmas
market to from 2000 to 3000 head of cattle. The quantity of
dead meat also which is sent to London during the Christmas
market week is enormous. The trade in fat cattle is not by
any means confined to this period of the year, but it is at this
season that the northern farmers turn out the heaviest and fattest
cattle. The London Christmas market, with prices ranging
from 6s. per stone to 6s. 6d for the very choicest animals,
stimulates them to put forth their utmost energy and skill, both
as agriculturists and as breeders and feeders of cattle.

Christmas bullocks are sold at an average age of two years
and nine months, and no sooner has the produce of one year
been disposed of than their places are filled with animals a year
younger. These are immediately put in process of preparation

BY USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD. 281

for next year's Christmas market. During the remaining winter
months they are fed upon turnips and straw, and in many cases
they get also 1 or 2 lbs. of linseed cake or cotton-seed cake
every day. In May they are turned out to pasture of the first
year's growth — rye grass with a large proportion of red and
white clover. In August or September, when the nights grow
long and cold, they are taken indoors all night, and fed with
green corn and tares or beans grown together. As soon as the
turnip crop is ready for use, about the middle of September,
they are tied up permanently. I'or the next three months they
never leave their byres but for exercise. Highly fed cattle are
apt to take sore feet if they are not turned out once a week to
exercise their limbs.

The process of fattening now commences in earnest. The
cattle feeder's mainstay is turnips. Each animal receives a daily
allowance of 112 lbs. — perhaps less at first, but after a time
even more. Straw also ad lihitiiiii is allowed. White and
yellow turnips are given at first, because they are ready for use
before swedes ; but the latter are preferred as soon as they are
mature, usually about the end of October. At first, turnips are
given to the cattle with the tops on, because they contain a
great amount of nutriment. As the season advances the tops
are taken off, both because the nutriment in the leaves has
descended into the roots, and also because as the cattle grow fat
the daily allowance of turnips must be increased, and the tops
having a laxative effect it is found desirable to take them off
when a large quantity of swedes is given.

When cattle are taken in from summer pasture in good
condition, they can be made very fat in the course of four or
five months, upon a liberal allowance of topped swedes and
straw, without the aid of extra food. Turnips, however, are not
mature before the middle of September, and swedes not for a
month later, and the London Christmas market is held in the
middle of December, so that practically the stall-feeding of
Christmas bullocks must be accomplished in the short space of
three months. The consequence is that the feeders of the best
class of cattle have to make use of some highly nutritious food
in addition to turnips. The feeding stull's most generally
employed are oats, barley, and maize, among the grains ; locust
beans, tares and beans, among leguminous seeds ; and linseed and
cotton seed, among the oilseeds. These last two are generally
used in the form of cakes made in the process of extracting oil
from the ground seeds. Linseed oil is also used, but not often
alone ; gent*rally it is mixed with ground grain.

Notwithstanding the great number of cattle feil annually,
and the care and attention bestowed U])on them, it is by no
means a settled point what food or combination of foods is

282 EXPERIMENT FOR ASCERTAINING WEIGHT OF STOCK

most effectual in bringing cattle rapidly to maturity. Almost
every feeder has his own favourite grain, or cake, or mixture,
and it is rare to find that any two even among the most success-
ful have adopted exactly the same foods.

With the purpose of helping to answer the question, " What
food, in addition to turnips and stratu, has most ejfect in hastening
the fattening of two-year old hidlochs ? " I resolved to conduct
some experiments on the lines laid down by the Highland and
Agricultural Society. To attempt to settle the whole question
by one set of experiments would probably result in settling
nothing. I therefore determined to confine myself to one class
of foods, and I fixed upon the oilseeds and the cakes made from
them. I believe they are generally thought to be most useful,
and therefore it is proper that they should be tried first. There
is, moreover, a manifest mistake, in an economical point of view,
in using both linseed oil and linseed cake for the same purpose,
which it is desirable to correct. It cannot be economical for
two men to buy a ton of linseed and pay a manufacturer to
make it into oil and cakes, and then for the one to use the oil
and the other the cakes for the same object. If both are equally
efficacious, it would be more economical for them to divide the
linseed and use it with the oil in it.

Like Mrs Glass of famous memory, I thought the first step to
be taken was to procure the animals. After trying in vain for
two years, I succeeded in getting together by the middle of
April 1883 twenty bullocks tolerably uniform in age, breed,
condition, and maturity. Their age was about two years ;
sixteen were pure black polled Aberdeen-Angus, and four were
also polled, but first crosses betw^een the shorthorn and the Aber-
deen-Angus breeds. They were all in good condition, though
hardly good enough for making first-class Christmas bullocks
of. The cattle I arranged to divide ultimately into four lots of
five in each, but for three months they fed together in a field of
new grass. They throve well, but as they seemed likely to be
Gcarce of grass before the end of summer, I put some nitrate of
soda on the field. This soon brought up a luxuriant growth of
grass, which they relished very much; being succulent, it proved
rather laxative for them.

My next care was to provide a suitable weighing machine.
An Edinburgh firm undertook to supply a machine to weigh
carts or cattle for £19, 10s, free on rail or ship. I intended to
commence my experiment in July and to conclude it before the
first day of November, but unfortunately the weighing machine
was broken on the way from Edinburgh, and did not arrive till
the end of August. I also provided a spring machine, weigh-
ing up to 14 lbs. for the food. Both suited the purpose intended
admirably.

BY USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD. 283

The food stuffs I selected for experimenting with were
linseed and linseed cake, cotton seed and cotton-seed cake. In
order to make the results as trustworthy as possible, T used
these both singly and along with maize in various proportions.
The daily ration of each animal was fixed at 5 lbs., accord-
ing to the followinf^ scheme : —

Ig l/V/ l,i.iV^ ^^J..^,, ^..^

Lot I.

No.

lbs. Linseed.

lbs.

Maize

1

5

0

2

4

1

3

3

2

4

2

3

5

1
Lot IL

4

No.

lbs. Linseed Cake.

lbs.

Maize,

1

5

0

2

4

1

3

3

2

4

2

3

5

1

Lot in.

4

No.

lbs. Cotton Seed.

lbs.

Maize

1

5

0

2

4

1

3

3

2

4

2

3

5

1

Lot IV.

4

No.

lbs. Cotton-Seed Cake.

lbs.

Maize

1

5

0

2

4

1

3

3

2

4

2

3

5

1

4

The linseed was fine clean Calcutta seed, and cost £13, 10s.
per ton in Aberdeen, ground. It contained 40 or 50 per cent, of
oil. The linseed cake was prime Western Anierican, and cost
£8, 10s. per ton in Glasgow. It was chosen because, though of
good quality, it contained little oil — only 8 per cent. The cotton
seed was Egyptian, and cost £9 per ton in Hull. It contained
19 per cent, of oil. Tlie cotton-seed cake was best New Orleans,
and cost £7 per ton in Aberdeen. I found that it contained
15 per cent, of oil. The maize cost £7, 5s. j)or ton, whole, in
Aberdeen. It contained 5 per cent, of oil. All the foods were
of the best quality of their respective kinds, and perfectly fresh
and sound, as was testified by the smell and taste of tlie oil in
them when extracted by etlier. The first sup])ly of seeds I
took whole, the better to judge of their quahty, ;nul I liad them
ground by a local miller.

284 EXPEPJMfiXT FOK ASCERTAINING WEIGHT OF STOCK

At the first of August, having everything in readiness but
the weighing machine, I resolved to make a beginning. The
twenty cattle were taken indoors, tied up, and carefully measured.
By the aid of Ewart's cattle gauge an estimate was formed of
their carcass weight, and the sixteen pure polls were arranged
in four lots of four each as fairly as possible. The best animal
in each lot was marked No. 1, the next No. 2, a cross-bred poll
was made No. 3, the third best pure poll No. 4, and the worst
No. 0. By this arrangement the best animals in each lot
had 5 lbs. each of oilseeds or cakes without maize, and could
be compared with one another ; the cross-bred animals had
each nearly an equal quantity of oily foods and maize ; and
the worst animal in each lot had more maize than oily foods.
In this way I hoped to bring out more striking and trustworthy
results. To induce the bullocks to enter their byre readily, a
supply of tares and beans w^as placed in their stalls early in the
evening, and after they had consumed the green food each had
put before him his allowance of experimental food. Half an
hour was allowed for making an acquaintance w^ith this, after
which they were turned out for the night. The first evening
very few^ of them did more than smell at their food. Next day
several took a little, and in the course of a week almost all ate
about half of their allowance. Some, however, would not taste
it of their own accord, and handfuls of it had to be put into
their mouths before they would begin to eat of it. By ths end
of a fortnight all were taking their food fairly w^ell, and con-
tinued to do so throughout the remainder of the experiment.
Some animals occasionally left part of their food.

At the end of a fortnight I measured again each one's length
and girth, and estimated his carcass weight. Errors in the first
measurements were corrected, and by continuing the process
every fortnight the length, girth, and estimated weight of each
bullock came to be known very exactly.

By the end of August the weighing machine arrived, and no
time was lost in putting it into operation. The platform is
similar to that of an ordinary cart- weighing machine, with three
holes at either side, into which movable guards can be placed.
The animal to be weighed is placed upon the platform, and
kept in position by a small chain connecting the side guards
before and behind. A graduated steelyard projects at one end
at the level of the ground, and the weight is found by sliding
weights.

The first weighing w^as a tedious and almost hopeless pro-
cess. None of the bullocks had ever been haltered before.
Some pulled and tugged, rushing from side to side, and were got
upon the platform with great difficulty ; but w^orse than the
obstreperous were the quiet ones, that came so far without

BY USE OF DIFFEREXT KINDS OF FOOD. 285

trouble, and then obstinately refused to move another step.
Neither progging nor whipping had any effect. Move they
would not, till by main strength they were shoved into position,
A few went down upon their knees, and could only be brought
to their feet by shouting in their ear. By patient perseverance
the weighing was accomplished, and it was repeated every
fortnight at the same hour of the day, 2 p.m., with less and less
trouble. By the end of three months I could take the weights
of the whole in an hour.

During August and part of September, the cattle were out all
day, and in going about amongst them after heavy rain had
fallen, T found I could tell by the droppings what each one's
food had been. Here were shells of linseed still smelling of oil,
there the hard brown hulls and tufts of wool told of cotton
seed; and everywhere specks of maize were visible. It was
evident that much of the food was passing through the animals
without being digested. This might have been remedied to some
extent by steeping the food in water for twenty-four hours before
using it, but it would have added considerably to the work,
already heavy enough, connected with the experiment. The
second and subsequent supplies of food were procured finely
^Tound, and the evil was thereby lessened if not entirely cured.
That all the oil in the linseed was not digested, even with fine
grinding, was manifest from the smell of the dung of lot No. 1.
The odour of linseed oil was quite perceptible amongst them after
they were tied up.

At the beginning of September, the cattle were kept indoors
all ni^'ht, and when yellow turnips became fit for use a week or
two later, they were kept in both day and night. Want of
exercise and high feeding brought sore feet on some of them,
and this took away their appetites for a time. When a bullock
had sore feet at weighing time, he often proved lighter than at
previous weighing. It seemed, however, that the reduction in
weight was due more to having eaten less for a few days, than
to reduction in carcass weight. Still an animal suffering from
sore feet cannot make progress, and to ward ofl' this ailment
the cattle were turned out for exercise once a week, and with
benefit. Otherwise they were kept tied up till they left for
London on the 18th December.

From the middle of September to the middle of October, they
had each, besides the 5 lbs. of experimental food, 1 cwt. of
turnips, and as much straw as they could consume.

During the rest of the time they were fed with swedes not
topped. The crop of 1883 was later than usual and not so good,
and the weather being fine, reasons of economy prevented the
topping of the turnips and swedes so early as usual. In the
end of November it was seen that the cattle would not attain to

286 EXPERIMENT FOR ASCERTAINING ^^^IGHT OF STOCK

the utmost degree of fatness before they must be sold, and the
allowance of swedes was raised to 1^^ cwt. per day, with a decided
increase of the rate of fattening. The daily consumption of
straw was about 12 lbs. ahead; the first lot, however, which
were getting linseed, consumed about 2 lbs. a head more than
the others. This is rather remarkable. Mr Warington and
other experimenters have observed that cattle receiving linseed
in addition to other food consume less straw than usu i .
Perhaps these bullocks consumed more turnips than those which
Mr Warington experimented with.

On the 8th December the bullocks were measured and
weighed for the last time. They were sold the same day for
£600, at 82s. per cwt. of estimated carcass weight, and a few
days after they left for the London Christmas market. In
estimating their weight and value, no dependence was placed
upon their live weight, but the estimate was based upon their
length and girth and degree of fatness. The average length
was over 4 feet 9 inches, the average girth was 6 feet 10 inches,
and they were reckoned to have a carcass weight of 58 J stones
of 14 lbs. or 7 cwts. 1 qr. 7 lbs. The average actual live weight
was 101^ stones, or 12 cwt. 2 qrs. 17J lbs. The ratio of the
estimated carcass weight to the actual live weight is therefore
57*77 per cent.

The increase or decrease in live weight, between one measure-
ment and another, was most instructive, and I should not now
like to want a weighing machine to show at once the improve-
ment or falling off in fattening and growing stock. Too much
must not, however, be expected of a weighing machine. It may
serve as a correct indicator of progress or the reverse, but not of
comparative value. The live weights of two fat cattle may
differ, while their estimated dead weights are the same, and vice
versa. Something depends upon individual peculiarities not
visible to the eye during life, but more upon good or bad appetite
and digestion, which may go together in the proper way, or not.
After fat stock have been kept without food and water for a day
or two the ratio of carcass to live weight becomes much higher,
and probably also becomes more nearly equal among a number
of cattle than it was when upon full food.

It now^ only remains to give in a tabular form the particulars
noted regarding each animal at the beginning of the experiment
on August 31, and at the end on December 8, 1883. They are
given in two ways — first, arranged according to the kinds of
oleaginous foods, and second, according to the quantities of these
and of maize.

No. 1 frequently left part of his food, and would have pre-
ferred linseed and maize to pure linseed. At the close he was
soft and fleshy.

BY USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD.

287

No. 2 sometimes left about a pound of his food ; he made bub
little progress in September.

No. 3 had to get his food put into his mouth for some days
before he would eat of it.

No. 6 suffered from sore feet, and weighed the same on Nov-
ember 17 as on October 20. He would probably have gained
three stones more if he had not becomeill with his feet He
became very fat ultimately.

No. 7 occasionally left a pound of his food.

Table I.
I. Liiisced.

No.

Food.

Girth,

1

Length.

Live Weight.

Oleag.

Maize.

Beg.

End.

Incr.

Beg.

End.

Incr.

Beg.

End.

Incr.

lbs.

lbs.

ft. in.

ft, in.

ft

in.

ft. in.

ft. in.

ft.

in.

St. lbs.

St. lbs.

St. lbs.

1.

5

0

6 8

7 1

0

5

4 7

4 10

0

3

93 12

107 10

13 12

2.

4

1

6 bh

6 10

0

4il

4 7^

4 9

0

H

93 8

100 10

7 2

3.

3

2

6 0|

6 8

0

7i

4 4|

4 8

0

u

76 4

94 0

17 10

4.

2

3

6 5

6 9

0

4^

4 5

4 8

0

3

86 8

98 10

12 2

5.

1

4 1

6 4

6 8

0

4

1 4 7

4 10

0

3

86 12

99 0

12 2

1 31 11

34 0

2

1

22 7

23 9

1

2

437 2

500 2

63 0

I]

. Linseed Cake.

6.

5

0

6 &\

6 lOi

0

4

4 7

4 10

0

3

1
97 7

107 10

10 3

7.

4

1

6 bl

6 111

0

6

4 7i

4 lOA
4 9|

0

3

91 1

104 3

13 2

8.

3

2

6 H

6 7

0

5i

4 6"

0

3i

82 2

99 0

16 12

9.

2

3

6 5-

6 8^

0

oi

4 7

4 10

0

3

91 4

100 7

9 3

10.

1

4

6 4^

6 10

0
2

5i
O.i

4 4^

4 7

0

2i

83 12
'445 12

96 3

12 5

31 11

33 11.^

1 22 8

23 11

1

3

507 9

61 11

III. Cutton Seed.

11.

5

i
0

6 5

0 9i

0

4.^

4 8

4 lOi

0

2a 92 4

105 0

12 10

12.

4

1

6 5

6 10

0

5

4 6i

4 9

0

2^

91 0

99 7

8 7

13.

3

2

6 4

6 10

0

6

4 71

4 9i

0

2

89 10

102 0

12 4

14,

2

3

6 4^

6 10

0

5*

4 6A

4 9A

0

3

! 90 7

106 7

16 0

15.

1

4 1

1

6 4

t) 8i

0

4|

4 6"

4 8|

0

^

) 86 1

95 0

8 13

31 lOi

34 0

2

H

22 lOi 23 11

" 1

1

O.J 449 8

508 0

58 6

IV.

Cotton-Seed Cake.

16.

5

0

6 r>j

6 9i

0

4

4 7

4 8i

0

1*1

91 13

103 10

11 11

17.

4

1

6 6);

6 llj

0

5

4 6.i>

4 8.;

0

2

1 89 2

104 4

15 2

18.

3

2

6 7X

7 0

0

4i

4 7"

4 10

0

3

, 92 6

1(».'. 7

13 1

19.

2

3

6 bi

6 \0\

0

5

' 4 5i

4 7i
4 8

0

2

' 86 10

99 7

12 11

20.

1

4

6 1$

6 7'

0

5.i

j 4 6
j 22 8

0

2

j 83 1

98 0

14 13

31 2^

34 2i

2

0

23 6i

0

lOi

443 4

511 0

67 10

288

EXPERIMENT FOR ASCERTAINING WEIGHT OF STOCK

No. 9 suffered from sore feet, and made no increase in weight
from September 28 to November 17. He probably would
have gained three stones more had he continued in good health.
He had an eruption upon him at the end.

No. 12 made little progress in October.

No. 14 became the fattest.

No. 19 made no progress in weight in September, but he grew
an inch in girth during that month.

No. 2 made least progress, and No. 3 most. The former was
always itchy and uncomfortable, the latter was very quiet. He
was a first cross.

I append other two tables (TIL and IV.), showing according to
the same arrangement as I. and II. — first, the value of the foods,

Table II.

Food.

Girth.

Length.

j

Live Weight.

Nn

'

1

Oleag.

Maize.

Beg.

End.

Tncr.

Beg.

End.

Incr.

Beg.

End.

IncT.

lbs.

lbs. :

ft.

in.

ft. in.

ft.

in.

ft.

in.

ft. in.

ft. in.

St. lbs.

St. lbs.

St. lbs.

1.

5

0

6

8

7 1

0

5

4

7

4 10

0 3

93 12

107 10

13 12

6.

5

0

6

61

6 101

0

4

4

7

4 10

0 3

97 7

107 10

10 3

11.

5

0

6

5

6 91

0

41

4

8

4 101

0 21

92 4

105 0

12 10

16.

5

0

6

5i

6 91

0

4

4

7

4 81

0 11

91 13

103 10

11 11

2.

i

26

1

27 U_

1

Kll
^2

18
4

5
7h

19 3

0 10

375 8 ^424 2

1

48 8
7 2

4

1

1

6

5h

6 10

0

1

4i

4 9

0 111

93 8 100 10

7.

4

1

6

5h

6 111

0

6 1

4

4 104

0 3 i

91 1 104 3

13 2

12.

4

1

6

5

6 10

0

5

4

64

4 9"

0 21

91 0

99 7

8 7

17.

4

]

6

6i

6 111

0

0

!

4

6i

4 8^

0 2

89 2 104 4

15 2

1
1

25

IQi

27 7

1

0

7*

18
4

4
4i

19 1

0 9 '

0 31

364 11

408 10

43 13
17 10

3.

3

2

6

0*

6 8

4 8

76 4

94 0

8.

3

2

6

H

6 7

0

51

4

6

4 91

0 31

82 2

99 0

16 12

13.

3

2

6

4

6 10

0

6

4

7*

4 91

0 2

89 10

102 0

12 4

18.

3

2

6

74

7 0

0

4i

4

7

4 10

0 3

1

92 6

1

105 7

13 1

25

H

27 1

1

111!

18

1

19 1

1 0 i
0 3

'340 8

400 7

59 13

4.

2

3

6

5

6 9

0

4

4

5

4 8

' 86 8

98 10

12 2

9.

2

3

6

5

6 8|

0

3i

4

7

4 10

0 3

91 4

100 7

9 3

14.

2

3

6

U

6 10

0

51

4

61

4 9|

0 3

90 7

106 7

16 0

19.

2

3

6

H

6 101

0

5

4

5i

4 n

0 2

86 10

99 7

12 11

4

25

8

27 2
6 8

1

0

1
6

4 i

18
4

0

7

18 11
4 10

0 11

355 1

405 3

50 2
12 2

5.

1

6

4

1

0 3

86 12

99 0

10.

1

4

6

4*

6 10

0

51'

4

41

4 7

0 21

83 12

96 3

12 5

1.^.

1

4

6

4

6 81

0

4|

4

6

4 81

0 21

86 1

95 0

8 13

20.

1

4

6

H

6 7"

0

H

4

6

4 8

0 2^1

83 1

98 0

14 13

'

25

2

26 91

1

n

17

Hi

18 9^

0 10

339 12

388 3

48 5

BY USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD.

28^

consumed in fourteen weeks by the different lots — cash prices
at places of import ; secondly, the actual increase in live weight ;
and thirdly, the estimated increase of carcass weights, calcu-
lated from length and girth and degree of fatness. Little
importance should be assigned to these, yet they indicate that
cotton seed made a high increase of carcass weight, though the
lowest increase of live weight; while, on the other hand, cotton
seed cake made the lowest increase of carcass weight, though
the highest of live weight. In the fourth table, while the
increase of live and estimated carcass weights correspond fairly
well in all the lots, yet the middle is the only one in which the
increase of estimated carcass falls below the increase of the

actual live weight.

Table III.

Lots.

I.

IL

IIL

IV.

Val. 01. Food,
Do. Maize,

Total, .

Incr. L. W., .
Incr. E. C. W.,

177/
63/

111/6
63/

118/
63/

90/
63/

240/

174/6

181/

153/

63 St. Olbs.
67 7

61 St. 11 lbs.
66 7

58 St. 6 lbs.

66 7

67 St. 10 lbs.
62 7

Table IV.

Lots.

L

IL

in.

IV.

V.

Val. 01. Food,
Do. Maize, .

Total, .

Incr. L. ^V.,
Incr.E.C.W.,

166/

• • •

133/

25/

100/

50/

66/

75/

33/

100/

166/

158/

150/

141/

133'

48 St. 8 lbs.
51 0

43 St. 13 lbs.
50 7

59 St. 13 lbs.
56 0

50 St. 2 lbs.
53 0

48 St. 8 lbs.
52 7

From a consideration of the whole results, and taking into
account the fact tliat No. G and No. 9 suffered from sore feet, I
draw the following conclusions: —

(1) That the diilerence in increase of weight, due to the
difference in kind of the oleaginous foods experimented witli, is
insignificant, compared with the diilerence in price of these
foods, and hence —

T

290 TREES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS

(2) That decorticated cotton seed cake is the most economical
for fattening cattle.

(3) That cross-bred cattle increase faster in live weight than
pure polled black cattle, but —

(4) That in pure polled black cattle the ratio of increment of
carcass weight to live weight is greater than in cross-bred cattle,

(5) That there is room to suspect that the efficacy of olea-
ginous foods is over-estimated.

TREES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS IN CUTTING
DOWN PLANTATIONS.

By John B. Webster, Glasgow.

[Premium — Five Sovereigns.']

In cutting down and remodelling plantations, two things ought to
be always kept in view, namely, utility and scenic effect, so that
the trees, grasses, and forage plants left on the ground or intro-
duced may be of such species and varieties as have proved to
be best fitted for the particular soil and situation in which they
are intended to occupy. By following up this rule, and acting
upon it, we will thereby be going hand in hand with nature,
assisting her in her operations, and by so doing we have every
rea?on to believe that our efforts will be crowned with a fair
measure of success.

It is astonishing what nature can accomplish in the way of
clothing the surface of the earth, even under adverse circum-
stances, with plants of her own choice and selection ; and by
studying her unerring ways in this respect, we shall unfold
to view a subject which is not only interesting but highly
instructive, and well worthy of our closest attention in this
important branch of estate management, and in illustration of
which we shall give a few practical examples.

iYo. i is a series of natural plantations on the estate of Bal-
moral, Aberdeenshire, composed of birch (Betula alba loeiidula),
common sallow {Salix cajyrea)^ alder (Almis glutinosa), aspen
poplar (Poindus tremula), mountain ash {Pyrus aucwparia), and
common juniper {Juniijeris communis). The soil consists princi-
pally of poor thin gravelly loam, resting upon drift and rough
shingle, at an elevation above sea-level ranging from 872 feet up
to about 1000 feet. In cutting down, thinning, and opening
up vistas here and there for the improvement of the pasture,
a portion of all the above named trees were left as standards
for the sake of contrast and variety.

The following list comprises the principal grasses and forage
plants found to thrive best under such conditions in the
locality :—

IX CUTTING DOWN PLANTATIONS. 291

(1) Eye grdiss (Lolium perenne) is a hardy fibrous-rooted grass,
and although not permanent, yet we have found it to thrive
and grow freely under the shade of trees, and forms a green
sward while it lasts, and until such time as the more permanent
grasses are developed,

(2) Smooth-stalked meadow grass {Foa pratensis) is a hardy
creeping-rooted grass, and well adapted for all dry light soils
at a high elevation. It is not apt to get burned up by the heat
of summer, and thrives well among trees.

(3) Hard fescue (Festiica duriuscula) , this grass thrives on a
great variety of soils and situations, but is most at home on dry
light land thoroughly drained. It is early, and forms a green
nutritious sward during winter, and is not apt to get burnt up
in summer.

(4) Sheep's fescue (Feshtca ovina) is one of our best natural
grasses for permanent pasture on high elevations ; it grows in
tufts, and thrives among trees when not too crowded. In
autumn, when the trees shed their foilage, the leaves settle down
on the surface between the tufts, and when they get decomposed
they leave a thin layer of leaf mould around the plants, which
has a beneficial effect in promoting its early growth, and render-
ing it sweet and succulent.

(5) Quaking grass {Briza media) is a small perennial indige-
nous grass, grows in tufts under trees and elsewhere, and is
relished by sheep and cattle.

(6) Wood-meadow grass {Foa nemoralis), this grass is both
strong and hardy, thrives on poor soil under the shade of trees,
and gives a good return on places where some of the finer grasses
die out.

(7) Cocksfoot grass {Dactylis rjlomerata) is one of our best and
most productive grasses, and thrives on a great variety of soils
and situations, providing tliat they are thoroughly dry, and not
liable to be Hooded during winter. Its habit of growth is in
large conical tufts, the leaves are strong and of a rich bluish
green colour, very nutritious, and much relished by cattle,
sheep, and deer. It is very suitable to be grown here and there
on dry sheltered patches in the deer forest, as it affords the
animals a bite in stormy winter weather when the finer grasses
are quite bare. It has been said by some, that this grass dies
out after being depastured for a period of some six or eight
years ; this, however, is not tlie writer's exjjerience, as I have
knewn it to grow along with other grasses in plantations uiuler
my charge for a period of eighteen years, and never saw any
a]»]iearance of its failure.

(8) Soft grass {J/olciis lanatm), the only merit which this
species possesses is its extreme hartliness, as it grows on the
poorest of soil, and in places where the finer grasses would perish

292 TEEES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS

(9) Holcus mollis is another inferior grass ; it has a creeping
root, grows in tufts, the leaves of which are covered with soft
downy hairs, and all grasses of this character are inferior, and
only fit for poor exposed situations.

(10) White clover {Tvifolium remns) is a well-known hardy
plant, and grows naturally on a great variety of soils, and is
perfectly at home on poor gravelly soils in plantations where
the trees are not too much crowded.

11. Birdsfoot trefoil {Lotus comiculatus) is another hardy
natural plant ; it grows freely on dry banks and poor gravelly
soil, and is much relished by sheep.

(12) Lotus decumhens is a hardy useful plant; inhabits dry
fields and pastures.

(13) Lotus major is likewise a valuable plant, aad thrives on
a variety of soils and damp situations in v/oods and elsewhere.

14. Goats' beard (Trarjoporjon pratensis), grows on poor sand,
dry gravel, and mossy banks, and affords a picking for sheep
where other plants have failed to establish themselves.

(15) Yarrow {Achillea Millefolium) is another hardy perennial
plant, whose home is on dry gravelly banks, and rocky places
thinly covered with soil. It afibrds an early bite for sheep in
spring, and is a hardy useful plant.

(16) Ladies' mantle {Alchemilla vulgaris) is quite at home
among trees, on dry gravelly soil, and is a valuable forage plant.

(17) A. alpina is a small hardy plant, inhabits dry gravelly
ground, and is nibbled by sheep.

(18) Earth-nut {Bunitcm Jlexuosum) is at home on dry
gravelly or sandy ground, in plantations where most grasses
refuse to grow. It is a small sweet plant, and relished by sheep.

(19) Meadow sweet {SpirceaFilijjendula) is a hardy useful forage
plant, thrives on dry, poor elevated pastures, and in plantations.

(20) Daisy {Bellis 'perennis), this hardy little plant grows
naturally on all classes of soils and situations, and is so well
known that any descriptive particulars are unnecessary.

The above list comprises the most useful grasses and herbage
plants found in the locality, and found most suitable for the soil.

When the trees were felled, the timber was at once carted off*
the ground, and all worthless branches and rubbish collected
and burned up and the ashes spread over the surface, and the
following mixture of grass seeds were then sown broadcast on
all bare places :— p^^ ^^^^^

10 lbs.

Smootk-stalked meadow grass,

5

Hard fescue, ....

5

Sheep's „ ....

8

Wood meadow grass,

4

Cocksfoot,

5

White clover, ....

3

Birdsfoot trefoil {Lotus major),

.-)

J'

IN CUTTING DOWN PLANTATIONS. 293

As it is sometimes dangerous to use grass seed harrows for
covering the seeds among the trees, on account of the roots
catching the tines, the writer has used bundles of branches
tied together, and by dragt^ing them several times over the
surface all that is required for covering the seeds are attained
without risk. The ground may then be rolled with a heavy
roller, which will not only smooth and level the surface, but also
render it firm to resist drouglit.

At different places here and there, where poplar trees were
left as standards, a great many suckers from the latter made
their appearance with the young grass, and as these are much
relished in either a green or dried state by sheep and cattle,
they form a valuable addition to the useful forage plants of a
Highland estate. The writer has been in the practice for many
years of cutting these shoots along with the grass, and making
them into hay together, the after grass being depastured by sheep.

When building the hay into a stack in autumn, my practice
has been to sprinkle a little salt over each layer of hay as the
building proceeds, say about Ij stone of salt to each ton of
hay. This has the effect of checking too rapid fermentation,
destroys the spores of poisonous fungi, kills insects and destroys
their eggs, and renders the hay sweet, palatable, and nutritious.

]\^o. 2. — In cutting down Scotch fir plantations on exposed
heather moor ground at high elevations, the latter species of tree
answers admirably to be left here and there for standards, as
they not only afford a certain amount of shelter, but the heather
in such places is generally green and tender, and in a time of
frost and snow it stands up against the blast, and is not so easily
covered up and pressed down as grass, by which means it affords
a valuable run for sheep and store cattle in winter and spring,
when pastures are bare and feeding scarce, all of which put
together is not only conducive to the animals' health, but also
forms an important item of economy.

Scotch firs in such a position soon reproduce themselves from
seeds, but as long as the ground is depastured by sheep and
cattle, they eat down the young plants as soon as they appear
among the heather, and at this stage of their growth they are
valuable as forage plants.

Should it ]je desirable, however, at any time to convert tiio
ground into a forest of young trees, the sheep and cattle have
only to be withdrawn, the standard trees cut down ;ind
removed (if wanted), and the ground properly fenced to protect
the young progeny, by wliicli means the surface will soon get
stacked with fine healtliy young trees, and prove a valuible
addition to the forest without furtlicr trouble or expense.

At the time this property belonged to Lord Fife, a great deal
of the present i)ine forest was re])roduced in tliis wny.

294 TREES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS

No. 3. — The larch is in many parts of the country rather a
precarious crop, but where it does thrive there is no tree with
which the writer is acquainted better suited to be left as
standards to assist in the development of our natural grasses.
The larch, when it sheds its foliage in autumn, deposits a rich
fertilising coat over the surface in as regular a manner as a
thin coating of snow, the small needle-shaped leaves settle down
among the grass and are permanently fixed, and are not liable to
be blown off by the wind, as is the case with the leaves of
deciduous trees, and when the trees are properly thinned to
admit air and light, the whole surface soon gets clothed with
a close, rich, green sward of the finer natural grasses, such as has
already been named, and which we need not repeat here.

The trees most suitable to be left as standards are such as
are clothed with branches for a distance of at least one-half of
the height of the tree. Trees that have been drawn up by
confinement into long bare poles with a tuft of green branches
at the top, are unsuitable for such a purpose, as they are almost
sure to be upset by the wind when exposed, and such as are
not upset get bark-bound, contract disease, and make no farther
progress in the formation of timber.

On the estate of Churchill, county Armagh, Ireland, where the
writer conducted estate improvements for a period of eighteen
years, there are some fine old standard larches clothed with
branches for a distance of two-thirds the height of the trees, and
as they are in perfect health they produce large quantities of
fine cones, which contain good plump seeds, free of disease, and
are invaluable for propagating the species. In Ireland such a
thing as the larch disease is unknown, at least in so far as the
writer's experience and observation extends, which covers a
period of some twenty years, and has been principally confined
to the province of Ulster and Leinster.

The soils which the writer has found to be most conduciv^e to
the healthy development of these trees as standards, as well as
the encouragement of a healthy undergrowth of permanent
pasture, are as follows : —

(1) Light sandy loam.

(2) Gravelly loam.

(3) Clay loam.

As the word loam conveys but a loose or vague meaning, and
misfht lead to error, we mav briefiv state that the word is
meant here to represent such soils as contain from 5 to 10 per
cent, of organic matter.

Soils containing from 10 to 20 per cent, of organic matter,
commonly called vegetable mould, produce fine larch, Silver
fir, and spruce fir when thoroughly drained, and any or all
of these trees may be left as standards according to taste,

IX CUTTING DOWN PLANTATIONS. 295

witli the most liappy results both as regards utility and scenic
effect.

No. 4- consists of fiat peaty soil, containing upwards of 20
per cent, of organic matter, and liable to be flooded occasionally
during winter. This class of soil is best adapted for the healthy
development of the different species of poplar, sallow, and
alder, to be left as standards ; and the following grasses and
herbage thrive best as undergrowth : —

(1) liough-stalked meadow grass {Poa trivialis) is a strong
hardy grass, and quite at home under the shade of trees and
damp situations. It produces young shoots from the base of
the culms, which root themselves into the soil at the joints ; and
as these keep green the greater part of winter, it affords feeding
for stock at a time when most pastures are bare. It is likewise
a capital meadow grass, makes good hay, and gives a large return.

(2) Piorin grass {Agrostis stolonifera) is another strong useful
grass with a creeping root, the stolons of which root themselves
into the ground, and produce young plants. It may be pro-
pagated either by cuttings or from seeds. It is a good useful
grass, and gives a heavy crop on boggy ground and damp places
that cannot be easily drained.

(3) Floating sweet grass {Poa fluitans) is a soft succulent plant,
whose natural home is in muddy pools, wet ground, and sides
of ditches. It is likewise perfectly at home under the shade of
trees. It is invaluable for furnishing cold wet places that
cannot be easily drained, and is much relished by cattle in a
green state, but of too soft a texture for hay.

(4) Meadow foxtail grass {Alopecurus 2'>rcite'nsis), {A. fidvus),
(A. geniculatus), are all valuable grasses for permanent pasture,
being early, succulent, and much relished by sheep and cattle ;
and when eaten down in spring they renew their foliage with
great rapidity, which enhances their value very much. They
are quite at home on damp boggy soil under the shade of trees,
when not too crowded.

(5) Meadow catstail grass {Phleum pratcnsc) is a well-known
useful grass, indigenous to America. It thrives on a great
variety of soils, but is best suited to damp moory soils rich in
organic matter, as well as stiff tenacious clay, on all of which
it gives a good return, and is relished very much by cattle
either as hay or pasture.

(G) Purple melica-grass {Mclica cceridea) inhabits damp
spont^'y ground, and is valuable on acount of its hardiness, and
for hlling up gaps where some of the finer grasses refuse to
grow.

(7) Vernal grass {Antliuxaatlnim odoratum) is an early pro-
du'jtive grass ; it grows on during summer and up to a late
period in autumn.

296 TFiEES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS

(8) Crowfoot {Ranunculus acris, R.ficaria, B. hulhosus, and R.
repens), are all highly useful forage plants ; they inhabit damp
shady places ; they are not adapted for hay, but make excellent
pasture for cattle and sheep ; and cows fed upon pasture contain-
ing a mixture of these plants produce butter of a remarkable
rich nutritious quality, hence one of the names applied to the
plants — butter-cups.

(9) Meadow sweet (Spircea Ulmaria) is another useful plant ;
it inhabits fiat, damp meadow ground, and is invaluable on soft
boggy places liable to be flooded during winter, where some of
the finer grasses perish. It is perfectly at home under the
shade of trees, makes excellent hay when mixed wdth any of
the natural grasses, but should always be cut when in full
flower, as the stem is apt to get hard and woody if allowed to
ripen. The green leaves and after grass are much relished by
stock of every kind.

The above list includes the grasses and herbage really useful
on this class of soil ; of course, there are a great many worthless
plants — such as rushes, soft-grass, &c., mere weeds, and which
we need not describe.

No. 5. — Stiff argillaceous or clayey soils are most suitable for
the healthy development of the oak as standards, and in cut-
ting down plantations it is by far the best tree to be left as such
on this class of soil ; and when allowed plenty of room it
becomes a grand tree in every sense of the word, and even
attains large dimensions on sti£f plastic clay inimical to the
growth of most other trees.

In the mountainous part of county Wicklow, Ireland, as well
as the vale of Avoca, and Glennelly, in the same county, the oak
occupies the same place as the Scotch fir in the Highlands of
Scotland, being the natural wood of the country.

The soil consists principally of inorganic matter, clay, and
gravel, resting upon clay slate rock ; and the quality of timber
produced here may be equalled, but certainly cannot be surpassed.

As an illustration of the influence which certain classes of
soil has upon trees and plants, I may mention that the poplar
here never attains the size of useful timber, even although
planted upon soil of considerable depth. At Glen-Art Castle,
the beautiful seat of the Earl of Carysfort, the writer stubbed
out a number of these trees that had failed to establish them-
selves.

The following are the principal and most useful grasses and
herbage plants found to inhabit the oak plantations in this
locality : —

1 . Catstail grass, .... Phleum pratense.

2. Foxtail grass, .... Alopecurus 'pratensis.

3. Bent grass, .... Agrostis setacea.

IX CUTTING DOWN PLANTATIONS.

297

4.

Bent grass,

Agrostis vulgaris.

5.

Hair grass,

Aira crestata.

6.

Melic grass,

Melica nutans.

7.

Meadow grass, .

Poa coTivpressa.

8.

,j ...

,, frivialis.

9.

J) ■ . •

„ pratensis.

10.

,, ...

„ nemorilis.

11.

Fescue grass,

Festuca ovina.

12.

,, ...

„ duriuscula.

13.

,, ...

„ gigantea.

14.

„ ...

„ calamaria.

15.

,, ...

„ pratensis.

16.

Dogstail grass, .

Cynosurus cristatus.

17.

Oat grass.

Avena flavescens.

18.

Lime grass,

Elymus europceus.

19.

Cocksfoot grass, .

Bactylis glonurata.

20.

Vernal grass,

Anthoxanthum odoratum.

21.

White clover,

Trifolium repens.

22.

Birdsfoot trefoil.

Lotus corniculatus.

23.

„ ...

„ decumbens.

24.

„ ...

„ major.

25.

Cranebill,

Geranium injrenaicum.

26.

„ ...

„ pratensis.

27.

Crowfoot,

Pumunculus repens.

28.

5) ...

„ acris.

29.

Ladies' mantle, . . . .

Alchemilla vulgaris.

30.

Piib grass, . . . .

Plantago lanceolata.

31.

Meadow sweet, . . . .

Spircea Filipendula.

32.

Coltsfoot, . . . .

Tussilago Farfara.

Coltsfoot (32) inhabits stiff plastic marly clay banks and
waste ground, and although it is not eaten in a green state by
cattle, yet it is used pretty extensively by small farmers in
Ireland for feeding pigs. It is prepared by being boiled and
mixed with a little cheap Indian meal, seasoned with salt.
When prepared in this way pigs relish it, and thrive as well as
when fed upon cabbage. The writer has used it for pig-feed-
ing and found it to be a wholesome, thrifty diet for store
pigs.

Dogstail grass (10) is a hardy deep-rooting grass, which
thrives on stiff clay soil, but is better adapted for meadow than
pasture ; when used for the latter, if not kept closely down by
stock, it throws up a hard woody stem, which is both dry and
unnutritious, and is consequently discarded by sheep and cattle ;
])ut when cut for hay, the root throws up a succession of sweet
tender leaves which are very nutritious, and much relished by
stock of all kinds.

liib grass (30) inhabits stiff clay soils that have not been
thoroughly drained, as well as soils that retain any considerable!
amount of muisture by means of capillary attraction. It is quite
at home on such })laces among trees, and is a useful, hardy,
forage plant, but not adapted for hay.

298 TEEES TO BE LEFT AS STANDARDS

General Remarks.

Plantations of any extent generally contain a variety of
soils, and in cutting down and thinning out, the experienced
forester will always be guided in a great measure by the trees
found to be thriving best on any particular soil and situation as
to what species will answer best (all things considered) to be
left as standards. When plantations have been thinned to
admit light and the warm ravs of the sun, the surface weeds
gradually disappear, and are replaced by a useful mixture of
natural grasses. It is, however, always after a top-dressing of
wood ashes, lime, and earth mixed, or bone meal, that the
quickest and most permanent improvement is effected.

We have already noticed the beneficial effects derived from a
dressing of wood ashes, but we can record equally good results
from a dressing of lime and earth mixed together and applied in
the end of harvest. Plantations, where the surface of the ground
is stocked with a quantity of rushes, the best plan for the
permanent improvement of such is to cut the rushes close over
by the surface in the dry season of the year, say August, and
apply the dressing about the end of the month, or any time dur-
ing harvest, and the rushes will soon disappear, and be replaced
by a thick crop of white clover and natural grasses — in fact, the
change produced is marvellous, and appears almost magical.

The writer has likewise used bone manure for the improve-
ment of old pastures in woods and plantations, with the most
happy results. By applying a dressing of bones in spring, the
grasses and herbage are immediately roused from a torpid to an
active state, and plants that were formerly growing in harmony
together are at once roused to a state of hostile competition
for more field and space, and gradually, inch by inch, the
cryptogamic and other useless forage plants give way aod dis-
appear, thus leaving the useful grasses the undisputed masters
of the situation.

But it may be said by some that it would never pay to top-dress
wood pasturage; this, however, is not the writer's experience,
as the following statement will illustrate: —

In a plantation, the property of the late Sir William Yerner,
county Armagh, Ireland, where the trees consisted principally of
sallow, poplar, and alder, the writer had them considerably
thinned out to admit air and light with the view of improving
the pasture. The timber that was cut being removed, the
branches and rubbish were then collected and burned, and the
ashes spread over the surface as a top-dressiug. A quantity of
mixed rye and permanent grass seeds were then sown on the
places where the rubbish had been burned up.

The yearly value or rent charged for this plantation grass was

£0 15
0 15

0
0

£3 15
1 10

0

0

IN CL'TTIXG DOWN PLANTATIONS. 299

15s. per acre, but after the improvement had been effected, the
writer sold the hay crop at £3, 10s. per acre, and the after grass,
which was depastured by the owner's cattle, was at least worth
5s. per acre more, so that the actual account stands thus : —

Cash received for one acre plantation hay, . £3 10 0
Value of after grass, 0 5 0

Eent of one acre,

Paid for cutting and making hay.

Net profit after improvement, £2 5 0

As the improvement is of a permanent nature, the expense of
burning the rubbish, grass seeds, &c., is charged as such on
the estate.

When no top-dressing or grass seeds are used, the natural
grasses and other plants soon clothe the surface with a green
sward, and some people are content to wait and allow nature
time to make her own selection ; but the practical experienced
man steps in here, and says, I must assist nature ; she is trying
to do what she can for me, and I must try and do something for
her, and he at once prepares the surface, and as experience and
ol3servation have taught him what species of grass inhabit the
different classes of soils and situations among trees, he sows and
acts accordingly ; and by top-dressing with bones, lime, and
earth mixed, or ashes, he knows what the results will be as
clearly as a first-class physician can tell what to prescribe for
his patient. In all the writer's experience, which covers a period
of some thirty years, he has never known a single case where
cattle paid by being starved ; and if we can add one half more
value to our pastures and meadows to administer to their wants,
the benefit to both landlord and tenant would be immense.

Land is perfectly honest, and whatever is put into it in the
shape of manure, it will always give a satisfactory return in the
shape of crop.

The most valuable grasses for permanent pasture among trees
and elevated districts are undoubtedly the different species of
fescue. They all thrive in a great variety of soils and situations,
and form by far the largest proportion of the best sheep pastures
in Scotland, and the mountainous districts of Wales, Anglesea,
and the mountain districts clad with natural oak in county Wick-
low, Ireland, all are stocked to a great extent with this grass;
and it is a remarkable fact that all the above named places
are celebrated, and justly so, for the sweet, fine quality of the
mutton they produce.

300 LOUPING-ILL AND BRAXY.

LOUPING-ILL AND BRAXY.

Report hy Committee.

As far as your Committee was able to ascertain, there was very
little louping-ill or trembling during the past season. With a
view to clearing up an important point raised by the report of
last year, viz,, that eradicating rank and coarse vegetation also
got rid of the disease, and to meet the objection raised by many,
that some of the "roughest" hills were most exempt from the
disease, Mr Brotherston made a careful examination, in July, of
Dalgleish, at the head of Ettrick, a very rough but healthy farm,
and Craikhope and Howpasley, at the head of Borthwick, also
rough, but very liable to disease, and the following is his
report : —

" I found that, though the pastures at Dalgleish were ' rough,'
and also composed of the same species of plants as in the
diseased places, they were in very different proportions. On
Dalgleish the Juncaceas (rushes) and Cyperaceae (sedges) pre-
dominate ; e.g., Luzula (woodrush) Juncus, Scirpus, and Erio-
phorum (cotton sedge). There was very little land that was any
way likely to be liable to louping-ill, and that only on parts of
some of the steeper southern slopes.

" From Dalgleish I crossed over by Moodlaw Loch to Craik-
hope and Howpasley, where I found the pastures very different,
the Gramineae (grasses) greatly predominating on the parts
liable to louping-ill. So that, in point of fact, both districts
may be said to be ' rough,' but the two are widely different, as
the predominating plants on the one are not subject to be
ergotised, while those on the other are so. Though this may
not properly be called confirmatory evidence, that roughness of
the pasture is a cause of the disease, still I consider it very good
negative evidence to that effect."

Professor Williams also visited parts of the Moffat district, in
which it had ])een stated that louping-ill existed without ticks
being also present, and found that in general there were plenty,
though they were this year there, as elsewhere, very scarce.

He further considers he has been successful in cultivating the
organism from ticks which had never been on sheep.

He has also observed that Zlindel, V.S., Strasbourg, describes
a disease in lambs, in which an organism is found very similar
to that of louping-ill, and which he says resembles the micro-
scopic plant Pleospora Iierharum.

Mr Thomas D. Gibson Carmichael, younger of Castle-craig, has
taken up the study of the Ixodes (ticks), and his preliminary
notes are herewith appended.

LOUPING-ILL AND BRAXY. 301

Notes on Ixodes (Ticks), ly Thomas D. Gibson Carmichael,

younger, of Castle- craiy.

I have endeavoured to collect specimens of Ixodes from as
many localities as possible, both in England and Scotland, dur-
ing this year. The first specimens whicli I obtained were found
among the roots of grasses in Peeblesshire, about the middle of
March, and I have had specimens from time to time up to the
first week in November. I have had difficulty in obtaining
them from the sheep, as though many shepherds have promised
to get them for me, they have almost always sent me the com-
mon insect parasite of the sheep. And though I have myself
examined a considerable number of sheep, I have very seldom
found anything but the insect. There is no difficulty in dis-
tinguishing the two, as while the insect has only 6 legs, the true
tick has always 8. I have found Ixodes in considerable numbers
on the bodies of rabbits and hares, and in one case on a roe
deer ; as that one case was the only roe I have examined, I
have no doubt but that Ixodes regularly infests that animal.
All species seem to pass the winter months of the year in a
semi-torpid state amongst the roots of grasses ; except in such
situations, I have found none after the beginning of October, in
the south of Scotland at least, They seem to be capable of
living for a considerable time without nourishment. I received
eleven specimens of what seems to be Ixodes trahcatus (Au-
donin); from Perthsliire, in the first week of June. I have since
kept them in a tin box containing a piece of sponge continually
damped. Eight of these specimens are still alive (January 14,
1 884). They lie at the bottom of the box among some broken
pieces of grass, seem not to change their position, but move
their legs about if touched, and if placed on their backs regain
their natural position very quickly. They soon die, however, if
the atmosphere in which they live is not kept damp. Excess of
moisture seems to have but little effect on them. I have kept
specimens floating in water from two to thirteen days, which when
taken out of the water showed no signs of weakness. Like some
centipedes, and many other arthropod animals, they can be
frozen quite hard without losing their vital powers. I have
found the genus widely distributed; and tliough sometimes I
have searched a district witliout finding a specimen, I think this
is to be attributed not to the absence, but to the insufiiciency of
my search. The males are not so easily found as the females.
I have never seen a male which had been obtained from an
animal, nor have I seen any female so obtained which was not
adult. I have not been able, as yet, to make any ex]>eriments
as to whether these creatures are really hurtful to the animal to
which they are attached, but should louping-ill prove common

302 LOUPIXG-ILL AND BRAXY.

next spring, T hope to make a series of experiments on the
subject. A.n illness, somewhat similar to louping-ill, seems to
affect the lambs in the south-east of Italy. I have received
Ixodes from the neighbourhood of Taranto, but no one in that
part seems to connect the illness and the ticks together. I hope
to be there in March next, when I shall endeavour to find
whether there is any such connection. In determining the
species of Ixodes, I have found some difficulty. Until I have
examined the type specimens in continental museums, I find
that I do not like to pronounce with certainty what is the
species of any individual I may obtain. In the following notes
I have followed the nomenclature used in Mr Andrew Murray's
handbook of economic entomology.

1. Ixochs erinaceus, Audonin.— I have had specimens from
every county in Scotland, except Orkney and Shetland, Caith-
ness, Cromarty, Elgin, Banff, Kincardine, and Linlithgow. In
none of these counties excepted have I been able to look or to
get any one else to look for ticks. I have also had specimens
from all the principal river basins in England. I have found it
up to an altitude of 11,000 feet in Peeblesshire. I have
generally found it by sweeping among rough grass. I have not
found it either on sheep or cattle, though Murray says it is
found on the latter. It is common on dogs, in August on rabbits
throughout Scotland, and also seemingly on rats.

2. Ixodes fodicus,MQg\xm.— l have had three or four specimens
from Devonshire of an Ixodes which seem to be this species.
Murray gives a curious account of this creature attacking a mare.
My specimens were found on ferns.

3. Ixodes marginatus, Leach. — This seems to be the commonest
species throughout the south of Scotland, and seems to be the
species which may be connected with louping-ill. I have speci-
mens obtained from sheep early in the summer from Peebles-
shire, Lanarkshire, and Wiltshire. I have none from any place
north of the Eorth, but fancy from what I hear that it occurs
there. All through the late summer and early autumn it is
common on bracken in the upper part of the Tweed watershed. I
have several times induced the females to bite my hand, but the
bite never was followed by any evil consequences, is not so pain-
ful as that of the ordinary cleg. I found it on rabbits and hares
early in the year. I made experiments both on mutton and
chicken broth with chopped-up specimens of this Ixodes, but
found no results which could lead me to suppose that it is
poisonous.

4. Ixodes sy.1 — I have found, in Peeblesshire, Lanarkshire, and
Wigtownshire, a species resembling the last, but of a bright red
colour. I do not know whether it attacks sheep. I have
generally found it on bracken, but in one case on a hare. Both

LOUPIXG-ILL AND BRAXY. 303

this and the layt named species I have found at an altitude of
more than 15,000 feet.

5. Ixodes ricinus, Koch.— There seems to be great confusion
between this species and /. erinaceus. I have it from numerous
localities in the south and middle of England, but always from
herbage.

6. Ixodes traheatus, Audonin.- — A small Ixodes, with the
anterior part of the body a deep black and the posterior part
red; it is common in Perthshire, Argyllshire, and Eoss-shire,
and probably in many other counties. T found it plentiful
among heather, in the neighbourhood of Oban and of Loch
Maree, in September. It is the species to whose powers of
fasting I have referred above. I took it plentifully off sheep in
Portree market, about the middle of September, also with
another (a small black species) off a sheep in a boat from the
island of Piaasay. (This is the species which I have found on a
roe.)

7. Io:odes spJ — The small black species referred to above.

8. Ixodes spJ — Another species somewhat similar to No. 6,
but brighter in colour, is common in the New Forest ; probably
these two species are identical, as also perhaps

9. Ixodes spJ — A paler variety, three specimens of which I
obtained from a sheep which had been brought from Iceland.

In addition to these, I have several species from Italy, which
I have not been able to determine.

It seems to me that Ixodes is naturallv a vegetable feeder,
but that the adult females, possibly always, attach themselves
for a time to animals. If they really poison the blood of the
animals to which they are attached, it can only be, I think, by
conveying poison indirectly from plants on which they have been
already feeding.

Note on Braxy hy Professor Williams.

I have had several opportunities of seeing " braxy " during
this season, and so far as I can make out, it is nothing more than
an acute form of indigestion, with inflammation of the bowels and
flatulence, arising from eating food in a more or less fusted and
decomposing condition ; but before giving the Society a final
report, I should like the grasses on "braxy-land" examined in
November or December, when braxy mostly prevails, by a
botanist, who might be able to determine if anything deleterious
— such as some seed — is on or mixed with the grasses at that
period of the year.

304 EXPEEIxMEXTS ON TUEXIP3.

EXPERIMENTS OX TURNIPS.
Br David Wilson, Jun., M.A., F.C.S., Carbeth, Killearn, Stirlingshire.

During the last two seasons experimental plots have been set
apart on the turnip and oat breaks here. The experiments on
turnips were arranged with the following objects in view : —

I. To make a practical analysis of the soil ; that is, to find out
whether it is most in need of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, or
potash, or if it will repay the application of all of them.

II. To compare the effects of dissolved and finely ground un-
dissolved phosphates. The varying results obtained by different
experimenters seem to make this a question requiring to be deter-
mined locally. The basis of comparison adopted is that of equal
money value.

III. To compare the yield with artificial manures only to the
yield with dung and a less quantity of artificials. This being
one step towards finding out whether in certain circumstances it
would be more profitable to save the dung from the turnip crop
and apply it to grass, as in this case there would probably be
less nitrogen lost to the farm in drainage water.

TV. To test the influence of manures on the composition and
keeping qualities of turnips. This part of the investigation was
not attempted the first season.

The repetition of these experiments for some seasons on the
turnip break of the year should give information of a practical
kind from a considerable variety of soil.

The field upon which the experimental plots were placed in
1882 was a heavy loam resting upon boulder clay. It had
grown oats in the previous season manured with 8 cwt. Peru-
vian guano (6 J per cent, ammonia, 37 per cent, phosphates),
and the stubble in the beginning of December had received a
dressing of 5 tons lime. Previous to the oat crop the field had
lain long in grass, and was in a very poor state. Drains had
been put in the grass 3 feet deep and 15 feet apart.

A piece of land, 252 feet by 242 feet, which looked uniform,
was staked off for the plots. The accompanying plan (Table I.)
shows the arrangement of the plots, and indicates the manures
applied. Each of the 28 plots is formed of eight drills of 27
inches wide and 121 feet long, and is thus 2^5^^^ of an acre. The
weights of bulbs obtained from each plot in cwts. per acre is
inserted at the bottom for ease of reference. The plots were
manured in the drill, and sown with 4 lbs. per acre Drummond's
Aberdeen yellow turnip on the 15th of June. Table II. shows
the rate of manure per acre on each plot, that is, 2Vth of the
weight indicated was applied to each plot. The plants brairded

EXPEEIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

305

well, and were singled on the 18th of July. The plants on the
plots which had received dung were fairly uniform, those receiving-
dung only being slightly behind the others. The plants on the
undunged plots that got superphosphate were on the average as
good as those on the dunged plots. Those receiving ground
mineral phosphate were somewhat poorer, while the plants on the
plots which got no phosphatic manure were much the smaHest.
All the turnips on the field were checked in their growth, and the
ultimate crop decreased by the large rainfall during the last two
weeks of July. In the experimental ground some plots proved
to be more clayey than others, and owing to this, along with the

Table I.
South.— 252 Feet.

1

2

3 4

5

6

1

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

to

.»— t

--^

■1-3
O

5z;

Al

Superph

f.

1 dur

lOS.

*otasl

1.

•

S3 §

^ 2

1-3

^ to

: C C

•

5

No dung.
Superphosphate.

A

O

fcb

• 1-1

o

I

f

Potash.

A

r

Xitroge

;n.

/^

Nitrogen.

r

^

^

1

280

319

312 399

370

304

292

217

1

194

251

338

309

207

130

15

16 17 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

23

All dung except '.

15.

1

1

1
^0 dung except

2s.

ti)

o
JZ5

Ground mineral
phospliate.

a,

Vi

O

Oh

S3

m

o

ill

-g'S

c

•

O

o

1 o

Grd. mineral
phosphate.

A.

I.

>n.

tc

a

tc

s

o

r

Potash.

A.

r

Pota.'il

r

Nitrog(

K

f '

J^itrogc

1

f

\

174

347

312 335

1

318

361

40")

3(is

234

253

287

164 138

414

u

306

EXPERIMENTS ON TURXIPS.

presence or absence in a plot of drains and previous furrows, the
manures up to the end of August did not show very consistent
results. J'rom that time till late in the season the turnips grew
well. All the bulbs, which were lifted and weighed on the 20th
and 21st of December, were entirely free of disease. Table III.
shows the weight of turnips obtained from each plot, calculated
to cwts. and tenths of a cwt. per acre. Special reference may
be made to four plots. No. 28 got dung only, and gave a better

Table II.

bo

Super-
phosphate.

Ground
Coprolites.

Nitrate of
Soda.

Potash Salts.

•

1 o

•rH 4J .

t-< ci Z)

6

•

•

CO

•^

• 1-1
r— 1

H^^

• )— 1

fcJD ^

"i-H

l-H

«S-5

^

O

o

Ph

vr ^T^

'Ph

i= 2

Ph

^

P-l

6

Pi

4J

tC a: ^

•rH r-i O

p^

•i ^ p

-)-3

tc
p

• rH

il 0.2

^

rt*3

rSli

p3 -^ p

^

•rH

• 1— (

T5--3
o^ S

to

• 1-1

CD

to

•rH

.1-1

03

(-1

^

1

^

^

^

1—1

o

tons.

cwt.

lbs.

cwt.

lbs.

cwt.

lbs.

cwt.

lbs.

1

13

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • «

• < •

2

13

5

158

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

■ • •

3

13

5

158

• • •

• ■ •

3

4 .

25^

4

13

5

158

• • •

3'
5

161

3

251

5

13

. . •

• • •

...

4:

m

3

25^

6

13

■ • •

• • •

• • •

3
5

161

• • •

. . .

7

13

280 lbs.

79

210"ibs.

129

3

161

1

25|

8

4

126

3

206

li

33

• • ■

• • •

9

8

253

• • •

• • ■

• • •

1 . • •

• ■ •

10

8

253

...

• • •

• • •

• • •

li

51

11

8

253

• • •

• ■ •

14

33

1^

51

12

8

253

• • •

• • •

It

33

• • •

• • •

13

• • •

6

412

33

• • •

• • •

14

• • «

• • ■

• • •

• • •

15

• • •

• • •

• • •

■ * •

• • •

• • •

16

13

H

257

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

17

13

3|

257

• • •

• • «

1

25i
251

18

13

3|

257

1

161

1

19

13

3|

257

1

161

• ■ •

. . •

20

13

5

15$

• • •

• > •

1

iel

• • •

• • •

21

13

280 lbs.

79

210 lbs.

129

1

• • •

• • •

22

4

126

3

206

li

33^

H

51

23

...

6

412

• ■ ■

• • •

24

...

6

412

• • •

. . •

H

51

25

6

412

u

33

ij

51

26

...

• • •

H

33

! H

51

27

• • •

• • •

• • •

ij

33

• ■ •

• • •

28

13

...

• • •

...

1

...

« • •

• • •

EXPERIMENTS ON TUENIPS.

307

yield than any of the other plots. It was easy to dung the
other plots very equally, as they all lay adjacent, but 28 being
detached from the other dunged plots had a separate cart taken
to it, and thus probably received rather more than its share. It
was also a very dry and favourable piece of ground. Plots 7, 8,
and 9 were, on the other hand, the wettest part of the land.
These plots might be discarded in considering the results, but,
as in experiments with many comparatively small plots, reliance
must be placed principally in averages, it has been considered
better not to do so, but to include these pints in the tables of

averages.

The field on which the plots were put in 1883 had borne oat
crops in both 1881 and 1882. Previously it had been long in
grass, and was in a poor state, bringing 18s. per acre at public
roup. The first oat crop was manured with 3 cwt. Peruvian
guano (6J per cent, ammonia, 37 per cent, phosphates), and
drains were put in the stubble 3 feet deep and 15 feet apart.
The second oat crop got 2 cwt. superphosphate (28 per cent.) and
1 cwt. good dissolved bones with the seed, and a top-dressing of
1 cwt. nitrate soda after brairding ; 5 tons lime were laid on this
stubble in the middle of January. The part of the field chosen
for experiment seemed very uniform, and though of the same
nature was scarcely so clayey as the experimented ground of the
previous season. The size and number of the plots were the
same, but a change was made in their relative position, so as in
the comparison of dissolved with undissolved phosphates to
neutralise as much as possible any variation in the soil.
Table IV. shows the plan for 1883, with the weight of
bulbs at the foot of each plot. The superphosphate is not
principally on the south side, and ground mineral on the north
side as in 1882, but half on each. The rate per acre at which
each plot was manured is shown in Table V. Less tricalcic
phosphate in the form of ground coprolites was obtained for

Table III.

Plot ^*"'*"'-
^"'^- iK;r Acre.

^•"^- per Acre.

,„ . Hulbs.
^'«^- per Acre.

Plot '^"''^*-
^"^'- per Acre.

cwt.

cwt.

cwt.

cwt.

1 = 280-3

8 = 216-8

15 = 173-6

22 = 307-7

2 = 3191

9=193<)

16 = 347-3

23 = 234 3

3 = 31 l-G

10 2rA)-9

17 = 312 0

24 = 253-2

4 = 39()()

1 1 338-4

18^335-2

25 = 287-3

5 = 370-0

12 3O0-1

19 = 317-9

26=164-4

6 = 3041

13 -2()7-l

20 = 361-2

27 = 138-4

7 = 21)2-1

14- 135 9

21=405-5

28=414-1

308

EXPERIMENTS ON TUKNIPS.

the same money as the superphosphate than in the previous
season. This is due to the dissolved phosphates costing rather
less, and the undissolved rather more. The ground coprolites
used in 1883 was probably the only manure used which might
have been bought cheaper, perhaps for 10 per cent. less. It
was not used for the general crop, and a small quantity only
required, and therefore estimates could not be taken for it.

The plots were sown with Drummond's Aberdeen yellow
turnip on 26th May, and were singled on 29th and 30th June.
At that time the plots had much the same relative appearance as
in the previous year. The turnips grew on without a check, and
proved a heavy crop — nearly double of that of the previous year.

Table IV.

15

&0

rJ5

o

200

6

7

bJD

Siq

!=

-^

-»-3

^

rO

to

c

•r-l

rSH

+3

o

Iz;

456

620

All clung.

Potash.

/.

Nitrogen.

A

526

632 633

621

m

•3 ^

o

652

16

17

18

19

20

21

All dung except 15.

Ground mineral
phospate.

_A_

Potash.

CO

O
Ph

Cl,

02

Nitrogen.

-'^

618 1558 632

549

615

P-,

^ 2

!-( ,

•:3 c3

O
608

8

9

10 11 12 13 I 14

-td to
^ 2

I— I •'"'

537

No dung.

Ground mineral
phosphate.

__A_

399

Potash.

0)

■pH

O
0)

465

Nitrogen.

495

487

555

22 23 24 i 25

26

27

No dung except 28.

CO p,

1—1

• 1—1 o

S3 H

■73 rt

o

492

—A

Superphos.

Potash

426

433

Nitrogen.

K

537

317

293

.1— I

o

255

28

p

13

&c

o

589

EXPERIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

309

When lifted and weighed on 26th and 27th November they were
free from disease. The soil also seemed to be very uniform, and
nothing was observed to interfere with the effects of the
manures. A pit was formed on each plot of all the turnips that
grew upon it. The samples for analysis were selected from
these pits. They were then properly protected, and when
lifted in spring the percentage of sound bulbs in each plot can
be noted.

The same difficulty was experienced in applying dung to No.

Table V.

o

I— I

o
d

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

li)

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

13
13
13
13
13
13

13

1

Super-

1

pliosphate.

•

1 0

*-'-'

's^

•r-' -t^

fl 1

ty

,^ re ^

? 1

1—1

H r^ '^

ft ,

to ^B.

<

r-" ^ r-*

-t-3

" ?4

-a

fi 0 ;:;

J>

'w- -^

tons.
13
13
13
13
13
13
13

cwt.

5
5
5

3^
5i

8

5

3J

5)

8'

8

8

lbs. I
I
158 i
158 !
158 i

105
169

253

158
105
169
253
253
253

Ground
Coprolites.

lbs.

165

265
794
794
794
794

496
496
496
496

165
265

Nitrate of
Soda.

.5 eg

O

(D

o

lbs.

76
123
367
367
367
367

229
229
229
229

• • •

76
123

_ r-i

fciD

li
it

1;

il

u
ii

tc

i-i o o

fcC

p I

Potash Salts.

cwt.

<1

16|

let
let

16t

33"

33
33
33

16^

let
let
let
33

33
33
33

.3

3

It

• • •

u
It

li

s •

.p ^

Q

lbs. 1! cwt. lbs.

23^
23t
23|

23i

47
47

23*
23j

47

47

47
47

310

EXPERIMENTS OX TUENIPS.

28, and in the fear of giving it too little it probably got rather
much. In future experiments it is proposed to weigh out the
dung for each plot. Table VI. gives the weight of bulbs obtained
from each plot expressed as cwts. per acre.

In both seasons the turnips were thoroughly ripe on all the
plots, and therefore little information could have been obtained
from weighing the leaves.

The results for both seasons will be best discussed in relation
to the objects mentioned at the beginning of this paper. These
were —

I. To make a practical Analysis of the Soil. — It is evident
that the wants of the soil should be more distinctly indicated

Table VI.

Plot ^^^^•
^^^^- Per Acre.

Plot ^"^^^•
^^^^- Per Acre.

Plot Bulbs.^
^'°^- Per Acre.

Plot ^°^^®-
^^^^- Per Acre.

cwt.

cwt.

cwt.

cwt.

1 = 455-7

8 = 537-2

15 = 199-7

22 = 492-5

2 = 620-4

9 = 398-8

16 = 617-9

23 = 426-1

3 = 526-4

10 = 465-0

17 = 558-2

24 = 433-0

4 = 632-3

11=495-0

18 = 632-3

25 = 537-0

5 = 632-9

12 = 486-8

19 = 548-6

26 = 317-5

6 = 621-4

13 = 555-0

20 = 614-7

27 = 293-0

7 = 652-0

14 = 254-8

21 = 608-2

28 = 589-3

Table VII.
Nitrogen ivithout Dung.

1882.

1883.

Plots witli
Kitrate of Soda.

Plots without
Nitrate of Soda.

Plots with
Nitrate of Soda.

Plots without
Nitrate of Soda.

11 = 338-4

25 = 287-3

12 = 309-1

13 = 207-1

27 = 138-4

10 = 250-9

24 = 253-2

9 = 193-9

23 = 234-3

Mean of

14 & 15 = 154-7

11=495-0
25 = 537-0

12 = 486-8

13 = 555-0

27 = 293-0

10=4650

24=433-0

9 = 398-8

23 = 426-1

Mean of

14 & 15 = 227-2

Mean = 256-1

Mean =217*4

Mean = 473 '3

Mean = 390-0

Increase due to \\ cwt. ) cwt.
Nitrate of soda, J =38*7
At a cost of 21/4|

(

Increase due to 1^ cwt. ) cwt.
Nitrate of soda, \ =83-3
At a cost of 18/6

EXPEKDIENTS ON TURNIPS.

311

by the results of the unclunged plots, for in the other plots
the dung may supply all that is required of one or more
constituents. The results from the dunged and undunged
plots are therefore kept separate. The application of 5 tons
lime to the stubble in the previous winter rendered the
precautionary addition of lime and magnesia to the manure
unnecessary.

(A) Nitrogen. — Table VII. shows how far the land experi-
mented on requires nitrogen to grow turnips. In this table all
the plots put against each other for comparison have the same
manures except that in the one case they received nitrate of
soda and in the other none. Thus plot 10 received superphos-
phate and potash salts, while plot 11, compared with it, received
exactly the same manure, with the addition of 1-^ cwt. nitrate of
soda per acre. It will be seen from an examination of Tables
II. and V. that this is also true for each pair of plots compared
both in 1882 and 1883. As it is evident that nitrogen without
the addition of phosphates in some form cannot have its full
effect upon turnips, the trial 27 against the mean of 14 and 15
might be omitted in the table, and in this case the average
increase by using nitrate of soda would be increased, especially
in 1882. The increase in both years is approximately 20 per
cent., and showsj that both fields are benefited bv nitim^en ;
but while its use for turnips might pay in a large crop like that
of 1883, the increased growth taking advantage of a supply of

Table VIII.
Nitrogen v:ith Dung.

1882.

1

1883.

Plots with
Nitrate of Soda.

Plots without
Nitrate of Soda.

Plots with
Nitrate of Soda.

Plots without
Nitrate of Soda.

4 = 399-0

18 = 335-2
20 = 361-2

19 = 317-9

6 = 304-1

3 = 311-6
17 = 312-0

2 = 3191
16 = 347-3

Mean of

1 & 28-347-2

4 = 632-3

18 = 632-3
20 = 614-7

19 = 548-6

1 6 = 621-4

3 = 526-4

17 = 558-2

2 = 620-4

16-617-9
Mean of
1 ct 28 = 522-5

Mean = 343-5

Mean -327-4 i

1

, Mean = 609-9 ; Mean -^ 569- 1

Increase due to | cwt. ) cwt. i
Nitnite of soda, ] =16-1
At a cost of 10/8^

Increase due to | cwt. ) cwt.
Nitrate of soda, ] =40-8
At a cost of 9/3

312

EXPEPJMEXTS OX TURXIPS.

soluble nitrogen, the additional roots grown by its use in a small
crop such as that of 1882 are dear. This result is confirmed by
Table VIII., ^Yhich shows the result of | cwt. of nitrate of soda
with dung.

(B) Potash.' — Table IX. is arranged on the same principle, to
show whether the soil experimented on will repay the addition
of potash. The plots put against each other difier only in the
presence of 1-J cwt. potash salts, containing approximately 50 lbs.
potash, in the manure given to the one and its absence in the
manure given to the other. The application pays well on the
experimental soil of 1882, and would probably hav^e shown a
greater increase with a more favourable season and heavier crop.

The ground experimented on in 1883, on the other hand, is
practically not benefited by potash, and shows the necessity of
determining the need of this manure before investing in it
largely. Table X. shows that 16 loads of good dung supply
enough potash for the growth of the turnip plant. The
decrease in 1882 amounts on the average to 6 cwt. per acre ;
but in this case it is probably better to consider this as merely
an experimental difference, that might have occurred in the
averages of two lots of five plots similarly manured, and not as
a depression due to the potash salts. It is not probable that
the amount of mineral acids set free according to Meyer's
hypothesis from J cwt. of potash salts per acre could injure the
crop in the presence of a large excess of lime in the surface soil,

Table IX.
Potash without Dung.

1882.

1883.

Plots with
Potash Salts.

Plots without
Potash Salts, j

Plots Avith
Potash Salts.

1
Plots without i
Potash Salts.

10 = 250-9

24 = 253-2

11 = 338-4

25 = 287-3

26 = 164-4
22 = 307-7

9 = 193-9
23 = 234-3

12 = 309-1

13 = 207-1

27 = 138-4
8 = 216-8

10=465-0
24=433-0
11=495-0

25 = 537-0

26 = 317-5
' 22 = 492-5

9 = 398-8
23 = 426-1

12 = 486-8

13 = 550-0
27 = 293-0

8 = 537-2

Mean = 267-0

Mean = 216-6

Mean = 456-7

Mean = 449-5

Increase due to \^ cwt. 1 cwt.
Potash salts, . J = 50-4 .
At a cost of 8/7|

Increase due to \^ cwt. \ cwt.
Potash salts, . j = 7 '2 ,
At a cost of 7/10^

EXPERIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

313

and this view is borne out by the result in 1883 on land which
was less in need of potash.

(C) Phosphoric Acid. — In Table XT. plots are compared with
superphosphate, with ground mineral, and with no phosphatic
manure, but with the same manures in other respects. Eight
cwL of superphosphate nearly doubles the crop both seasons, and
shows that on this soil phosphoric acid is the principal recjuire-

Table X.
Potash with Dung.

1882.

1883.

Plots with
Potash Salts.

Plots without
Potash Salts.

Plots with
' Potash Salts.

Plots without
Potash Salts.

3 = 311-6

17 = 312-0

4 = 399-0

18 = 335-2

5 = 370-0
7 = 292-1

2 = 319-1
16 = 347-3
20 = 361-2
19 = 317-9

6 = 304-1
21=405-4

3 = 526-4

17 = 558-2

4 = 632-3

18 = 632-3

5 = 632-9
7 = 652-0

2 = 620-4
16 = 617-9

20 = 614-7
19 = 548-6

6 = 621-4

21 = 608-2

Mean = 336-6

Meau = 342-5 :

1

Mean = 605-7

Mean = 605-2

Decrease due to | cwt. \ cwt.
Potash salts, , J = 5-9
At a cost of 4/3|

1

Increase due to f cwt. ) cwt.
Potash salts, . f 0-5
At a cost of 3/1 1|

Table XL
Phosphoric Acid without Dung.

1882.

1883.

Plots with

Super-
phosphate.

Plots with no

Phosphatic

Manure.

Plots with
ground

Coprolites. I

1

Plots with Plots with no

Super- Phosphatic
phosphate. , Manure.

Plots with

ground
Coprolites.

9=193-9
11=338-4
12=309-1

Mean of
14 & 15 = 154-7

26 = 164-4

27 = 138-4

23=234-3

25 = '287 -3
13 = 207-1

Mean of
23 = 426-1 14 .Sc 15 = 2-27-2
25 = 537-0J 26=317-5
13 = 555-0 27 = 293-0

9=398-8
11=495-0

12 = 486-8

Mean =280-5

Mean = 152 -5

Mean = 242-0

Mean = 506 -Ol Mean = 279 2

Mean = 460-2

Increa.so due to 8 cwt. Super- ) cwt.

phosphate, . . . (128-0
Iiurease ilue to 6 cwt. ground [ cwt.

Cnprolites, . . . j" 9U-4
Each costing 30/

Increase due to 8 cwt. Super- ) cwt.

phosphate, . . . f -2-26-8
Increase «lue to 7 cwt. 10 Ihs. ^ cwt.

grouml (.'oprolites, . . ) 181 '0
Each costing 26/7

314

EXPERIMENTS ON TUKNIPS.

menfc for a turnip crop. On the plots with dung Table XII.
shows that 5 cwt. superphosphate gave a comparatively small
increase in both seasons ; while in 1882, 3f cwt. ground coprolites
actually decreased the yield slightly.

No doubt the decrease is due to the large yield on plot 28 in
that season j)reviously explained, but it may be inferred that the
dung given was able to supply almost all the phosphoric acid
required by the turnips during the growth of the bulb, and that

Table XII.
PhosjjJioric Acid with Dung.

1882.

1883.

Plots
with Super-
phosphate.

Plots with

no Phosphatic

Manure.

Plots with Plots with

Ground Super-
Coprolites. phosphate.

Plots with no

Phosphatic

Manure.

Plots with

ground
Coprolites.

2=319-1

4=399-0

20=361-2

Mean of

1& -28 = 347 -2
5=370-0
6 = 304-1

16=347-3 'i 2 = 6-20-4
18=335-2 4=632-3
19=317-9 1 20 = 614-7

1

Mean of
1& -28 = 522-5

5 = 632-9

6 = 6-21-4

16 = 617-9

18 = 632-3

19 = 548-6

Mean =359 -7

Mean =340 -4

Mean =333 -5 , Mean=622-5

II

Mean=592-3 Mean=599-6

Increase due to 5 cwt. Super- ) cwt.

phosphate, . . . j 19-3
Decrease due to 3^ cwt. ground ( cwt.

Coprolites, . . . f 6-9
Each costing 18/9

' Increase due to 5 cwL. Super- ) cwt.

phosphate, . . . j 30-2

Increase due to 4 cwt. 48 lbs. ) cwt.

Coprolites, . . . . j 7-3

Each costing 16/7J

Table XIII.
SiqjerjjhosjjJiate against Ground Coinolites.

1882.

Plots with
Superphosphate.

^

2 = 319-1

3 = 311-6

4 = 399-0
20 = 361-2

9 = 193-9

10 = 250-9

11 = 338-4

12 = 309-1

Plots with

Ground
Coprolites.

16 = 347-3

17 = 312-0

18 = 335-2

19 = 317-9

23 = 234-3

24 = 253-2

25 = 287-3
13 = 207-1

Mean = 310-4

Mean = 286-8

Excess in favour of \ cwts.
Superphospliate, ] 23-6

1883.

Plots with

Plots with

o ^ ^ 4- Ground

kSuperpnospnate. r^ ^■^
■'■-'- ^ Coprolites.

t3

fee

o

2 = 620-4

3 = 526-4

4 = 632-3
20 = 614-7

23 = 426-1

24 = 433-0

25 = 537-0
13 = 555-0

16 = 617-9

17 = 558-2

18 = 632-3

19 = 548-6
9 = 398-8

10 = 465-0
11=495-0
12 = 486-8

Excess in favour of ) cwts.
Suj)erpliosphate, ) 17-8

Mean = 543-1 Mean = 525*3

EXPEPJMENTS ON TUENIPS.

315

the increase by addition of superphosphate is due to its assisting
the plant with sohible phosphoric acid during its earlier stages
of growth, and probably a much less quantity than 5 cwt. per
acre would effect this purpose.

IT. Ground against Dissolved Phosphates. — The second inquiry
proposed was, whether it is more economical in this soil to apply
phosphates in a finely ground state or dissolved by treatment
with acid. Table XIII. shows the plots in which they are
compared. Each plot on the left hand received superphosphate,
while the one opposite it on the right got the same manure,
except that the superphosphate was replaced by an equal
money vahie of ground mineral phosphates. The basis of equal
money value being subject to fluctuation, may be thought
inferior to the one usually adopted, that of equal weights of
phosphoric acid. The soluble phosphates, as has been often
pointed out, become insoluble in the soil, but in a very much
finer state of division than any mechanical grindiug can effect.
Indeed, 10 per cent, to 30 per cent, of the ground mineral
phosphate is comparatively coarse powder. The effect therefore
to the crop to which equal amounts of phosphoric acid are
applied should be more or less in favour of dissolved phos-
phates. It is merely a question of amount, and experiment on
the whole has borne this out. The practical question to solve
for any soil is whether the larger amount of phosphoric acid,
that can be purchased as the cheaper ground phosphate, will
overcome the superiority in form of the superphosphate. It
seems better to test this directly than by calculations which
have given room for discussion. The superphosphate contains
sulphate of lime which is not present in the ground mineral, and
in other circumstances it would have been advisable to add
this to the latter manure, as in some cases the superiority of
superphosphate has been attributed to deficiency of sulphates in
the soil. It was unnecessary, however, to do this in these experi-
ments as the 5 tons of lime, of which analysis will be found
at the end of this paper, supplied a suiliciency of sulphates.

The comparative trial stands thus —

1SS2,

Without Dung.

Weight

Applied,

per Acre.

Tricalcic
IMios-

Cost,

With Duntj,

phatc, jper Acre.'
per Acre.i \

Wclfirht
AppliL'd,

Tricalcic
I'hos-

Cost,

ptrAcio.p-7-^1

phntc, per Acre.

Sn])er|>liositlmte,
Ground coj)rolite8,

cwt.
8

lbs.

250

412

30/
30/

cwt.
;")

3^

lbs.

157
257

18/9
18/9

316

EXPERIMENTS OX TUENIPS.

1

1883.

I

Without Dung. |

With Dung.

Weight
Applied,
per Acre.

Tricalcic
Phos-
phate,

per Acre.

Cost,
per Acre.

!

Weight
Applied,
per Acre.

Tricalcic
Phos-
phate,

per Acre.

Cost,
per Acre.

Superphosphate,
Ground coprolites, .

cwt.

8

cwt. lbs.

7 10

lbs.

250

367

26/7 !
26/7

cwt.
5
cwt. lbs.
4 48

lbs.
157

229

16/7i
16/71

Notwithstanding the much larger quantity of tricalcic phos-
phate applied as ground mineral, the dissolved phosphates
produced on the average about 8 per cent, more turnips in 1882..
and 3 per cent, more in 1883 ; and it makes little difference
whether the plots receiving artificials alone are considered or the
dunged plots included in the average. If plot 9 in 1882,
previously mentioned, were excluded from the comparison, the
average superiority of superphosphate in that season would be
increased to about 10 per cent.

It has been mentioned that in 1883 the ground mineral was
comparatively dearer than the superphosphate. The small
additional quantity of tricalcic phosphate that might have been
added to the ground mineral plots would probably have gone
far to increase the average yield from them by 17 cwt., and so
make them equal to the superphosphate plots. In any case, much
dependence cannot be placed in a difference of 3 per cent, in
field trials ; and ground mineral may be said to have had
ultimately as good an effect as an equal money value of super-
phosphate on the experimental ground of 1883. A long grow-
ing season and a large crop seem to favour the ground mineral
phosphate, as in that case advantage is taken of the large amount
of phosphates that can be supplied in that form. On this class of
soil, however, under circumstances the most favourable for ground
mineral, an equal money value of superphosphate has so far
produced at least as heavy a crop, and unless it can be shown
that future crops are better on the ground mineral plots there
seems no reason to desert the dissolved in favour of the ground
phosphates. It may also be adduced in favour of superphos-
phate that in loth seasons the plants on the plots receiving the
manure grew more rapidly at first, and were decidedly larger
when singled than on the ground mineral plots, and had they
been attacked by fly would probably have struggled more
successfully against it.

Four plots — Nos, 7, 8, 21, and 22 — were added to the experi-
ment to decide whether a mixture of soluble and insoluble
phosphates was better than either alone.

EXPERIMENTS ON TUl-'NIPS.

01 17

In 1882, as before mentioned, 7 and 8 were on the wettest part
of the soil, and for that reason this trial is not satisfactory. It
may be noticed that plot 22, with potash, nitrate of soda, and a
mixture of ground aud dissolved mineral, though it looked
better in August, ultimately yielded 30 cwt. au acre less than
plot 11, which received the same manure, with the exception of
the phosj)hates being all in the dissolved state ; but in the
absence of confirmatory evidence, this result is not of much
value. In 1883 the average yield from plots 7, 21, 22, and 8,
with superphosphate and ground mineral mixed, is 572 '5 cwt.
per acre, w^hile the average produce from the corresponding
plots 4, 20, 23 and 13, with equal money value of superphos-
phate alone, is o84'7 cwt. The mixture, though better than
ground mineral alone, gives no encouragement to use it in pre-
ference to superphosphate.

III. Artificials alone against Dung ivith less Artificials. —
In Table XIV. only plots to which phosphoric acid has been
added in some form are included, for no one would attempt to
grow turnips on undunged land wdthout giving phosphates.
The dung was not analysed, but was of excellent quality. For
both crops it was made during the preceding winter by twenty
feeding cattle in stalls and six horses. The cattle got 60 lbs. of
pulped turnips mixed with 15 lbs. hay and straw chaff, also -1
lbs. linseed cake and 2 lbs. light oats per diem, and the horses
were liberally fed. The liquid as well as solid manure from both

Table XIV.
Dung with Artificials against no Dang but more Artificials.

1882.

1883.

Plots with

Plots with no

Plot8 with

Plots Mith no

Dung and

Dung but more

Dung and

Dung but more

Artificials.

Artiiicials.

Artificials.

Artificials.

2 = 319-1

9 = 193-9

2 = 620-4

23 = 426-1

3 = 311-6

10 = 250-9

i 3 = 526-4

24 = 433-0

4-390-0

11=338-4

4 = 632-3

25 = 537-0

20 = 361-2

12 = 309 1

20 = 614-7

13 = 555-0

7 = 2!)21

22-307-7

7=652-0

22 = 492-5

16 = 347-3

23 = 234-3

16 = 617-9

9 = 398-8

17 = 312-0

24 = 253-2

17-558-2

10 = 465-0

18 = 335-2

25 = 287-3

18 = 632-3

ll-495-(»

19 = 317-9

13 = 207- 1

19-548-6

12 = 486-8

21=405-5

8-216-8

21=608-2

8 = 537-2

Mean = 3400

Mean = 259-9

Mean = 601-1

Mean = 482 -6

318 EXPERIMENTS ON TUENIPS.

went into a covered dung pit, where it was turned and mixed,
and kept entirely under cover till carted out to the drills. The
manure for the experimental plots was taken from a homo-
geneous section across this dung pit. It is evident from these
experiments that nitrogen can be applied to the turnip crop so
that it will return a much greater quantity in increase for 100
lbs. applied than when given as a heavy dressing of dung. At
the same time, as was to be expected from the growing period
of turnips continuing later and their roots having a longer
possession of the soil, more of the nitrogen from dung is taken
advantage of by the turnip crop than by a cereal crop. In the
case of barley, the Eothamstead experiments have shown that
only 10*7 per cent, of the nitrogen in dung applied is recovered in
increase. The relatively better effect of dung upon turnips may
also be partly due to their being more dependent upon a supply
of carbon in the soil than cereals. In wet seasons, such as 1882,
the mechanical effect of the dung is also very beneficial to the
turnip plant on this clayey land in keeping the soil open. As,
however, a large quantity of the nitrogen in dung — at least three
fourths, whether calculations be based on the composition or
cost of the dung — is not exhausted by the turnip crop, and
remains subject to loss in bare ground for several months, it
would probably be more economical to apply the dung to grass
whose roots have possession of the land all the year, and would
reduce the loss of nitrates in drainage water to a minimum.
The average results for some years of these experiments on
turnips must be supplemented (1) by observations on the effect
of the unexhausted manure on future crops, and (2) by experi-
ments upon the effect for a succession of years of one application
of dung to grass land in the quantity and quality of the pro-
duce, before a definite statement can be made as to the relative
economy of these two methods of applying dung.

IV. Influence of Manures on Gomioosition of Turni]js. — As
before mentioned, the turnips were not analysed in 1882. The
turnips selected for analysis in 1883 were intended to be the
average size of the bulbs on the plot. After thorough cleaning
they were weighed in the laboratory, and were found to
represent relatively the weight of the crops as nearly as could
be expected. It was evident, however, from their weight and
the distance between the bulbs, that all the samples were
slightly above the average size. On this account the absolute
amount of dry matter per acre on all the plots is more likely to
be slightly under than over stated, there being generally more
water in large than small bulbs. Slices representing the bulbs
were dried till they could be finely powdered, and the powder
weighed and preserved in air-tight bottles. The residual water
was determined by passing dried air over the sample kept at

EXPERIMENTS ON TURNIPS. 3 19'

110° to 112° C. in an oil bath till it ceased to lose weight, and this
determination was generally checked by repetition. In this part
of the work I am much indebted to Dr Aitken, who very kindly
gave me the benefit of his experience in the analysis of turnips.
He also visited the experimental plots in the autumn of 1882,
and helped to select a piece of ground for the experiments of
1883.

Nearly 400 bulbs were analysed, or about 2 per cent, of the
weight of the crop. The resources of the laboratory did not allow
of very many analyses proceeding at once, and after these were
analysed the turnips in the pits w^ere found to have grown so
much in the mild winter that the analysis of fresh samples was
not thought advisable. More bulbs than this would have to be
analysed to get at the absolutely correct results for each plot,
but the error of the mean results of any five plots should be
small.

Table XV. gives the results of analysis. It has been pointed
out by previous analysts that the percentage of ash decreases
with the increase of dry matter. This has been found to be
generally true in the bulbs analysed from these experimental
plots, and although the relation of the numbers is not definite or
regular, they to some extent mutually check each other. An
examination of these results leads to the general conclusion that
bulbs under 4 lbs. weight differed little in composition, and very
few bulbs in the samples selected from the undunged plots
exceeded this weight. Indeed, the variations in turnips under
this weight are so small that they cannot be ascribed to the
manures applied with much certainty. As the bulbs increase in
size, the percentage of ash rises rapidly, and the dry matter
decreases, but not to a great extent. An additional analysis
was made of a lot of selected large bulbs, w^hose average weight
was 7 lbs., and the results obtained were 8*0 per cent, dry matter,
and in this 8*4 per cent. ash. "Whatever has a tendency to
produce large bulbs affects their composition in this way ; but as
the limits of dry matter found were 9*2 per cent, in small bulbs
and 8 per cent, in very large yellow turnips, that is to say, one
turnip of 7 lbs. contained more dry matter than two of 3 lbs., the
deductions to be made from the heavier crops on account of
additional water are not very great. The composition of these
turnips may be examined more particularly as they are affected
(1) by the presence of nitrate of soda, (2) by the dissolving of
the ])hosphates, and (."») by dung. In doing so, it will not be
necessary to repeat the tables alreaily given. Tlius in Table VI I.
(1883) if the amount of dry matter per cent, and per acre, and ash
in dry matter per cent, from Table XV. besupjdied opposite each
plot, and the averages taken, it will be found that the mean
results for five plots with nitrate of soda, are dry matter 8*9

320

EXPERIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

per cent, and 42-2 cwt. per acre, and ash in dry matter 6*8 per
cent,; while without nitrate ol: soda, the means of the correspond-
ing five plots are, dry matter 9 per cent. 35'1 cwt. per acre, and
ash 6-6 per cent. The percentage of dry matter in the bulbs is
slightly higher, and the ash lower on the plots which got no
nitrate of soda, but the difference is so small as not to be worth
considering in estimating the value of the crop. When given
along with dung, nitrate of soda increased the water in turnips
to a slightly greater extent. The analytical numbers, if supplied
in Table YIII. give as a mean with nitrate of soda 8"5 per cent,
dry matter, and without nitrate of soda 8"7 per cent. This is
confirmed by the increase of ash. When nitrate is used, the
mean percentage in the dry matter is 7'8, and when it is not 7'5.

Table XV.

Dry Mattel' and Ash in Bulbs.

1

Dry Matter.

Asli.

Plots.

"Water,
per cent.

i

per cent.

cwt.
per acre.

In dry
Matter,
per cent.

lbs.
per acre.

1

91-1

8-9

40-6

7-4

336

2

91-3

8-7

54-0

i 7-1

429

3

91-1

8-9

46-8

7-9

414

4

91-6

8-4

53-1

7-9

470

5

91-1

8-9

56-3

7-4

467

6

91-4

8-6

53-4

8-1 ■

484

7

91-3

8-7

56-7

7-7

489

8

91-0

9-0

48-3

6-7

363

9

91-3

8-7

34-7

6-9

268

10

91-0

9-0

41-9

6-6

309

11

91-3

8-7

43-1

7-2

347

12

91-1

! 8-9

43-3

6-5

315

13

91-1

1 8-9

49-4

' 6-5

360

14

91-1

8-9

22-7

6-6

168

15

90-9

9-1

18-2

6-5

132

16

91-6

8-4

51-9

7-4

430

17

91-1

8-9

49-7

7-5

417

18

91-2

8-8

55-6

7-6

473

19

91-5

8-5

46-7

7-5

392

20

91-6

8-4

51-7

7-7

446

21

91-9

8-1

49-2

7-5

413

22

91-3

8-7

42-8

6-9

331

23

90-9

9-1

38-8

6-3

274

24

90-8

9-2

39-8

6-5

290

25

90-8

9-2

49-4

6-8

376

26

91-3

8-7

27-6

i ^'^

235

27

91-2

8-8

25-8

7-0

202

28

91-1

8-9

1

52-4

7-8

458

EXPERIMENTS OX TUENIPS. 321

The addition of f cwt. nitrate of soda gives a mean increase of
2'3 cwt. dry matter, so that about one-third of the increase in
weight of bulbs (40 cwt.) shown in Table VIII. is water, and
the additional turnips grown by the use of the nitrate along
with dung will cost about 7s. per ton.

The next point worthy of note is the comparative composition
of turnips grown with dissolved and undissolved phosphates.
Taking the dunged plots first, the mean dry matter in plots 2, 3,
4, and 20, which got superphosphate, is 8*6 per cent., and ash in
dry matter 7'65 per cent., and the meau results of the correspond-
ing plots which got ground coprolites are practically the same,
namely, dry matter 8*65 per cent., and ash 7"5 per cent. On the
undunged plots, on the other hand, superphosphate gives a rather
better result than ground mineral. The mean of the dry matter
iu the superphosphate plots (23, 24, 25, 13) is 9'1 per cent,
while in the corresponding coprolite plots (9, 10, 11, 12), it is
8'8 per cent., and the percentage of ash in the dry matter is
higher in the latter — 6'8 — against 6*5 in the superphosphate
plots. The phosphoric acid was determined in these ashes, and
gave in the bulbs grown with superphosphate ll'ol per cent, of
the ash, and in those grown with coprolites lO'Oo per cent., so
that, although the percentage of ash is higher with coprolites,
more phosphoric acid was absorbed by the turnips when super-
phosphate was used. The mean dry matter per acre of the eight
superphosphate plots given in Table XIII. is 47"9 cwt., while in
the eight corresponding coprolite plots it is 45 "9 cwt., showing
a superiority of nearly 5 per cent, in favour of superphosphate ;
whereas there was only 3 per cent, of difference in the actual
weights of the turnips on the plots. Making allowance for
unavoidable errors in sampling, it may be fairly inferred that the
bulljs grown with superphosphate this season were at least as
good as those manured with coprolites.

To compare the composition of the turnips on the dunged and
undunged plots, the analytical results can be inserted in Table
X IV. Averaging the numbers, the following results are obtained:
— Mean of ten plots with dung, dry matter 8"6 percent, and 51-5
cwt. per acre, ash in dry matter 7 6 per cent, and 437 lbs. per
acre. Mean of ten plots without dung, dry matter 8*95 percent,
and 432 cwt. per acre, ash in dry matter 67 per cent, and 323
lbs. i)er acre. There were 6 tons or 25 per cent, more bulbs on
the dunged plots than on those that got artificials only, but the
superiority is decreased by 5 per cent, if the dry matter of each
be compared, or 1 ton of the increase is water. One-third
more ash constituents are removed from the soil on the dunged
than on the undunged plots. Indeed, the difl'erence in the
percentage of ash on these plots is very noticeable, as it is large,
and occurs in all the plots compared.

X

322

EXPERIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

As the application of artificial manures along with dung has
been in most of the plots too liberal to be repaid by the increased
produce, it is proposed to reduce the quantity of dung on the
experimental plots in future seasons. The alternative of re-
ducing the artificials might prevent their different constituents
showing sufficiently distinct results. It has been suggested that
plots containing bone meal would be of value as showing the
comparative effect of nitrogen in a less soluble form, and it is
proposed to substitute an equal money value of this manure for
part of the nitrate soda and phosphates in plots 7, 8, 21, and 22,
as these have merely given results intermediate between the
plots with ground and dissolved phosphates.

Analyses and Prices of Manures.
Anaylsis of Lime applied (o tons 2^er acre in Winter).

1 1882

1

1883.

Sample

Sample

! Sample

Sample

1

1.

II.

■ I.

II.

Lime,

70-95

58-02

79-49

79-66

]\Iagiiesia,

, ^

2-65

2-36

1-66

1-72

Ferric oxide, alumina, and ^
traces of phosphoric acid, . \

1 6-83

9-33 :

! 6-03

7-01

Sulphur trioxide, .

: :/

s

: :\

1

1-73

1-55

Carbonic acid,
Water, .

12-63

16-44

1-10
1 1-62

•94
-91

Alkalies and loss, .

1-04

-41

Silica, .

6-94

13-85

7-33

7-80

100-00

100-00

100-00

100-00

The limes used in 1882 and 1883 were from different sources.
Large samples were taken from trucks as delivered, so that each
analysis represents the quality of a separate delivery. It will
be seen that the lime used in 1882 varied much, while the other
was constant in quality.

Analysis of Potash Salts.

These salts were sold as " sulphate of potash," of which they
were guaranteed to contain 50 per cent., and were at the time
the cheapest form in which potash could be bought. In a
sense they fulfil the guarantee, but it is wrong to sell them as
sulphate of potash, as the great bulk of the potash is in the form
of chloride, and in this form is scarcely so valuable per unit of
potash.

EXPEEIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

323

1882.

1883.

^ ( Sulphate of potash,
\ Chloride of potassium.
Sulphate of lime.
Chloride of magnesium,
Chloride of sodium.
Insoluble matter.
Water,

lU-56

39-45

3-28

10-14

25-49

3-47

7-88

15-57

31-10

4-13

16-59

19-03

4-02

9-80

100-27

lOU-24

* Containing potash = .
- Sulphate of potash.

•

30-62
56-62

28-02
51-82

Analysis of Ground Mineral Phosphate.

1882.

1883.

* Phosphoric acid, .
Lime, .
Silica, .
Water, .
Alumina,
Ferric oxide.
Carbonic acid, &c..

28-05
36-68
14-23
9-37
1-51
7-92
2-24

21-18

35-57

14-29

7-49

i 21-47

/

100-00

lOO-do

* = Tricalcic phosphate.

> • •

61-24

46-24

The ground mineral of 1882 was sold as French high class
phosphates. That used in 1883 was an oolitic phosphate, and
said to be a true coprolite or dung stone. 75 per cent, passed
through Xo. 90 wirecloth.

Analysis of Superphosphate.

Soluble; phosphoric acid, .
= Tricah:ic ])ii(tsi>hutt' made soluble,
Reduced phosplioric acid, .
= TricaIcic phosphate made soluble, )
but l>c'C()inc ins(duble, . . . )

Phi)spliate.s unacted on by acids,
ToUil ])hosph()ric acid,
= Trioalcic phosj)hate,

1882.

1 1 -34

1-64

12-98

24-75

3-59

none

28 34

1883.

11-95

105

1300

26-09

2-30
none

28-39

324

EXPEEIMENTS ON TURNIPS.

These superphosphates were guaranteed to contain a minimum
of 25 per cent. " soluble phosphates," and to be in a sufficiently
dry and joowdery condition for sowing. The " reduced" phosphate
is included under the heading of Tricalcic Phosphate made
Soluble, in the preceding Tables (II., V. &c.), as the phosphoric
acid soluble in water soon assumes this form after application to
the soil In buying superphosphate, however, the " reduced "
phosphates should not be included along with the soluble in the
guarantee, for putting the same value on " reduced " as " soluble "
phosphates induces the manufacturer to use a mineral containing
much iron. It also introduces an element of uncertainty in the
guarantee, for " reduced phosphates " are seldom determined, and
if chemists are specially requested to do so, the various methods
pursued are not sufficiently constant in their results. Moreover,
reduced phosphates are inferior to soluble, inasmuch as they
have lost at least their diffusive power.

Analysis of Nitrate of Soda.

Tlie nitrate of soda was equally good both seasons, and con-
tained 97 per cent, of the pure salt, 100 parts of that used in
1883 contained nitrate of soda 97*05, moistures 1*74, insoluble
— •03, chloride of sodium="91, and sulphate of soda="27.

Prices of Manures per Ton.

1882.

-

1883.

SuperjDliosphate, ....
Ground mineral pliospliate,

Potash salts,

Nitrate of soda, ....

£Z 15 0
5 0 0
5 15 0

14 5 0

£3 6 6
3 15 0
5 5 0

12 6 6

Prices noted include carriage to Killearn Station. The
manures were bought in the end of February each season, and
the prices represent their value at that time, except the nitrate
of soda used in 1882, which was ordered on 8th April. With
the exception of the ground mineral used in 1883, the quotations
were for considerable quantities, and for cash within a week after
delivery. Had much ground minerals been used in 1883, it
might have been bought for 7s. 6d. per ton less.

THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883. 325

THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883, AND
METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO.

THE CROPS.

The followiug comparison of the cereal and other crops of 1883
with the previous year, has been prepared by the Secretary of
the Society from answers to queries sent to eminent agriculturists
in different parts of the country.

The meteorology of the year has been furnished by Mr
Alexander Buchan, Secretary of the Meteorological Society of
Scotland.

The queries issued by the Secretary were in the following
terms : —

1. What was the quantity, per imperial acre, and quality

of grain and straw, as compared with last year, of the
following crops ? The quantity of each crop to be stated
in bushels. What quantity of seed is generally sown
per acre ?— (1) Wheat, (2) Barley, (3) Oats.

2. Did the harvest begin at the usual time, or did it begin

before or after the usual time ? and if so, how long ?

3. What was the quantity, per imperial acre, and quality

of the hay crop, as compared with last year, both as
regards ryegrass and clover respectively ? The quantity
to be stated in tons and cwts.
4 Was the meadow hay crop more or less productive than
last year ?

5. What was the yield of the potato crop, per imperial

acre, as compared with last year ? The quantity to be
stated in tons and cwts. Was there any disease, and if
so, to what extent, and when did it commence ?

6. What was the weight of the turnip crop, per imperial

acre, and the quality as compared with last year? The
weight of the turnip crop to be stated in tons and cwts.
How did the crop braird ? AVas more than one sowing
required ? and why ?

7. Were the crops injured by insects ? State the kind of

insects. Was the damage greater or less than usual ?

8. Were the crops injured by weeds ? State the kind of

weeds. Was the damage frreater or less than usual ?

9. Were the pastures during the season of average growth

and quality with last year ?

10. How did stock thrive on them ?

11. Have cattle and sheep been free from disease?

12. What was the quality of the clip of wool, and was it

over or under the average ?

326 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

From the answers received, the following statistics have been

compiled : —

Edinburghshire. — Wheat, 38 bushels, being less than last year ; straw
also much behind last year; 3 bushels sown. Barley, 48 bushels, being less
than last year ; straw also much behind last year ; 2|- bushels sown. Oats,
60 bushels ; straw behind last year; 3 bushels seed ; the produce less, owing
to a great drought in the early spring and cold summer. Harvest began
about ten days behind the usual time, and was long and protracted, and ex-
pensive, without much damage. Hay, 2 tons, and behind last year ; quality
middling. Meadow hay crop less. Potato crop, 8 tons; quality good;
Regents and early varieties generally one-third diseased after September ;
Champions and Heroes sound, or almost so. Turnips, 20 tons weight;
much behind last year ; quality good. Braired well when rain came, which
was much too late ; very little, if any, second sowing. No damage from
insects; not a bad year for weeds. Pastures less than last year. Stock
throve very medium, but there was very little disease ; Clip of wool under
average.

Linlithgowshire. — "NATieat much inferior as compared with last year ;
never ripened properly ; from 20 to 30 bushels ; seed,^from 2| to 3 bushels.
Barley about the same in quantity, but inferior in quality ; grain dark
in colour, from 30 to 40 bushels ; seed, 2| to 3 bushels. Oats, straw less in
quantity ; grain, from 2 to 3 lbs. lighter, as compared with last year ; from
30 to 40 bushels ; seed, from 4 to 5 bushels. Harvest began about the
usual time. Hay crop much the same as last year, from 2 to 3 tons. No
meadow hay. Potato crop from 1 to 2 tons less as compared with last year ;
early varieties mostly bad with disease ; commenced when ready to lift and
spread rapidly. Turnip crop about the half as compared with last year;
quality not so good ; from 5 to 20 tons ; great complaint of finger-and-toe ;
good braird; no second so^^'ing. Almost no insects. Weeds not worse
than usual. Pastures much inferior in growth and quality. Stock did not
thrive well. Except a few cases of foot-and-mouth disease, and also of
blackleg, cattle and sheep have been healthy. Clip of wool about an
average.

Haddingtonshire (Upper District). — Wheat little grown. Barley about
35 bushels, of inferior quality, weighing 55 lbs. per bushel and much dis-
coloured; straw under average; seed, Z^ bushels. Oats from 35 to 40
bushels, weighing 42 lbs. ; high coloured, but sound ; straw about average,
but damaged by wet ; seed 5 bushels. Harvest began 2nd September, same
date as last year. Hay, first cutting under average, and well secured ; second
crop larger than usual. Meadow hay fair crop, and well secured. Potato
crop from 5 to 6 tons, principally Champions and Magnum Bonums ; little
diseased ; older varieties a poor crop, and half diseased. On good turnip
soil, turnips have come to be nearly an average crop, having grown all
winter ; on clay land not half a crop ; swedes on many farms a failure,
having been destroyed by frost and fly after brairding, and had to be re-so-wTi
with common turnips. There was little damage by insects. Fallows
usually foul this season, and required extra labour in cleaning. Old
pastures good, but young grass not so good, being thin on ground.
Stock did fairly well.*^ Foot-and-mouth disease among ewes and lambs in
spring caused serious loss on several farms. Ewe wool not so good; hogg
wool an average crop, but very low in price.

Haddingtonshire (Lower District). — Wheat, 30 bushels, of poor quality ;
straw deficient; seed, 3| bushels. Barley, 40 bushels; quality of grain
deficient; straw short; seed, 2^ bushels. Oats, 50 bushels ; about last year's

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 327

quantity and quality ; straw rather shorter ; seed, 4 bushels. Harvest
commenced at or about the usual time, the last week of August. Hay
about an average crop, 2h tons. No meadow hay. Potatoes, an average
crop of 9 tons, and comparatively sound; about 1-| ton more than last
year; of the new varieties most planted was the Hero, as yet the best
disease-resisting potato; takes about 15 cwt. seed. Turnip crop, 20 tons;
rather under last year's crop, owing to dry weather in the month of June
causing a slow braird ; re-sowing necessary in some cases on account of
drought. No injury by insects. In some cases wild mustard injured the
crops. Pastures of average growth. Stock throve well, and were free from
disease. Clip of wool an average.

Berwickshire. — Wheat, 27 bushels ; quality indifferent ; straw about
250 stones ; seed about 3 bushels. Barley, 31 bushels ; moderate quality ;
discoloured by weather ; straw about 190 stones ; seed about 2| bushels.
Oats, 39 bushels ; quality average, but grain discoloured by weather ; straw
about 190 stones. Harvest about ten days later than usual, and the
weather was generally very broken. Hay crop, quantity average ; quality
good; say 2 tons. Meadow hay crop not so productive as last year.
Potato crop — Champions, say 6 tons ; Beds, say 4 tons ; comparatively free
from disease. Regents a failure from disease; some "Hero" and "Magnum
Bonum " were planted. Turnip crop fully two-thirds less than last year in
regard to swedes, and one-half as regards whites and yellows. Swedes,
say 8 tons; whites and yellows, say 16 tons; crop brairded badly, being
damaged by frost; several sowings required, on account of failure of
previous sowings. No injury by insects, and none by weeds. Pastures
good, being fully average. Stock throve indifferently, owing to wet weather
and frosty nights. Foot-and-mouth disease was prevalent among cattle and
sheep. Wool, average quality and quantity.

Roxburghshire. — No wheat. Barley, 30 bushels ; quantity sown from
2| to 3 bushels ; grain light, and deficient in colour and quality ; straw
about the same as last year in quality, but not in such abundance. Oats,
36 to 40 bushels ; quantity sown from 4| to 5 bushels ; grain and straw
the same as the barley. Harvest began the first week of September,
about a fortnight later than usual. Hay, quality and quantity better.
No meadow hay. Potato crop, disease began in July, but except in the
earliest kinds was not bad ; about 12 tons. Magnums planted free from
disea.se, but not so good a crop as Champions. Turnip crop, quality good ;
about 12 tons. Pastures of average growth and quality; stock throve well,
and were free from disease, except colds among horses. Clip of wool rather
above average.

Selkirkshire. — No wheat. Barley, about 28 bushels, very mucli like
last year, but grain very deficient in colour, and i)rice much below average ;
seed about 3 bushels. Oats, a full average cro]), 30 to 33 bushels, and where
well secured of fine quality. Harvest about third week of August, and wa?
irregular, as on the later parts of the county the crop was damaged h}
weather, while on some high farms it was very well secured, and both straw
and grain are of fine <[uality. Hai-vest commenced about the usual time,
liom the 12tii to the 15th August. Hay crop from 1 to 2 tons, scarcely so
well made as last year; ryegrass and clover in fair proportion.<5. Meadow
liay also an average crop, although not so productive as last year; well
secured in many cases, in others not so well, as weather was unsettled.
Potatoes a good crop, about 4 to 5 tons; part diseased, but le.'^s so tlian last
year; no newer varieties than Ciiami)ion and Magnuiu Pionuni, as they are
still proving well. Turnij) cro]) irregular, and on the whole under average,
as the e-\tia rainfall stopped their growth except on very dry soils. The

328 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OE SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

crop would not exceed 15 tons, and little re-sowing was required. Xo extra
insects. Many crops were injured by the rank growth of the ordinary
weeds which always appear in wet weather. Pastures of full growth, but
not so good quality as last year. Stock did not thrive so well, owing to
inferior quality of the pasture. The county is C[uite free from disease.
The wool was of good cjuality, and about an average weight ; but prices still
rule low — about lOd. per lb. for Cheviot.

Peeblesshire. — Xo wheat. Barley will average about 32 bushels ; the
quality generally not very good ; weight of straw about an average ; not
so good a crop as last year. There is now considerably less of this cereal
grown than formerly. Oats, about 38 bushels ; weight and equality of grain
not up to last year ; straw about an average ; oats did not ripen equally,
consequently there is a quantity of light grain. Harvest began about from
ten days to a fortnight after the usual time ; early ploughed land had, as is
generally the case, the advantage both as to bulk of crop and being sooner
ready for cutting. Hay crop would average about 30 cwt., a much lighter
croj) than last year, but generally well got. ]\Ieadow hay, a lighter crop
than last year, and under average. The yield of the potato crop would be
about 4h tons, as compared with last year considerably less. Disease began
to show itself, especially among Eegents, early in October, and has increased
in the pits, in many cases one-third of the tubers being affected. The
weight per acre of the turnip crop would average about 15 tons ; rather
lighter than last year, and the feeding properties not so good. The crop
brairded well, and in very few cases was second sowing necessary. There
was little or no ajDparent injury done by insects. Ou well-cultivated land
the injury done by weeds was very inconsiderable. Pastures were very
late of coming away in the spring, and hill stock suffered in consequence.
The quality of grass was good ; stock generally throve well, and there was
no disease in the county. The clip of wool, especially among hill stock,
very much under the average, and very low in price.

Dumfriesshire (Upper Xithsdale). — Xo wheat and almost no barley
grown. Oats under an average crop ; quantity from 30 to 32 bushels, and
a deal of light corn from not being well ripened. Harvest late, beginning
about the 20th of September. Hay, a short crop, not over a ton, and under
average Cjuality. Meadow hay crop considerably less than last year.
Potato crop above an average, about 5 tons; not much disease. Turnips, a
much better crop than last year, 15 tons ; quality good ; brairded well ; very
little second so'ftTiig. Damage by insects not more than usual, and injury
from weeds more than usual, in consecjuence of wet cold summer. Pastures
under an average in quantity and quality, and neither cattle nor sheep made
their usual progress. XoL more than average disease; quality of wool clip
under an average, and not quite average weight.

Stewartrt of Kirkcudbright. — HarcUy any wheat grown. Barley, 30
bushels, average quantity of grain ; quality poorer, straw rather hea\aer ;
seed, 4 bushels. Oats, 50 bushels, average quantity ; equality of both
grain and straw much damaged by protracted harvest ; seed, 5i bushels
per acre. Harvest ten days late. Hay crop, quantity 37 cwt,; similar
quantity, but better got. Meadow hay, quantity 25 cwt. ; much lighter ;
crop better got. Potato crop, quantity 8 tons ; better crop ; little disease ;
general complaints about smallness of Champions. Xo new varieties
grown. Turnip crop, 15 tons; similar to last year's crop; regular braird;
only one sowing. Injuiiy by insects not appreciable; slight damage by
grub on lea-sown corn. Xot much damage by weeds, although great
growth o^\T.ng to wet season. Pastures above average growth; feeding
C[uality considerably lower. Stock throve poorly, when no extra feeding

AND METEOllOLOGY OF THE YEAR KELATIVE THERETO. 329

allowed, but were free from disease. Clip of wool, average quality and
quantity.

Wigtownshire. — Wheat, 25 bushels ; quality not so good as last year ;
straw abundant, but badly harvested ; seed, 3 bushels. Barley, 30 bushels ;
52 lbs. quality; less than in 1882; seed, 31 bushels. Oats, 36 bushels;
40 lbs. quality; a good crop; seed, 4| bushels. Harvest later by three
weeks. Hay, 1 ton ; good quality, but less than in 1882. Meadow hay,
rather less." Potato crop, 8 tons; hardly any disease; Champions and
Magnum Bonunis, and little else planted. Turnip crop, 16 to 20 tons;
good quality, and brairded w^elL Little damage by insects and weeds.
Pastures hardly so good, owing to little sunshine. Stock throve moderately ;
there were two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, but they did not
spread. Clip of wool, nearly average in the hill districts ; not so good on
low lands.

Ayrshire. — Wheat early sown, with land in good condition, has given
satisfactory returns ; the best fields have yielded 36 to 50 bushels, weighing
60 to 63 lbs.; the later crops larger in area have yielded small quantities
■of inferior grain, much of it fit only for cattle food ; the straw was bulky ;
about 3 bushels of seed is sown. Barley was a well grown crop ; but a
storm in August lessened materially the return, especially from exposed
fields ; but better class of land yielded 30 to 40 bushels, weighing 54^ to
55^ lbs. On cold and late soils, the yield was about 26 to 28 bushels
of 51 to 53 lbs. Oats were a bulky crop, and gave large returns in fine
early land ; both quantity and quality good ; but the crop came up thin
on middling and inferior land in Carrick, and in the latest parts of Kyle
it did not ripen ; late crops in stook after the middle of Octoljer were half
lost. Harvest nearly three weeks later than usual. Hay middling crop ;
less bulky than last year. Upland meadows rather deficient; well
manured timothy grass, good returns. The beginning of potato raising
was about ten days later than usual. The earliest crops paid well. The
secondary crops did not swell rapidly in the cold July weather and wnth
falling markets were unremunerative. Autumn crops have been mostly
Champions and Magnums; the crop was fair, and little injured by disease,
^liddling turnip crop ; it improved greatly in September and October.
Pastures middling in early districts ; rather deficient in the uplands.
Stock throve moderately well, and there was not much disease.

Bute.— Wheat, about 30 bushels; quality of grain and straw about
same as last year, although less in bulk; seed, 4 bushels; not a great deal
of wheat sown, and valued as much for the straw as for the grain. Barley
about 34 bushels; quality of grain and straw much like last year, but less
bulky ; seed, 4 bushels. Oats, about 36 bushels ; quality of grain and straw
similar to last year's crop, although a good deal less in quantity; seed, 5 to
6 bushels. Harvest began two weeks later than last season. The while
crops on early farms were pretty well got in, but in colder land harvest was
protracted, — the season on the whole being rather wet and cold, with a want
of sunshine. Hay rather un<ler average of last season both for ryegrass
and clover— quantity U to 2 tons ; ])retty wt-ll got. Meadow hay less produc-
tive than last year"; not nnich cut in locality, l)ut pretty well got. Potatoes
better crop than last year, and not so much disease; Champions mostly
grown, return about 8 tons; other kinds, for early sale, about 5 tons.
Turnii)s, 16 to 20 tons; fully better than last year on dry land, but worse
on danq) soil ; cro]» brairdc*! well, with no rc-sowing ; was slow in growth, but
filled up wonderfully well in September and 6ctol)er. The crops were
very little injured by insects, excepting oats on heavy lea lam', which were
hurt a good deal with grub-worm, owing to cold weather in May. Weeds

330 THE CEEEAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

were more prevalent tlian usual — chick, yaur, and red-shank principally —
owing to damp season. Pastures rather under average, both in growth and
quality. Stock throve fairly well, considering season. Cattle and sheep
were free from epidemic disease, no foot-and-mouth disease having appeared
in Bute, although prevalent in some neighbouring counties. Clip of wool
about average in quantity and quality.

Arran. — No wheat and no barley. Oats about 28 bushels ; quality not
so good ; straw quantity up to average, but soft ; seed, about 6 bushels.
Harvest about three weeks after usual time. Eyegrass, quality good ;
quantity about 1^ ton per acre ; scarcely as much clover as usual. No
meadow hay. Potato crop better than last year — about 8 tons ; about one-
sixth part diseased ; commenced about middle of August ; no new varieties
planted — mostly Chamj^ions, and have not kept well since lifted. Turnips
not quite up to the average — about 16 tons per acre ; brairded well ; no
re-sowing. No injury by insects or weeds. Pastures, average growth ;
quality soft. Stock did not thrive so well as in a drier season, but were
free from disease. Quality of wool fair, but under average as to quantity.

Lanarkshire (Upper Ward). — No wheat. Barley, 38 bushels ; quality
light, and colour not so good as last year ; 3 bushels sown. Oats, 40
bushels ; quality fair, but both thrashing and milling badly ; some late got
in very bad quality ; seed, 5 bushels ; both straw and corn consider-
ably less than last year. Harvest began about the same as last year ; both
years late. Hay crop, 1 ton 5 cwt., much less than last year, the rain too
long in coming. Meadow hay crop about the same, perhaps a little less.
Potato crop, 6 tons ; no disease among Champions ; Regents about one-
third diseased — better crop than last year ; Magnum Bonums, no disease ;
some Champions as high as 10 tons, and no disease. Turnip crop, 20 tons ;
not so good as last year ; tirst sown well, others late or long in the ground
until rain came, then well, but late, with a little turnip fly, but no re-sow-
ing. Some com bad with wire-worm, but not general. Wet land bad with
yaur ; wild mustard less than usual, turnip fly eating some of it. Pastures
of average growth and quality with last year. Stock throve quite well,
and were free from disease. Clip of wool under average.

Lanarkshire (Middle Ward). — Wheat, 35 bushels ; quality inferior to
last year ; seed about 3^ bushels. No barley grown. Oats, 28 bushels ;
quality as good as last year ; seed about 4|- bushels. Harvest about three
weeks later. Quantity of hay less than last year — about If ton. Meadow
hay less productive than last year. Potato crop more than last year ; about
8 tons, diseased but not the extent of last year. Turnip crop about same
as last year — about 20 tons ; only one sowing as a rule. Pastures not of
average groT\i:h or quality. Stock throve very moderately, but as a rule
were free from disease. The clip of wool was about the average of last
year.

Renfrewshire (Middle Ward). — Wheat, 30 bushels ; second quality ;
average straw ; 4 bushels seed. Barley, 36 bushels ; good quality ; straw
average. Oats, 42 bushels ; fine quality ; straw under average ; seed from

5 to 6 bushels. Harvest fourteen days after usual time. Hay crop, 2 tons ;
quality very fine. Meadow hay, little more than half a crop. Potato crop,

6 tons ; a little disease in earlies, little in later sorts ; yield under last year.
Turnip crop, 20 tons ; good braird ; no second sowing. No injury by
insects. Large crop of weeds, mostly chickweed ; damage more than
usual. Pastures verv much below average. Stock throve fairlv well. No
epidemic except a few cases of foot-and-mouth. Clip of wool a little unuer

average.

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 331

Renfrewshire (Upper "Ward). — No -wheat grown, and no barley. Oats,
30 to 40 bushels ; straw nearly a third deficient ; brairded well, but cold
wet weather in June set the growth, and allowed grass and annual weeds
to choke it ; about 5 bushels so\\ti ; both grain and straw are deficient in
quality, spoiled with wet weather at harvest time. Harvest about ten
days late. Hay 1^ to 2 tons ; it was a little deficient in weight, but was
well got and good quality. Meadow hay crop would want a third of bulk,
but was well got and good quality. Potatoes on good dry sharp soil were
an av^erage, but on heavy soil were very deficient ; from 4 to 6 tons ; nearly
all Champions grown in this district; very little disease. Turnips brairded
well, but the wet cold weather after thinning got soured, and on
heavy land was not half crop, but on light soil did not sufter so much. No
injury by insects. On account of so much rain, annual weeds got up — red
shank, &:c. Pastures average ; not so good as last year. Stock'did very
well. Foot-and-mouth disease was on a few farms, but was got stamped
out. Not a sheep district.

Renfrewshire (Lower Ward). — No information given as to wheat.
Little barley in the district, but the yield deficient to that of crop 1882, not
exceeding 26 to 28 bushels ; from 3 to 4 bushels sown. Oats, after green
crop, a very deficient crop ; much inferior to last year ; considerably under
the average, both in the grain and straw, and cannot be estimated at more
than half a crop. After lea the crop was better than the former crop, but
not by any means up to the average ; in some cases, which is pretty general
in the liigher districts, the yield being estimated at only 18 to 20 bushels.
In the more favoured parts of the lower district the yield is estimated at
about 27 bushels. The amount sown is 4 to 5 bushels. The straw after the
lea crop, where early harvested, was in good condition, but that of the crop
after green crop was overrun with weeds, which got ahead before the crop.
Harvest began about the usual time, and was generally a good harvest.
The hay crop was not up to the weight of crop 1882, and did not average
more than from 1 to 1^ ton, but the quality was good, the weather being
favouraV)le for securing it ; cold and frosty mornings checked the growth in
May. The quantity of meadow hay was less than last year, but the quality
^ood. The early kind of potatoes yielded a crop of from 4 to 5 tons, but
disease destroyed about from 30 to 50 per cent, of the crop. Late kinds —
Champions, Magnum Bonums, &c. — were free of disease, but were small,
and did not yield more than the earlier kinds. On the whole, however, it
was a more favourable season for the potato crop. The turnip crop was
hardly up to that of 1882, but in most cases one sowing was sufficient ; the
average yield is about 16 tons. Damage by insects did not prevail, and the
fly did not trouble the turnips. The wet weather favoured the growth of
indigenous weeds, and prevented their being kept under. Pastures were
deci«ledly inferior to those of 1882, both in quality and quantity. The
stock did not thrive so well in consequence, but were free from disease.
Clip of wool an average ; few sheep in the district. The season was dull,
little sun, and a heavy rainfall, which reached 68*83 inches.

Argyllshire (District of Oban). — No wheat sown. ]*>arley so very late
sown that no ]»roper return can be given. Oats, about 5 Inishels sown;
average return about 4i b(»lls ; both grain and straw about one-sixtli less
than last year ; (piality of grain light ; crop did not ripen well. The
harvest began about the same time as last year, being about ten days later
than the usual time. Ryegrass about 12 cwt. less than last year ; clover
much less than last year. Meadow hay about a tlnnl less than last year.
Potato crop about 3 tons more than last y»'ar. The disease diil not appear
until the end of Sejitember, and had little or no effect on the crop ; ([uality
good. Turnip crop, the best for many years as regards quality and quan-

332 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

tity ; brairded well, and no second sowing required. There was no injury
by insects. Little or no damage by weeds. Pastures below the average of
last year in growth. Stock throve faiiiy. No appearance of any disease
among cattle or sheep. Good clip of wool, a shade less than the average.

Argyllshire (District of Lochgilphead). — No wheat and no barley
grown. Oats not up to the average either in grain or straw ; taking
the crop all round, I do not think the yield will be more than 24
bushels ; 6 bushels of seed used. The harvest began ten days to a fort-
night later than usual. The only clover we have is grown -uith the rye-
grass ; the hay crop was inferior — the average would be but little, if at all,
over 1 ton. Meadow hay less than last year, but nearly up to the average.
Potatoes a good crop, fully 6 tons ; nearly double last year's crop ; very
little disease ; Walker's Early, Champion, Magnum Bonum, and Reading
Hero. Turnip crop inferior to last year's ; it brairded well, and only one
sowing required. A little damage was done to the oat crop by the common
grub. The season being very wet, the green crop, especially turnips, could
not be kept so clean as it ought to be ; it could not be said that there was
any damage. The pastures did not graze well, and stock did not thrive so
well as usual, but were free from disease, except braxy, which has been as
prevalent as usual. The clip of wool was good ; over the average.

Argyllshire (District of Cowal). — No wheat sown. Barley a fair crop,
as far as appearances went while in the field, but it did not ripen well nor
thrash well ; about 32 bushels, and weight even below last year ; seed, 4
bushels. Oats in some places a fair crop, but, as a rule, the bulk was
deficient, and is thrashing a very poor return — about 28 bushels, and
the weight from 35 to 38 lbs. ; seed, 5 bushels. The harvest was about
three weeks after the usual time, and even then grain was far from being
ripe, which partly accounts for the small return and light weight. Except
in a few favoured spots, the hay crop was very light, on an average not
more than 18 cwt., but it was fairly well got, and the quality is fair.
Meadow hay was also deficient in weight, and in many cases badly got ; the
weight per acre would be about 25 cwt. The crop of potatoes is much
better than last year, and the quality very superior. The yield is about 5
tons, and though disease showed itself about the usual time, it did little or
no damage. Reading Hero is the newest variety, and is likely to prove a
success. Turnips an average crop — about 18 tons ; brairded well, and
no second sowing required. No crops were injured by insects except
the oat crop, which was in many places damaged by grub to an unusual
extent. "Weeds were not worse than usual, except among green crops,
which, owing to wet weather, could not be properly cleaned. Pastures
were under an average growth, and the quality was not so good as last
year. Stock made little flesh on pastures last year, and the complaint by
fleshers has been that neither cattle nor sheep killed well. Cattle and sheep
were quite free from disease. The clip was under an average, both in
respect of quantity and quality.

Argyllshire (Islands of Islay, Jura, and Colonsay). — No wheat sown.
Barley about an average. Oats are not thrashing well at all this year ;
about 20 to 23 bushels. Stackyards have not been so small for the last thir-
teen years as they are this year, and in consequence fodder will be very scarce
for the stock. Harvest began after the usual time — about ten days later than
last year, — but was got all secured in good order. Hay crop much about an
average ; the quality is good ; well saved ; no clover cut in this district ;
about 1 ton 5 cwt., or so. Meadow hay about an average ; saved in better
order this year than last year. Potato crop about 7| to 8 tons ; there was
no disease in the Champions or Magnum Bonums, but the other earlier

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 333

sorts were very mucli diseased. I have two Early sorts reared from tlie
seed that have done well ; no disease ; three years planted. Turnips are
not nearly so good this year as last year ; about 15 or 16 tons ; the quality
is good ; no disease in them ; brairded well ; no second sowing required.
Oats so"^^^l after the turnip crop very much injured by a small red worm,
so much so that there w^as not half a crop on the most of the red land
throughout Islay ; never saw it half so bad before ; the weather was very
cold and wet for some time after sowing. The crops were not injured by
weeds. The pastures were very good, and as good in quality as last year.
St ock thrived very well. Cattle were free from disease, and very healthy ;
but braxy in sheep was very bad, and also a good deal of fluke. The quality
of wool was about an average, and also the quantity.

Argyllshire (District of Inveraray). — Xo wheat grown, and scarcely
any barley. Oats are scarcely so good this year ; probably about 24 bushels.
Straw much about usual ; season cold and wet. Harvest was a fortnight
later than usual ; not begun till about the middle of September. Hay —
both ryegrass and meadow — lighter than usual; not more than 3 tons
quality about as good as usual. Meadow hay less productive. Potato crop
better than usual — say 5 tons ; scarcely any disease ; quality very good ;
Champions and Magnum Bonums the principal varieties. Turnips not
generally so good ; not more than 9 tons ; quality good ; brairded fairly
well ; scarcel}^ any re-sowing. No damage by insects. Season being very
wet, weeds could not be kept down. Pastures scarcely the usual growth,
and quantity not so good. Stock did not thrive so well as usual, but were
free from disease. Clip of wool about average.

Dumbartonshire. — Wheat, 29 to 30 bushels ; grain and straw superior
to last year; seed so-\vn, about 3 bushels. Barley not grown to any
appreciable extent. Oats, 39 to 40 bushels ; grain rather better in 1882 ;
straw better in 1883, but quantity less ; 3 bushels seed. Harvest about a
week later than usual. Hay crop, 1^ to 2 tons ; rather less than 1882, but
quality very fine ; clover not so abundant in hay as last year — not gro\\Ti
as a separate crop. Meadow hay only grown in the more highland
parishes ; quantity perhaps rather under 1882, but quality better. Potato
crop, 6 to 8 tons ; early varieties lifted before there was much disease ;
Regents, 30 to 50 per cent, diseased ; Champions show more disease
than formerly, and tubers are smaller ; Magnum Bonums and Sutton's Hero
are both coming into use, and are found satisfactory as to quantity yielded
and resistance of disease. Turnip crop varied ; on stiff land small crop, K)
to 12 tons, on warm light land in some instances luUy 20 tons ; quality
good ; grew late on into November ; braird good, and very little second
sowing required. No injury by insects, and rather less than usual by weeds.
Pastures better both as to quantity and quality. Stock tlirove well, and
were quite free from disease ; clip of wool about an average.

Stirlinoshire (Western District). — No wheat sown. Barley about 32
bushels ; quality rather better than last year ; seed, about 3i l)usliels. Oats,
37 bushels ; better quality; seed, 4 busliels. Harvest commenced al>out tlie
usual time, and all linislied ten days earlier ; grain and straw su})erior to
lust year. Hay crop good, and well liarvested — about 2 tons. ^leadow liay
nearly as productive as last year, and well secured. PuUito crop very good;
7^ tons; fine quality, and not much disease. Turnii)s brairded well ; no
re-sowing was required ; about 20 tons of bulbs of fair ([uality. No insects;
about the usual (puuitity of weeds. The ])asture3 were about the average
gi'owth. Stock throve very well, rather better than last year. Cuttle and
sheep have been free from disease. Clip of wool was good (quality, and
rather bulkier than last year.

334 THE CEREAL AND OTHEE CEOPS OF SCOTLAND FOE 1883,

Stirlingshire (Eastern District). — Wheat, 34 bushels ; neither quantity
nor quality so good as last year ; an average bulk of straw ; 3 bushels of
seed. Barley, 34 bushels; equal to last year, but quality of grain not so good ;
straw an average ; 3 bushels seed. Oats, 41 bushels ; quantity and quality
of grain and straw equal to last year ; 4 bushels seed. Harvest began about
the usual time, and in general crops were all secured in good condition.
Hay, 28 cwt.; similar in quantity to last year; rather deficient in clover,
but secured in capital condition, consequently much superior to last year's crop.
No meadow hay. Potatoes — Eegents, 6^ tons ; one-third to one-half diseased,
being better than last year both as regards quantity and proportion of
disease ; Champions, 5^ tons, a poor crop — tubers being very small, but com-
paratively free from disease ; a few Reading Heroes were planted, but the re-
sults have been very disappointing. Turnips — Swedes and early sown yellows,
15 t-ons ; similar to last year, but those later so^^^l did badly — about 12 tons ;
the seed brairded well, and no re-sowing was required. No injury by insects ;
a good deal of work was required keeping annual weeds in check. Pastures
similar to last year in growth and quality ; stock thrived well in the
beginning of the season, but they made little progress after the first week in
August. Cattle and sheep w^ere free from disease, with the exception of a
few cases of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle, but owing to the restric-
tions of the local authority these were not allowed to spread. Few sheep
are kept in the district ; wool may be taken as an average clip.

FiFESHiRE (Eastern District). — Wheat, 34 bushels ; straw, 1^ ton ; seed,
3 bushels ; quality inferior. Barley, 36 bushels ; straw, 18 cwt. ; seed, 3
bushels ; quality not so line as last year. Oats, 44 bushels ; straw, 22 cwt. ;
seed, 4 bushels. Harvest was late, fully a week after the usual time. Hay
crop, 25 cwt.; both ryegrass and clover inferior to crop 1882. Meadow hay,
none grown. Potato crop, 5 to 6 tons ; Champions and Magnum Bonums
pretty sound, and have kept "well ; a few Heroes grown, l^ut not generally
liked. Turnip crop, 12 tons, one-third less than last year ; brairded middling;
partly re-sown. No injury by insects ; little injury from weeds, damage less
than usual. Pastures fully average growth and quality. Stock throve
satisfactorily, and were free from disease ; clip of wool an average.

FiFESHiRE (Middle District). — Wheat, quantity and quality below last
year ; average yield about 24 bushels, much of it under 60 lbs. per bushel ;
seed about 3 bushels. Barley, average yield 31 bushels ; quantity, quality,
and weight under average ; grain dark in colour from want of sunshine ;
seed from 2^ bushels Avhere drilled to 3^ broadcast. Oats not cjuite so good
as last year ; yield about 40 bushels ; some fields stagg-rooted, and therefore
full of grasses ; seed, 3 to 5 bushels. Harvest later than usual ; began first
week of September, being a week later than previous year. Hay not so
good as last year ; yield about 1 j tons, generally secured in good condition.
No meadow hay. Potato crop better than last year ; yield about 5 tons.
Regents one-third to one-half diseased. Disease appeared beginning of
August ; Champions and Magnums little or no disease. Small quantities
Reading Hero planted, and generally give satisfaction, quality and yield
being good, and scarcely any disease. Swedes did not come away well, and
a considerable extent was re-sown with yellows ; turnips generally not much
above half an average ; although, on some rich, easy land, were not early
stored, they will approach an average ; yield about 12 tons. No injury
from insects, and not more or less than usual by weeds. Pastures not up
to the average in growth or quality ; want of sunshine. Stock throve only
moderately well. There were four or five serious outbreaks of pleuro-
pneumonia in the early spring, which have been successfully stamped out.
There were also outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the spring and
autumn, which have also been stamped out. Clip of wool barely average.

AND METEOKOLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 335

FiFESHiRE (Western District). — Wheat, 32 bushels ; grain not as good
quality ; straw much the same as last year for quality, rather less in
quantity — dull season against quality ; seed, 2 to 3 bushels. Barley, 36
bushels ; grain slightly deficient in quality ; straw much as last year for
quality, rather more in quantity; fine seed bed encouraged growth, but didl
weather against quahty ; seed, 2 to 3 bushels. Oats, 42 bushels ; much the
same for quality and quantity of grain and straw ; season more favourable
for oats than other cereals ; seed, 3 to 4;^ bushels. Harvest fully a week
later than usual. Hay crop, 32 cwt.; much the same as last year; rains in
July too late for hay crop ; quality much as last year. Xo meadow hay.
Potato crop, 5 tons ; little disease came in at the end ; few new varieties ;
results indifferent. Turnip crop, 12 tons; fair braird, one sowing; July rains
much against turnips on all strong lands. No damage from insects ; a good
deal of chickweed, encouraged by the damp weather. Pastures of average
growth and quality. Stock throve fairly well, and were free from disease ;
clip of wool an average.

Perthshire (South-West District). — Wheat well enough harvested, but
a poor crop — not more than 30 bushels ; seed, 3 to 4 bushels ; quality of
straw coarse ; not much thrashed out yet, but weight unsatisfactory, and
sample inferior. Barley of bad colour, but better tilled and heavier than
last year ; weight 50 to 54 lbs. per bushel ; straw middling, produce 38 to 40
bushels ; seed, about 4 bushels. Oats the best crop of the season ; return
about 40 bushels, and up to 44 in good land ; straw more bulky and better
([uality than last year, except in late situations, where both grain and straw
suffered from exposure ; seed, 5 to 6 bushels. Harvest began ten days later
than usual, but weather favourable for a month; afterwards the reverse, and
a good deal of crop damaged. Hay a fair average crop, and fairly well got ;
quantity 30 cwt. or so. Meadow hay, quality not so good as usual, season
not being favourable for marshy land ; where early handled a considerable
quantity was well made, but much was damaged by weather and flooding
of rivers. Potatoes a good crop ; early varieties damaged by disease to the
extent of one-third and upwards ; Champions and Magnum Bonums, merely
touched by disease, will be remunerative. Turnips in kindly open soils a
fair crop, but in stiff soils quite the reverse, and very much injured by finger-
and-toe; not much affected by fly at seed time, but spoiled afterwards by
wet ungenial weather; good crops ; 20 tons diseased, flelds about half as much
and often less. Crops not much damaged by insects, hi stiff wet soils
weeds very troublesome ; in fact, the fields could not be cleaned, and weeds
and young plants were frequently seen growing together after hoeing.
Stock did not thrive well on pastures as a rule throughout the season,
owing to the prevalence of wet weather, but on the whole they were free
from disease till lately. Indeed, very few sheep have suffered from foot-
and-mouth in Scotland, nor were many cattle affected until they were taken
off pastures. The clip of wool has bulked well, and is of fair quality — rather

over an average.

Perthshire (District of Coupar-Angus). — Wheat, a small crop, much
under crop of 1882, and grain inferior; the yield on good land niiglit be
about 30 to 32 bushels; seed, 3 to 4 bushels, according to the (juality of the
land ; small crop of straw. Barley was undoubtedly the cereal crop of the
season in this district; yield, 32 to 50 bushels, much the same as in 1882,
and selling at about same price — 25s. to SOs. per quarter; seed, 2 to 4
bushels ; straw above average ; weight, 54 to 56 lbs. Oats nearly equal to
croi) of 1882, but not quite; yield 40 to 50 bushels, weighing from 40 to
43 lbs. ; the oats having been cut pretty green, the straw is genenilly good
quality for fodder; seed, about 4 bushels. Harvest commenced about 1st
September, a few days later than in 1882; the harvest was an exceptionally

336 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAXD FOR 1883,

favourable one, and with rare exceptions tlie crops were well got. The hay
crop Avas a small one, about 1^ to If ton, and of only moderate quality,
being short of clover in a good many instances. Farmers who cut their
hay early had their crop greatly damaged, but those who waited till the
weather cleared up secured their hay in good order. The quantity of
meadow hay grown is very insignificant. A fair crop of Magnum Bonums
and Champions, from 5 to 6 tons — a little disease in these varieties, but that
very trifling ; Regents little grown, but where grown they were badly
diseased; Reading Hero, a new variety, has been found more diseased
than Champions and Magnums, and is also a much smaller cropper. The
turnip crop is variable; in many instances it did not braird well, and
required re-soA\dng; the crop also in very many instances made little
progress during summer. There are all kinds of crops in the district — the
full crop of over 20 tons, the half crop of 10, and the failure comj)lete
or partial. A good deal of injury from the turnip fly in the earlier part of
the season, but not so much as in some previous seasons. On account of
excessive rains in the summer, turnips became so smothered with weeds as
to be almost unmanageable — in some cases, indeed, the weeds obtained
complete mastery. These weeds were charlocks, chickweed, couchgrass,
and coltsfoot. Pasture grass was not nearly so abundant as in 1882.
Stock throve moderately well. Both pleuro and foot-and-mouth disease
were in this quarter in 1883, but the district is presently clear of both;
cattle from Ireland brought both diseases. The quality of wool and weight
both over average, but prices quite disheartening.

Perthshire (Western District). — No wheat grown, and hardly any
barley. Oats fully up to the average. Harvest about a fortnight later
than the average. Ryegrass a good crop. Meadow and natural hay, fully
up to the average. Potato crop, fully up to the average; not much
diseased. Turnips, an average crop; one sowing sufiiced. No injury by
insects to any extent, and none from weeds, excepting where bad farming
existed. Pastures, average growth and quality. Stock throve very well,
and were free from disease. Clip of wool fully average, weight and quality
good.

Perthshire (Lower Strathearn). — Wheat, 30 bushels ; bad crop, owing
to little winter wheat being soA\ai o^Wng to wet autumn ; 3 bushels sown.
Barley, 32 bushels ; quality not as good as last year and less extract ; colour
bad ; 3| bushels sown. Oats, 44 bushels, good quality ; much the same as
regards quantity and quality as last year ; 4 bushels seed so"«ai. Harvest
began about usual time. Hay 1 ton 10 cwt. ; bad hay harvest, and a large
quantity damaged, and meadow hay much the same. Potato crop, 4 tons
10 cwt. ; Regents very much diseased; Champions and Magnums very little
diseased ; quality fine ; no new varieties planted. Turnip crop would not
average 10 tons ; not much over half a crop ; swedes brairded badly owing
to dry weather at the time; not much turnip fly. No injury by insects and
none by weeds. Pastures of average growth and quality. Stock throve
fairly Avell, and were free from disease, except a few cases of imported foot-
and-mouth disease. Clip of wool an average.

Perthshire (Highland District). — No wheat grown. Neither the
quantity nor quality of barley so good as last year — from 28 to 32 bushels ;
weight from 48 to 50 lbs. ; straw deficient. Oats from 32 to 36 bushels ;
weight from 38 to 40 lbs. ; much shag; quantity sown, 5 bushels ; straw
deficient. Harvest same date as last year ; weather excellent. Hay, under
the average — 18 cwt. ; fairly well secured ; average quality ; ryegrass and
clover equal. ]\Ieadow hay, fair crop — 4 or 5 cwt. less than last year.
Potato crop, inferior; small in size; 2| tons; no disease; well secured,

AXD METEOKOLOGY OF THE YEAR EELATIVE THERETO. 33*7

keeping well ; f|uality very good. Tn.rnip crop under average ; early-
sown better than tlie last sown ; very bad in appearance till October,,
when they began to improve; average from 15 to 17 tons; no second
so\\'ing; brairded well. Insects did no harm; weeds got up a little during
wet weather, but not so bad as last year. Pastures very fair, not equal
to last year in rankness, but quite as nutritive. Stock throve well, and
have been free from disease. Clip of wool, 12 or 13 per cent, better than
average.

Perthshire (Dunkeld and Stormont District). — The wheat crop this
year is inferior to last year in quantity and quality as regards both straw
and grain, the average yield per acre being 32 bushels ; weight, from 50 to
55 lbs. — 6 bushels less than last year ; this attributed to want of sunshine ;
quantity sown, 3^ bushels. In general the yield of barley is as good as
last year — average yield, 40 bushels ; weight from 53 to 55 lbs. ; quality of
grain and straw good ; quantity sown, 4 bushels. Average yield of oats 44
bushels, weight 41 lbs.; quality of both grain and straw good ; quantity sown,
5 bushels. Harvest commenced about the beginning of September, about
two weeks later than last year. Quantity of clover hay 2 tons ; quality
much better than last year, being secured in good condition. There is
very little meadow hay in this district ; it is much the same as last year.
Potatoes in well cultivated fields are a good crop ; Regents 5 tons, much
diseased; Champions about 7 tons, with very little disease; Magnum
Bonums, 7^ tons, no disease; Heroes a poor crop; disease observed to
commence about the end of August. Turnips have been a failure in a great
many places, while on some farms they are a very good crop ; weight from
10 to 25 tons ; braird good on some farms, on others much destroyed by fly.
The crops have not suffered much damage from insects ; a few fields were
damaged by wire worm and grub. Soft weeds very prevalent this year,
especially among green crops. Grass much the same as last year. Stock
did very well on the grass, but owing to. the very high price of lean cattle
the parks were not as well stocked in general as last year. There has been
no disease among sheep and cattle. Wool much the same as last year.

Forfarshire. — Wheat, about 30 bushels ; straw inferior ; about 3^ bushels
sown. Barley, about 40 bushels ; quality inferior ; about 4^ bushels sown.
Oats, about 44 bushels ; quality of grain and straw good ; about 5 bushels
sown. Harvest about a week later than average of years. Hay crop, about
Ih ton ; quality good. No meadow hay grown. Potato crop not so heavy
as last year — about 6 tons ; tubers small ; not much disease. Turnip crop,
fr(mi 10 to 16 tons ; quality good where not diseased ; crop brairded well ;
no re-sowing required. No injury by insects, and not more than usual from
weeds. Pastures not an average growth, and stock did not thrive so well as
last year, but were free from disease except foot-and-mouth. Quality of
wool good ; clip about G llxs.

Aberdeenshire (District of Buchan). — Wheat not grown to any extent.
Barley or here nearly equal to last year in grain and straw — about 40 bushels,
or 5 qrs., and from 3 to 4 bushels used for seed ; barley and here are
generally sown on liest land ; the weiglit this year is from 3 to 5 lbs. under
last year. Oats about one-third under last year — about 32 buslu'ls ;
weight from 38 to 41 Ib^.; average quantity sown, from 5 to 6 bushels;
straw, mostly of fair quality, was a good deal laid and twisted. Harvest a
week later than the usual time ; some of the crop stood long in stock owing
to the wet weather in the fore part of harvest, and part was secured in
rather damp condition. Hay crop not much ovrr half of lost year ; average
1^ ton ; quality good, and secured in good condition. Not much meadow
hay in this district ; about same quality as last year, but not so well

Y

338 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

secured. Potatoes about 7 tons ; quite as good as last year ; Cliampions
all Imt free from disease, while other varieties are more or less diseased.
Turnips very unequal ; while on some farms the crop is fair as regards
both swedes and yellows, on others there is a very poor crop; taking the
district, there is not over half the crop of last year; a good deal of re-sowing
had to be resorted to, and in some cases a third time ; the land is not nearly
so clean from weeds as last year. Only the turnip crop and part of the crop
after lea were injured by insects — the former by the turnip fly and the
latter by grub. Turnip crop a little injured by annual weeds. Pastures
nearly an average growth, Ijut quality not so good. The stock did not
thrive so well as they should liave done. Cattle and sheep have been free
from disease ; although foot-and-mouth got a hold in spring to a small
extent, it was eradicated, and the district has since been free from disease.
ClixD of wool an average.

Aberdeenshire (District of Formartine). — Wheat very little grown.
Barley and here extensively grown ; owing to the severe droughts in
the months of April, May, and June, with cold north-east winds, this
crop did not make such progress as could have been wished. There is
not nearly so much straw as last year ; and the quantity and weight of
grain very disappointing. The grain stood long in the stook after being
reaped, causing discoloration of the grain. The quantity would be about
one-third less than last year, with a large proportion of very light unmatured
grain. The weight per bushel, 49 to 51| lbs.; quantity sown, 4 bushels
barley, and 3 Inishels here. Oats, this crop also suffered by a long spell of
cold weather, hard winds, and insufficiency of moisture, which checked the
growth of the oats in the month ' of April ; and as May and June also
remained cold and droughty, this crop never recovered the check. The
quantity of straw would be one-third less than last year, and the quantity
of grain very much less — about 24 to 32 bushels, instead of 40 last year.
The lack of forcing, sunshiny weather at the proper time, when the ear of
the grain was maturing, is the canse of the lightness of the grain, which
weighs from 39 to 41 lbs. per bushel ; quantity sown, 6 bushels. Harvest
was rather more than a week later than last year. The hay crop, which is
said to be made by the month of May, suffered so much by the absence of
genial weather at this time, that when cut down the crop was found to be
very deficient in bulk ; and a deal of it was spoiled by exposure to rain after
being mowed ; quantity, about 1|- ton. No meadow hay. Potato crop not
so abundant as last year ; this year about 4| tons, with a larger proportion
of small tubers ; little or no disease, and of fine quality. Turnips are a very
disappointing crop. The fact that turnips have again failed to such an
extent raises a serious question. It is becoming more difficult every year to
produce a good sound crop of turnips. Farmers realise this fact, and the
question that has begun to be asked is whether it is wise to risk so much on
a crop that so often disappoints cultivators. In this district so much
depends on turnips that it is not easy to find a substitute in vegetable form,
and farmers by the force of circumstances, as it seems to them, are under the
necessity of continuing to spend many thousands of pounds every year on
one of the most uncertain crops of the farm. It yet remains to be seen
how far researches of science may be of use in finding a remedy for some
of the ills the turnip is heir to. It would be impossible to give an ac-
curate statement of the weight, as some fields are a perfect failure, and
others not half a crop, while a good field is the exception ; iti fact, the
turnip crop this year is the worst that has been in this district since the
cultivation of the root was first introduced. No damage by insects, except
the fly in the turnip crop. No damage done by weeds, although the land
had to be gone over oftener than had the crop been a good one. The
season has also been a bad grazing year, and where there was a full stock,

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 339

and cattle and sheep turned out on the fields early, it was kept sliort all
season, tlie cold dry weather being adverse to growth ; cattle and sheep
did not thrive well, but were generally free from disease. One outbreak of
pleuro-pneumonia occurred from Irish cattle being brought into the district ;
it was stamped out, and did not spread further. Inoculation was tried on
the whole of the home stock, and was verv successful ; the onlv defect was
that some of the cows lost part of their tails, but all recovered. Foot-and-
mouth disease was immediately put down, and the county has been free from
all contagious and infectious disease for a length of time. Clip of wool an
average ; the price of wool has been very disappointing.

Aberdeenshire (District of Garioch). — Scarcely any wheat sown.
The yield of barley is under that of last year by fully 4 bushels, and the
weight is also less ; 54 lbs. is exceptional, but 50 to 51 lbs. may be stated as
an average, and 38 bushels ; the quantity used for seed, 4 to 4^ Imshels.
The oat crop is very disappointing, both in quantity and equality ; the
return is at least 6 to 8 bushels less than last year, whilst the weight is
only from 34 to 40 lbs. The cold dry weather during the formation of the
ear probably laid the foundation of the deficiency, and the average return
in all likelihood will not exceed 32 bushels ; seed, 6 bushels. Harvest was
commenced from 10th to 12th September, or about a fortnight to three
weeks later than usual. The crop of hay also participated in the general
shortcoming, and the yield declined about 10 cwt, which brings down the
crop to 1 ton 4 cwt. ; but it is stated that the yield of ryegrass is above an
average. No meadow hay. Disease existed to a more or less extent
amongst the different varieties of potatoes, but the Champions, although of
smaller size than usual, were all but free of that infliction, and the ^ield
would be the same as last year, viz., 4^ tons. Last year the Garioch
Turnip Growing Association reported the crop of last year as one of the
best since the formation of the Society, but that of this year light and a
deal of disease ; the average all round will not exceed 14 tons, or about
6 tons less than last year. The crop brairded nicely, and came well forward
to the hoe, and everything apparently in favour, till after the heavy rain-
fall in July and August, when disease made rapid progress. No damage to
crops was sustained by insects. Land kept clean, and no damage is sus-
tained by weeds. The pasture grass was longer in coming foru'ard than
usual, but after a time it did fairly well ; but stock, as is usual now-a-days,
made l)ut very little progress on it. Both cattle and sheep have been remark-
ably free from disease. The clip of wool was similar to that of last year.

Aberdeenshire (District of Stratlibogie). — No wheat grown. Bere and
barley were a fair crop as regards quantity of straw and grain, but the
quality is very poor, the weight being from 47 lbs. to 51 lbs. ; the average
yield is about 34 bushels ; the quantity of seed sown is about 4 Imshcls.
Oats after lea were fully an average crop as regards l)ulk of straw, and very
deficient in bulk after turnips ; the yield of marketable grain per acre is
very poor, there being little over 30 bushels, and the weight from 35 to
39 lbs., the latter weight being exceptional ; the quantity generally sown is
from 4 to G bushels. Harvest was about three weeks later than usual, not
being general till the last week of September ; the weather at the beginning
was very wet and unsettled, but the crop was stacked in the end in better
condition than it has been for years. The hay crop was a very light one,
being generally deficient in clover; the average weight would not exceed
20 cwt. No meiidow grown. Potatoes were, as a rule, a fair average crop,
Champions and Magnums being fully so ; the weight would l)e about 6 tons ;
disease was not very prevalent, unless among the early varieties. The
turnip crop may be characterised as the worst since 1872; the general
average weight does not exceed 10 tons — in many instances finger-and-toe has

340 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

reduced the weight to 5 tons ; the crop was very stiff to braird, and in
general a second sowing was required, and in many cases a third. Frosts
in May, and the ravages of the turnip fly, account for the deficiency. Unless
the turnip crop, no other was damaged to any extent with insects. Weeds
were very abundant, and were difficult to eradicate owing to the extremely
wet season. Pastures were deficient in growth, and stock as a rule made
little progress in fattening, owing to the cold wet weather. Cattle and
sheep have been free from disease, unless in one instance where a few sheep
had the foot-and-mouth disease. The clip was about an average.

Banffshire (Lower District). — Almost no wheat grown. Barley, 27
bushels ; quality below average, or one-fourth less than last year, and 3 lbs.
lighter in weight. Oats, 27 bushels, or about one-fourth less than last year,
and from 3 lbs. to 3|- lbs. lighter in weight. Harvest eight days later than
last season. 17 cwts. of ryegrass, and quality inferior to that of last year.
No meadow hay. Potato crop, 3^ tons ; quality excellent ; almost no
disease; Champions gro^Ti chiefly. Turnip crop, 13 tons; quality not
nearly equal to that of last year ; brairded unequally ; not much re-sowing
required. Fly was troublesome in many places. No injury by weeds.
Pastures not equal to last year. Stock did fairly well, and were quite free
from disease. Clip of wool about an average, but comparatively few sheep
kept.

Banffshire and ]\[orayshire (Upper District). — Morayshire : Grain
and straw both deficient ; colour and weight both bad as compared with last
year ; grain would be a quarter short, weight and colour being equally
inferior. No wheat grown in Upper Banffshire. Barley — Morayshire :
Both straw and grain an average crop, but grain defective both in colour
and quality ; weight fully 2 lbs. under average. Banffshire : Straw a full
crop, but grain under average ; quality variable, but all very inferior ;
weight, the best from 2 to 4 lbs. under standard, and on late farms that
deficiency much exceeded, cause want of sunshine. Oats — Morayshire :
Straw and grain fair average bulk, colour and ripeness both satisfactory ;
weight defective, average from 2 to 3 lbs. under ordinary years. Banff-
shire : Straw fair bulk, quantity of grain deficient and not ripe, but weight
3 lbs. under average, down to shells in the late glens, in which the straw
also was deficient. In both counties the harvest was fully a month later
than usual, and in the late districts the crop never ripened. In both
counties hay was a fair crop, not less than last season; but owing to the
rains in July and August, there was greater difficulty in saving the crop,
which on that account is defective in quality. No meadow hay grown.
Potatoes — Morayshire : A full crop, without disease ; quality good. Banff-
shire : Crop barely an average ; quality fair ; no disease. Turnips —
Morayshire : Crop about two-thirds of an average weight ; brairded fairly ;
disease, canker, and finger-and-toe prevalent. Banffshire : Under half an
average crop, and on clay bottomed fields more or less a perfect failure.
No damage from insects, nor any special damage from weeds. Pastures
under average growth. Stock throve indifferently, owing to the cold wet
weather, but were free from disease. On low ground farms whitefaced wool
was an average clip ; on the higher pastures and among hill flocks, owing
to the storms in March, the clip was under an average ; 1883 was the most
defective for the last twenty-seven years. The loss from the turnip crop
.ilone would be equal to a third of the rental in Morayshire, and a full half
in the upper districts. Prices are good for stock, bad for wheat and barley,
but fair for oats.

Morayshire (Lower District). — The wheat crop as to quantity, both
straw and grain, is considerably under last year's crop ; in general it was

A^B METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 341

very thin on the ground, on account of the extremely wet autumn ; the
seed was put in with the hand in bad condition ; in spring it was much
injured by a frosty gale of wind for some days ; and in May no one perhaps
saw the crop look so bad ; the average will be one quarter below last year ;
the weight of grain about the same ; seed sown, from 3 to 4 bushels.
Barley, as to grain and straw, quite equal to last year both as to quantity
and quality ; but the bulk of straw is at least one-fii'th under last year, the
result of the extremely dry weather during the months of May and June ;
when rain came the straw lengthened out wonderfully, but it wanted
strength, and was easily laid ; the average would be for the " Laigh of
Moray," 32 bushels ; the seed, 2^ to 4 bushels. Oats are under average
both as to quantity of grain and straw^ ; the drought referred to injured
the crop at an early stage. The quality of the grain is 2 lbs. per bushel
below the average, and 1 lb. per bushel under last year's weight ; while the
quantity of straw would be one-fourth under. The lightness of the grain
seems to be unaccountable ; as the summer in the district was not
unusually wet, there was a want of simshine, but w^eather mild ; seed used,
3 to 4 bushels. Harvest began about same time as last y^ar, fully a week
later than the usual time ; was general in the last week of August ; very
little rainfall, but the weather was very close and misty, wdth great absence
of drying wind ; the crop w^as not as a whole well harvested. The hay
crop, as a whole, would not be much above the half of last year's, which
was an extreme crop ; the drought of May ruined the crop in many cases ;
it w^as not 10 cwt. per acre, and the average would not be more than 25 cwt.
Little or no meadow haj*. The potato crop was considerably higher than
last year's as to weight, with very little disease ; the quantity would average
from 2 to 7 tons per acre; the quality very good, with the exception of Magnum
Bonums ; no new variety was planted to any extent. The turnip crop is
perhaps the most deficient in quantity and quality, of any for many years.
The dry weather in the beginning of June prevented a good deal of the
seed from vegetating till a late period ; in such cases the crop was con-
sequently very light ; really good fields are quite the exception ; finger-
and-toe and canker has been more prevalent than in any former season ;
the crop w^ould be one-third below last year's, and would average from 3
to 20 tons per acre ; not a very great re-sowing was required. No special
damage from insects, and not more than ordinary from weeds ; but by far
too many weeds are to be seen ; a far more perfect state of cultivation
would be advantageous. Pastures rather under average gTowth and
quality, and fully one-third under last year's quantity. In general the
pastures were too bare for stock making satisfactory progress ; cattle in
general came off them in leaner condition than ordinary, but were free
from disease. The clip of wool would be rather under the average.

Nairnshire. — Scarcely any wheat grown. Barley much the same in
quantity, but quality lighter ; 3 to 4 bushels sown. Oats about average
quantity, but light in weight ; 4 to 6 bushels sown. Harvest began 1st
September, say three weeks after usual time. Hay crop light. Potato
crop good; very little disease. Turnip crop fair, but in some places very
much affected witli finger-and-toe. Pasture of average growth and quality.
Stock throve fairly well, and were free from disease.

Inverness-shire (District of Inverness). — Very little wheat sown ;
quantity about 30 bushels average — (iuality fair ; owing to moist summer,
cro])s were lodged, and (juality of straw inferior ; about 3 bushels sown ;
quality similar to 1882. Yield of barley on best land, about 40 bushels ;
quality soft, and light in weight; straw soft, in con.sequence of wet weather ;
about 3 bushels average seeding on best lan«l, and 4 bushels on poorer
land ; average weight about 54 lbs., compared with some 50 lbs. in 1882 ;

342 THE CEREAL AXD OTHEK CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

the yield on poor land will not exceed 20 bushels. Oats, a fair crop as
regards bulk, but the quality very inferior on most of the best and average
lands ; weights disappointing ; return about 32 bushels on good land ; in
late districts much of the grain considerably damaged. Harvest later by
about two weeks than usual. Quantity of hay crop, about 1^ ton, on good
land, compared with 2^ tons in 1882 ; quality inferior, and much difficulty
experienced in securing it. Very little meadow hay. Potato crop, average
on good land about 7 tons — quality excellent ; some disease prevalent, but
the large return counterbalanced and the yield is satisfactory, but prices
low ; at least one-third more quantity, and one-third less price as compared
with last year. Tui^nip crop about one-third less on the average on best
soils, and one half in many instances ; the average yield will not exceed
15 tons, while much is considerably under that quantity, and few above it ;
braird was stiff, and considerable amount of re-sowing resorted to on clayey
soils. Not much damage by insects. Greater damage than usual by
charlock and ragweed. Plenty of pasture, but the moist nature of the
season prevented stock thrivhig so well as usual. Stock throve fairly well,
but not so well as in 1882, but were free from disease. Clip of wool about

an average.

Inverness- SHIRE (District of Beauly). — Little wheat sown, but average
about 36 bushels ; quality of grain not so good as last year, and straw also
inferior, owing to wet season ; quantity sown, 3 bushels. Quantity of barley,
38 bushels ; about 3 lbs. lighter than last year, say 53 lbs. ; 3j bushels sown.
Quantity of oats, 40bLishels; about 2 lbs. lighter than last year, say 40
lbs. ; quality good ; 5| bushels sown. Harvest ten days behind usual time.
Hay crop, 1 ton 16 cwt. ; quality good, same as last year. No meadow
hay. Potato crop, yield 8 tons ; disease only in earlier sorts, commenced
about end of August ; Magnum Bonum only new variety planted, excellent
crop and sound. Turnip crop, weight 20 tons ; quality about equal to last
year ; braird rather stiff for want of rain ; very little second sowing required.
Finger-and-toe disease prevalent to some extent on various farms. Little
injury done by insects, and little or none by weeds. Pastures of average
growth and quality, especially during the earlier part of the season.
Stock throve excellently, and were free from disease. Clip of wool about

an average.

Inverness-shire (Skye). — No wheat grown, and little or no barley. Oats,
quantity sown same as last year ; yield considerably below average years,
on account of late harvest. Harvest commenced about two weeks later
than former years, and crop not wholly secured for a month after usual
time. Hay crop up to average of former seasons, both in weight and
in quality ; and the same applies to the meadow hay. Potatoes, best crop
since 1846; no disease, and the island much benefited by the introduction
of new seed. Turnip crop, average a little below former years; crop
brairded well ; one sowing. No injury by insects, and weeds were much
about the same as in former years. Pasture same as formerly. Stock
rather back in condition, on account of incessant wet and high winds,
but were free from disease. Clip of wool, average of former years.

Inverness-shire (Lochaber). — No wheat or barley grown. Oats, 30
bushels ; grain and straw better than in 1882 ; seed, 6 bushels. Harvest
about ten days later than usual. Hay crop, 1 ton 12 cwt. ; quality superior
to last year. Meadow hay crop, about the same as last year. Potato
crop, yield better than last year — about 5 tons; no disease; no new
varieties planted. Turnip crop about 20 tons; quality not so good as last
year ; brairded well, and no second sowing needed ; suffered from excessive
wet and dark weather. No damage by insects, and nothing more than

AND METEOEOLOGY OF THE YEAE EELATIVE THEEETO. 343

usual by weeds. Pastures rather above the average. Stock throve well,
aud were free from disease. Clip of wool under average in bulk and
quality, the result of the dark wet summer.

Eoss-SHiRE (Western District), — No wheat, and verv little barley. The
yield of oats will not exceed 2^ quarters, or 20 bushels; as a rule,
not so good as last year. The quantity generally sown is from 5 to 7
bushels ; the summer being cold and the autumn very wet, is the cause of
the deficiency and inferior quality. The harvest was from a fortnight to
three weeks later than usual. The c[uantity of the hay crop will not
exceed one ton, and the quality not near so good as last year, owing to the
unfavourable season. Meadow hay less productive, not exceeding one-half
of last year's crop ; the quality indifferent. The potato crop as a rule was
the most abundant, and the quality better than has been for many years ;
there was very little disease ; Champions seem to have suited best ; the
yield would be about 10 tons. The weight of the turnip crop will be about
8 tons, and the quality not equal to last year ; brairded well, and no second
sowing required. Xo injury by insects. Owing to the wet summer, weeds
were very troublesome to keep down ; chickenweed was the most abundant.
Pastures not ecpial to last year. Stock throve tolerably well, but not equal
to last year ; were quite free from disease. The clip of wool was good, and
above average.

Ross-shire (District of Dingwall and Munlochy). — Wheat, quantity and
quality of grain much below last season ; quantity not more than 24 bushels ;
quality 2 to 3 lbs. per bushel below average ; quantity of straw was less, as
the crop was thin in the ground owing to the very late spring ; quality fair ;
seed 3 to 3^ bushels. Barley quantity a fair average, say 36 bushels ;
quality at least 1 lb. per bushel below average ; quantity of straw up to
average of seasons, and of good quality ; seed 3j to 3^ bushels. Oats,
quantity deficient, quality barely average ; quantity of straw much less than
last season, quality a fair average ; crop was thin on the ground, owing to a
late seed time and cold season ; a second growth came on in June to thicken
the crop, but the pickles on this growth did not fill ; yield, say 3 bushels.
All the cereal crops suffered from a lack of the usual heat and sunshine and
from too much wet. Harvest began about Ttli September, fourteen days later
than the average of seasons; the first weeks were very threatening from wet,
the latter weeks were very drying. Hay crop average in quality, though a
little less than last season ; quality fair ; clover grew well. No meadow hay.
Potato crop lifted small in size, though numerous ; quality very good.
Disease aj)peared in August, older varieties affected from 10 to 40 per cent. ;
j\Iagnum Boniuns nearly free; quantity up to average. Turnip crop unequal
and inferior; finger-and-toe disease more prevalent ; weight not over 12
tons ; crop brairded well, and not much second sowing required. No injury
by insects, and not more than last season from weeds. The growth of
pastures began later in the season, but was kept up quite as long as usual.
Stock on the whole throve well, and were free from disease exce]»ting two
outbreaks of pleuro. Clip of wool — quality was fair, quantity rather under
the average.

Ross-shire (District of Tain, Cromarty, and Invergordnn). — Wheat, very
variable returns ; a few good fields, l)ut average not over 28 to 30 bushels,
and about 60 lbs. weight; about 3 bushels of seed. Barley, produce above
average in (juality, but of comparatively less weight than usual; average
return about 38 l)U>hels; about 3 bushels nf seed. Oats, quantity above
average, Iteing about 3(5 Ijushels, but much l)elow average in weight, very
little exceeding 41 lbs. in good land ; about 4 and 5 bushels sown. Harvest
began about ten days later than usual. Hay crop generally light, but of fair

n

4:4: THE CEKEAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883.

quality; average quantity about 26 cwt. Potatoes generally lifted welWin
many cases 6 to 7 tons; very little disease. Turnips sa<lly deficient in
quantity ; many fields very bad with finger-and-toe ; average of swedes
about 12 tons, yellows about 8 tons. Crop brairded fairly well ; very little
second sowing. Injury by insects nothing unusual. Grass late in coming,
but stood out fairly well. Stock generally very good, and free from disease.
Clip of wool below average.

SuTHERLAXDSHiRE. — No wheat grown. Barley — This crop varied very
much. On good and well-farmed land it was a heavy crop, but got laid
before being cut, and does not thrash so well as last year ; the average
yield is about 34 bushels, and the weight generally 2 lbs. less than last
year. Oats do not bulk so well as last year, unless under exceptional cir-
cumstances. There is, however, a fair quantity of straw, and it is of good
-quality where it was harvested before being knocked down by the gales
that prevailed during harvest ; the average yield is about 32 bushels ; very
little oats are marketed till spring, but I think the grain will be lighter
than last year. Harvest about the usual time. There has been a decided
want of clover, and the yield is generally one-third short of last year.
Meadow hay similar to that of last year. Potatoes are not groMTi for sale
to any extent ; the crop has been large, and of best quality. The weight of
the turnip crop is less than last year, and much below an average ; a second
sowing was necessary in many places, and there is a good deal of finger-
and-toe. No injury from insects ; turnips were said in some places to be
injured by fly, but I think they were burned with frost. Pastures of
average growth ; rather more growth of ryegrass and other strong grasses
and less clover. Stock did not thrive well on pasture, owing to the wetness
of the season, but were free from disease. Wool weighed a good average,
and the quality was sound and strong.

Caithhess-shire. — No wheat grown. Bere generally grown instead of
barley ; the season generally was not favourable for the crops, owing to a
want of seed and the early part too dry ; bere will be 4 bushels under last
year, and the weight 2 to 3 lbs. less ; straw deficient ; seed sown, 4
bushels. The oat crop is very irregular, but in most cases less by 4 bushels
than last year ; in some districts the weight of grain is 4 to 5 lbs. less, but
on an average it may be stated at 3 lbs. less ; quality of straw good, and
well harvested, but short in quantity ; one- fifth under last year ; seed, 5 to
6 bushels. Harvest quite fourteen days after ordinary date ; though late,
good weather, and crop well secured. Hay crop deficient from dry weather
in May ; clover much as usual ; weight not tested. Meadow hay, small
extent grown ; crop under average. Excellent crop of potatoes ; con-
siderably over average ; disease very trifling, and late of appearing, but
decay in the larger tubers ; weight not tested, as the growth is mostly for
home consumption. The braird of the turnip crop came away much as
usual, and no second sowing was required ; the crop varies a good deal in
different districts ; but, as a whole, the weight will be rather under last
year. There was no special injury by insects ; oats were in some cases
damaged by grub, but not to a larger extent than in some former years. No
injury by weeds. Pastures were not up to the average, being very thin at
root. Live stock did not thrive so well as usual ; season too cold, and
pastures being thin at root. The county has been entirely free from
disease. Wool an average in quantity and quality.

Orkney. — No wheat grown. Very little barley grown. Oats a light
crop — about 32 bushels; average weight, 38 lbs.; straw, nmch less than
last year ; seed, 4 to 5 bushels. Harvest ten days later than usual. Hay
crop rather below the average; quality good. Little meadow hay made.

AND METEOEOLOGY OF THE YEAR KELATIVE THEEETO. 345

Potato crop good; above an average, and of excellent quality; a little
disease in gardens, but none in the field. Turnip crop, a third less than
last year, and of inferior quality ; brairded well, but did not come on well
after; no second sowing. Turnip crop much injured by fly or caterpillar
eating the leaves after second hoeing. Crops not much injured by weeds.
Pastures under an average growth and quality. Stock throve indifferently,
but were free from disease. Clip of wool an average,

Shetland (Island of Unst), — No wheat. No barley grown, Bere, light
l)Oth in straw and grain; considerably under an average crop. Oats, a
heavy crop after lea, but very light in straw after turnips and potatoes.
This is more or less characteristic of the last three years. Harvest
exceedingly late ; began cutting on 28th September, being three weeks later
than an average of the last fifteen years. Since the beginning of September,
the weather has been exceedingly variable, with a great deal of rainfall and
boisterous weather, so that harvesting was very difficult, and on some farms
much grain was spoilt before it could be got into the stack-yard ; grain is
not turning out well; it is light, and in many cases partially heated, Rye-
grass, quite an average, and clover plentiful; quality good. Meadow hay
about the same as last year, but not being cut until the end of August, it
was mostly all damaged in curing, and a great part absolutely lost in
consequence of the continual rain. Potatoes a good crop ; quite an average,
and quite free from disease as far as known. Turnips an excellent crop,
both as regards weight and quality ; brairded well, but rather retarded with
cold weather after getting rough blade ; came away beautifully after thinning,
and are still growing and green as in September. Weeds not troublesome wdth
this crop. The winter of 1882-83 was a very open one, and pastures made
great progress during the spring months ; the summer was rather cold, but
there was plenty of grass. Stock throve remarkably well, and were quite
free from disease. Clip of wool good, and quite an average. It was the
best winter and spring for sheep that we have had for many years.

Shetland (District of Lerwick). — No wheat. Bere, quantity about 30
bushels ; quality equal to last year ; seed about 2^ bushels. Oats, quantity
about 20 bushels; quality not equal to last year; seed about 3 bushels.
Harvest about a fortnight later than usual. Hay crop better than last year.
Meadow hay rather better than last year. Potato crop rather better than
last year ; quantity about 6 tons ; slightly diseased ; disease commenced
about 1st August. Weight of turnip crop about 15 tons; quality rather
better than last year only one sowing required. No injury from insects ;
and none by weeds. Pastures were of average growth and quality, and
stock did fairly well, and were free from disease. Clip of wool about an
average in quantity and quality.

METEOROLOGY OF 1883.

The weather of 1883 was marked by a mild February, a very
cold March, and a temperature under the average, thoup^h in no
case greatly under the average each month continuously from
April to October. As regards the rainfall, the amounts for the
year were under the average of past years over the whole of the
east coast and to some distance inland from Dornoch Firth to
the Tweed, the greatest deficiency being in Mid and East Lothian,

346 THE CEKEAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883

where in some cases ifc was from a fourth to a third less than
usual. In Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides also less rain fell :
bub elsewhere the rainfall exceeded the average, the greatest
excess occurring in the south-west of the country and in central
Perthshire.

January. — The mean temperature of Scotland, taken as a
whole, was 1°'3 above the average of the month. The excess of
temperature was greater over the whole of the eastern slope of
the country from Eraserburgh southward, Upper Clydesdale, and
Dumfriesshire, where in some places it closely approached 2° ;
and the least in Shetland, the Hebrides, and the extreme west
and south-western countries, falling in some places to the

average.

The rainfall was half an inch above the averao^e, but its dis-
tribution over the country was unequal. It was under the
average over a broad belt extendino- from East Lothian and
Berwickshire on the east through Peeblesshire, Upper Clydesdale,
and Middle Ayrshire to the west ; over the greater portion of
Aberdeenshire ; and to the west and north of the Caledonian
Canal, — the deficiency being fully a third in parts of East
Lothian, Berwickshire, Skye, and Sutherland. Elsewhere the
month was w^etter than usual, particularly in central districts,
from Braemar to Lanark, and in Galloway.

February. — Temperature was 2" above the mean of the
month, and the increase was equally divided between the days
and the nights. The least excess was in the west and south-west,
scarcely amounting in some cases to a degree ; and the greatest
excess in the eastern countries, and from Sutherland to Skye.
This mild weather was due to the fact that northerly winds
prevailed four days less, and south-westerly winds four days
more than the average, the necessary result of the distribution
of atmospheric pressure, which was nearly an inch lower at
extreme western as compared with eastern stations.

The rainfall was fully an inch above the average, but it was
most unequally distributed over the country. In Shetland,
Orkney, the southern half of the Hebrides, parts of the counties
of Boss, Argyll, Ayr, Galloway, Forfar, Kincardine, and Aberdeen,
it was a half more than the average ; whilst at Braemar, Pit-
lochrie, and Pinmore near Girvan, it was fully double, and at
Aberfeldy thrice the average. On the other hand, it was under
the average, in some cases very considerably so, over a broad
belt extending from Paisley and Ayr in the west to St Andrews
and St Abbs in the east ; also in parts of Skye, the Lewis,
Moray, Caithness and Sutherland, at Cape Wrath only half the
average fell.

March. — In this month, on the other hand, atmospheric
pressure was considerably higher at western than at eastern

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR EELATIYE THERETO. 3^7

stations, from which it necessarily resulted that southerly winds
fell much below the average and northerly winds predominated
six days longer than usually takes place in March. Conse-
quently, the mean temperature was nearly 4° below the average,
colder even than March 1867, and colder than any March since
1855. To the north of th(i Caledonian Canal the deficiency was
only from 2° to ?j\ but in the most central districts, particularly
in the south, temperature was in several places 5^ below the
mean of the month. The nights were relatively much colder
than the days.

Over the whole of the west and a few isolated patches in the
east the rainfall was under the avera^^je, in some cases onlv a
fourth of the average, and in many only a half fell, and so
extensive were these districts that the mean of the whole country
was half an inch below the average. On the other hand, the
greater prevalence of northerly and easterly winds was accom-
panied with an excessive rainfall. At Gordon Castle, Aberdeen,
and Pitlochry nearly double the usual amount of rain was
collected.

April. — The mean temperature was about the average, the
nights being relatively colder than usual, but the distribution
of the temperature over the country was very unequal. Thus
over the east and to the north of the Grampians it was above
the average, the excess being as much as 2° at some of the more
northern and north-western stations; whereas over the whole of
the central and south-western districts from Dalnaspidal to the
Mull of Galloway, temperature was below the average, being a
degree lower than the mean at Dalnaspidal, Rothesay, Piumore,
and Dumfries.

The distribution of the rainfall was intimately related to that
of the temperature stated above. Tn the south-west, the rain-
fall was nearly in all cases above the average, the excess in no
instance, however, reaching to a third above the average. Else-
where it was under the average, the greatest deficiency being in
})arts of Aberdeenshire and in the north-western and northern
districts. At Bressay only a fifth of the average rainfall of
A}>ril was collected.

^Iav. — The temperature was 1°'2 below the average, the
deticiency being about equally partitioned between the days
ami nights. It was greatest in the south-west and west at
Dumfries, Drumlanrig, Auchendrane, Greenock, Ardnamurchan,
and the Lewis, the weather being 2'' colder than the mean ;
whereas over the whole of the east coast the deticienov amounted
either scarcely to or to little more than half a degree.

The rainfall was about a third of an inch below the averacre.
Over the whole of the east slope of the country from Fraser-
burgh to the Tweed, the rainfall was under the average, in

348 THE CEREAL AXD OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

several places the fall being only half the average ; but in the
north and north-west it was above the average, being double the
average at Cape Wrath, and a half more than the mean at many-
places. In other districts the rainfall was distributed very
sporadically in quantities varying from a third above to a third
below the average.

June. — The temperature was a degree and a half below the
average, the larger part of this defect being occasioned by the
colder nights. The deficiency was greatest in the south, where
in several instances it was as much as 2°"5. As in May, the
cold was least at all the extreme eastern stations from Shetland
to Berwick.

The rainfall was a third of an inch under the average. To
the north of a line drawn from Dundee through Aberfeldy, Airds,
and Dunvegan, the rainfall was without exception under the
average, in very many cases being even less than half the average.
It was also below the average in the counties of Eenfrew,
Stirling, and the Lothians, the west of Fife, Selkirk, and large
portions of the counties of Lanark, Dumfries, and Kirkcudbright,
but in these districts the defect was not great. Elsewhere it
exceeded the average, being fully a half more at Ochtertyre,
Melrose, AVolfelee, and Eallabus.

July. — The temperature was 1°"5 under the average, the days
being relatively much colder than the nights, which is explained
by a greater amount of cloud and less sunshine than usual.
The deficiency in temperature was greatest to the south of the
Grampians, particularly in the extreme south-west of the
country. From Skerryvore to Dumfries the deficiency was
fully 2°, and it was there where the temperature of the days
fell lowest as compared with the average. On the other hand,
over the whole of Orkney and Shetland temperature was above
the average, the excess in Shetland being 1°, and in these
islands the temperature of the days exceeded the average.

The rainfall was 0"71 inch in excess of the mean, but its dis-
tribution was very unequal. Over the whole of western districts
from the Solway to Eoss-shire, and in Orkney and Shetland, it
was greatly under the average, amounting in several places to
scarcely a half of the average. In all other districts it was above
the average, and many places were marked by an excessive
rainfall in July. The following are the more noteworthy heavy
falls stated in percentages above the means : — Fettercairn, 158 ;
Cupar, Aberfeldy, and Dunrobin, 130 ; Tain, Inverness, Logie
Coldstone, and Wolfelee, 100. Thus, during this important agri-
cultural month, the northern islands enjoyed warm, dry weather ;
in the south-west it was cold and dry, but over the most im-
portant of the agricultural districts in the east the weather was
unpropitiously cold and wet.

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 349

August.— The mean temperature was 0^7 less than the
average, the deficiency being greatest in western and north-
western districts, where at several places it nearly amounted to
2°, At places in the extreme east, from Berwick to Xorth
Unst, the temperature was relatively higher, being indeed as
high as the average in some districts.

The rainfall was 0'60 inch above the average. It was slightly
under the mean in Shetland, parts of Caithness, Forfar, Perth,
Fife, East Lothian, Berwick, Selkirk, and Roxburgh ; but every-
where else it w^as above the average. Thus in Perthshire and
the south-eastern counties, the weather of August was season-
ably warm and drier than usual.

September. — The mean temperature w^as nearly the average
on the mean of the whole country, but it was very unequally
distributed. In Shetland and Orkney, and over an extensive
district marked off by a line from the Mull of Cantyre passing
thence through Rothesay, Ochtertyre, St Andrews, Edinburgh,
Wolfelee, and Girvan, temperature w^as above the average, the
excess in no case amounting to a degree. In other districts it
was below the average, but in no case was the deficiency as
much as a degree.

The rainfall was about half an inch below the average. It
w^as above the mean in Shetland, Orkney, between the Gram-
pians and the Moray Firth, and the southern counties from
Berwick to Wigtown, the excess being a half more than the
average at Keith, Melrose, and Wolfelee. In other districts the
rainfall was under the mean, and over large districts very
considerably so. The greatest deficiency was in Wester Ross
and Skye, where only half the usual falls were recorded.

October. — The temperature w^as 0"'3 less than the average.
The days were relatively warmer than the nights, owing to the
less cloud and the large amount of sunshine. The temperatures
differed little among the stations from their averages, but
generally in the north-east and north it was above the average,
but below it in the south and west.

The rainfall was the tenth of an inch below the average. In
the east, from Berwick to Orkney, it was under the mean, the
deficiency being greatest in the northern counties from Dundee
to Inverness, where less than half the average amount was
collected. Elsewhere the rainfall was distributed into irregular
])atches of excess and defect, but in only a few instances did the
falls sliow departures from the means greater than a third.

November. — The temperature of November was tlie average of
the month. It was above the mean in Shetland, and to the
south of the Grampians, except at the south-westerly stations,
where it was slightly below the average. Elsewhere temperature
was a little under the mean. The greatest excess was in the

350 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883,

neiglibourliood of Edinburgli, where it fully exceeded a degree ;
and the greatest deficiency in the north-west, where it nearly
equalled a degree. This is now the third month when the
temperature differed but little from the average over Scotland.

The rainfall \vas 0*84 inch above the average, which was
wholly caused by the excessive rainfall of the west. To the
east of a line drawn from Duncansbay Head near Dunrobin,
Nairn, Braemar, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Milne-Graden, the
rainfall was under the average, but to the west above it. Tn
these tW'O divisions the differences were most striking, — the
deficiency in the counties of Berwick, East Lothian, Kincardine,
Aberdeen, and Banff being a half to three-fourths the average ;
whilst, on the other hand, in the west from Cape Wrath to
Galloway, the excess in most cases was at least a half more than,
and in a few" instances double, the average. Tn this month
westerly winds prevailed seven days above the mean, and hence
the heavy rains of the west, and the remarkably dry weather at
the more easterly stations. This dry open weather enabled
ploughing and other agricultural operations to be pushed well
forward in the important agricultural districts in the east.

December. — Tn this month, temperature was 1°"5 above the
average, the nights being relatively warmer that the days. The
distribution of temperature was unequal in the different
districts. In Skye and the region immediately surrounding, it
was very slightly under the mean, but above it in all other
districts. The greatest excess was in the south, but particularly
in inland situations south of the Grampians, where at a number
of places the w^eather was fully 2° warmer than usual. This
was the mildest December since 1868, The mildness being due
to the continued prevalence of strong westerly winds, accompany-
ing the heavy storms that swept eastwards in tracks lying to
the north of the islands; of these the storm of the 11th was
very severe, ranking among the most destructive of recent years
both on sea and land. In certain districts the destruction to
growling timber was without precedent and it deserves to be
noticed that the trees were blown down precisely in the same
direction.

The rainfall was fully half an inch under the average.
The manner of its distribution closely resembles that of
November — the difference being that it was less heavy in the
west, it did not penetrate so far to the east, and consequently
over the wdiole of the eastern slopes, with Clydesdale and
Galloway in addition, the weather was mild and dry ; and as
frost w^as nearly absent, it was eminently favourable for the
vigorous prosecution of agricultural operations.

In the lower lying districts, from North Berwick to Greenock,
harvest began generally about the usual time ; but in other parts

AND METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 351

of the country it was from one to three weeks later. The latest
harvests are reported from the counties of Wigtown, Ayr, Argyll,
Wester Eoss, and the upper districts of Moray and Banff. In the
districts of the Forth and Clyde, the earlier harvest is accounted
for hy the relatively higher temperature which prevailed there
during the summer months, and particularly in August, Septem-
ber, and October.

Except in the counties of Dumbarton, Bute, and Ayr, the
wheat crop was everywhere less than the average. The crop
w^as damaged by the wet seedtime of the autumn of 1882, but
especially by the cold parching weather of the spring of 1883.
Barley was at least equal to the average in the same counties,
and also in Islay, Perth, Moray, and Easter Eoss. On the other
hand, in Banff, Aberdeen, Fife, and the whole of the south-
eastern counties, the crop was deficient.

Oats were above the average in the counties of Wigtown, Ayr,
Eenfrew, Dumbarton, Stirling, Fife, Perth, Forfar, and parts of
Easter Eoss. Elsewhere oats were under the average, and in
many districts a good deal of damage was done by the heavy
autumnal rains.

In eastern districts, from Aberdeenshire to the Tweed, with
the exception of Perthshire, the potato crop was either an aver-
age one or less than the average ; but everywhere else the crop
was a fine one, much exceeding the average. It was a particu-
larly fine crop in Wester Eoss and Skye, being considered tlie
best since 1846. The disease was trilling to the north of tlie
Grampians, but in the southern half of the country it was
greater. Such disease as did occur was almost altogether con-
fined to the older varieties of the potato, and was chiefly felt
in the river basins of the Tay, Forth, and Tweed, where in many
places the loss equalled a third or even a half of the whole crop.

The turnip crop was a poor one, except in the south-western
counties, and in Stirling, Dumbarton, Argyll, and Shetland. In
many districts round tlie Firths of Forth, Tay, and Moray, the
deficiency was from a third to a half of the average, owing to
the dry parching weather of spring and early summer.

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357

TABLE Xo. 9. — Average Prices (per Imperial Quarter) of Home-grown Wheat,
Barley, and Oats in the "Weekly Market of Edinburgh, for the Yeap^
1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, and 1883.

wheat.

BAJILEY. OATS.

i

Wee
Marke
Wednt

1879. 1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

1879.

1880.

1881.

1882.

1883.

s. d.

S. d.

s. d.

s. d.

S.

d.

s. d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s. d.

s. d.\

s. d.

s. d. s. d.

s. d.

s. d.

>,f 1

39 2

43 1

44 10

33 0

35

11

33 10

33

3

33

0

25 7

28 111

21 6

26 7 23 0

21 8

23 11

^ 2

38 0

46 11

42 8

39 8

38

0

33 3

33

6

34

4

26 8

29 0

21 8

26 5 123 0

22 4

23 2

2 \ 3
i 4

^ 15

40 4

39 2

46 3

33 0

36

8

32 9

32

5

33

6

25 5

30 11

22 0

26 6 '23 6

22 3

23 1

38 3

38 6

44 4

35 1

35

5

34 2

31

6

34

0

24 11

30 6

22 1

26 10 23 4

22 6

23 10

.

.

.

37

0

,

.

.

.

30 1

•

.

,

23 9

^ri

38* 0

37 1

43 5

30 8

37

7

34* 3

31*

8

34*

8

24 6

30 3

21 10

26 2 23 2

22 6

23 9

12

37 6

36 1

41 9

37 6

39

4

34 3

33 10

33

4

23 6

31 2

21 8

25 11 23 4

22 6

•23 10

S^3

1 u

38 6

38 3 43 0

34 0

37 11 !

34 10

33

1

32

6

24 9

30 2

22 1

27 9 23 1

22 8

24 8

38 6

41 7,39 3

37 7

40

1

35 8

30

6

33

4

23 0

30 2

22 1

27 8 24 0

22 10

•24 8

'^ n

38 4

38 9 '41 2

40 3

41

0

35 10

30

0

34

3

22 1

28 4

23 1

28 6 23 6

23 0

26 2

•312
|{3

39 9|35 9140 0

33 5

39

8

38 4

30

3

33

11

23 9

31 9

22 8127 7|24 0

23 5

25 7

40 0,41 1,47 1

37 2

38

1

37 5

29 11

36

1

23 3

29 7

22 11 29 1 , 24 1

24 4

25 3

42 0

44 10 1 43 9

35 8

38

6

37 7

32

5

36

2

23 3

32 8

23 7

28 10 ! 23 8

24 11

26 0

51 11 ; 42 8

37 9

.

•

31

6

36

4

24 5

.

^

29 0 1 23 10

24 0

.

1

42* 5

42 4 ' 41 11

38 3

39*

6

38 4

33

2

36

3

25 0

30 7

24 4 30 1'24 8

23 3

26 5

:3 2

42' 0

44 11 1 48 3

37 9

•

36 8

31

11

35

0

23 8

32 2

23 5 1 28 10

24 10

•25 1

26 2

fti3

41 10 39 6 , 44 11

39 6

41

7

37 4

28

9

35

0

26 10

31 6

23 2 29 4

24 2

25 6

26 7

< 4

42 2

42 6

46 0

37 6

.

38 5

30

8

33

7

24 5

32 5

23 8 29 6

25 0

26 0

25 6

15

41 6

^

. 3

•

.

37 0

.

.

.

•

24 6 . i .

,

.

ri

>. 2

42 1

42 3 44 "5

35 11

41*

1

36 6

29*

5

33*

5

23 11

33 8

24 2 28 6 '25 7

25 8

26 10

42 11 44 0 1 49 1

38 7

41

2

34 4

31

8

34

5

24 6

32 0

24 8 29 6,25 2

25 8

27 1

es ; o

41 9 40 11 45 0

39 0

42

4

34 7

26

11

34

8

22 10

32 2

23 8

29 3124 9

25 7

27 1

^ 4

15

42 10

43 0

44 2

39 1

42

0

36 0

29

5

32

0

23 5

29 0

24 2

29 7

24 9

26 6

27 0

.

.

.

37 6

41

7

,

.

24 1

30 11

,

•

,

26 6

26 9

fl

41* 6

44 1

46 0

37 7

43

6

33* 4

26*

7

34*

6

25 6

31 10

24 3

29 4

24 2

26 11 27 6

« 2

41 11 1 43 6

47 7

39 1

43

8

37 3

27 11

34

0

,

29 10

24 2

29 7|24 7

20 11 27 11

§ 3

41 5 41 8

47 6

38 5

42

6

37 0

27

1

35

2

26 3

32 1

24 7

29 8 25 6

27 5 28 3

i-j 4

41 2 39 4

48 1

38 0

41

9

36 10

28

8

33

9

24 0

29 9

25 2

29 4 25 2

26 10 ; 28 2

U

38 6

47 11

.

.

26

11

.

.

.

30 5 24 7

1

1

43 5

38 6

44 7

39*10

39

0

35* 8

25

2

29*

9

24* 9

31 8

24 10

29 6

24 11

26* 1 28* 8

>>

2

43 9 43 7

46 8

43 1

38

7

36 9

24

6

33

2

26 6

29 2

25 8

28 11

24 2

27 1 27 11

•5 3

44 8 43 4

47 4

43 9

39

9

35 2

23 10

33

4

25 10

29 11

25 11

31 2

23 5

26 10 28 4

^ 4

47 5 42 0

48 3

43 10

42

7

34 4

27

10

.

.

30 0

26 6

29 8)24 2

27 9

28 0

U

48 5

.

f .

.

.

.

.

■

,

^

27 8

,

,

,

.

1

48 0139 4

49 0

43* 0

.

38 2

26*

8

27

0

•

30 0

28 2

29 11

24 7

28 5

28 11

^3
00

2

40 11 33 10

49 2

39 10

43*

9

31 8

26

2

30

0

26 3

.

28 4

30 0

24 9

28 0 ; 29 2

|-,3

45 10 40 8

50 3

33 0

38

8

,

24

6

31

3

25 0

,

29 1

29 5

25 1

27 6 1 -28 10

:3

4

46 8 40 5

56 5

33 6

42 11

35 0

27

5

34

4

28 6

,

29 6

27 6

20 7

28 4,28 9

5

.

,

52 10

37 0

44

7

.

.

.

28 6

34 0

,

,

20 8

27 8

29 8

S

1

44 11

36 0

58 6

32 2

39

5

40 3

24

6

34

0

29 11

34 11

29 6

23 7

20 7; 28 0

•28 8

i

2

45 11 31 2

54 8

37 6

42

7

,

32

0

34

0

36 2

.

29 10 ' 24 0 1 20 0

25 11

26 4

3

46 9 32 3

57 6

37 4

43

0

.

33

7

30

8

35 0

31 0

29 4 24 5

25 11

,25 5

25 11

u

4

50 8 38 5

57 3

34 10

42

2

36* 4

32

4

34

2

32 5

29 3

28 1 24 4

26 7

23 11

25 10

5

36 6

,

^

.

,

33

4

,

,

,

23 8

,

.

u 1

52 9

39 8

58 6

38 6

43

6

34 1

34

2

33

6

30* 8

29 9

25 8

23 8

25 1

•23* 0

27 4

« 9

54 0

43 5

57 3

35 4

40 11

37 2

36

1

27

8

29 10

29 3

28 4 24 2

2.5 2

22 9

25 7

o-'s

55 9

42 4

47 3

40 3

38

2

34 10

35

2

26

8

27 5

28 10

26 8

23 11

25 0

22 6

24 5

ol^

59 0

40 7

45 4

35 10

37

5

35 10

35

0

27

9

28 5

29 1

26 10

23 6

'23 7

23 0

24 6

56 7

,

,

,

39 11

32 5

.

,

29 6

26 4

,

,

•

24 11

1 [1

53 6

42 0

37 5

38 6

37

2

31 3

33*

7

25

10

29* 0

29 8

24 9

23 4

22 7 22 11

24 10

1 2

43 11

46 0

50 9

37 10

43

7

30 6

32

1

26

0

30 10

29 1

25 2

23 2

22 2 23 3

24 1

§ 3

53 7

i44 2

44 0

35 10

40

0

30 8

33

1

24

7

30 9

29 7,

25 0

24 7 21 0

24 0

•23 1

% 4

47 6

46 9

46 2

39 2

37

5

29 7

34

7

24

0

29 5

29 5

23 5

24 9 21 1

•23 10

23 6

5?; U

,

,

39 5

,

•

•

,

25

2

,

,

,

21 4

,

•

ri

42 0

43 0

35 9

37 3

42

0

30 8

34

4

24

6

29 6

28 0

24 5

24 6 21 8

24 7

23 6

.a

2

45 6

40 4

42 10

36 7

39

4

34 1

33

3

24

9

30 7

27 5

23 11

23 9 22 3

24 2

22 9

i

3

49 10

37 4

37 7

36 3

84

8

33 3

32

6

25

2

31 5

28 10

124 1

•23 6|21 1

•23 10

23 6

4

47 5

42 10

31 11

36 0

30

0

:« 8

32

7

24

5

30 1

28 11 '125 8

23 5 22 5

23 6

23 2

(S

u

49 8

46 0

•

•

•

32 2

33

7

•

•

. 1 26 9

23 3{ .

1

•

I

•

358 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882.

CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS.
By Dr A. P. Aitken, Chemist to the Society.

TURNIP CROP 1882.

With the turnip crop of 1882 began the second rotation of the-
experiments at the Society's stations. The former turnip crop
of 1878 suffered so severely from the inclemency of the winter
that a large part of the experiments was rendered quite untrust-
worthy. The most of the crop had to remain on the field until
the middle of March, and by that time the alternations of frost
and thaw had ruined a large part of the crop on both stations.

The analysis of the crop, owing to the want of a laboratory
specially adapted for agricultural research, was performed upon
a very small scale, and it was pointed out at the time that the
results obtained could only be considered as approximations to
truth, and their chief use lay in giving indications that would
require to be verified and controlled by future investigations.

It was found that the analysis of a turnip crop, in order to be
reliable, would require to be done on a very extensive scale,
and with the help of apparatus and laboratory arrangements
specially adapted for the purpose.

To meet the requirements of the crop of 1882, a laboratory
was provided, and fitted up with special apparatus for the
analysis of field crops.

The season of 1882 was on the whole a favourable one for
the turnip crop in the Lowlands, and nothing occurred to inter-
fere with the success of the experiments at the stations. The
plan of the experiments was the same as in 1878, the main
object being to determine the agricultural values of the various
forms of light manure in common use, and to obtain information
which might guide farmers in selecting the materials best suited
for their purposes. When a farmer has discovered the kind of
manure that is most economical to apply, that is a matter of
great importance to him ; but there are other things which he
wishes to know. He must know the quantity per acre which it
is most profitable to employ, and he also requires to know what
is the condition of the manure most favourable for application.
The experiments have been modified so as to yield information
on these points. There is another matter of importance in the
use of light manures regarding which information is wanted,
viz., the best time in which to apply the various kinds of
manure. In order to obtain some information on this point, the
plan of experiments was modified in 1882 without interfering

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882. 359

with the general scope of the inquiry. Each plot was divided
into two parts, — to the one part the manures were applied in the
middle of January, and to the other part the same manures were
applied in the middle of May, making a difference of five
months in the time of application. The only substances which
were not so applied were the nitrate of soda and the sulphate of
ammonia. These substances are so rapid in their action that it
was thought prudent, even for experimental purposes, to postpone
their application till the crop was there to receive them ;
accordingly they were applied to the young ]jlants about a
month after sowing. It may be well to remark here that
this division of the stations into an early and a late manured
half enormously increased the labour in carrying out the
experiments, and called for greatly increased care and watch-
fulness on the part of the farm stewards who bad the super-
intendence of the work. The management of an experimental
station divided into about 80 plots of an eighth of an acre
each is a laborious work, and is especially irksome when it is
added on to the ordinary work of a considerable farm. The
labour in connection with the turnip crop of 1882 w^as in-
creased on account of the wetness of the winter, which
prevented the crop from being carted from the field at the
time of lifting. The crop of each plot had to be stored upon
its own ground, and it was so late before it could be carried in
and weighed that the results were not forward in time for pub-
lication in the last volume of the Transactions.

Even if the results had been obtained it would not have been
prudent to publish them, for the weight per acre of a turnip crop
gives often a very fallacious idea of the amount of actual food
per acre contained in it. This may be said of all field crops, but
of none more truly than of turnips, which at best contain only
about 12 per cent, of solid matter, and may contain little more
than half that quantity. Before any idea of the relative value of
turnip crops can be obtained, they must first be analysed, not
only to know what proportion of the entire crop is solid matter,
but to know how much of that solid matter is of a nutritive
kind. This has been done for the crops at the Society's stations
for 1882, and the work has taken fifteen months to perform.
As the value of an analysis of a crop of roots depends much upon
the scale on which it is carried out and the method of sampling,
a few words on that subject will l)e necessary before laying the
details before the reader. The selection of the roots from the
field was performed by five persons, who were stationed at
regular intervals along the outside drill of each half-})lot, thus
dividing the half-])lot into five equiil sections. They walked
across the plot, and each selected eight turnii)S which in his
opinion most fairly represented the average character of the

360 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882.

roots in his section. These were deposited at the outside drill,
and the next plot was entered and sampled in the same manner.
The whole breadth of the station was thus traversed four times,
and forty average turnips were selected from each half-plot.
These were collected and put into two bags, twenty in each bag,
carefully labelled, and sent to the laboratory. By this means
each half-plot was sampled in duplicate, and the duplicates were
kept distinct until the dry matter was estimated. Nearly 3000
turnips from each station were required to form the samples for
the estimation of the dry matter, and the manipulation of these
was a very laborious work. The following was the method
employed. Each batch of twenty was washed and brushed to
remove any adhering earthy matter, and thereafter dried with
towels and weighed. Each turnip was then brought under the
stroke of a large knife worked as a lever, and cut in two from
above downwards ; one half was kept, and the other thrown away.
Another stroke of the knife divided the half turnip in two in a
similar direction, and one half was thrown away ; of the remain-
ing quarter a slice was taken in the same direction, representing
from a half to a third of its bulk. So that of each turnip there
was selected for analysis a segment from above downwards, and
from the core to the skin which represented from one-eighth to
one-twelfth of the bulk of the bulb.

These segments were each laid on its side, and made to pass
under the lever-knife when in rapid motion, and furnished with
a guard near the hilt to prevent the blade from descending nearer
than about about an eighth of an inch from the table. Each
segment was thus split into twenty or more laminae attached to
each other like the teeth of a comb. Each batch of laminated
segments was immediately weighed, and put into a large drying
chamber on a tray. After a few days in the drying chamber
these were sufficiently dry to be put into paper bags, and set
aside to make room for others. The preparing and securing
of the partially dried samples of each station occupied about a
month. Thereafter the bagged samples were put again into
the drying chamber and kept at a temperature of about 80° C.
until they were nearly dry, and were so hard as to permit
of their being ground to a fine powder. Each sample was
then weighed, and thereupon ground in a coffee-mill, and
secured in a bottle with an air-tight stopper.

The small amount of residual moisture was thereafter
estimated, and as soon as this stage was reached the duplicate
samples of each half-plot were mixed together, and from the
combined powder the various constituents of the crops on each
half-plot were determined.

It might seem from this description that the sampling and
drying of the samples of a turnip crop was a comparatively easy

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882. 361

matter, while in reality it is a complex and laborious operation,
requiring several months for its accomplishment.

It 1878 the crop at Harelaw was swedes, and that at Pum-
pherston was turnips. In 1882 turnips (Fosterton hybrid) were
grown at both stations. The land was ploughed and harrowed
early in January, and ren:ained in that state during the winter.
The object of harrowing the land at that early date w^as to
enable the manure applied in January to be evenly spread over
the soil. The half which was to be manured in May might ha\^e
been left unharrowed, but it was necessary that the land should
be all treated alike, so that nothing might interfere with the
manurial part of the experiments. The manures w^ere applied at
Harelaw in the third week of January and in the third week of
May, at Pumpherston in the fourth week of January and in the
second week of June. The manures w^hich were too drv were
mixed with damp earth, and any blowing of manure was further
guarded against by the use of screens in the usual manner. The
land was drilled up, and sown a few days after the second
manuring. The crop brairded well at both stations, and the
nitrate of soda was not applied till after all the plots were
singled. The latter part of the season was wet, and favourable
to the action of insoluble manures. The turnips were sampled
at both stations early in November, to avoid the risk of inter-
ference from frost or snow.

Before giving the details of the crop, it is necessary to refer the
reader to the scheme of the experiments contained on page 420,
where it will be seen that there are chiefly three kinds of manures
under investigation, viz., phosphatic, nitrogenous, and potassic
manures. Most of the plots receive all three manure constitu-
ents, but from some of them one or tw^o constituents are omitted.

The important thing to remember regarding these constituents
is that they are applied in definite quantity to all the plots
which receive them. Phosphoric acid is always applied at the
rate of 40 lbs. per rood plot, potash at the rate of 30 lbs. per rood
plot, and nitrogen at the rate of 10 lbs. per rood plot; unless
otherwise indicated. The only dillerences in these substances
lie in the form in which they are applied. That being the case,
it is not to be expected that there should be any very great
diflerence in the results of the plots which receive all three con-
stituents in exactly equivalent amounts.

The following table, No. 1, shows the amount of crop derived
from the first thirty rood plots at both stations, and what propor-
tion of that was derived from the two halves of each plot, viz., the
half which was manured in January and the half which was
manured in ]\Iay.

The weights refer to the bulbs alone, as it was found to be
impossible to weigh the tops. These were allowed to remain on
the land.

362

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882.

No. I.— Turnip Crop 1882.

o

o

d

Pumpherston.

Harelaw.

Manures.

it

13
O

o

««•
^ o

r

S.B

^1

c •-

"El

-^3
O

o .

Phosphattc Manures —

T. cwt

qr.

T. cwt.

qr. T. cwt.qr.

T.cw-t.qr. T.cwt.

qr.

T. cwt.qr.

1

Bone ash,

2 0

2

2 0

1

4 0 3

3 2 3

3 4

0

6 6 3

2

Do. dissolved,

2 7

2

1 17

2

4 5 0

3 8 2

3 9

0

617 2

3

Ground coprolites,

1 17

1

1 18

1

315 2

3 6 0

3 5

2

611 2

4

Do. dissolved,

With

2 5

2

2 2

1

4 7 3

3 12 0

3 8

3

7 0 3

5

Bone meal,

nitrate of

1 16

2

1 15

0

311 2

3 4 0

3 1

3

6 5 3

6

Do. dissolved,

• soda and

2 0

3

2 2

O

4 3 2

3 6 0

3 5

1

6 11 1

7

Phosphatic guano.

potash

2 0

3

2 1

3

4 2 2

3 6 3

3 4

3

6 11 2

8

Do. dissolved.

salts.

2 5

3

2 6

0

411 3

3 10 2

3 7

3 6 18 1

9

Ground Charleston phos.

1 10

2

1 16

2

3 7 0

3 10

3 0

0 6 10

10

Do. dissolved,

2 5

3

2 4

1

4 10 0

3 10 0

3 8

1

6 18 1

11

No phosphates.

J

1 0

1

1 1

3

2 2 0

3 3 2

3 1

0

6 3 2

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures —

1 2

3

1 6

0

2 8 3

2 19 1

3 1

2

6 0 3

13

Nitrate of soda, ^

...

...

3 17 3

...

...

6 17 2

14

Sulphate of ammonia,

With

i

...

3 9 3

...

...

7 2 1

la

I Shoddy,
( Hoi-n dust,

superphos-

1 17

2

1 3

2

3 10

...

...

...

±o

phate and

...

...

...

3 15 3

3 6

0

7 13

16

Dried blood.

potash,

1 11

2

1 12

2 3 4 0

3 4 3

3 1

0

;6 5 3

17

No nitrogen, j

0 19

3

0 15

3

1 15 2

3 10 3

3 4

0

6 14 3

18

Nitrogen of soda alone,
Potash Manures —

1 13

2

1 17

0

3 10 2

3 13

3 6

2

6 8 1

19

Sulphate of potash, \ "With super-
Muriate of potash, > phos. and
No potash, ) nitrate of soda,

2 4

1

1 15

1

3 19 2

: 3 8 3

3 7

1

6 16 0

20

1 14

3

1 18

0

3 12 3

3 11 0

3 10

0

7 10

21

1 16

1

1 3

1

2 19 2

3 5 0

3 8

3

6 13 3

22

Potash of salts alone.
Guanos —

0 16

3

0 16

3

113 2

2 19 1

1

3 4

3

6 4 0

23

Peruvian guano.

1 19

2

1 13

3

3 13 1

3 9 1

3 8

0

6 17 1

24

Fish do.,

1 3

0

1 8

2

2 11 2

2 16 3

3 10

1

6 7 0

25

Ichaboe do.,

1 8

2

1 10

3

2 19 1

3 13 0

3 7

0

7 0 0

26

Unmanured since 1879,

1 4

1

1 2

3

2 7 0

2 16 3

2 16

1

5 13 0

27

Unmanured since the beginning,
Superphosphates —

1 1

3

1 2

0

2 3 3

2 17 2

1

2 18

0

5 15 2

28
29

10 % soluble phosphate, (With sulp.
« „ _ J of amnion.
2o % Do. do., S and mur.

1 15

2 2

1
0

1 13
1 17

0
3

3 8 1
3 19 3

3 10 2
3 10 0

3 10
3 5

0
3

7 0 2
6 15 3

30

40 % Do. do., ( of potash.

1 15

0

1 5

2

3 0 2

3 7 3

3 5

1

6 13 0

The first thing which strikes one on glancing over these
columns is that the produce at Pumpherston station is not much
more than half that at Harelaw, and that while the plots at
Pumpherston show considerable variation, those at Harelaw are

EXPEEIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CEOP 1882.

363

comparatively uniform. We see at once that at Pumpherston
there is a poor soil, where the crop depends for its nourishment
upoD the manure which is immediately applied to it, whereas at
Harelaw the manurial wealth contained in the soil is so con-
siderable that the turnip crop is practically quite independent
of the limited amount of manure applied in the experiments.
It is evident that for a slow-growing crop like turnips, where the
roots have six months or more to go in search of nourishment, the
soil at Harelaw is not very suitable for a manurial experiment
of the kind we are engaged in.

We are endeavouring to determine the relative efficacy of
manures of a closely allied character, and all brought up to the
same manurial standard. It is evideut that the distinctions we
wish to observe have been overpowered by the inherent strength
of the soil at Harelaw, and that we shall have to exercise extreme
caution in drawing conclusions from such feeble indications.
On that account it will be convenient to consider chiefly the
data supplied by Pumpherston station, and thereafter to compare
them with the indications furnished at Harelaw.

The kind of manures which claim our chief attention in the
case of a turnip crop are of course the phosphates, the various
kinds of which form the first ten plots.

They are divided into two classes, soluble and insoluble, and
also into two parts, a winter-manured half and a summer-
manured half, as is shown in table No. 11. : —

No. H. — Phosphate Plots.
Pumjjherston.

o

1

3

5
7
9

Undissolved.

i

1

Dissolved.

Manured in
January.

Manured in
Ma)-.

Manured in
January.

Manured in
May.

I'ei i rood.
Bone a.sh,
Coprolites,
Boue meal, .
Pho.sphatic guano,
Charle-ston phos., .

Total, .

Average,

Ton cwt. qr.
2 0 2

0 17 1

1 16 2

2 0 3
1 10 2

Ton cwt

2 0
1 18

1 lo

2 1
1 16

.qr.

1
1

0
3
2

1

! 2

! 4

, 6

8

10

Ton cwt. qr.
2 7 2
2 5 2
2 0 3
2 5 3
2 5 3

Ton cwt. qr.

1 17 2

2 2 1
2 2 3
2 6 0
2 4 1

9 5 2

9 11

3

1

11 5 1

10 12 3

1 17 0

1 18

2

i
1 -

2 5 0

2 2 2

\

Hare

Imv.

1
3
5
7
9

Bone asli,
Co})rolite.s, .
Bone irieal, .
Pliosnhatic guano,
CharIe.ston phos., .

Total, .

Average, .

3 2 3
3 6 0
3 4 0
3 6 3
3 1 0

3 4
3 5
3 1
3 4
3 0

0
2
3
3
0 ,

2
4
6

8
10

3 8 2
3 12 0
3 6 0
3 10 2
3 10 0

3 9 0
3 8 3
3 5 1
3 7 3
3 8 1

1») 0 2

15 16

' i

17 7 0

16 19 0

3 4 0

3 3

1

1

3 9 2

3 8 0

364 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

The first thing to notice here is that the dissolved phosphates
have again, as in former occasions, produced a larger crop. At
Pumpherston the difference is 17 per cent, and at Harelaw 8 per
cent, in favour of the dissolved phosphate, so far as mere gross
weight of turnips is concerned.

The difference between the winter and summer manured
plots is not very striking. On the whole, it is in favour of the
early application of manure, but it must seem a remarkable
circumstance that the plots which received dissolved phosphates
have gained most by early manuring. The object which one
would naturally have in view in applying an insoluble manure
some months before sowing the seed, would be to give it time to
dissolve in the soil before the coming of the roots of the crop.
In all fertile soils chemical changes are going on which have
the effect of rendering the insoluble phosphates contained in
them, or added to them as manure, more easily attackable by the
roots of plants, and the nature and composition of soils possess-
ing that character in a high degree, have been the subject of
special study by various chemists. Soils rich in organic matter
are especially found to possess that property, and it will be seen
that the soil at Harelaw which is richer in organic matter than
that of Pumpherston, has profited to some extent by the earlier
application of insoluble phosphates ; while the latter soil, which
is more clayey with a tilly subsoil, has had the effect of diminish-
ing rather than increasing the solubility of the raw phosphates.
AVith the dissolved phosphates the case has been different. At
both stations the early application of superphosphate has been
advantageous, but especially so at Pumpherston. This is an
unexpected result. One would naturally have supposed that the
sooner the soluble phosphate came in contact with the roots of the
crop the more rapid and effective would be its action. On the other
hand, we must remember that soluble phosphates when applied to
the soil are very rapidly precipitated or rendered insoluble by com-
bining with the lime, oxide of iron, and alumina contained in the
soil, and it is highly probable that little or none of the phosphate
is taken up by the roots of plants until it has been precipitated.
The roots of plants themselves are able to dissolve some forms
of insoluble phosphate very readily, and it is probable that
during the winter the soluble phosphate was more widely and
uniformly precipitated than that applied with the seed. There
are other circumstances which must not be lost sight of in
endeavouring to explain this result, viz., that the superphosphate
in these plots was not applied alone, for potash salts accom-
panied it, and that in superphosphate itself we have sulphuric
acid as well as phosphoric acid to consider. It might be
explained that the advantage was not directly due to any im-
provement in the condition of the phosphate, but indirectly to

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882. 365

the washing down of potash or sulphuric acid during the winter.
That view, however, is not supported by the experiments on
other plots, for on plots 11 and 22, where potash was applied
without phosphate, there is very little difference between the
summer and winter manuring, and in plot 21, which received
superphosphate without potash, the same beneficial result of
early manuring is observed ; while plot 38, which had sulphuric
acid applied to it at both seasons, shows no advantage from the
earlier application. The advantage obtained by the early applica-
tion of superphosphate is also shown in plots 28, 29, and 30,
where the plot to which the most soluble phosphate was applied
derived greatest benefit from the winter manuring. It is evident
that we have here a very interesting fact brought out, which
requires further investigation.

Eegarding the nitrogenous manures, the two chief manures of
the kind are nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia. The
plots 13 and l-i, in common with the rest of the station, did not
receive these manures till after the turnips were thinned. They
are two very even plots, a slight advantage lying sometimes
with the one and sometimes with the other; upon the whole,
however, there seems to be a gradual improvement taking place
in plot 13 at Pumpherston.

Of the slowly-acting nitrogenous manures, half was applied in
winter and half in summer, and it is evident that they have been
improved by lying in the soil for some months before sowing.
This is especially seen on plot 15, where shoddy was again
tried at Pumpherston, owing to there being no horn dust
obtainable. The shoddy was on this occasion dissolved along
with the phosphate, and thus put into a state more favourable for
the plant than in 1879, when it was put on in the undissolved
condition. The result has proved that dissolved shoddy, if allowed
to be long enough in the soil, is capable of acting as a manure,
and that manufacturers who use shoddy as a source of nitrosen in
their "dissolved bones," or other dissolved manures, are employing
a material which in the dissolved state may be a useful nitro-
genous manure, if only applied early enough. The late applied
shoddy has proved a failure. This is an ex[)eriment which would
require to be repeated before one could have any definite assertion
to make regarding the relative value of dissolved shoddy.

Plot 15, at Harelaw, was manured with fine horn dust, and
this manure has done very well, but not so well as might have
been expected from the success which attended its application to
cereals.

Dried blood has not done so well as we should have expected.
It is probable that early manuring has been a little ovenlone
in this case. Had it been aj>{)lied only one or two months
before sowing, the effect might have been better, for when dried

366 EXPEELMEXTAL STATIOXS — TURXIP CROP 1SS2.

blood once begins to decompose the process goes on rapidly,
and it is probable that the products of its decomposition may-
have been washed away to some extent during the winter.

The potash plots confirm their former indications. The
sulphate always a little better at Pumpherston, while at Hare-
law the difference is slightly the other way. There is not
seen here the advantage in the early manured parts so dis-
tinctly as might be expected, but it must be remembered that
a turnip crop is not a good one for testing the best time to
apply potash, as the want of the turnip for potash seems easily
supplied.

The guano plots maintain their former relative positions, and
if the crop is a poor one it must be remembered that a com-
paratively small amount of the manure is employed. Owing
to their richness in nitrogen, the limit of 40 lbs. per acre
applied to that constituent prevented their receiving quite their
due proportion of phosphates. They were not made up to
strength in any way, but the total application was regulated by
the nitrogen. The fish guano is the only one which has not
profited by the early manuring, and yet it is the one from which
most advantage was expected.

The plots 28, 29, and 30, manured with superphosphate of
various degrees of solubility, again show the advantage to lie
with the medium superphosphate, and this is especially notice-
able in the winter-manured half of Pumpherston. The highest
class superphosphate has produced the poorest crop at both
stations.

The unmanured plots (26 and 27) have produced about half a
crop at Pumpherston, and somewhat more than three-quarters of
a crop at Harelaw. They are not the lowest on the station at
Pumpherston, for there are worse things that may happen to a
crop than the withholding of all manure. A manure may be
applied which does more harm, than good, and it would seem
that potash is such a manure on this soil. Potash is not
unfrequently found to injure the turnip crop, and at Pumpher-
ston the sole application of potash to the turnip crop has all
along had a very injurious effect. It does not seem that the
early application of this manure has done anything to lessen
the mischief on plot 22 ; and the generally accepted opinion that
the early application of potash manures diminishes their chance
of doing injury receives no support from the experiments this
year at either station.

So much for the gross weight of the crop as carried from the
field, but this gives us very little idea of the actual amount of
food produced upon each plot.

We must now examine the produce according to the amounts
of its various constituents. In the first place, most abundant

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882.

367

and least important comes water. This will be found in the
accompanying tables, Nos. III. and IV,, where along with the per-
centage of water and solids there are given the total weight per
acre and the weight of solid matter per acre produced by each
half plot.

The proportion of water in turnips is usually stated roughly
at 90 per cent., but this number, while it may be pretty near the
mark for swedes, is too low for turnips, as may be seen from the
average composition of the thirty plots at both stations.

Stations.

Winter Manured.

Spring Manured.

Water
per cent.

Solids
per cent.

Water
per cent.

Solids
per cent

Pumpherston, .
Harelaw, .

1

91-2
92-5

8-8
7-5

91-3
92-7

8-7
7-3

— 1

One or two per cent, makes little difference to the total pro-
portion of water, and if the water were the valuable constituent
here, the slight variations seen on these tables would scarcelv be
worth regarding; but it is with the solids we have to do. All the
feeding material of a turnip is contained in the solids, and the
water is only water and nothing else. Many farmers find it
difficult to credit this, and are fain to believe that there is
something more than water in the water of turnips. The term
water in the above analyses does not refer to sap, for the sap of
turnips contains a considerable quantity of solid matter in
solution. It is only the actual water of that sap which is
reckoned in these figures.

The intimate manner in which the water of turnips is com-
bined with the solid matter enables the latter to be easily eaten
and digested, but the proportion of water in turnips is excessive
from a feeding point of view, and any manurial treatment which
has the effect of increasing the proportion of solid matter in
turnips, even to a slight extent, is of importance to feeders.

We see here that the turnips at Pumpherston were much
richer than those at Harelaw. They were a firm solid turnip,
such as stock-feeders like, but they were small, so that the
increase in quality was got at a sacrifice of quantity. The Hare-
law turnips were soft, and many of them very spongy, but they
were of good average size, and the quantity of solid turnip matter
grown per acre was nearly double that produced on the poorer
station.

Increase of quantity of solid matter per acre does not
altogether compensate for decrease in percentage of solids, for

368

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

turnips with a low percentage of solids form a diet so weak
that cattle cannot fatten on it. The quantity of water they are
compelled to consume, in the endeavour to obtain the nourish-
ment they require, is so great that the limit of their capacity is

S No. III. — PUMPHERSTON.

o

s

o

Manures applied
in January.

1 Manures applied
in May.

Manures.

c5

1 '

^1

.'5 S
MS

d

o u

Pi

a5

o
P.

li

p.

.2 s
p.

" 2

p<

Phosphatic Manures.

Tons.

lbs.

' Tons.

lbs.

1

Bone ash,

16-2

90-93

9-07

3290

' 16-1

91-55

8-45

3046

2

Do. dissolved,

19-0

91-51

8-49

3613

15-0

91-51

8-49

2851

3

Ground coprolites.

14-9

91-52

8-48

2829

15-3

91-38

8-62

2954

4

Do. dissolved,

18-2

91-78

8-22

3351

16-9

91-44

8-56

3240

5

Bone meal,

With nitrate

14-6

9102

8-98

2936

14-0

91-51

8-49

2662

6

Do. dissolved,

>• of soda and

16-3

1 90-98

9-02

3292

17-1

92-09

7-91

3029

7

Phosphatic guano,

potash salts,

16-3

92-19

7-81

2880

16-7

92-79

7-21

2696

8

Do. do. dissolved.

18-3

.91-29

8-71

3569

18-4

91-08

8-92

3676

9

Ground Charleston phos.

12-2

91-36

8-64

2361

14-6

91-58

8-42

2753

10

Do. do. dissolved,

18-3

91-16

8-84

3622

17-7

91-53

8-47

3357

11

No phosphate,

8-1

91-27

8-73

1584

8-7

91-44

8-56

1668

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures.

9-1

90-51

9-49

1934

10-4

90-79

9-21

2145

13

Nitrate of soda,

16-0

92-09

8-00

2957

14-6

91-39

8-61

2815

14

Sulphate of ammonia.

With super-

13-8

90-61

9-39

2902

14-1

91-33

8-67

2737

15

Dissolved shoddy.

phosphate and

150

91-02

8-98

3018

9-4

90-67

9-33

1964

16

Dried blood.

potash salts,

12-6

90-72

9-28

2618

13-0

90-72

9-28

2701

17

No nitrogen.

7-9

91-95

8-05

1424

6-3

90-92

9-08

1281

18

Nitrate of soda alone,

Potassic Manures.

13-4

91-68

8-32

2496

14-8

91-70

8-30

2750

19

Sulphate of potash, \ With superph.

17-7

91-96

8-04

3187

14-1

91-59

8-40

2655

20

Muriate of potash, > and nitrate of

13-9

91-55

8-45

2631

15-2

91-98

8-02

2730

21

No potash, ) soda,

14-5

91-84

8-16

2650

9-3

92-72

7-28

1516

22

Potash salts alone,

Guanos.

6-7

90-53

9-47

1421

6-7

90-68

9-32

1399

23

Peru-vian guano,

15-8

90-81

9-19

32.52

13-5

90-46

9-54

2885

24

Fish do.,

9-2

90-59

9-41

1939

11-4

91-14

8-86

2262

25

Ichaboe do.,

11-4

91-20

8-80

2246

12-3

91-20

8-80

2425

26

Unmanured since 1879, ....

9-7

90-97

9-03

1962

9-1

90-52

9-48

1932

27

Unmanured,

Superphosphates.

8-7

90-32

9-68

1886

8-8

90-35

9-65

1902

28

10% Soluble phosphate, ^ With snip, of

14 1

91-06

8-94

2823

13-2

91-16

8-84

2613

29

25% Do. do., >• ammonia and

16-8

91-18

8-82

1

3318

15-1

91-22

8-78

2409

30

1

40% Do. do., ) potash salts.

14-0

91-59

8-41 '

2637

1

10-2

91-32

8-68

1982

EXPEEIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

369

reached before they have eaten enough to enable them to put on
flesh, and they will remain at a certain low level of condition
corresponding to the wateriness of the turnip. To enable stock
to advance in such a case requires the use of an additional

No. IV. — Harelaw.

o

s

Hi

o
d

Manures applied
in January.

Manures applied
in May.

Manures.

n

p.

IS

-k3

m S
p.

P.2
p.

II

p.

P.

m: 3

Phosphatic Manures.

Tons.

lbs.

Tons

lbs.

1

Bone ash,

25-1

92-80

7-20

4048

25-6

92-47

7-53

4318

2

Do. dissolved.

27-4

92-99

7-01

4302

27-6

193-34

6-66

4117

3

Ground coprolites,

26-4

93-02

6-98

4128

26-2

93-05

6-95

4079

4

Do. dissolved,

28-8

92-77

7-23

4664

27-5

92-98

7-02

4324

5

Bone meal.

With nitrate

25-6

92-72

7-28

4175

24-7

92-45

7-55

1 4177

6

Do. dissolved,

of soda and

26-4

92-53

7-47

4417

26-1

92-99

7-01

4098

7

Phosphatic guano,

potash salts,

26-7

92-70

7-30

4368

25-9

92-70

7-30

4235

8

Do. do. dissolved,

28-2

92-83

7-17

4529

27-1

92-90

7-10

4210

9

Ground Charleston phos..

24-4

92-78

7-22

3946

24-0

92-78

7-22

38S1

10

Do. do. dissolved.

28-0

91-75

7-25

4-547

27-3

93-19

6-81

4164

11

No phosphate.

25-4

92-59

7-41

4220

24-4

93-10

6-90

3771

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures.

23-7

92-64

7-36

3907

24-5

92-70

7-30

4022

13

Nitrate of soda.

27-0

92-12

7-88

4765

23-0

92-85

7-16

4490

14

Sulphate of ammonia.

With super-

28-8

92-36

7-64

4929

,28-1

92-32

7-68

4834

15

Horn dust.

phosphate and

30-3

92-09

7-91

5369

26-4

92-83

7-17

4240

16

Dried blood,

pota.sh salts,

25-9

92-62

7-38

4281

24-4

92-32

7-68

4197

17

No nitrogen,

28-3

92-34

7-66

4856

25-6

92-29

7-71

4421

18

Nitrate of soda alone

Potassic Manures.

24-7

92-40

7-60

4205

26-6

92-57

7-43

4426

19

.'^ulphatc of potash, \ With euperph.

27-5

92-38

7-62

4694

26-9

92-45

7-55

4540

20

Muriate of potash, > and nitrate of

28-4

92-78

7-22

4593

28-0

93-14

6-86

4302

21

No potash, ) soda.

26-0

92-31

7-69

4478

27-5

92-75

7-25

44C»;

22

Potash salts alone,

Guanos.

23-7

91-15

8-85

4698

25-9

91-75

8-21

4875

23

renivian guano,

27-7

92-64

7-36

4566 1

27-2 1

92-34

7-66

•166<;

24

Fish do.,

22-7

92-43

7-57

3849

28-1

92-32 j

7-6.S

48;»

25

Icliiiboe do.,

29-2

92-47

7-53

4925

26-8

92-40

7-CO

455-J

26

Unmanured since 1879, ....

22-7

92-06

7-94

4036

22-5

92-13

7-87

3966

27

Unmanurt'd,

Superphosphates.

29 0

91-91

8-09

4168

23-2

92-05

7-95

407.»

28

10% S<Jublc plio.sphnte, \ With »ulp. of

28-2 1

92-69

8-41

4680

28-0

93-17

6-ai

4.'82

29

25% Do. do., V ammonia and i

280 9214
271 1 92-84 1

7-86

4929

26 3

9308

6-92

4<i7«

30

40% Do. do., ) potajih sulta. ■

7-16

4^6

2C-1

93-02

608

4079

2 A

370

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUPtNIP CROP 1882.

quantity of a more concentrated fodder. We thus see that the
quantity of solid matter per acre, although it is a much better
criterion of the value of a crop than the gross weight of bulbs
per acre, is still not everything ; the percentage of solids is an
important matter, and even a very little increase in that per-
centage is an advantage.

The figures in these tables show us that manuring has some-
thing to do with quality in a turnip. Thus it is seen that at
both stations the parts manured in winter have produced a
slightly denser turnip than those manured in spring, and it can
be shown that this advantage is not got at a sacrifice of quantity.
A comparison of the first ten plots shows this very clearly.

No V. — PUMPHERSTON.

Undissolved Phosphates.

o
51!
o
d

1
3
5
7
9

Manures.

Manures applied in
January.

Manures applied in
May.

Crop

per acre.

1

SoHds
per cent.

Solids
per acre.

Crop
per acre.

Solids
per cent.

Solids
per acre.

Bone ash, ,
Ground coprolites,
Bone meal,
Phosphatic guano,
Charleston phosphate.

Average, .

Tons.
i 16-2
! 14-9
] 14-6
1 16-3
t 12-2

9-07
8-48
8-98
7-81
8-64

lbs.

3290

2829

2936

2880

2361

Tons.
16-1
' 15-3
14-0
16-7
14-6

8-45
8-62
8-49
7-21

8-42

ll3S.

3046
2954
2662
2696
2753

: 14-8

1

8-59

2859

15-3

8-24

2822

Dissolved Phosphates.

2
4
6
8
10

Bone ash, .
Ground coprolites, .
Bone meal,
Phosphatic guano,
Charleston phosphate.

Average, .

19-0
18-2
16-3
18-3
18-3

8-49
8-22
9-02
8-71
8-84

3613
3351
3292
3569
3622

15-0
16-9
17-1
18-4
17-7

8-49
8-56
7-91
8-92
8-47

2851
3240
3029
3676
3357

18-0

8-66

3489

17-0

8-47

3231

At Pnmpherston, the winter-applied raw phosphates produced
on an average 14-8 tons per acre, while the summer-applied
phosphates produced 15*3 tons per acre. This is a surprising
result, but the surprise is diminished when the solids are con-
sidered. The winter-manured turnips are seen to be considerably
denser than the summer-manured ones, and the result is that
with less gross weight they nevertheless contain more solid
matter per acre. What the relative value of the solids in each
case is will be seen hereafter. It will be noticed that the
results at Harelaw are at variance with these. The differences
there are very trifling, but they are in an opposite direction.

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

371

No. VI. — Harelaw.

Undissolved Phosphates.

o

•

o

)^

1

3
5

7
9

Manures.

Manures applied in
January.

Manures applied in
May.

Crop
per acre.

Solids Solids
per cent, per acre.

Crop
per acre.

Solids ! Solids
per cent. 'per acre.

1

Bone ash, .
Ground coprolites.
Bone meal,
Phosphatic guano,
Charleston phosjAate,

Average, .

Tons.
25-1
26-4
25-6
26-7
1 24-4

7-20
6-98
7-28
7-30
7-22

lbs.

4048 1

4128

4175

4368

3946

Tons.

25-6

26-2

24-7

25-9

24-0

7-53
6-95
7-55
7-30
7-22

lbs.

4318

4079

4177

4235

3881

25-6

7-19

4133

25-3 7-31

4138

Dissolved Phosphates.

2
4
6

8
10

1

Bone ash, .
Ground coprolites,
Bone meal,

Phosphatic guano, . i
Charleston phosphate,

Average, .

27-4

23-8
26-4
28-2
28-0

7-01
7-23
7-47
7-17
7-25

4302
4664
4417
4529
4547

27-6
27-5
26-1
27-1
27-3

7-02
7-01
7-10
6-81

4117
4324
4098
4210
4164

27-8 7-23

4492

27-1

6-92

4183

With the sohible phosphate plots the case is different. Here
both stations are at one, and they unite in showing that the
winter-manured turnips were both heavier and denser than the
others, and the result is that from 250 to 300 lbs. more solid
matter per acre have been produced by the earlier application.

So far as the total yield of solid matter per acre is concerned,
the results are in favour of the earlier application of manures,
but especially of superphosphate.

It is not sufficient, however, to know the amount of solids per
acre only, we must know what the solids are composed of before
we are in a position to decide where the advantage lies. The
solid matter of turnips exhibits great variation in composition,
and two turnips may have an equal amount of solids, and yet
the one may possess nearly double the feeding value of the
other.

The constituents of the solid matter of turnips may be divided
into four classes, viz., albuminoid matter, carbohydrates, woody
fibre, and ash. Besides these, there are other constituents which
will be referred to hereafter. The lirst two are substances
useful as food, and the remaining two are com])aratively useless
for that purpose. The last of these, altliough of little importance
as regards the feeding quality of the turnip, is nevertheless of
considerable importance from a maiiurial point of view, and as it
alfects the exhaustion of the land. It will be convenient to

372

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

consider these two first. In the following table (Xo. VII.) is
given the percentages of ash and woody fibre at both stations: —

No. VII. — Ash and Woody Fibre — Turnips.

o

•t-l
o

d

Pumpherston.

Harelaw.

Manures.

Ash of

solids.

Woody fibre
of solids.

Ash of

solids.

Woody fibre
of solids.

Time of Manuring.

Tim& of Manuring.

1
1

s

3

a

3

do
a

S

fcf

Phosphatic Manures.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt. p. cnt.

p. cnt.

1

Bone ash, ^

5-90

5-56

10-1

10-8

6-25

6-30

10-5

10-6

2

Do. dissolved,

6-48

'J -25

9-3

10-0

711

6-95

11-2

10-8

3

Ground coprolites,

6-36

6-32

9-2

9-0

6-55

6-80

9-8

10-9

4

Do. dissolved.

6-72

6-40

9-6

9-8

6-49

6-37

11-3

11-5

5

Bone meal,

With nitrate

5-37

5-23

101

9-7

6-41

6-40

]2-7

11-9

6

Do. dissolved, )- of soda and

5-51

5-19

9-8

10-9

6-73

6-66

11-5

11-7

7

Phosphatic guano,

potash salts,

6-44

6-31

11-9

11-1

6-95

6-25

12-0

10-8

8

Do. do. dissolved,

5-96

5-69

11-0

10-5

6-95

6-71

11-8"

10-5

9

Ground Charleston phos..

5-85

5-60

10-8

11-2

6-37

6-72

10-1

11-4

10

Do. do. dissolved,

5-97

5-73

9-7

10-6

6-90

6-94

9-9

10-8

11

No phosphate,

6-22

6-00

12-0

11-7

6-34

6-90

11-6

11-4

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures.

4-76

4-81

10-1

12-2

5-96

6-57

10-7

11-0

13

Nitrate of soda, ^

6 -.30

5-90

10-2

10 -fi

6-65

6-80

11-6

11-5

14
15

Sulphate of ammonia,
j Dis. shoddy (Pumph.),
( Horn dust (Harelaw),

With super-

-phosphate and

potash salts,

5-83
5-09

5-74
5-04

9-9
12-5

10-2
12-7

6-51

£•85

6-32
6-00

11-7
13-3

12-6
14-1

16

Dried hlood.

5-95

5-16

11-2

10-8

5-72

6-17

12-6

12-3

17

No nitrogen, , !

6-27

5-88

12-7

12-0

5-73

5-69

13-1

14-9

18

Nitrate of soda alone,

Potassic Mamires.

6-11

6-00

9-1

12-1

6-68

6-72

10-4

10-7

19

Sulphate of potash, "| With superph.

6-47

6-37

10-7

11-3

6-64

6-61

11-9

11-5

20

Muriate of potash, j- and nitrate

6-12

6-25

11-3

11-5

6-20

6-26

11-7

12-0

21

No potash, ) of soda.

6-56

7-07

13-0

13-4

7-13

7-01

14-4

14-2

22

Potash salts al< ne,

Guanos.

C-04

5-80

9-5

8-9

6-64

6-23

11-1

11-5

23

Peruvian guano,

6-42

6-35

11-4

11-5

6-10

6-06

12-5

12-1

24

Fish do.,

6-62

6-91

11-8

11-3

6-35

6-15

11-3

10-7

25

Ichaboe do.,

6-35

6-27

10-2

9-8

6-80

6-43

10-4

10-6

26

Unmanured since 1879, ....

5-59

5-45

9-9

10-8

5-92

5-74

11-0

11-8

27

Unmanured, \

Supei'phosphates.

5-70

5-67

11-8

12-0

5-48

5-33

13-2

13-7

28

10% Soluble phosphate, \ With sulp. of

6-30

6-06

11 -3

11-6

5-80

6-35

11-5

12-1

29

25% Do. do., > ammonia and

6-29

6-12

9-3

10-1

6-00

5-80

10-4

11-3

30

40% Do. do., ) potash salts.

6-16

6-27

10-2

9-8

6-25

6-20

12:2

10-8

Average,

• • •

6-06

5-91

10-6

10-9

6-38

6-38 ' 11-6

11-7

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CROP 1882.

373

The amouDt of ash contained in the dry matter is greater
at Harelaw than at Pumpherston ; the turnips which contained
the larger proportion of water thus contained the larger pro-
portion of ash, the average over the whole plots of the stations

being —

Pumpherston,
Harelaw, .

Water,
per cent.

91-3
92-6

Dry matter,
per cent.

8-7
7-4

Ash in dry matter,
per Cent.

5-8
6-4

The average amount of ash in the dry matter of the crop in
1879 was about 8-5 per cent., and now it is not so much as
6 '5 per cent. This result may be due to various causes, such as
the shorter time during which the crop was allowed to remain
on the land, and the very different condition in which the crop
was secured ; and perhaps the system of manuring to which the
land has been subjected may contribute towards the result, but
the method in which the ash was determined has no doubt much
to do with it. The amount of ash formed depends very much
on the method of incineration employed.

For the purpose of this investigation, the absolute amouat of
ash contained in the roots is not of much importance, as it is the
relative proportions obtained by various modes of manuring that
are of chief interest. The essential thing to observe is that all
the samples be treated in the same way, and in the above analysis
the ash was determined in a very thorough manner. Dry
turnip powder is not easily incinerated ; it coheres into a mass
which prevents the access of air, and is found to be dark
coloured even after prolonged incineration, and the greater the
quantity employed the more imperfect is the ash. The method
adopted on this occasion was to take two grammes of the fine
dry turnip powder and mix with it one gramme of pure white
sand recently ignited and cooled in a drying chamber. This was
placed in a small platinum tray, and kept for an hour at a low
red heat in a muffle furnace. The somewhat coherent mass was
then gently pressed down with a glass plate exactly fitting the
tray, and then carefully stirred. The tray was then replaced in
the mullle and. kept therefor half an hour, when a perfectly
homogeneous white ash was obtained. The ashes were all done
in duplicate, and the duplicates were usually found to agree with
each other very closely. When larger quantities are used, and
no sand employed, the results are far from uniform, and always
higher than tliose obtained by the method here described. In
all cases where the duplicate samples didered from each other

374

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CEOP 1882.

by more than 1 per cent, of the total ash, other two samples
were incinerated side by side, and the average taken. When
the samples are made wdth the utmost care as to fine grinding
and thorough mixture, and the whole process carried out with
perfect uniformity in every particular, a difference of 1 per
cent, of the total ash rarely occurs. It will be seen from Table
VII. that when every precaution has been taken to eliminate
variations due to analysis, there are considerable differences in
the percentage of ash over the plots on the station, but it
would be a mistake to suppose that these are entirely due to
difference of manurial treatment. Two turnips taken from the
same plot, and even growing side by side and resembling each
other in size and external appearance, do not always agree in
the percentage of ash they contain. Individual turnips differ
from each other in this respect, and when the turnips are of
different size and firmness, there may be a wide variation in the
percentage of ash. This irregularity may be minimised by
increasing the number of roots from which each sample of dry
matter is made ; and while that has been done in an extra-
ordinary manner in this investigation, there is no doubt that
the figures before us must still be looked upon as approxima-
tions only, in considering how far manuring of different kind
affects the amount of ash in turnips. As a rule, it is noticed

No, VIII. — Percentage of Ash contained in Dry Matter.

Undissolved Phosjjhates.

o

s

o
6

1
3
5
7
9

Manures.

Pumpherston.

Harelaw.

Manured
in Jan.

Manured
in May.

Manured
in Jan.

Manured
in May.

per acre.

Bone ash,

Ground coprolites, ....

Bone meal,

Phosphatic guano, ....
Charleston phosphate, .

Average, .

per cent.
5-90
6-36
5-37
6-44
5-85

per cent.
5-56
6-32
5-23
6-31
5-60

per cent.
6-25
6 -.55
6-41
6-95
6-37

per cent.
6-30
6-80
6-40
6-25
6-72

5-95

5-80

6-51

6-49

Dissolved Phosphates.

2
4
6
8
10

Bone ash,

Coi^rolites, .....

Bone meal,

Phosphatic guano, .
Char eston phosphate, .

Average, .

6-48
6-72
5-51
5-96
5-97

6-25
6-40
5-19
5-69
5-73

7-11

6-49
6-73
6-95
6-90

6-95
6-37

6-71
6-94

6-13

5-85

6-84

6-73

EXPEEIMEXTAL STATIONS — TUENIP CEOP 1882. 375

that the proportion of ash is greatest in those plots with full
manure, and least on those which are unmanured, or from which
some constituent has been withheld. Tarnips, like other plants,
take up more mineral matter than they require for their growth,
if an abundance of it is presented to their roots. The average
percentage of ash contained in the winter-manured section at
Pumpherston is greater than that in the summer-manured
section, and a comparison of the first ten plots (Table VIII.)
shows that peculiarity, and also shows that the proportion of
ash is greater when phosphates are applied in the dissolved
state.

The ash over the whole station at Harelaw is not affected by
the difference in the time of application of the manures, but as
regards the phosphate plots the two stations show quite
concordant results. The increase of ash due to the dissolving of
the phosphates is quite as marked at the one station as at the
other, and this result confirms that obtained in former years.

The percentage of ash does not rise and fall proportionately
with the amount of dry matter, nor yet wath the amount of crop
per acre, so that the total ash per acre cannot be determined
from these data. This is shown on Table IX., where the total
amount of ash per acre is shown in comparison with the total
dry matter. The amount of ash per acre gives an approxima-
tion to the amount of mineral matter removed from the soil by
the crop. It is only an approximation, for the mineral matter
in the plant suffers considerable change in the process of incinera-
tion, the organic salts are converted mostly into carbonates, while
small amounts of chlorides are volatilised and lost. But it is
sufficient for our purpose to consider the ash as a good measure
of the mineral matter lost to the soil by the crop. The average
ash on the two stations is given in the last line of the table. The
plots whose ash falls below the average mark are those deficient
in nitrogen, or whose nitrogen was supplied in an insoluble and
slow-acting form. It is the amount of nitrogenous manure of a
soluble kind in the manure or in the soil that determines the
amount of mineral matter in the crop. Plots 17 and 18 show this
very well. On plot 17 phosphate and potash salts have been
yearly applied, and yet the amount of mineral matter the crop
is able to take up is much smaller than that taken up by plot 18,
which has had nothing but nitrate of soda applied to it for fiv^e
years. The nitrate of soda has enabled the mineral matter in the
soil to be used by the crops, and the process would go on until
the available mineral matter in the soil was not suflicent to yield
half a crop. At present it has enabled the crop to grow well,
and extract mineral matter up to the tutal average of the
station. Plot 17 is being preserved for future use, while plot 18
is being exhausted ; but it is evident that the exhaustion is not

376

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

No. IX. — Mineral Matter removed from Soil per Acre, as

INDICATED BY ASH.

-^5

Pumpherston.

Ear

elaw.

Time of Manuring.

Time of Manuring.

O

/'

^

r

^

O

6

Manures.

January.

May.

January.

May.

03

<

33

1

<

CO

O

<

o
CO

Phosphatic Manures. per acre.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

1

Bone Ash,

3290

194

3046

169

4048

253

4318

272

2

Do. dissolved,

3613

234

2851

178

4302

305

4117

286

3

Ground coprolites,

2829

180

2954

187

4128

270

4079

277

4

Do. dissolved,

3351

225

3240

207

4664

302

4324

275

5

Bone Meal,

With nitrate

2936

158

2662

139

4175

268

4177

267

6

Do. dissolved,

- of soda and

3292

181

3029

157

4417

297

4098

273

7
8

Phosphatic guano.
Do. do. dissolved.

potash salts,

2880
3569

185
213

2696
3676

170
209

4368
4529

264
314

4235
4210

264
282

9

Ground Charleston phos..

2361

138

2753

154

3946

251

3881

260

10

Do. do. dissolved.

3622

216

3357

192

4547

313

4164

289

11

No phosphate, ^

1582

98

1668

100

4220

267

3771

260

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures.

1934

92

2145

103

3907

233

4022

264

13

Nitrate of soda, ^

2957

186

2815

16G

4765

317

4490

305

14

Sulphate of ammonia,

With super-

2902

168

2737

161

4929

321

4834

305

15

jDis. shoddy (Pump.),
(Horn dust (Harelaw),

phosphate
and potash

3018

154

1964

99

5369

314

4240

280

16

Di led blood.

salts,

2618

156

2701

139

4281

245

4197

259

17

No nitrogen.

1424

89

1281

75

4856

278

4421

251

18

Nitrate of soda alone,

Potassic Manures.

2496

152

2750

165

4205

281

4426

297

19

Sulphate of potash, ^ With superph.

3187

206

2655

169

4694

312

4549

301

20

Muriate of potash, V and nitrate

2631

161

2730

170

4593

285

4302

269

21

No potash, ) of soda,

2650

174

1516

107

4478

319

4466

313

22

Potash salts alone,

Guanos.

1421

86

1399

81

4698

312

4875

304

23

Peruvian guano,

3252

208

2885

183

4566

278

4666

282

24

Fish do.,

1939

128

2262

156

3849

244

4834

297

25

Ichaboe do.,

2246

143

2425

152

4925

335

4552

292

26

Unmanured since 1879, ....

1962

110

1932

105

4036

239

3966

227

27

Unmanured,

Superph osphates.

1886

107

1902

108

4168

228

4075

217

28

10% Soluble phosphate, ^ With sulp. of
25% Do. do., y ammonia and
40% Do. do., ) potash salt,

2823

178

2613

158

4680

271

4282

272

29

3318

209

2409

147

4929

296

4076

236

30

2637

162

1982

124

4346

271

4079

253

Average, .

.

2687

163

2468

148

448S

283

4290

274

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUPtNIP CPiOP 1882.

377

very rapid, for it is able still to provide as much mineral matter
to the plant as many plots to which mineral matter have been
annually applied. The amount of mineral matter taken away
by the crop per acre is important, as it affects the exhaustion of
the land, but it is perhaps more important as it affects the
redistribution of manure. When turnips are fed on the land the
mineral matter they contain is distributed over the land in the
du.na of the stock, and thus the mineral matter derived from
considerable depths is put into a most favourable position for
being used by the succeeding crop. It is of some importance to
know w^hat kind of manures are best suited for giving roots rich
in ash constituents, and therefore more advantageous for eating
on land that is in poor condition.

A comparison of the first ten plots (Tables VIII. and X.) gives
some very definite information on that point.

No. X. — Ash per Acre.

o

s

o
6

Manures.

Pumpherston.

Harelaw.

January.

May.

*>

January.

May.

"o

«^
>-<

•

'o

w.

•

"o

CO

(— »

CH

1— 1

•

;;

o

m

<6

IB

'o

CO

a

•

o
'o

1 &2
3&4
5&6
7&8
9&10

per acre.
Bone ash, .
Coprolites, .
Bone meal, .
Phosphatic guano,
Char eston phosj)hate,

lbs.
194
180
158
185
138

lbs.
234
225
181
213
216

lbs.
169
187
139
170
154

lbs.
178
207
157
209
192 i

lbs.
253
270
268
264
251

lbs.
305
302
297
314
313

lbs.
272
277
267
264
260

lbs.
286
275
273

282
289

Average, .

171

214

164 209

261

306

268 1 281

There is a great difference between these results, and even tlie
average results differ widely. At runi})hcrston the quantity of
mineral matter lifted by tiie crop from the soil on these plots
manured with soluble i)liosphates in winter is on an average 214
lbs. per acre, while on these manured witli insoluble phosphate
in summer it is only 164 lbs. per acre — a difference of 3U per
cent, in fjivour of the former.

The inference to be drawn from tliese results is that turnips
grown with dissolved manures will, when consumed by stock,
produce a manure containing a relatively large amount of mineral
j)lant food, anrl in that resi)ect are more valuable as a means of
improving land.

The woody fibre contained in the dry n)atter of turnijis is
about 10 or 11 per cent. The smaller and lirnier turnips of

378 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS— TURNIP CROP 1882.

Pumpherston contained less than the larger and softer ones at
Harelaw (see Table VIT.). By woody fibre is meant that part of
the turnip which is undissolved after being boiled for an hour
in a 5 per cent, acid solution, and then in a 5 per cent, alkaline
one. The object of this method of treatment is to imitate ia
some measure the digestive powers in animals. The woody
fibre which refuses to dissolve in these reagents is considered
indigestible. The process is not a very accurate one, and the
conclusions to be drawn from it are not perfectly reliable.
Animals even of the same race are apt to differ widely in their
digestive power, and the most we can say regarding the propor-
tions of woody fibre contained in Table YII. is that they are-
all done in the same way, and that they may indicate the relative
amount of indigestible matter in the turnips. It does not
appear from these experiments that the connection between the
manure employed and the proportion of woody fibre in the
turnips is a very close one. There seems to be an increase of
woody fibre when there is a want of vigour, so that plots receiv-
ing no nitrogenous manure or an insoluble one, such as plots 17
and 15, have much woody fibre. The want of potash also seems
to increase the proportion of woody fibre, and it is somewhat
remarkable that plot 22, which bore a poor and stunted crop, has
producing turnips with the lowest proportion of woody fibre on
the station.

From a feeding point of view — and that is the chief one where
turnips are concerned — the jDroportions of ash and woody fibre
are of secondary importance. They are the non-feeding part of
the turnip.

The feeding value of turnips depends upon the amount the^
contain of albuminoid matter and of carbohydrates ; the former
includes substances resembling flesh in their composition, and
the latter such substances as sugar, starch, and gum ; and the oil
which occurs to a greater or less extent in all fodder plants is
usually reckoned along with these ; the former are the nitro-
genous and the latter the non-nitrogenous constituents of food.
The proportion of these two constituents in fodder plants varies
very greatly, and the ratio between them, or the nitrogen ratio, as
it is called, determines the feeding value of the fodder. When
the proportion of the nitrogenous constituents is small, the
substance possesses a low feeding value, as in the case of straw ;
when it is great, as in the case of beans and oats, the feeding
value is high. Turnips belong to the former category, and when
it is desired to fatten an animal feeding on turnips, some more
nitrogenous food, either natural or artificial, has usually to be
added to' its diet. The more albuminoid matter a turnip
contains the greater is its feeding value, and it is well known
that turnips differ widely in their feeding value. Analysis also

EXPEEIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882. 37^

shows that the turnips which are most nutritious are those
which contain the largest proportion of albuminoid matter.
The proportion of albuminoid matter in turnips of the same
kind, and grown from the same parcel of seed, varies in an
extraordinary degree, and feeders are known to be of opinion
that turnips grown on one farm may fatten an animal, while
the same kind of turnips grown on another, it may be a
neighbouring farm, may not. The richness of the soil in
some measure determines the feeding value of the turnip,
and the richness of the soil depends among other things
upon the kind of manure which is applied to it. One
object of these experiments is to discover how the va.rious
substances which are used in making turnip manures affect the
feeding value of the crop.

Albuminoid matter is not the only nitrogenous constituent
of turnips. There are also nitrates, and other nitrogenous
substances less complex than albumen, which are found in
various proportions in different turnips. In estimating the
feediug value of turnips, it is with the albuminoid matter
that we are concerned, and not with the other nitrogenous
materials, and we must therefore use some means of estimat-
ing the albuminoid nitrogen apart from the nitrogen of the
non-album.inoid substances. There are various good methods,
and it matters little which we employ, so long as we adhere to
the same method throughout. The method used in this case
was the " carbolic acid method " proposed by Church. When
turnip matter is allowed to steep for some time in aqueous
carbolic acid, the albuminoid matter coagulates and becomes
insoluble in water, so that all nitrogenous matter of a non-
albuminoid kind may be washed away from it. The nitrogen in
the coagulated albumen is determined by combustion with soda
lime. In order to obtain an estimate of the amount of non-
albuminoid nitrogen, a combustion was made of all the samples
before as well as after treatment with carbolic acid. The results
are given on Table XI. In the first column of the table is given
the total nitrogen in the turnip, and in the second the albuminoid
nitrogen, and the dill'erence between these two shows how much
non-albuminoid nitrogen there is in the turnips. This ranges
from less than one-tenth to nearly one-quarter of the whole
nitrogen, so that on an average of the whole station, while there
is suflicient nitrogen to account for 9 per cent, of albuminoid
matter, there is realy only 7h per cent, of real albuminoid
matter in the dry matter of the crop.

This is a very low result, but it corroborates that obtained
witli the former turnip crop on runii)lierston. The seed
sown was of tlie same kind on both occasions, and perhaps
the kind of seed has something to do witli the result.

380

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

No. XI. — Albumen in Dry Matter of Turnips — Pumpherston.

Manur

es applied in January.

Manures applied in

May.

Manures.

Nitrogen.

Albumen.

Nitrogen.

Albumen.

o

"B
c

1

<

53

c3

s

"3

'2
'S

c

e

<

c
o

w

S3

(1h

i

o

Phosphatic Manures.

per
cent.

per
cent.

lbs.

per per
cent. cent.

lbs.

1

Bone ash,

113

1-02

6-45

212

1-60 1-16

7-31

222

2

Do. dissolved,

1-45

1-08

6-83

246

1-41 110

6-96

198

3

Ground coprolites,

1-48

1-14

7-21

204

1-57 1-19

7-53

222

4

Do. dissolved,

1-28

1-07

6-75

226

112 100

6-33

205

5

Bone Meal,

With nitrate

1-32

105

6-64

195

1-39 1-09

6-90

183

6

Do. dissolved,

. of soda and

1-43

1-09

6-90

227

1-37 110

6-96

211

7

Phosphatic guano,

potash salts,

1-30

111

7-00

202

1-44

1-20

7-59

205

8

Do. do. dissolved,

1-23

1-03

6-51

232

1-35

112

7-08

260

9

Ground Charleston phos.,

1-G6

1-40

8-86

209

1-77

1-38

8-73

240

10

Do. do. dissolved,

1-41

1-23

7-76

281

1-54

1-22

7-75

260

11

No phosphate,

1-80

1-45

9-17

145

1-78

1-43

9-05

151

12

Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures.

1-27

117

7-40

143

111

0-95

6-01

129

13
14
15
16
17

Nitrate of soda, ">

Sulphate of ammonia.

Dissolved shoddy.

Dried blood.

No nitrate, ^

;"tftth>uper-
phosphate
and potash

salts,

1-57
1-31
1-37
1-23
1-62

1-38
1-22
1-19
1-27
1-49

8-73
7-72
7-53
8-02
9-43

258
224
227
210
134

1-55
1-37
1-29
1-25
1-54

1-24
1-28
1-00
112
1-28

7-86
8-10
6-37
7-18
813

221
222
129
194
104

18

Nitrate of soda alone

Potassic Manures.

1-39

1-26

8 00

199

1-37

1-24

7-86

216

19

Sulphate of potash, ) "With supei-ph.

1-72

1-23

7-79

248

1-52

1-29

8-16

217

20

Mm-iate of potash, V and nitrate

1-43

1-34

8-48

223

1-41

1-26

7-97

217

21

No potash, ) of soda,

1-56

1-23

7-81

207

1-31

1-11

7-02

106

22

Potash salts alone,

1-20

1-07

6-77

96

1-34

1-13

7-15

100

.

Guanos.

23

PeiTivian guano,

1-26

1-18

7-47

243

1-39

1-25

7-91

228

24

Fish do

1-43

1-22

7*75

150

1-35

112

7-12

161

25

Ichahoe do.,

1-42

1-39

8-79

197

1-35

1-20

7-62

184

26

Unmanured since 1879, ....

1-39

1-25

7-90

155

1-40

1-26

7-97

154

27

Unmanured,

Superphosphates.

1-58

1-23

7-78

C

147

1-58

1-28

8-10

154

28

10% Soluble phosphate, \ With sulph. of
25% Do. do., V ammonia and
40% Do. do., ) potash salt.

1-71

1-41

8-92

251

1-83

1-45

9-18

240

29

1-72

1-39

8-80

292

1-71

1-37

8-67

209

30

1-70

1-37

8-68

228

1-67

1-40

8-92

177

Average,

.

7-79

207 ,

7-65

190

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TUKNIP CEOP 1882.

381

Owing to the smalloess of the scale on which the former
analysis was made, and the unfavourable character of the season,
1 did not feel justiiied 1.: attaching much importance to the

No. XII. — Albumen in Dry Matter op Turnips. — Harelaw.

^

Manure

applied in

Manure

applied in

o

January.

May.

Manures.

"o
6

X> J. C« JLl \^A ^ 1 3 •

Albumen.

Albumen.

Albumen.

, Albumen.

Per cent.

Per acre.

Per cent.

Per acre.

Phosphatic Manures.

lbs.

t
lbs.

1

Bone ash, ^

7-72

312

8-19

.354

2

Do. dissolved,

7-47

321

7-40

305

3

Ground coprolites.

6-62

273

6-68

272

4

Do. dissolved,

6-81

317

6-55

283

5

Bone meal,

With nitrate

7-34

305

6-82

285

6

Do. dissolved.

- of soda and

6-14

271

7-07

290 •

7

Phosphatic guano,

potash salts,

7-79

340

7-09

300

8

Do. do. dissolved,

7-34

332

7-40

311

9

Ground Charleston phos..

7-03

277

7-37

286

10

Do. do. dissolved.

7-98

363

7-28

303

11

No phosphate.

8-68

366

7-98

301

12

Bone ash aloue,

Nitrogenous Manures.

6-94

289

7-60

306

13

Nitrate of soda.
Sulphate of ammonia,

With super-
phosphate
' and potash
salts,

8-03

383

8-48

381

14

7-23

356

7-89

381

15
16

Horn dust.
Dried blood,

6-75
6-34

362
271

8-29
5-89

352
247

17

No nitrogen, J

6-84

332

6-78

300

18

Nitrate of soda alone, ....
PoUissic Manures.

8-37

352

7-81

345

19

Sulphate of potash, \ With superph.

8-82

414

8-57

390

30

Muriate of potash, V and nitrate

7-40

339

7-30

314

21

No potasli, j of soda,

9-33

417

9 08

405

22

Potash salts alone, ....
Ouano'=i.

6-61

310

7-34

358

23

Penivian guano,

7-84

358

7-72

360

24

Fisli do.,

7-98

307

7-98

385

25

IcliaV)Oe do.,

6-68

329

6-74

306

26

Uiiiiianured since 1879,

6-93

280

7-00

278

27

Un manured,

Superphosphates.

6-36

265

Q-m

271

28

10% Sohible phosphate, \ With sulph. of

8-68

406

8-67

371

29

'2.'> Do. do. V ammonia and

8-32

410

8-50 I

316

30

4U/3 Do. do. j potash salts.

8-38

364

S-51 !

347

Average, .

1

7-49

340

7-56 ,

324

results then obtained ; but on this occasion the analysis lias been
carried out on an enormous scale, and the average obtained is
derived from the analysis of 120 samples, so that there is no

382 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

doubt about the proportion of albuminoid matter contained in
these turnips. It shows that turnips may form a very poor
diet, and that though there are turnips containing 1 per cent.v
of albuminoid matter, there are also some which contain only
three-quarters of that amount or less. There is a considerable
range in the proportion of albuminoid, and there is some con-
nection between the manuring and the amount of albumen.
Thus it will be seen, on comparing the soluble and insoluble
phosphate plots (Tables XIII. and XIV.), that the percentage
of albumen is less where soluble phosphates are applied. There
are several advantages to be gained by the use of superphos-
phate rather than ground phosphates, but it would seem that
the growing of plants rich in albumen is not one of them. We
have seen that they may increase the amount of the crop, and
that they increase the proportion of ash, but it is evident from
the result obtained at both stations, that they decidedly diminish
the proportion of albuminoid matter. This is a very unfortunate
result, for of all the constituents of a turnip, the albumen is the
most important one from a feeding point of view, and it is just
possible that the advantages above referred to may be bought at
too dear a price, if the proportion of albumen is seriously dimin-
ished. It will be seen that the diminution of albumen is not
sufficient to counteract the gain from the total increase of weight,
but the amount of albuminoid matter produced per acre on the
dissolved phosphate plots is not by any means so great as we
should expect from the gross gain in the weight of the crop.
This is a matter which cannot be definitely determined by ana-
lysis, but it is an important one, and it deserves to be tested by
actual feeding experiments.

From the data now before us, we are able to calculate the
remaining portion of turnip matter. It consists of carbo-
hydrates and oil, and these make up the great bulk of the solid
matter of turnips. About three-quarters of the solid matter
consist of these constituents, but the latter is there in very small
amount, so small as to make it unnecessary to estimate it
separately unless for special purposes.

In the following table (XV.) the oil is included with the car-
bohydrates, and the ratio between the albumen and carbohydrates
is given, the albumen being considered as 1 per cent. The
average ratio may be taken as 1 : 10, that is, one of albumen to ten
of carbohydrates, &c., contained in the dry matter of the turnip.
One to ten is a wide ratio, and indicates a poor feeding material.
It will be seen, however, that there is a considerable range in
these ratios, and that a closer ratio, such as 1 : 8-5 is not uncommon.
The closer the ratio the better the feeding quality, and it is
evident that the turnips grown on some of these plots would
have formed a more nutritious diet than those grown upon

EXPEPJMENTAL STATIONS — TURKIP CROP 1882.

383

No. XIII. — PUMPHERSTON.

Undissolved Phos^^hates.

No. of Plot.

Manures.

1
Manured in January. !

1

Manured in May.

•—I V

Is 1

S S

as

< ^

1^

s s

1
3

5

7
9

Bone ash,

Ground coprolites, ....

Bone meal,

Phosphatic guano, ....
Charleston phosphate, .

Average, .

6-45
7-21
6-64
7-00
8-86

lbs. '
212

204 '
195 i
202 1
209 1

7-31
7-53
6-90
7-59
8-73

lbs.
222
222
183
205
240

7-23

204 7-61

1

214

Dissolved Phosphates.

2
4
6
8
10

Rone ash,

Ground coprolites, ....
Bone meal, . . . ' .
Phosphatic guano, ,
Charleston phosphate, .

Average, .

6-83
6-75
6-90
6-51
7-76

246 ■
226 ;
227

232 1
281

6-96
6-33
6-96
7-08
7-75

198
205
211
260
260

' 6-97

I

242

7-01

' 227

No. XIV. — Harelaw.
Undissolved Phosphates.

o

d

1
3
6
7
9

1
^lanures.

Manured in January.

1

Manured in May.

1^

< ^

Is

< ^

Bone a.sh,

Ground coprolites, ....
Bone meal, .....
Phosjihatic guano, ....
Chark'stou phosjthate, .

Average, .

7-72
6-62
7-34
7-79
7-03

lbs.
321
273
305
340
277

8-19

6-68

6-82

1 7-09

' 7-37

lbs. :

354
272

285
300
286

7-30

301 1 7-23

299

Dissolved Phosphates.

2
4
6
8
10

Bone ash, .....

(iround coprolit' s

Bone meal,

l*hos )li;itio ptiuno, ....
Char eston phosphate, .

Avera;.'«'. .

7-47
6-81
6 14
7-34

7-98

321
317
271
332
363

7-40
6-.')5
7-07
7-40
7-28

» > ■ » '

21<0
311

.■;n;>

715

1 321

i 714 298

384 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 18S2.

others. It will be seen that the ratio is closest on these plots
which produced a small crop, and that the ratio widens very
regularly, according as the quantity of solid matter per acre
increases. The increase of quantity thus seems to be got at the
expense of quality, and that what is called a poor crop is
nevertheless, ton for ton, better feeding matter than a large one.
A small crop should therefore fetch a higher price per ton than
a bulky one. The phosphate plots which produced large
crops have a wide ratio, and those to which soluble phosphate
was applied have the widest ratio of all. The only plot which
contains a small crop with a ^'ide ratio is plot 22, — an abnormal
plot in many respects, — which received nothing but potash salts.
The superphosphate plots 28, 29, and 30 are nearly on a level as
regards feeding quality, but with the exception of the winter-
manured half of plot 29, the crop was below average in quantity.
It will be noticed, however, that all these plots have a compara-
tively close ratio, and the produce of them was better than the rest
of the station if we have regard to both the quantity and quality
combined. The main difference in the manuring between these
plots and the others is, that instead of being top-dressed with
nitrate of soda, they had sulphate of ammonia applied to them ;
and it may be that nitrogen supplied in the latter form is better
than the other for the production of quality in turnips, but it
would be rash to assert this without further proof than is afforded
by this one set of experiments. It is an indication, however,
which will receive investigation immediately. The results of
these analyses sufficiently show that there are other things than
manuring to consider in aiming at quality in turnips, and chiefly
there is the seed. Other experiments, which I have been carry-
ing on for some years, show that with proper selection of seed
there is a possibility of improving the strain of turnips in the
direction of increasing their feeding quality, and it seems evident
that this is a matter in which we have hitherto been too careless.
There seems no reason why the feeding power of turnips should
not be greatly increased — perhaps doubled — by a careful selec-
tion of seed from the most nutritious bulbs.

The " Quantity plots " (31-34) form a very instructive group
at Pumpherston station. These plots are duplicates of plots
1, 2, 4, and 20, and have the same gross quantity of manure
applied to them, but they are each divided in half. The manure
for them was divided into three equal portions ; to one half of
each plot one portion was given and to the other half two por-
tions. The one half of each plot received exactly half the
amount of manure which the other half did. In comparison
with the plots of which they are duplicates, the one half received
one-third less manure, and the other received one-third more.
The differences in the amount of crop are very striking — much

EXPERDIEXTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CEOP 1882.

385

. No. XV. — Pampherston.
Eatio of Albumex to Carbohydrates ix Dry Matter of Turnips.

o

o

1

2

3

4

5

C

7

8

9

10

11

12

13
14
15
16
17
18

19
20
21
22

23
24
25
26
27

28
29
30

Manures.

Manured in Januar)'.

Manured in May.

Phosphatic Manures.
Bone ash,
Do. dissolved,
Ground cnprolites,
Do. dissolved,
Bone meal, With nitrate

Do. dissolved, r of soda and

Phosphatic guano, potash salts.

Do. do. dissolved,
Ground Chaileston phos.
Do. do. dissolved,
Xo phosphate, J

Bone ash alone, ....

Nitrogenous Manures.
Nitrate of soda.
Sulphate of ammonia,
Dissolved shoddy,
Dried blood,
Xo nitrogen,
Nitrate of soda alone,

1

I With super-

y phosphate and

I potash salts,

)

Potassic Mantires.
Sulphate of potash, \ With superph.
Muriate of potash, > and nitrate of
No potash, ) soda,
Potash salts alone,

Ouanos.

Peruvian guano,

Fish do

Ichaboe do.,

Unmanured since 187!t, ....
Unmanared

Superphosphates.
10% Soluble phosphate, \ With suip. of
25% Do. do., > ammonia and

40% Do. do., ) potash salts,

s
o

Per
cent.

6-45

6-83

7-21

6-75

6-64

6-90

7-00

6-51

8-86

7-76

9-17

7-40

8-73
7-72
7-53
7-02
9-43
8-23

8-79
8-48
7-81
6-77

7-47
7-75
8-79
7-90
7-78

8-92
8-80
8 -68

d

1

cJ

^

1

C

^

rt 00

Is

o

S3

o

62

«

.o

r12

•w

<

>>

>,

Per
cent.

76-9

75-1

75-2

75-7

76-3

75-8

73-5

75-3

73-3

75-4

70-5

77-1

74-8
76-5
74-9
75-8
71-6
76-G

74-0
741
72-6
77-7

74-7
73-8
74-7
7C-7
74-7

73-5
75-6

;ll-9

;ll-0

10-4

11-2

11-5

11-0

10-7

11-5

8-3

9-6

7-8

104

8-5
9-9
• 9-9
10-8
7-6
9-3

1 : 8-4
1 : 8-7
1 : 9-3
1 : 11-5

1 : 10 0
1 : 8-6
1 : 8-2
1 : 9-7
I : 9-6

8-3
8-6

r4-9 i 1 : 8-6

Per
cent.

7-31

6-96

7-53

6-33

6-90

6-96

7-59

7-08

8-73

7-75

9-03

6-01

8 -86
8-10
6-87
7-18
8-73
7-86

7-02 :
7 15

7-91

7-12

7-62

7-97

810

8-58

8-67

8-92

Per
cent.

76-3

76-8

771

77-5

78-2

76-9

75-0

76-7

74 '5

75-9

73-3

78-0

74-6
76-0
75-4
75-9
73-4
740

11

I 1
I 1

1
1
1
1
1
1

816 74-2
7-97 I 74-3
72-5
781

:10-6
:110
: 10-2
: 12 -2
:n-3
: 110
: 9-8
:]0-8
: 8-5
: 9-8
: 81
: 11-3

: 8-4
: 9-3
:10-9
: 10-5
: 8-4
: 9-4

1 : 90
1 : 90
1 : 10-3
1 : 10-9

74-7
77-3
75-7
74-2

74-2 1 : 9-4

10-4
10-1

1 : 9-5
1 : 91

78-8 I 1 8-6
751 I 1 : 8-6
760 1 : 8-4

2 B

386

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

more so than they have been in any previous year. The details
are as follows : —

No. XVI. — Quantity Plots — Pumpherston.

4^

o

Cm

o

•

o

Winter
Manuring.

Spring
Manuring.

Total
per acre.

Duplicate Plots
per acre.

Quantity of Manure
compared with
Normal Plots.

2
3

4

2
3

4
3

2
3

4
3

Normal
Manure.

cwt, qr. cwt. qr.

cwt. qr.

cwt. qr.

ton cwt.

ton cwt.

ton cwt.

31

Duplicate of Plot 1

10 0

23 1

9 1

24 0

7 14

18 18

16 3

32

)) M 2

11 0

31 1

11 3

24 3

9 2

22 8

17 0

33

„ 14

10 1

23 2

10 3

27 0

8 8

20 4

13 19

34

„ 20

11 0

30 2

13 2

22 1

9 16

21 2

14 11

Average, .

10 2

27 0

11 1

24 2

8 15

20 13

15 8

The half with one-third less than the normal quantity of
manure has given an exceedingly poor crop, and the winter
application has done worst. The half with one-third more
than the normal manure has yielded more than double the
crop of the other, and in this case the advantage lies with
the winter manuring. When these results are compared with
those obtained on the plots of which they are duplicates, and
which received the normal quantity of manure, the relation
between the quantity of manure and the crop becomes very
apparent. The two-thirds manure crop is a failure and a loss ;
the three-thirds or normal manure shows an enormous increase,
quite disproportionate to the amount of manure added. The
manure was increased by one-third and the crop has increased
by more than two-thirds ; instead of 8 tons 15 cwt. there is
olatained an average of 15 tons 8 cwt. per acre. When four-
thirds the normal manure is applied another great increase is
observed ; the crop is raised to 20 tons 13 cwt. on an average.
The first increment of manure raised the crop 6 tons 13 cwt.
per acre, the second increment raised it 5 tons 5 cwt. per acre,
and had there been a third and a fourth increment of manure
there would have been a further though of course smaller aud
smaller increase in the weight of crop. By means of a simple
experiment such as this we are able to discover what is the
amount of manure which can be most profitably applied in
growing a crop of turnips. In this case the average price of
the manure applied would be about £3 per acre. We may
therefore put the cost of manure against the crop thus —

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — TURNIP CROP 1882.

387

Price of Manure
per acre.

Crop per acre.

U nmanured, .
1 manure,
f nianure,
1 manure.

£ s. d.

• • •

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

Tons. cwt.
8 0

8 15

15 8

20 13

It is evident that, by the expenditure of £2 per acre, there is
no profit, but a loss of £2, for the crop is comparable with
that of the plots which received nothing at all. When £3
per acre is spent on manure, 6 J tons of turnips are got for it ;
that is, an average cost for manure of about Qs. per ton of
turnips. When £4 per acre is spent on manure, nearly 12 tons
per acre of turnips are got for it, or an average cost of fully
6s. 6d. per ton. It is probable that had another 20s. per acre
been spent on the manure of these turnips, the average produce
would have amounted to from 24 to 25 tons per acre ; that is,
about 16^ tons increase for £5 spent on manure, making the
cost a little below 6s. 6d. per ton. Any further increase of
manure would have produced only a small increase of turnips,
if any, and it is evident that we have reached the limit of
profitable manuring when we apply one and two-thirds the
amount of manure we are putting upon these turnips. That is
to say, it would pay best to spend £5 per acre in turnip manure
of the kind we are applying for Pumpherston station ; and if it
did not pay to spend £5 per acre, it would not pay to grow
turnips there at all, for turnips can be grown cheaper at a cost
of £5 per acre for the manure we are using, than they can be
grown at any less manurial expenditure.

For every soil and system of manuring, there is a point
beyond which it is unprofitable to go in the application of
manures, and that is a point short of which it is unprojitahlc to
stop. It is as easy to underdo, as it is to overdo the manure
expenditure, and the temptation to the former is very great.
What that point is every farmer who grows turnips must dis-
cover for himself, and an experiment, such as the one here
described, is one that should be practised by every farmer in the
country.

388

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — BARLEY CROP 1883.

BARLEY CROP, 1883.

Owing to the extreme severity of the winter of 1882-3, and the
consequent delay in securing the turnip crop, it was impossible
to repeat the experiment of a winter and spring manuring with
the succeeding crop of barley. There was, however, an experi-
ment of a similar kind, which it seemed desirable to try as
regards the application of a top-dressing. The system of
manuring at the stations was favourable for making an experi-
ment of that kind, for a large number of the plots annually
receive their nitrogenous manure in the form of nitrate of soda,
and accordingly it was determined to try what were the relative
effects produced by a late and an early top-dressing of this
manure. For this purpose the plots receiving nitrate were cut
in two as in the previous year, and to the half which had
received the winter-manuring for turnips, the whole manure was
applied along with the barley seed in April, while to the other
half the same manure were applied, with the exception of the
nitrate of soda. This constituent was withheld until the braird
was far enough advanced to make use of it. In ordinary seasons
this would have been about a month after the date of sowing,
but owing to extreme drought the seed was slow in germinating.
It was not until about the middle of May that the first braird
was seen at Pumpherston, and it was fully a week later before
the more backward plots could be said to have established their
braird. The success or otherwise of top-dressing depends
greatly upon the rainfall, and the amount and distribution of
the rainfall during the time the crop was growing requires to be
noted, in order that the effects of the early and late application
of nitrate of soda may be properly interpreted. The following
is the record of the rainfall at Pumpherston, from the date of
sowing onwards : —

Rainfall.

Inches.

No. of Days
on which Eain
fell on Barley.

April, 23rd to 30th, .
May, ....
June, ....
July, . . . .

August,

1-07
1-55
2-44
4-98
3-15

3

7

9

16

8

Total,

13-15

43

This carefully kept record shows that the season was altogether

EXPEPJMEXTAL STATIONS — BARLEY CROP 1883. 389

an exceptional one. Not only is the total rainfall very high, but
it is distributed in a manner which is the converse of that of
normal seasons. Instead of July being the driest month, it was
the wettest. It rained more than half the time, and attained
the extraordinary record of almost 5 inches. It is needless to
say that this had a very marked influence upon the barley
crop, and unfavourably affected the whole of the experiments,
but especially that part which was designed to exhibit the
relative advantage of early and late top-dressing.

Had the rainfall of July and August been interchanged with
that of May and June, the results would have been entirely
different. Owing to the drought in May, the braird remained
nearly stationary for weeks, and the half-plots which had
received nitrate of soda were no better than those from which
it had been withheld. It was evident that the manures had not
begun to tell upon the crop, and it was determined to delay the
application of nitrate to the remaining half-plots until the effect
of the first application was visible. This did not occur until
the middle of June. After the occurrence of two or three days
of wet weather, the greener and more vigorous appearance of the
parts where the nitrate had been applied, showed that that
manure was having its effect, and the remaining half plots were
immediately top-dressed. There was thus seven weeks of an
interval between the first and second application of nitrate,
instead of three and four weeks, as would have been the case in
a normal season. Had the season continued to be a dry one,
this interval would probably not have been too great, but the
occurrence of extremely wet w^eather in July brought about a
state of matters which could not have been anticipated. The
crop which had remained for weeks in a dormant state now
shot away at a great rate, and the half which had received the
late top-dressing rapidly overtook its rival, and in the end
surpassed it in length of straw by 6 or 8 inches. During the
first week of August the crop looked beautiful, and the difference
between the late and early top-dressing could be seen distinctly
three miles off'. A few days later there occurred the memorable
storm of the Uth August, which made such havoc of the woods
and plantations all over the country, and the crops at both
stations, in common with most of the corn corps in the
neighljourhood, were very much laid. The parts which were
late top-dressed sulfered most, for on them the straw was long
and slender and thickly grown, and no doubt it was of a weaker
constitution than that on tlie other plots. Accordingly large
breadths of it were laid Hat or twisted about in a great confusion,
and the hopes of obtaining a line crop and much reliable
information were rudely dissi[)ated. The storm occurred at an
unfortunate time, for the crop was still growing, and the various

390

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — BARLEY CROP 18S3.

No. XVII.— Barley Crop, 1883.
Harelaw.

o

\ Ah

o

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12

13
14
15
16
17
18

19

20
21
22

23

24
25
26
27

28

29

30

31a

31^

32a

32^^

33

34

35a

356

36

37

38

39

40

Manures,

Phosphatic Maiiures —
Bone ash,

Do. dissolved,
Ground coprolites,

Do. dissolved,
Bone meal, "With nitrate

Do. dissolved, )■ of soda and

Phosphatic guano, potash salts,

Do. do. dissolved.
Ground Charleston phos. ,

Do. do. dissolved,
No phosphates,
Bone ash alone,

Nitrogenous Manures —

Nitrate of soda.
Sulphate of ammonia,
Dissolved shody,
Dried blood,
No nitrogen,
Nitrate of soda alone,

1

! With super-
s' phosphate and
I potash salts,

Potassic Manures —
Sulphate of potash, \ With superph.
I\Iuriate of potash, y and nitrate of
No potash, J soda.
Potash salts alone,

Giianos —
Peruvian guano.
Fish do.,
Ichaboe do.,
Steamed bone meal,
Unmanured, continuously,

Superphospha tes —
10% Soluble phosphate, ) With nitrate
25% Do. do., I of soda and

40% Do. do., j pota.sh salts,

Duplicate of Plot 1 (| manure)

Do. do. 1 (I do. )

Do. do. 2(§ do. )

Do. do. 2 (I do. )
Calcined fossil phosphate.
Fray Bentos guano.
Rape dust,

Cotton cake dust, ....
Unmanured (formerly xH acre plots),
Unmanured.
Superphosphate,
Unmanured, .

Do.,

Dressed
Grain.

Ph

PQ

64-

69-

66-

66-

61-

61-

65-

70-

66-

63-0

65-3

48-2

1 -

•1
•3
•7

•7
•1
•1
•3
•6
•1

56-8
60-0
48-7
57-2
50-1
65-7

66-0
65-0
60-7
50-8

59-4
63-8
61-3
62-0
42-7

60-7
66-6
65-9
54-7
63-3
60-7
66-8
56-5
55-0
55-0
61-5
54-5
40-7
64-2
46-0
38-0

lbs.
53|
531
534
53i
54|
54
53
52|
53i
53f
53i
55|

54

54i

55|

55i

56"

53i

52^
53i
534
56"

554

55|

541

54

551

54

531

53^

541

534

55"

54

56

55J

55

55i

54

55|

53

55

55i

S-i

o

'fcb
3

lbs.
212
160
272
220
172
236
216
220
220
372
200
116

244
204
132
136
220
232

264

40

400

196

200
220
192
164
164

268
252
248
216
336
280
296
164
121
384
304
240
144
224
144
140

3546
3815
3790
3197
3722
3618
3903
3328
3160
3409
3702
3183
2413
3627
2674
2239

Total

Grain.

i

ci

2
0

Ph

in

lbs.

cwt.

3657

26

3867

20

3840

24

3790

28

3486

26

3535

25

3677

26

3944

28

3740

26

3758

26

3693

24

2779

20

3311

20

3474

20

2847

18

3311

20

3026

18

3747

24

3712

22

3461

24

3647

22

3041

20

3497

22

3745

24

3533

24

3512

26

2534

20

26
26
26
28
28
24
28
25
24
24
25
26
19
28
20
18

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — BARLEY CROP 1883.

91

No. XVIL— Barley Crop, 1883.
Pumpherston.

o

Top-dressed in

April.

Top-dressed in

June.

Dressed Grain.

0

Dressed Grain.

S

Ph

0

Ph

6
0

E

^*-l

.2

ci a5

u

■A

(13

1

.

1

^

o

Bushels
per acre.

^2

Light Gr
acr

Total Gr
acr

Ph

a

Bushels
per acre.

Weight
per buslie

Light Gi
acr

Total Gr
acr

P,

m

lbs.

1
lbs.

lbs.

cwt.

lbs.

lbs.

lbs.

cwl.

1

38-7

541

96

2205

33

40-6

521

232

2363

36

2

40-2

54i
54

88

2279

33

42-8

53|

128

2418

36

3

32-7

176

1942

33

38-2

511

240

2207

37

4

41-0

54^
54^

56

2290

33

45-3

53

200

2601

36

5

41-5

72

2334

35

42-6

53

208

2466

33

6

42-9

55

40

2399

40

49-1

53

144

2746

38

7

43-5

52i

120

2404

32

43-5

52

208

2470

39

8

46-2

54"

232

2727

33

44-6

52^

344

2685

38

9

37-7

521

192

2171

36

35-7

52

192

2048

36

10

48-9

53'

144

2736

39

52-3

52i

184

2930

36

11

29-9

54

200

1814

30

30-1

53|

240

1850

30

12

19-9

53

120

1175

16

13

44-9

55^

104

2596

32

42-9

54

312

2629

34

14

440

56^

296

2760

30

15

27-7

551

48

1585

19 •

16

44-3

54i

68

2482

26

17

23-1

53'

32

1256

16

18

21-7

51

180

1287

22

19

48-9

54i

96

2761

33

46-3

52

160

2567

30

20

42-9

53

112

2386

27

47-0

54

144

2682

29

21

28-2

50

296

1706

24

22-5

49

608

1710

28

22

14-7

53

96

875

10

23

34-2

55

72

1953

22

24

32-3

53

112

1824

19

25

35-0

m

68

1940

23

26

36-6

52.t

144

2065

24

27

15-6

51"

144

909

12

28

43-7

53

160

2476

31

33-8

51

280

2004

31

29

46-1

54

88

2577

33

41-3

53A

296

2505

36

30

45-5

53

208

2619

32

35-8

51 i

352

2196

32

31 rt

25-5

53

192

1543

29

'6\b

400

5U

352

2412

40

32rt

33-0

53

2.^>6

2005

32

32A

49-3

53).

224

2861

44

33

31 0

53"

104

1747

27

34

37 0

53

82

2043

30

35a

33-5

54

64

1873

22

356

37-0

55

48

2083

24

36

41-0

54

138

2352

32

37

210

53

104

1217

16

38

42-2

55

212

2533

33

39

76-5

513

91

944

13

40

16-0

51}

100

927

13

392 EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — BAELEY CROP 1883.

plots were in very different stages of adv^ancement, and it was
evident that the ears of corn on the later plots would not get a
chance of filling and ripening properly.

To add to the mischief done on the 9th, there occurred four
days later a renewal of the storm, accompanied by heavy rain, so
that during twenty-four hours on the 13th August a rainfall of 1"66
inches was registered. The efl'ect of this was not only to beat
down still further the fallen corn, but to cause it to stock out
afresh, and on the plots most battered a large undergrowth of
weak slender plants made its appearance.

Altogether the season of 1883 was very unfavourable to the
barley crop, for, besides the excessive rainfall, the w^eather was
cold and sunless. The mean daily maximun temperature at
Pumpherston during May was 57° F., and on seven nights there
were from 1° to 8° of frost. The mean daily maximum tempera-
ture in June was 50° F., in July 67° F., and in August 63° F.

The state of matters at Harelaw was very similar to the
above, but as the crop was much heavier the effects of the storm
were even more disastrous on the late manured parts of that
station. It was evident that no information could be obtained
there regarding the relative value of early and late top-dressings,
and in the harvesting this distinction was not maintained, but
each plot was cut as a whole.

The crop at Harelaw was chevalier barley, and that at
Pumpherston common barley.

Table XVIT. gives the details of the crop at both stations.

Eegarding the crop at Harelaw very little comment is
necessary. The yield per acre over the whole is tolerably
uniform, except on the plots where one or more ingredients of
the manure are omitted. On so fertile a soil the differences
between the plots receiving equivalent amounts of manure could
only be slight at the best, but the effect of the storm was to act
as a leveller of distinctions, for the plots where the growth was
heaviest were precisely those which were most battered down,
and thus the lighter plots had an opportunity of improving their
relative position. On the poorer soil of Pumpherston the same
disturbance occurred, but there the differences w^ere too great to
be obliterated, and the results of the cropping there indicate
plainly enough the relative advantages of the various kinds of
manures.

The half-plots to which the late top-dressing was applied
were kept distinct, and the results are given on the right hand
side of the table. The differences of the numbers on the two
sides of the table are very striking. It is evident that the effect
of delaying the application of nitrate of soda until the month of
June has been to produce a bulkier crop both in grain and straw,
and there can be no doubt that if the corn had been allowed to

EXPERDIENTAL STATIONS —BArtLEY CROP 1883. 393

mature without damage tlie advantage of late top-dressing, in
that respect, would have been still more apparent. It will be
seen, however, that the advantage in respect of quoMtAty of grain
is got at the expense of quality, for the weight per bushel of the
heavier crop is decidedly inferior, and the proportion of light
grain is enormously increased. It may be that late top-dressing,
even in the most favourable circumstances, has the effect of
producing an inferior quality of grain, and a greater proportion
of light grain, but that is by no means proved by these
experiments. It has been already explained that the damage
done by the storm was most felt in that part of the stations
where the bulk was greatest, and the sudden check which was
given to the growth of that part of the crop would have the
direct effect of preventing the tilling of the ears, especially when
it is remembered that one of the effects of late top-dressing is the
retarding of the time of ripening. Had the second top-dressing
been applied about three weeks later than the first, as it would
have been in a normal season, very little difference in the time
of ripening would have occurred ; but as more than double that
time elapsed between the two applications of nitrate, it was
noticed that the late manured section was still green when a
yellow tinge was apparent over the rest of the station. Accord-
ingly, when the storm came on a large amount of the nourish-
ment stored up in the roots of the late manured corn had not
yet been carried up into the stem, and its progress in that
direction was checked when the stem was broken over. This
nutritive matter was thus prevented from adding to the weiglit
of the ears already formed, and expended itself in the formation
of a puny second growth, which, running to seed, greatly
augmented the amount of light grain. It is highly probable
that if the crop had been allowed to mature without accident,
the later manured section would liave produced as heavy a
quality of grain as the other, and perhaps in even greater
abundance. This is undoubtedly a subject well worthy of
investigation, and it will receive careful attention at the first
opportunity. The relative quantity and quality on the two
sides of the table are thus found to compensate each other in
some measure, so that when we consider the total weight of
grain and of straw, the differences due to the early and late top-
dressings are not so striking as at first sight they appear. It
is to the two columns containing the total weights of grain and
straw per acre that we must direct our attention in estimating
the relative eOicacy of the various forms of manure.

In the first i)lace as regards phos})hates, it will be seen on
conijiaring the results of the ground phosphate with those of the
dissolved phosphate plots, that the advantage remains with the
latter, despite the levelling effects of the storm. They have

394

EXPErJMEXTAL STATIONS — BAELEY CROP 1883.

«t-l
o

•

o

;z;

1

3
5
7
9

2
4
6
8
10

Manures.

Pumpherston.

Harelaw.

Top-dressed in
April.

Top-dressed in
June,

\

Total
Grain.

Straw.

Total
Grain.

Straw,

Total
Grain.

Straw.

Ground Phosphates —
Bone ash, ....
Ground coprolites.
Bone meal, ....
Phospliatic guano,
Ground mineral phosphate, .

Average,

Dissolved Phosphates —
Bone ash, ....
Ground coprolites.
Bone meal, ....
Phosphatic guano.
Ground mineral phosphate, .

Average,

lbs.

2205
1942
2334
2404
2171

cwt.

33
33
35
32
36

lbs.

2363
2207
2466
2470
2048

cwt,

36
37
33
39
36

lbs.

3657
3840
3486
3677
3740

cwt.

26
24
26
26
26

2211

2279
2290
2399
2727
2736

33-8

33
33
40
33
39

2311

2418
2601
2746
2685
2930

36-2

36
36
38
38
36

3680

3867
3790
3535
3944
3758

25-6

20

28
25
28
26

2486

35-6

2676

36-8

3779

25-4

produced 13 per cent, more grain at Pumpherston, and about 3 per
cent, more grain at Harelaw. There is on the whole very little
difference in the weight of straw. The late top-dressing has
produced a heavier crop than the early one, both in grain and
straw. As regards the individual phosphates, it would scarcely
be prudent, in the exceptional circumstances of the crop, to
examine them too narrowly. The most notable thing to remark
is the good crop on the bone meal plot. When the experiments
began this was the most backw^ard of all the phosphate plots, but
it has been going on steadily improving its position from year
to year. There are two reasons for this. In the first place, the
coarser particles of the meal employed in former years are still
in the soil, and slowly decomposing, so that the roots of the
crop are feeding partly upon phosphate which should have been
used by former crops; and in the second place, the bone meal now
being manufactured is much finer than anything that could be
got a few years ago ; and it is to be expected that the bone meal
plot will continue to improve for some time to come.

Among the nitrogen plots at Pumpherston, it will be observed
that plot 14, which received sulphate of ammonia, has yielded
the largest return, and the quality of the grain on that plot is
the best on the station. Plot 13, with nitrate of soda, comes
very near it, and has the advantage in straw. Dried blood has
also proved a good manure, but it has not produced much straw.
Dissolved shoddy has given a poor return, and no more straw

EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS — BARLEY CROP 1883. 395

than plot 17, which got no nitrogenous manure. Of the two
forms of potash manure the sulphate is the best, but the muriate,
with a late top-dressing of nitrate, has done very well Among
the guanos the differences are less than in former years. The
fish guano plot is steadily improving, for the same reason as the
bone meal one above referred to. The results upon the super-
phosphate plots resemble on the whole those of the former
years ; the 25 per cent, soluble superphosphate is the best, but
the more highly dissolved one would probably have been quite
as good if it had not been so much damaged by the storm.

The plots with incomplete manures are every year showing their
respective wants more and more markedly. The great want of
the soil is nitrogen. Phosphate alone produces a poor crop, and
potash alone is worse than nothing ; while nitrate of soda alone
is yearly becoming less efficacious, showing that the small store
of mineral food in the soil is rapidly becoming exhausted.

The quantity plots tell the same story as in former years, but
not so remarkably as formerly, for the heavier manured plots
were very severely hurt by the wind and rain.

Three new manures were applied to the crop, viz., plot 26,
steamed bone flour ; plot 33, calcined fossil phosphate ; and plot
34, Fray Bentos guano. The first and last of these have shown
themselves to be good manures, but it would be premature to
classify them from the results of a season so exceptional. They
will be applied again to the bean crop this year, along with other
forms of manure of animal origin, which are now coming into
the market.

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.
By Dr A. P. Aitken.

At the General Meeting in January, of which a report is given
in Appendix A, p. 17, it was shown in the Report of the
Chemical Department that a great improvement had taken place
in the character of the manures supplied to local analytical
associations since the Society began to take an interest in that
matter. There is no doubt that the improvement is directly
due to the working of the Society's scheme fur the regulation
and encouragement of these associations. Three years ago
deficiency in the character and overcharge in the i»rice of
manures supplied to some of these associations was the rule,
and now it is the excei)tion.

Of the 150 samples of manure and feeding stuffs sup^died last
year, only nine were found to be so deficient as to require
investigation. In the case of two of these it was found that
there had been some misunderstanding regarding the guarantee,
for which the buyer was responsible. Other two had been made

396 ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

good immediately the deficiency was observed, showing that
they were cases of accidental deficiency that may easily occur,
even despite some care on the part of the seller. Other two
were found to be guaranteed in such a way as to make ii possible
for an inferior and overcharged article to be bought without the
buyer having any claim against the seller for the deficiency.
These will be referred to again. Another was a sample of
manure which was not a manufactured article, and which,
though falling beneath its guarantee, was sold at a price far
below its value. Out of the nine cases of deficiency there are
only two which, upon investigation, have been found to fall
within the category which, by Eegulation Ilia., require to be
published in this report. One of these was supplied to a member
of the Wester Ross Analytical Association. It was a sample of
dissolved bones, sold by Messrs D. G. & G. Eoss, Dingwall, to
Mr Murdo Bethune, Brae, Dingwall, under the following
guarantee : —

Soluble phosphate, . . . ' 22*4 per cent.
Insoluble „ ... 10*2 „

Ammonia, . . . 2 "I „

It was found to contain, on the average of three very closely
agreeing analyses.

Soluble phosphate, . . . 11*1 percent.

Insoluble „ ... 24*1 „

Ammonia, . . . 1*9 „

The defect in this manure is that the soluble phosphate amounts
only to half of the guarantee. The amount of insoluble phos-
phate is far in excess of the guarantee, and the total phosphate
also is about 2J per cent, over the guarantee. But when soluble
phosphate is guaranteed and found deficient, it is not to be
supposed that an excess of insoluble phosphate is adequate
compensation for that deficiency. According to the Society's
units, see Appendix B, p. 28, the relative values of the phos-
phates guaranteed and those supplied would be —

Guaranteed.
22-4 at 3s. 6d. = £3 18 6

10-2 at Is. 6d. = 0 15 3

11-1 at 3s. 6d.

24-1 at Is. 6d.

Supplied.

£4

13

9

£1

18

10

1

16

2

^3 14 0

There is thus a difference of about 20s. per ton in the
value of the phosphates as guaranteed and supplied. But even
if the excess of insoluble phosphate had been sufficient to
compensate commercia,lly for the value of the deficient soluble

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIOXS. 397

phosphate, it might have been no real compensation at all, for
the insoluble phosphate, whatever its origin, might be unsuited
to the soil on which it was applied and of little use as maoure.
In such a case the loss of the buyer is not limited to 20s. per
ton, but it includes probably the deficiency of a turnip crop,
which may amount to several pounds per acre. Manure
merchants are not sufficiently aware of the responsibility they
incur in supplying manures differing from the guarantee. There
is not always time to have a manure autalysed previous to
sowing, and if the manure after application is found to be
deficient from the guarantee, any loss arising out of that
deficiency to which the buyer is subjected in the proper applica-
tion of the manure is a loss for which the seller is responsible.
The buyer is entitled to trust to the accuracy of the guarantee,
for a guarantee is a bond. The position of a manure merchant
is therefore one of great trust, and should be felt to be one of great
responsiblity.

The other deficient manure w^as sold to a member of the
Strathearn Analytical Association. It was a sample of " Turnip
Manure," supplied by Messrs Somerville & Co., Montrose,
throutjh their ai:rent at Perth, to Mr James Donaldson, Gloaoburn.
It was guaranteed to contain 0"75 per cent, ammonia, and
25 to 27 per cent, phosphates, fully one half soluble. It was
found by the analyst of the association to contain —

Soluble phosphate, . . . 7*84 per cent.

Insolul)le „ . . . 11"24 „

Ammonia, . . . 4 "62 „

Potash, . . . 3*10 „

When the deficiency was observed, a second sample was sent to
me with the consent of the sellers, who expressed their willing-
ness to make compensation for any deficiency. It was found to
contain —

Solu})le phosphate,

Insoluble „ ...

Ammonia,

Potash,

This result was communicated to the sellers, who took no notice
of it. They exi)lain that the report of the second analysis was
mislaid, and the circumstance escaped their recollection, and
they repeat their wish to ])ay or give rebate for the deficiency.

It must also be mentioned that the guarantee given above
is subject to an allowance of ^ per cent, ammonia, and 3 per
cent, phosjihates, to cover po.ssibk' variations in manufacture.
In botli these cases of deficient manures, the deficiency exceeded
one-tenth of the nett amount Lruaranteed, and they are published
here in accordance with liegulation III. (App. B, p. 20). ^ .,

Besides these cases, there were others which would have been

4-47

per cent.

11-17

>>

4-93

)j

2-67

))

398 ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

recorded had the buyers not been too careless in the matter of
their guarantees, or the associations been too lax in their methods
of taking and preserving samples. Among the former cases
was one from the Kelso Association, where the guarantee was
only a verbal one, and where the seller claimed that the buyer
must have misunderstood the exact terms of it. Among the
latter were cases where the seller had not had an opportunity
afforded him of seeing the sample drawn, or where the sample
had not been properly secured or had been destroyed. There
were other cases in which the buyer was very sharply dealt
with, owing to the peculiar terms of the guarantee.

It is not sufficient to have a guarantee, and that a written one.
There are guarantees which are so worded as to appear to
guarantee much more than they really do. Thus, when a
manure is guaranteed to contain from 20 to 25 of phosphates,
it rarely happens that it contains more than 20 per cent. It
frequently contains much less — probably about 17 per cent. ;
and when the buyer, who was fairly entitled to expect about 22
per cent., makes a complaint regarding the deficiency, he is
informed that there is no real deficiency, as the manures are all
sold under a margin of 3 per cent, phosphates. Similarly,
manures guaranteed to contain from 2 to 3 per cent, of ammonia
are frequently found to contain only IJ per cent, but here
again the buyer is informed that a margin of J per cent, is
claimed in ammonia. These margins of 3 per cent, phosphates
and h per cent, ammonia are usually printed in the first page of
a price list, and seem to be claimed quite irrespective of the
total amounts of these substances contained in the manure.

It may contain 70 per cent, of phosphates, or it may contain
only 10 per cent. ; it may contain 12 per cent, of ammonia, or
it may contain 1 per cent. ; the margins remain the same.
This is not as it ought to be. It is right that there should be a
margin, but it should be some reasonable proportion of the total
amount guaranteed. Under this fixed margin, it would be
possible to sell as a manure a substance that was not a manure
at all ; it has only to be guaranteed to contain from 3 to 6 per
cent, of soluble phosphate and from J to 3 per cent, of ammonia,
" with the usual margin," and it may be rubbish containing
none of these things. There are two ways of allowing a margin,
— either the stuff is guaranteed to contain an ingredient some-
where between a minimum and maximum limit, such as from 20
to 23 per cent., meaning by that, that in no case will the
ingredient fall below 20 per cent, or rise above 23 ; or a definite
analysis is given, and a certain range of margin is agreed upon
to cover differences in manufacture or in analysis by different
chemists. Either one or other of these methods may be fairly
used, but there are some merchants who claim both these

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 399

margins for the same mauure. They give a minimum and
maximum guarantee, and claim a margin below the minimum ;
that is to say, they claim a double margin. There is a want of
straightforwardness about that kind of guarantee, and manures
offered in that way ought to be avoided.

There is another kind of guarantee that is a dangerous one
for the buyer. It is sometimes expressed in the written
guarantee that any deficiency in one constituent may be
balanced by excess in another ; such as a deficiency in soluble
phosphate to be made good by excess of insoluble phosphate,
or by excess of ammonia or of potash. Intelligent manuring
cannot go on under such a guarantee, which is based
upon the erroneous principle that the only difference between
the various constituents of a manure is their price, and that one
mixture is as good as another, so long as it contains the same
money value of materials. Some of the guarantees of the
manures supplied to associations last year were of the kinds
above described. They were very deficient manures, but the
Society refrain from publishing them, for though they evade the
spirit they comply with the letter of Kegulation III.

A guarantee affords security only when it is a good guarantee,
and the exact terms of a guarantee ought to be carefully
noted before accepting it. Instances are not wanting in which
manures are sold under guarantees, which could not apply to
them if the manures were genuine, and it is important that the
buyer should be acquainted with the proportion of the various
constituents which ought to exist in a genuine manure of the
kind he desires to buy. Useful information on this point will
be found in Appendix B, p. 21, where all the manures in
common use are described, and the proper proportions of their
constituents are defined in numljers per cent.

It is satisfactory that out of so large a number of manures
the number of samples showing a marked deficiency is so few.
It is a sign that tlie analytical associations throughout the
country are doing good work, and the Committee hope that when
the benefits derived from such associations becomes better known
their number will be largely increased. There are nuiuy
districts throughout the country where no such organisations
exist, and there is good ground to fear that, for the want of them,
the buyers of these districts are annually subjecting themselves
to great ])ecuniary loss. They are also losing the op[)ortunity
aff<jrded by co-o])eration of becoming better acquainted with the
nature and use of artificial manures.

With the view of encouraging the formation of such associa-
tions, and of inducing all those already formed to come under
the Society's regulations, the Directors have this year doubled
the amount of their grant. The Society now oO'ers to all

400

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

analytical associations, properly constituted and satisfactorily
managed, the sum of 10s. for each complete analysis, and 5s.
for each partial analysis of manure or feeding stuff analysed
through its asrencv.

There is a considerable amount of trouble incurred in the
management of analytical associations, and the most of it
devolves upon the secretary, who, unless he is an enthusiast in
the cause, cannot be expected to devote his time and energy to
the association's work without some remnneration, and if the
increased expense involved in carrying out the Society's
regulations has hitherto deterred any associations from accepting
these, it is hoped that the augmentation of the grant may tend to
remove that difficulty.

Among the manures and feeding stuffs supplied to the mem-
bers of associations were a few whose analysis may be of interest
to others besides those for whom they were performed.

Calf Food. — A feeding stuff called " Lactina," and another
called " Calf Food," were supplied to the members of the Lanark-
shire Association.

They were sold without an analytical guarantee, and were
found to contain —

Lactina, Calf Meal,

per cent. per cent.

An3unmioid matter, . 14-00 11-25

Oil, 2-27 6-92

Carbohydrates, . . 68-39 69-48

The former was sold at £24 per ton, and the latter at £26
per ton.

Other samples of lactina and calf meal, which were analysed
by me during the past year, had the following composition : —

Lactina.

Calf Meal.

Calf Food.

I

Barley 1
Meal.

Albuminoid matter, .
Oil, ....
Carbohydrates, .
Woody fibre,
Moisture, .
Ash, ....

11-77
1-65

64-88
2-95

15-50
3-25

13-55
7-17

63-10
1-60

12-25
2-33

12-66
7-64

63-35
1-50

12-39
2-46

13-26
2-11

65-53
2-56

13-44
3-10

It will be seen that the composition of these substances
approaches very closely that of barley meal. In some the
amount of oil is considerably more than is found in barley
meal, and approaches more nearly to that contained in Indian
corn meal.

Compared with average linseed cake, they contain less than
half its albuminoid matter, and nearly double its carbohydrates.
They have therefore a wide nitrogen ratio, and a correspondingly

ANALYTICAL ASSOCLITIONS. 401

low feeding value. When valued according to the units appli-
cable to linseed cake, viz., 3s. 9d. per unit of albuminoid matter
and oil, and Is. per unit of carbohydrates, their value scarcely
reaches £7 per ton. Barley meal can be bought at about one-
third the price of these substances, so that the prices paid for
them is out of all proportion to their feeding value.

Soot. — A sample of soot supplied to a member of the Kelso
Analytical Association was found to contain —

Phosphates, . . . 0'78 per cent.
Ammonia, . . . 4*26 „

The composition of soot is apt to vary very much, as it
depends not only on the kind of coal which produced it, but also
and perhaps chiefly on the way in which the coal is burned.
The above represents a good kind of soot, somewhat above average,
although it fell considerably below its guarantee, which was
1*92 per cent, phosphates and 6'12 per cent, ammonia. A
guarantee of soot has to be received with caution, as from its
great variability throughout the bulk it is difficult to prepare in
such a way as to yield a representative sample.

Pigeon Dung. — A member of the same association bought a
quantity of pigeon dung, whose composition was not guaranteed,
but which was found on analysis to contain —

Phosphates, . . . 2*54 per cent.
Ammonia, . . . 1'21 „

The price paid for it was at the rate of £3, 10s. per ton, which
is more than double its value. The buyer may have thought, as
many would naturally enough think, that this kind of manure
would in some measure resemble an ammoniacal guano, such as
Ichaboe guano, which is a recently formed deposit. But the
character of the dung of birds is determined by the nature of
their food, and the food of granivorous birds, like pigeons, is very
different from that of the fish-eating birds to whom we owe the
guano deposits. This is just another instance of the disadvantage
of Ijuying a manure without an analytical guarantee.

The number and variety of phosphatic materials offered to
farmers and manufacturers is very considerable, and has hitherto
been greater than in the case of other manurial substances. It
is gratifying to tind that the number of nitrogenous materials is
now rapidly increasing, and it is evident from the high prices
being paid for them that they are much appreciated. High class
Teruvian guano, the supjdy of which fell away so much lately, is
now being more freely imported. Those who are acquainted
with the extent of the guano deposits assure us that the day is
not far distant when the supply of that splendid manure will
cease, and we must therefore regard with interest every other

2c

402

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIOXS.

form, of nitrogenous manure, which in quality and excellence of
manufacture is able to take its place. Fish guano, which from
its nature and origin should be an inexhaustible source of richly
nitroe^enous manure, is a substance of that kind and it is evident
from the excellence of the exhibits at the late Fishery Exhibi-
tions, that a very marked improvement in its manufacture is
being effected. The chief obstacle to the efficacy of that
manure is the large amount of oil it contains, but samples
which have been sent for exhibition show that this defect is
being overcome. Instead of containing 10 per cent, of oil, as has
hitherto been the rule, it is now being produced with less than
3 per cent, of oil, and in a state of fineness of manufacture
which leaves little to be desired. From South America there
are also being imported highly nitrogenous manures in fine
condition, under the name of Fray Bentos guano. These are
the worked-up carcasses and offal of bullocks slaughtered for
the sake of theh' beef extract, and for their hides and horns.
Eecent importations of these substances analysed by me gave
the following results : —

Fray
Bentos
Guano.

Ground Meat Meal
Hoofs. Kesidues,

Eesidues.

■^ Phosphoric acid,
Lime, alkalis, &c.,

t Organic matter, .
Moisture, .
Insoluble matter,

* Equal to phosphate of

lime,
t Containing nitrogen =

ammonia.

9-98

15-14

65-30

8-40

1-18

19-19

29-29

41-60

6-70

3-22

1-02
1-14

89-20
8-20
0-44

9-70

13-80

65-90

9-40

1-20

100-00

100-00 100-00

100-00

21-78
9-52

41-82
6-97

2-23
15-30

20-67
10-90

The recent falling off in the supply of high class guano has
given an impetus to the manufacture of mixtures more or less
resembling it. A low class guano, that is to say, one which is
poor in ammonia, can be improved so as to resemble in some
measure a high class one by the addition of sulphate of ammonia,
and the various other characters of high class guano can to
some extent be imitated. There is no harm in such mixtures
so long as they are are sold as such, and the purchaser is made
aware of what he is buying, but to sell such mixtures under the
name of genuine guano is a fraud. Ammonia, in sulphate of
ammonia, has been selling at less than 15s. per unit, when the
ammonia in high class guano was selling at over 20s. per unit.
It may be that the price of ammonia in high class Peruvian

ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 403

guano is a fancy one, but it is one which many are quite willing
to pay if the article is genuine, and it is a manifesb injustice to
sell ammonia in the form of sulphate, as if it were the ammonia
of genuine guano.

Fortunately, the adulteration is easily detected by any chemist
who makes a study of it, for genuine guano is a complex
substance, whose various constituents bear certain proportions
to each other, so that when any one ingredient, such as ammonia,
is high, others are found to vary in a corresponding manner.

Nitrogenous manures are the great want of high farming, and
it is gratifying to find that the supply of these is now so
abundant, and the prices so low in comparison with those of
recent years. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, which
are the most powerful and valuable of all nitrogenous manures,
are now to be had at prices which will do much to brighten
the prospects of agriculture in the immediate future ; and the
recent improvements made by Bielby and Grouven, in the
extraction of ammonia from paraffin shales, coals, turf, and
similar substances, afford the prospect of a cheap and ever-
increasing supply of sulphate of ammonia for the use of
farmers.

FricUy Comfrey. — This is a plant which has been long before
the public, and has been strongly recommended as a means of
giving abundant green fodder on a limited area. It does not
seem to have obtained much popularity north of the Tweed, but
there seems no reason why it should not be grown as a very
useful adjunct to the resources of the farm.

I received two samples from Mr Mackenzie of Portmore, and
made an analysis of them. No. 1 was cut in the young state
when it was not more than a foot high, and No. 2 was taken
from the same bed when about 3 feet high —

AILuminoid matter,

Oil, ....

Carljohydrates, (S:c.,

Water, .....

"Wuody iibre, ...

Ash, .....

No. 1.

No. 2,

2-09

2-09

0-41

0-51

4-88

3-04

9015

92-41

078

0-80

1-69

1-15

100-00 l(X)-0()

These analyses show that this plant is an excellent kind of
fodder. It consists, as turnips do, uf upwards of 90 per cent, of
water, but the amount of albuminoid matter it contains is more
than doulde that usually contained in turnips. It requires to
be well nourished in order to produce good results ; but it is
said that, when properly manurc<l and cultivated, it produces
from 50 to GO tons per acre of green fodiler annually.

f04 ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

It is a plant well adapted for a sewage farm, and would
produce very good results if grown on " areas of downward
filtration," such as are now becoming common in inland towns
as a useful and successful method of disposing of the sewage.

[Edinhurgh, 8th Aug. 1883.
The Directors, at a meeting held on the 26th July, had broucrht under
their notice, by the Chemical Committee, the complaint of jNIr Ramsay,
Eden Bone Mills, Cupar-Fife, as to the publication, at page 246 in the
Transactions of 1883, of an analysis of a grass manure sold to Mr Mackie,
Invermay. After considering Mr Eamsay's statements and the explanations
furnished by Dr Aitken, the Directors resolved to express their regret that
particulars regarding this manure should have been published, as they are
satisfied there have been errors in sampling and in the statement of analysis.

F. N. Menzies, Secretary.]

ENSILAGE.

By Dr A. P. Aitken.

The rapidity with which the making of ensilage has come to
be regarded as an important addition to the resources of the
farm has perhaps not been equalled in the case of any other
great agricultural improvement. About two years ago there
were few farmers in the country who knew the meaning of
the word, or had even heard of the substance, and now exper
ments are being made with it in all directions, and the success
which has attended the making of ensilage has surpassed all
expectations.

The experiments being conducted by Mr Mackenzie of Port-
more, under the auspices of the Highland and Agricultural
Society, are described in another part of this volume, and the
details of the process of making, filling, and emptying a silo are
practically explained. A few words regarding the principles
underlying the practice of ensiling, the kind of crops suitable for
the purpose, and the changes they undergo in the silo, may form
a useful supplement to that paper.

The making of ensilage may be described in a word as " the
preservation of green fodder." Any change which the fodder
undergoes in the silo ought to be regarded as accidental, and so
far an interference with the main object in view, which is not to
improve the fodder, but to preserve it. If it could be brought
out of the silo exactly in the same condition in which it was
put in, that would be perfect ensilage, and the nearer we
approach that standard in our ensiling operations the greater is
our measure of success. It is not unnatural that some should
have formed a higher ideal of ensilage. Enthusiastic writers
describe the silo as not only a place for preserving fodder, but a

ENSILAGE. 405

"kind of laboratory where it undergoes changes of a formative or
elaborative kind, so that after being for some months crushed up
in the dark, it is able to be brought out in a state more suitable
for the nourishment of cattle. There are some coarse kinds of
fodder, such as maize, whose hard tough tissues are not well
suited for cattle, nor much relished by them, and which when
put into a silo, and subjected to some fermentation, are rendered
softer and more palatable ; but that cannot be said of the clovers,
vetches, and sweet grasses that form the chief ensilage in this
country. It is difficult to imagine any fodder more suitable for
cattle than such crops as these when cut at their juiciest and
most vigorous stage. They are already the natural and choicest
food of cattle, and any change which they may undergo in a
silo cannot be of a constructive or elaborative kind, but rather of
a destructive or degenerative kind. Construction is the work
going on in the body of the living plant, the material out of
which its tissues are made are derived from outside of it, from
the soil and from the air, and the moving power which builds
these tissues up is the energy of the sun's rays. When the
plant is cut down and crushed into a dark pit, any changes
which can occur are not those of building up, but rather of
breaking down. Any elaboration that can go on as the result of
chemical or physiological changes must be at the expense of the
material stored there; it nmst result in a loss, and cannot produce
any gain of matter. If any part of the stored material is
rendered sweeter or more soluble, or acquires a certain alcoholic
odour or acid flavour which is agreeable to cattle, these properties
are not got for nothing ; they are got as the result of changes of
a destructive kind, whose gross effect is to diminish the total
amount of nutritive matter in the silo. It is for these reasons
that we must define perfect ensilage in this country, as green
fodder preserved without change. It is needless to say that this
is a standard that cannot be attained in a silo; but if ensilage is
to be a permanent institution in tlie country, I am confident
that in a short time we sliall attain to a measure of excellence in
the manufacture of it which will not fall far short of the perfect
standard.

The means to be em])loyed for preserving green fodder will
be best understood if we fully appreciate the meaning of the
changes which green fodder undergoes when cut down, and
deprived of the sap and nourishment which flowed up continu-
ously from its roots. With the cessation of the flow of sap the
vigour of the plant ceases, and it is easily attacked by agencies
whijh during its growth it was able to resist. Chief amongst
these agencies are innumerable small microscropic organisms
which cluster upon all green crops, and which feed u})on their
tissues, and rapidly consume them whenever external conditions

406 ENSILAGE.

are favourable. When grass freshly cut is put into a heap these
organisms, or ferments, as they are called, find in the stillness,
warmth, and moisture of the air within the heap a set of condi-
tions favourable to their rapid development, and they increase
with enormous rapidity, and attack and live upon the tissues of
the fodder. Vegetable matter is their food, just as it is the food
of cattle. There are many different kinds of them. One set of
them lives chiefly upon the carbohydrates or starchy and sugary
matter of the plant, converting these into alcohol, and at the
same time producing carbonic acid gas. These are organisms
resembling yeast, and they produce the alcoholic fermentation.
Another set carry the process a stage further, and convert the
alcohol into acetic acid or vinegar, producing the acetic fermenta-
tion. There are others producing various other kinds of products,
such as lactic acid, the acid contained in sour milk, and butyric
acid, the acid found in rancid butter. All these and many
others prey upon the carbohydrates of the plant. There are
other exceedingly minute organisms of a different kind, which
attack chiefly the albuminoid constituents of the fodder, decom-
posing them and converting them into various nitrogenous
substances less complex than albumen, which have no feeding
value. Among the j)roducts of this decomposition are ammonia
and allied substances having a strong pungent and disagreeable
odour. These ferments are known under the name of bacteria,
and they produce what is called the ^:)?^.^W(i fermentation. Their
name is legion, and their nature is little understood ; but the
result of their work is that the fodder putrefies or becomes
rotten. There are other living organisms which follow upon
these, but it is needless to pursue the subject further, for it is
not the last but the first stages of fermentation with which we
are here concerned. The object to be attained in making
ensilage is to prevent these organisms from carrying on the
changes referred to. If we could stop their changes at the
beginning, we should have perfect ensilage, but the further we
allow the fermentative change to go on, the worse and worse
the ensilage becomes. What chiefly interests us here is to know
how these ferments may be killed or rendered inactive, without
doing injury to the fodder. There are several ways in which
this can be done. Like all other living creatures, they require
air, warmth, and moisture ; if they are deprived of oxygen, or
subjected to extreme cold or great heat, or if they are dried up,
they die, and even if these means are not carried to an extreme
degree their lives may be rendered comparatively inactive. Thus,
when grass is rapidly dried in the sun, and converted into hay, they
have not moisture enough to favour their growth and develop-
ment, and their work is almost put an end to, so that hay can
be kept for a long time in the air with very little change. If

ENSILAGE. 407

grass were subjected to a high temperature, by means of steam,
for instance, and sealed up in an air-tight box at that tem-
perature, it might be kept green and moist for any length
of time. This is what is done in the tinning of peas and
other vegetables. If deprived of air, or rather the oxygen con-
tained in the air, or if surrounded by any gas which does not
contain free oxygen, grass or other green fodder can be kept
moist and fresh for a very long time. This is what is
done in a silo. When green fodder is thrown into a silo,
and pressed down so as to diminish as much as possible the
air space w^ithin it, the amount of oxygen is very small in
comparison with the mass of solid material; and if the walls of
the silo are air-tight, and the surface of the heap covered over
with some impervious covering, and the whole subjected to
continuous pressure, the limited supply of oxygen contained in
the substance and the interstices of the fodder is verv soon
used up by the ferments, and when that point is attained the
fermentation ceases. A certain quantity of alcohol is found,
determined by the quantity of oxygen originally present, and
some of this may be converted into acetic acid, &c. ; but as the
oxygen is used up, the carbonic acid formed at the same time
goes on increasing in amount, until the oxygen is exhausted,
and carbonic acid has taken its place. The ferments are thus
practically suffocated, and so long as the carbonic acid does not
get away, and air take its place again, the fodder is preserved
from fermentation and the other putrefactive changes referred
to. One great object to aim at in filling a silo is therefore to
diminish the quantity of air space. If the stufl* to be ensiled
is hard and reedy, such as oats, the quantity of air contained
in the tubes of the straw is so great, that the ferments are able
to live and work for a comparatively long time before their
supply of oxygen is used up. The fermentation will not stop at
the alcoholic stage, but it will go on to the formation of acids,
and part of it will putrefy. The ensilage will be of a sour taste,
and have a putrid smell, and there will be a considerable loss
of feeding material on account of the extent of the fermentation.
If, bef(jre ensiling, the green straw had been passed through
a chaff-cutter, it would have i)acked much closer, and
cnished much easier, and preserved much better. If, on the
other hand, the crop is grass, especially meadow grass or soft
grasses, or an aftennatli, with much leaf and little stem, the
stuff })acks together Hat and tirni, allowing of almost no
intiTstitial air, anrl the ensilage formed is sweet of smell and
taste, with only a trace of alcoholic odour, and the whole colour
and characters of the j)lants are retained almost unchanged,
luisilage of this kind well weighted conies very near the perfect
standard.

408 ENSILAGE.

The mouldiness frequently observed on the surface, and along
the sides of ensilage, is due to the presence of air, which enables
the spores of the humble mould plants to germinate and
develop. They are not necessary concomitants of ensilage,
and with a little care they can be avoided. The spores of the
mould are growing on the w^alls of the silo, and on the planks
which are used to cover it. If, before putting in the forage,
the walls of the silo were washed with bisulphite of lime, and
if the boards which cover the top were washed with it, or with
carbolic acid, or if a felting steeped in an aqueous solution of
carbolic acid were used to cover the fodder before putting on
the boards, there would be no appearance of mould when the
silo was opened. It is probable that the employment of anti-
septics in a more thoroughgoing way may be found not only
to prevent mouldiness on the surface, but to check fermenta-
tion all through the mass, and thus produce perfect ensilage.
This is a matter for experiment.

The success of ensiling as at present practised thus turns upon
the exclusion of air. The more thoroughly that is done the
better the ensilage. Chaff cutting, tramping, and heavy weigh-
ing are the means used for that purpose, and to these may be
added watering. I have seen samples of oat ensilage which, while
being ensiled, was drenched with water, and the result was very
good. The water took the place of air in the straw, and enabled
it to pack closer, and the ensilage had a sweet etheric aroma,
very slight acidity, and it seemed to have suffered very little
change.

Opinions seem to vary very much as to the quality of ensilage.
There are some who prefer that it should be acid, and certainly
cattle do not object to a little vinegar in their food, any more
than we do, and, fortunately, they seem to be rather attracted
than repelled by a '•' gamey " flavour in ensilage. In Germany,
Holland, and elsewhere, the making of ensilage has been
practised for more than a century, and the product obtained by
the simple method used there is a very acid one. It is known
under the name of 'SSauerheu," or sour hay, and it is as much
relished by cattle as ''Sauerkraut" (which is just a kind of
domestic ensilage) is by the peasantry. So far as acceptability
to cattle is concerned, there is no difficulty in preserving fodder,
even wdth comparatively rough and imperfect appliances. A
mere pit dug in the earth packed tight with fresh grass, and
weighted with nothing but the earth which was dug out of it,
produces an ensilage which cattle eat with pleasure. But the
question which has to be answered before such ensilage can be
pronounced a success in this country, is whether fodder stored in
that way is economical. That is a question somewhat difficult
to answer. It would be more economical than to attempt to

ENSILAGE. 409

make the grass into hay during a wet season, for hay frequently
wetted and much knocked about loses more feeding quality than
grass allowed to ferment and become sour in a pit. On the
other hand, if grass can be made rapidly into hay, and preserved
in good condition, it must retain more of its feeding quality than
sour hay which has been subjected to a prolonged fermentation.
In the West Highlands, and in hilly parts of the country, where
the rainfall is great, and hay is difficult to secure, the making
of sour hay in dry pits, like potato pits, only much deeper, about 6
or 8 feet deep, would no doubt be economical. A three feet
covering of earth is sufficient to keep the fermentation from
going too far, if it is occasionally beaten smooth with a spade,
to fill up all cracks and crevices that may occur during the
sinking of the heap.

We now come to the question, of the suitability of ensilage
as a means of preserving our more valuable fodder crops.
That is a large question — a many-sided one, and one that can-
not be answered by laboratory experiments alone. It cannot
b(; answered satisfactorily, until feeding experiments have
been made with ensilage in a most careful manner. The
plants which are suitable for ensilage in this country are
very valuable feeding materials, and are produced at much
expense. It is also well known — though perhaps not so well
known as it should be — that they cannot be preserved without
some loss, and in many cases the loss is very considerable,
so that any means that can be employed to diminish that
loss is of importance. The composition of the plants grown
in this country which might be suitable for ensiling, is given
in the Table No. I.; they are the analyses of Dr Eniil Wolff
of Hohenheim. There is a considerable range in the rich-
ness of these crops. Maize has not one-half of the feeding
value of grass, and turnips has only about one-third of the
value of the average grasses. Thus, in making grass into
ensilage, we are operating with a very valuable material, and
umst be very careful to avoid deterioration as much as
possible.

The figures in this table of chief interest are those indicating
the percentage of albuminoids, for it is upon the proportion of
these that the feeding value of the fodder chielly turns. The
column next to it, showing the total nitrogen reckoned into
albuminoid nuitter, contains mucli higher iigures, and shows that
much that was formerly considered albumen is not really so, but
some otlier form of nitrogenous matter ; on an average, the true
albumen is just about two-thirds of that calculated from the
total nitrogen. On Table II. luv notes of the analyses of
various samples of ensilage, the first four of which were taken
from the silos of ^Ir Mackenzie of Tortniore. Nos. 5, 0, 7, and 8,

410

EXSILAGE.

Xo. I. — CoiiPosiTiox OF Fodder Plants suitable for Ensilage.

Grass (before bloom),

Italian ryegi'ass, .

Perennial ryegrass,

Timothy,

Red clover (in flower),

White clover

Alsike clover

Sainfoin,

Vetches,

Peas, .

Beans, .

Green rye,

Green oats.

Green maize.

Rape, .

Cabbage,

Turnip tops

Turnips,

O

s

a

li

ii

•l-l

>>

JS|

o

fe

,

o

'^<

03

so

42

o

*^ tc

^

c

<

^

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

. ' 75-0

22-9

21

6-0

3-0

. ll 73-4

23-8

2-8

7-1

3-6

. 1 700

28-0

2-0

10-6

3-6

. , 70-0

27-9

2-1

10 1

3-4'

78-0

20-3

1-7

6-8

3-2

80-5

17-5

2-0

6-0

3-5

: 82-0
. '' 80-0

16-2

1-8

4-5

3-3

18-5

1-5

6-5

3-2

. ! 82-0

16-2

1-8

5-5

3-5

. i

81-5

17-0

1-5

5-6

3-2

87-3

11-7

1-0

3-5

2-8

76-0

22-4

1-6

7-9

3-3

81-0

17-6

1-4

6-5

2-3

1

82-2

16-7

1-1

4-7

1-2

1

87-0

U-4

1-6

4-2

2-9

1

1

89-0

9-8

1-2

2-0

1-5

1
1

88-4

9-3

2-3

1-6

2-1

1

92-0

7-3

0-7

0-8

11

Nutritive matter.

Albumen.

Carbo-
hydrates.

^

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

p. cnt.

2-0

13-0

0-4

2-3

1-2 -6

0-4

1-8

12-2

0-3

1-9

14-2

0-5

1-8

9-6

0-5

2 2

7-9

0-5

1-8

6-9

0-3

21

8-0

0-3

2-5

6-7

0-3

2-2

7-4.

0-3

2-0

5-2

0-2

1-9

110

0-4

1-3

8-9

0-2

0-8

9-9

0-2

2-0

4-8

0-4

1-1

60

0-2

1-5

5-1

0-3

11

5-3

0-1

Ko. II. — Analyses of Ensilage.

6

1

<t-i
o

d

1

"3
<

Woody fibre.

Total Nitrogen
as Albumen.

True Albumen.

Non-nitrogenous

matter
(Carboliydrates).

o3

I

2
3
4

Clover grass, ....
Old pasture, ....
Plantation gi-ass, . . „
Green oats, ....

78-1
75-4
77-5
78-0

2-0
2-4
1-8
1-7

C-2
6-8
5-5
6-3

1-40
1-21
1-67
1-20

1-06
1-10
1-53
0-60

11-2
13-0
12-4
11-7

•05
•06
•08
•13

1-0
1^11
105
1-00

5
6
7

Tares, oats, and beans,
Tares and hay-grass,
Clover grass, mostly clover,

74-7
78-0
82 -o

2-2 ' 6-0
1-5 4-9
1-6 4-1

2-01
1-85
1-32

1-82
1-52
1-27

13-0

12-6

9-3

•13
•11

•14

...

8

mil pa.sture, . . . . 1 78-8

1-0 6-4 9-98 0-94

12-8

•09

...

were from Mr Young's silo at Blackadder West, and Xo. 8 from
the silo of Mr Oliver, Howpasley.

If we compare the results on that table with those on Table
I. we see that there is a marked diminution in the amount of
albumen, and also that there is a great disappearance of the

ENSILAGE. 411

nitrogenous matter which is not albumen. There is evidently
going on in the silo some process destructive of albuminoid
matter, and there is no doubt that that is a change brought
about by the work of the living organisms already referred to.
There is also another process going on, which accounts for some
of this loss, and for that of the soluble nitrogenous matter, viz.,
the constant draining down of soluble matter, including soluble
albumen, through the mass, so that the lower layer of the silo is
drenched with sap carried down from the superincumbent
mass. When the silo is first cut into, and the ensilage removed
from a part of the floor, this sap flows into the vacant space,
forming a pool several inches deep. This liquid is not lost,'as
it can be soaked up by chaff or other dry fodder and given to
cattle, and may be used as a means of giving a relish to straw or
other inferior feeding material.

The figures containing the carbohydrates and some other
extractive matter are got by difference, and cannot be compared
with those on I)r Wolffs table, which are got in a different way.
There is a great disappearance of oil whose quantity at the best
is very small, and there is no doubt that there is a loss of
carbohydrates in the silo, as the result of alcoholic and acid
fermentations. We should have expected a relative increase
in woody fibre, due to the conversion and soaking away of tlie
constituents ; but there appears to be rather a decrease in that
constituent, and it is probable that a certain proportion of that
substance which chemists usually classify as woody fibre has
been converted into carbohydrates. When cellulose or woody
fibre is digested in a weak solution of acid for a long time it
becomes converted into dextrine and sugar, and it seems probable
that this is one beneficial change going on in a silo. Against
this beneficial change we must put the absolute loss of some
carbohydrates, which is inevitable, and the loss of some albumen.
The extent to which these important constituents of fodder are
lost in the process of ensiling depends on the amount of
fermentation that is allowed to go on, and there can be no doubt
that much of that loss is preventible by adopting a more perfect
system of ensiling. We have good reason to believe that this
loss, at least to the extent indicated, is not inherent in the pro-
cess; on the contrary, it is liighly probable that if proper
precautions are taken to prevent fermentation, there is no way
in which it is po.'^sible to preserve fodder so well as in the green
state.

In the making of liay there is a considerable loss, and when
badly secured that loss frecpiently amounts to two-thirds of the
whole nutritive constituents. Some analyses by I )r Wolfi' (Tabic
III.) show this veiy clearly. The first three analyses show that
meadow hay in fine condition has about three times the value

412

ENSILAGE.

of poor hay, and that fine clover hay has twice the value of
poor clover hay.

No. III. — Analysis of Hay.

d

a

1

-

Nutritive matter.

p.

s

a

m
O

5

<

cs

c

5

u
O

i 1^

>>

i '^
c
o

: ^

Si
Si

o

S

<

■9 2

1

1

Meadow hay, poor,

p. cnt.
14-3

p. cnt.
5-0

p. c .
80-7

1

p. cnt
33-5

p. cnt.
7-5

p. cnt.
3-4

p. cnt.
34-9

p. cnt.
0-5

2

,, meddling, .

14-3

6-2

79-5

; 26-3

9-7

5-4

411

0-9

3

„ very fine, .

16-0

7*7

76-3

. 19-3

13-5

9-2

43-1

12

4

Red clover hay, poor.

15-0

51

79-9

28-9

11 1

5-7

37-9

1-0

5

„ meddling,

16-0

6-3

78-7

! 26-0

12-8

7-0

38-1

1-2

6

,, very fine,

16-5

7-0

76-5

22-2

15-3

10-7

37-6

21

7

Italian ryegrass hay, *

14-3

7-8

77-9

1 22-9

ill'2

7-1

41-5

1-4

8

Perennial ,. j>

14-3

6-5

79-2

30-2

10-2

51

35-3

0-8

9

Timothy hay,

14-3

4-5

81-2

; 22-7

9-7

5-8

43-4

1-4

Good hay is made into bad hay by the washing aw^ay of
soluble constituents and by fermentation. The albumen, carbo-
hydrates, and fat all become less and less, and the propor-
tion of woody fibre becomes greater. But, even when hay is well
made, it must not be supposed that it is kept without change.
The organisms at work in the silo are also in the hay, and they
are consuming the fodder none the less surely, though the work
is slow, and unaccompanied by the great rise of temperature and
exhalation of pungent gas, which attracts attention in the making
of ensilage. There is no doubt that well-made ensilage, as at
present produced, is far superior to ill-secured hay, but w^hether it
is as good as the best hay is a matter which must be decided by
feeding experiments. If the ensilage were of the perfect kind
already referred to, or somewhat approaching it, it would be
superior to even the best hay.

The ensilage made at the silos at Portmore was good, but it
was far from perfect, and it w^as put in in layers of various
crops, more to test roughly the practicability of the process at all
than to establish any accurate comparison between the feeding
properties of hay and ensilage. The drippings from one kind of
crop flowed down and mixed with the others below it, so as to
destroy their individuality, and the analyses given in Table
II. cannot be taken as affording more than a rough estimate
of the value of the various kinds of ensilage.

The most surprising result in that table is the high value of
plantation grass, which has the second highest amount of
albumen, althoudi classed with hisjhlv nitrocjenous fodders, like
vetches and clover. There is no doubt that some of this was

ENSILAGE. 41

o

"borrowed from other parts of the wsilo ; but there is another point
of great importance here, and that is, that this particular sample
of ensilage was of a close, compact nature, and suffered less
change in the silo than any of the others. Not only so, but for
some months after the sample was taken out of the silo, and
simply kept in a tin box, it has kept as sweet and perfect as it
was when taken out. Plantation grass put into a silo and well
made into ensilage is pure gain, and wherever there is a large
extent of that feeding material going to waste, a silo would be a
very great saving.

The hay crop at Earlypier and Harcus, made from the same
materials as were put into the silos, was not secured in very
good condition, and samples of it which I have analysed show
that the loss of nutritive matter is considerably greater than
that sustained by the ensilage. Owing to the circumstance that
the various crops were piled into the same silo, and got mixed
with each other to some extent, an accurate comparison of the
hay with the corresponding ensilage is not possible ; but, stated
in general terms, the amount of nutritive matter contained in
the ensilage dried at 212^ Fahr., may be reckoned as about one-
fourth more than that of the hay dried at the same temperature.
Considering the altitude of the farms of Earlypier and Harcus,
it is highly probable that the ensilage made last year is fully
up to the average feeding quality of the hay made in that
district.

There are many advantages claimed for ensilage, and these
will require to receive careful attention, and now that the pro-
cess has passed the stage of wonder and curiosity, it may be
expected to be used with care and precision, so that its true
place in the economy of the farm may be properly adjusted.

Some of the advantages of making ensilage may be shortly
stated thus : —

It secures the crop at its juiciest and most nutritious period

of growth.
It is independent of the weather.

It is suitable for high late districts, or for late wet seasons,
when hay cannot be well made or oats properly
ri})ened.
It enables the crop to be early taken off the ground, whereby
the land may be sooner made available for other
purposes, such as pasturing, or sowing a second crop.
It prevents loss when grass comes away too abundantly, or

when there is too much roughness on the pastures.
It entibles all kinds of waste grass from roadsides and

plantations to be secured in good condition.
It is more economical to produce, and is a bettor feeding
material than turnips.

414 ENSILAGE.

It is especially suited for clay land, where turnips are
grown with difficulty, and where the land is frequently
too wet for grazing.

It is found to produce an increased flow of milk when fed
to dairy cows, and does not affect the taste of the milk
or the butter. It may also enable dairy farmers to
begin cheese making at an earlier date.

It would be suitable for lambing ewes if acceptable to them
as fodder, and would especially secure the safety and
progress of hill stock in severe winters and seasons
when grass is late of coming.

It is able to be kept for a long time, and can be turned out
in good condition when stored turnips are rapidly
decaying or entirely used up.

When properly made it is not liable to any accident, and
reduces the feeding of stock to a system of the utmost
simplicity.

PRACTICAL METHOD OF TESTING SOILS.
By Dr A. P. Aitkex.

Seven-Plot Test.

In last year's volume of the Transactions (pp. 251-259) there
was published the report of a considerable number of experi-
ments, upon a uniform basis, conducted by farmers in various
parts of the country, for the purpose of testing the manurial
wants of their soils. The substances experimented with were
the three ingredients of most importance in manures, viz., phos-
phoric acid, ammonia, and potash; and these were so applied as
to furnish the experimenter with an analysis of his soil of a more
practically useful kind than could be obtained in a chemical
laboratory. The reports sent in by the various experimenters
showed how great was the utility of such a system of soil-
testing. It was found that on some farms the great want of the
soil, as regards turnip-growing, w^as phosphates, and some soils
required these in a soluble and others in an insoluble condition.
On other soils it was found that the chief obstacle to the obtain-
ing of a full crop of turnips was the want of nitrogen in the
soil, and on others it was evident that potash was a much-
wanted ingredient. Guided by the indications afforded by the
test, the experimenters were in a position to mix up a turnip
manure exactly suited to the requirements of their soils, and
were thus enaloled not only to avoid spending money on useless
manurial ingredients, but also to escape the disappointment of
finding that, after spending much money on manure, they had

PRACTICAL METHOD OF TESTING SOILS. 415

not a remunerative turnip crop. Besides the special information
conveyed by each experiment, it was found, upon comparing the
various reports, that a matter of more than special interest had
been elicited. It was found that the application of potash
manures had in many instances not only failed to increase the
crop, but had actually diminished it. A classification of the
returns showed that the cases in which potash had done harm
were those in which it had been applied to land that had been
duno-ed in the drills. It did less harm where the land had been

O

dunged in autumn ; and the instances in which it had been
beneficial were those in which it was not the practice to apply
dung to the turnip break or where bone meal had been used
instead of dung that year.

The information conveyed by the returns sent in from so many
careful experimenters in various parts of the country deepened
my conviction of the benefit to be derived from such a system
of practical soil-testing, and I accordingly determined to bring
the subject more prominently before the notice of farmers last
year. Schedules were printed describing in detail the method
of making the experiment in the form of a seven-plot test, and
upwards of a hundred of these were sent to farmers in different
parts of the country, but I regret to have to report that my
application has not met with so great a response as I expected.
Farmers are difficult to move. Only nine schedules containing
details of the experiment have been returned. The chief details
of these experiments are given here ; but I am indebted to most
of the experimenters for much additional information, showing
that the work has been done in a most careful and reliable
manner.

The inferences to be drawn from tlie results of the test are
shown in the second-last column, and in the last column I have in-
dicated what kind of manure would, in my opinion, be found most
suitable as a turnip manure for the various soils under the condi-
tions as to general manuring which prevailed in making the test.

The ingredients of the mixtures are given in cwts. per ton, and
the quantity to be given per acre will depend on the condition of
the land, and whether farm-yard manure is given along with it.

Regarding the use of i)otash, the few experiments recorded
support the conclusions derived from last year's observations,
viz., that where farm-yard manure is employed potash salts are
not needed, and are apt to be injurious. Potash seems to have
done harm at Heugh Head, and has on the whole been a profitless
manure on dunged land, and even on the undunged lands it has
not uniformly been beneficial. It is to be regretted that the
ex])erinu'nts bearing on this question are so few, for the inevit-
able chances of error attending agricultural experiments are only
to be overcome by multiplying the number and varying the

416

PRACTICAL METHOD OF TESTING SOILS.

Seven- Plot Test — Tuenips 1883.

Manures—
Superphosphate, per acre
(or ground mineral) „
Potash salts, . . ,,
Nitrate of soda, . ,,

Experimenters —
Caverhill, John, bulbs, super.
Greenbum, . ,, min.
tops, super.
,, min.

Gibb, R. S., bulbs, super.
Boon, Lauder, ,, min.
tops, super.
min.

Harper, Wm., bulbs, super.
Sheriff hall ,, min.

Mains,

Logan, Adam S., bulbs, super.
Ferney Castle, „ min.
Reston, . . tops, super.
,, min.

Munro, John, bulbs, super.
Fairnington, . ,, min.

Purves, Wm., bulbs, super.
Heugh Head, ,, min.
ileston, . . tops, super.

min.

Reekie, Wm., bulbs, super.
Carterhaugh, ,, min.
Selkirk, . . tops, super.
,, min.

Riddell,^Wm., bulbs, super.
Nether Hailes, ,, min.

Soutar, J. G., bulbs, super.
Westhall, „ min.

Dundee, . . tops, super.
,, min.

cwt.
5

(3D
1
1

cwt.
5

3 f

o ?

20 2

18 6

3 0

2 18

14 4

16 2

3 7^

4 5

21 10
16 10

12 7
14 6

3 15

4 11

10 0

.-8 0

11 7

10 0

1 19

1 15

16 10

13 3

4 0

4 0

9 17
10 0

17 10

15 14

3 11

3 0

o ^

12 12

15 6
2 18
2 12

16 0
18 0

4 10
4 19

20 0
20 0

14 1
17 1

4 15

5 7

0 0
6 0

12 16

11 5

1 18

1 15

14 13
13 10

10
0

0

7

15 6

12 16

3 4

2 18

cwt.
5

1

to
o

o

8 16

10 0

1 10

1 12

9

10

2

2

18

11

9

16

15

10

13

10

10

5

11 17

3 18

4

5

12

0

10

0

10 10

9

0

1

14

1

12

14

10

17 10 1

4

0

4

0

8

2

6 14

11 17

10

0

2

14

2

7

cwt.
5

a ^
3 ^

7 16)
9 6!
1 8)

1 12i

11 2)
11 15 i

2 11)
2 17)'

15 0)
14 Of

11 7^

12 101
3 17 (
3 17r

10 0)

6 o;

10 12)
10 Of

1 r2i

1 15)

15 10)
13 13)

3 10)

4 OjT

6 8)
8 0)

13 0)
9 16i'
2 111
1 lOf

cwt.

cwt.

4^

15 0

2 15

13 11

3 6

17 15

14 15

5 1

6 0

11 0
1 17

14 15
3 15

9 5

8 17
1 17

tn

O ?
+J o

12 0

2 3

11 14

3 0

16 10

13 12
3 18

7 10

13 0
2 3

16 5
4 10

7 10

9 10
1 6

Nothing

o

6 9

1 2

8 14

2 4

12 15

11 19
3 18

7 0

10 12
1 14

14 5
4 5

8 0

7 14
1 16

PKACTICAL METHOD OF TESTING SOILS.

417

Seven-Plot Test — Turnips 1883.

General
Manures in
addition to
Experiment-
al Manures.

Seed and
Date of
Somng.

Date of

Singling

and Date of

Lifting.

1

Kind of
Soil.

1
Inferences.

Kind of Turnip

^j'anure suggested by

the Experiments.

Per ton.

None.
None.

None.

Fosterton

hybrid. .

16th June.

Aberdeen

yellow.

•20th June.

J'ostei-ton

hybrid.

16th June.

27th July, j
6th Dec.

24th July.
14th Nov.

Ibth July.
24th Nov.

Light on
rotten
rock.

Light and

dry, in
very poor
condition.

Medium,

Potash beneficial.
Nitrogen much
needed.

Mineral phos-
phates best.

Nitrogen much ;
needed.

Potash not need-
ed.

Nitrogen much
needed.

Soluble phos-
phates best.

Potash little
needed.

Fine bone meal,
Supeiphos.
Sulp. of amnion.'
Sulp. of potash.

Finely ground
Charleston
phosphates or
steamed bone
flom-,

Sulp. of amnion.

Niti-ate of soda,

Superphos.,
Sulp.ofanimon.
Sulp. of potash,

cwt.

7
6
3
4

16
2
2

15
4

^\■cll rotted

dung in

the di-ills.

Dun;,' in the
drills.

White

globe.

•20th June.

Fosterton

hybrid.

7th June.

31st July.
2nd Nov.

Otli July.
•26th Dec.

lied clay,
Sandy.

Mineral phos-
phates best.

Potash not need-
ed.

Evidence con-
flicting.

Soluble phos-
phates best.

Nitrogen pro-
bably washed
away.

Finely gi"ouud
Charleston
phosphate, .

Sulp.ofanimon.

Nitrate of soda,

Superphos.. .
Fine bone meal,
Horn dust,
Sulp.ofanimon.
Sulp. of potash,

12
4
4

9
6
3
1
1

Dung 15

loads per

acre in

drills.

Dung in
Nov. I6a2.

Green

globe.

30th June.

Aberdeen

yellow.
2ud June.

9th Aug.
5th Dec.

•1th July.
7th Nov,

Light and
porous.

Dry with

gravel

subsoil.

Potash injurious.
Soluble phos-
phates best.
Nitrogen needed.

Evidence cou-
1 llicting.
Soil probably un-
e(iual.

Superphos., .
Salt of amnion.

or
Dissolved bones
Sulp. of amnion.

16

4

18
2

Boue meal.

Dung 15

loads per

acre In

drills.

Green top
white,
June.

Aberdeen

yellow.

nth Jnuv.

July.
Nov.

18th July,
loth Nov,

Red loam.

' Light black
moorland.

Mineral phos-
phates best.

Potash beneficial.

Soil probably un-
equal.

Phosi)hate8mo6t
1 needed.

Soluble phos-
phates best.

Nitrogen nee«luU.

Putash not much
needed.

Finely ground
Charleston
phosphate,
Steamed bone
1 flour, .
Sulp.ofanimon.
Sulp.of potash,

Supen)ho8.,
Sulp.ofanimon

1

1
7

7
8
3

10
4

2 D

418

PRACTICAL METHOD OF TESTIXO SOILS.

locality of the experiments as much as possible. I still hope
that many may be found willing to co-operate in this matter, and
desirous of using the means afforded by the seven-plot test of
informing themselves regarding the manurial wants of their
land. The method of making this test is very simple, and the
cost is a mere trifle. What is required is that he who uses the
test should be interested in the matter, and either give it his
personal attention or secure that it is undertaken by some one
wiio is thoroughly to be depended on, for if it is not correctly
done the inferences drawn from the results will be misleading,
and if acted on may involve loss. The work has to be gone
about in the following manner : —

Directions for Making the Plots.

Choose seven ridges, ordinary 18 feet wide ridges, on a uniform
part of the field, and number them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Drive in
a stake at 1 and 7, so as to mark the place well. Measure 40
yards down ridges 1 and 7, and put in other two stakes, and draw
a line between them, as in the following diagram : —

20 yards. <

i:
r

20 yards, •{

I
I

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

t

+ 1

A

A

A

A

m

n

B

4-

B

B

B

>40 yards.

3

6

Plots so made are each about one-twentieth of an acre.

Divide plots 1, 2, 3, and 4 into two equal parts, A and B,
put in stakes at m and n, and draw a line betw^een them.

The ground is now ready for the manures.

Plots 1, 2, 3, and 4 are divided in two, for the purpose of
testing the two forms of phosphate, soluble and insoluble. The
one half, A, receives mineral phosphate (say Charleston phos-
phate), ground down to the finest flour, at the rate of 3-J cwt.
per acre. The other half, B, receives an equal money value of
superphosphate (about 28 per cent, soluble). That will pro-
bably be a little over 5 cwt. per acre.

The only other manures are sulphate of ammonia and sul-
phate of potash.

The exact quantities of the ingredients applied to the various
plots and half plots will be as follows : —

PRACTICAL METHOD OF TESTING SOILS.

419

I

6

B

Ground Ground

phos. phos.

10 lbs. 10 lbs.

Sulphate

of potash.

3 lbs.

Sulphate Sulphate

of ammo, of ammo.

3 lbs. ' 3 lbs.

Super-

phos.

15 lbs.

Super-

phos.

15 lbs.

Sulphate

of potash.

3 lbs.

Sulphate Sulphate

of ammo. , of ammo.

3 lbs. 3 lbs.

Ground

phos.

10 lbs.

Sulphate

of potash.

3 lbs.

Super-

phos.

15 lbs.

Sulphate

of potash.

3 lbs.

Ground

phos.

10 lbs.

Sulphate

of potash.

6 lbs.

Sulphate : No-
Super- Sulphate of ammon. thing,
phos. of amnion. 6 lbs.
15 lbs. 6 lbs.

Any one can make np a set of manures of that kind for
himself. The manures for each plot and half plot should be
thoroughly mixed and put into little bags, carefully labelled.

Directions for Spreading the Manures,

Choose as calm a day as possible. Lay down each bag upon
its own plot as indicated by the label, and read over the labels
to see that every one is right before opening the bags. Should
the weather not be quite calm, the manures should be mixed
with damp earth ; and in any case this is to be recommended,
so that the manures' may be made up to something like the same
bulk. There must not be the slightest blowing of the manure
from one plot to another. Apply the manure broadcast.

Any member of the Society wi.shing to perform this experi-
ment, and willing to communicate the result to me, will receive
a schedule on which is indicated the information required. All
that is necessary is that he should send me a note or a post-
card with his address and the words " 7-plot test " written on it,
and addressed —

Dr AlTKEN,

8 Clyde Street,

Edinburgh.

j^ with Potash Salts and Nitrate of Soda.

Scheme of Experiments at the Experimental Agricultural
Stations of the Highland and Agricultural Society of
Scotland, commenced May 1878.

At each station there are 10 acres under experiment, divided into 40 plots
of 1 rood each. The cropping is a rotation of turnips, barley, grass, or
beans and oats. The chief object of the experiments is to determine the
crop-producing value of the various forms of manures in common use. The
manures on each plot contain 40 lbs. phosphoric acid, 30 lbs. potash, 20 lbs.
nitrogen, unless otherwise indicated.

Plot. Phosphatic Manures.

1. Bone Ash, .

2. Bone Ash, dissolved,

3. Ground Coprolites,

4. Ground Coprolites, dissolved

5. Bone I\Ieal, ...

6. Bone Meal, dissolved, .

7. Phosphatic Guano,

8. Phosphatic Guano, dissolved

9. Ground Mineral Phosphate,

10. Dissolved Mineral,

11. No Phosphates, .

12. Bone Ash alone.

Nitrogenous Manures.

13. Nitrate of Soda, .

14. Sulphate of Ammonia, .

15. Horn Dust, .

16. Dried Blood,

17. No Nitrogen, . . .J

18. Nitrate of Soda alotie.

Piai^e Cake and Cotton Cake, see Plot 35.

Potash Manures.

19. Sulphate of Potash,

20. Muriate,

21. No Potash,

22. Sulphate of Potash alone.

with Potash Salts and Superphosphate.

\

with Nitrate of Soda and Superphosphate.

23. Peruvian Guano,

24. Fish

25. Ichaboe
26.

27. Unmanured.

Superphosphates

28. 10 % Soluble Phosphate of Lime,

29. 25 7,

Guanos.
Containing about 10 per cent. Ammonia.

30. 40 7,

/ with Sulphate of Ammonia and
' ]\Iuriate of Potash.

j5

5J

\

Various Quantities.

31. Same as Plot 1. } ^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^''' ^"^^■

32.
33.
34.

35.

36.
37.

38.

39.

40.

5>

)J

?>

))

J'

')

j a. Rape Dust,

\a. %
)a.%

20. I l I

2
14

\

5'
55
55
55
55
55
55

{ h. Cotton Cake Dust, ^
Unmanured.

with Potash Salts and Superphosphate.

( n. 1 cwt. )

< Supersulnhiite of Lime. • ,' ^ ' [
( ^ •■ ' { h. 2 cwt. )

> L^nmanurtd.

besides Manures as in Plot 7.

APPENDIX (A).

PROCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 7th FEBRUARY 1883.

Present — Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart, Bart . ; Mr Allan, Munnoch ; Lieuteuant-
General Burroughs of Rousay, C.B. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr Dingwall,
Ramornie ; Mr Drew, Merryton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon,
TiOngnewton ; Rev. John Gille.spie, Mouswald ; Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse ; Colonel
Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Hope, East Barns ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ;
Mr Mackenzie of Portniore ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains ; Mr Paterson, Plean P\arm ;
Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson Mains ; Mr John Turnbull Smith, C.A. ;
Mr Villiers, Closeburn Hall ; Mr Wilson, Wolfstar ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Cunningham
in the chair.

Mr F. N. Menzie-S reported apologies for the absence of Sir W. C. Anstruther, Bart. ;
Sir A. M. Mackenzie, Bart; Sir George Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Professor
Balfour ; Mr Forbes of Culloden ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Irvine of Dnira ; Mr
M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Auchendennan ; Mr Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge :
Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr "Walker, Portlethen ; and Professor Wilson.

The Late Sir Archibald Hope, Bart. — Before proceeding to the business on
the programme, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : — " That the
death of Sir Archibald Hope of Pinkie, Bart., having been communicated to the
Directors, they desire to express their deep regret at the lo.s3 which the Society has
sustained, and their sense of the cordial assistance rendered by him as an Ordinary
Director.

Potato Culture. — The Secretary read the following letter from the Privy
Council for Trade, in answer to bis letter of 12th January : —

" Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade,
" January 26, 1883.

"Sir, — I am directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 12th inst., inquiring, on behalf of the Highland and Agi-icultural Society
of Scotland, if any steps are being taken with reference to the report of the House ot
Commons' Committee of 1880 respecting the failures in the potato crop.

" In reply, I am to state, for the infonnation of your Society, that under e.xistinj:
arrangements the Board of Trade have no authority and no funds at their disposal to
carry out tlie experiments in regard to potato culture which are recommended in the
report of the committee.

" I am to add that this Board inclines to the oj)inion that these investigations could
be best undertaken by private associations. If it should prove any such associatiou.s
are willing to make the necessary experiments themselves, but that they cannot do so
for want of funds, it wdl rest with them to make out such a case as will satisfy the
Trea.sury that it is a proper subject for the expenditure of public money. — I am. Sir,
your obedient .servant, (Signed) R. GiFFEN.

" F. N. Menzi&s Esq."

Mr ViLLiEiw of Closeburn Hall then proposed the following resolutions, which were
agreeil to : — " That, in accordance with the re.solution pa-ssed by the General Meeting,
the Directors will offer a prize or prizes to encourage raising ami introducing new
varieties of potatoes. That a small committee be appointed to consider the best
mt'ans of carryijig Ihi.s resulution into ell'ect."

Mr He.noeuso.n's Dkylnq ArrAUATCS. — The following rei)ort by the deputatifu
appointed t«) visit Mr Charles J. Henderson's drying apparatus at Coltbridge was read :
— Ileateil air is gem-ratefl liy u giUeil .stove, and by aid of a fan blower driven by a
man, a continuou.s stream of hot air can be kejit up at a temperature of 200 to 30(l
degrees. Mr Henderson's idea i.s that sheaves of com could l>e ilrieil in the field by
jiiling the sln^aves in small .stacks in ]>la<t' of stooking them, and dniwing the stovf
and blower from heap to heap. Mr Henderson is coustructimr a ni.iohine .if this kind

a

2 PKOCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

trn wheels, at an expense of about £20. He also recommends it as a means of heating
churches or other large buildings. The deputation did not venture au opinion as to
how it might operate in the field without seeing it tried, which Mr Henderson promised
to give them an opportunity of seeing on a future occasion. They, however, thought
it would be very interesting to see how a hot air-current of air, such as he can produce,
would operate in drying hay or corn stacks as compared with a cold current.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 7th MARCH 1883.

Present — Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. ; Sir George Macpherson Grant, Bart.,
M.P. ; Mr Allan, Munnoch ; Lieuteuant-General Burroughs of Rousay, C.B. ; Mr
Drew, Merryton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewi;on ;
Mr Easson, Scones Lethendy ; Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Mr Forbes of Culloden ; Mr
Forman, Duncrahill ; Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse ;
Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Hope, East Barns ;
Mr Irvine of Drum; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mackenzie of Portmore;
Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Auchendennan ; Ikir Mollison, Dochgarroch
Lodge ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr John
Turubull Smith, C.A. ; Mr Villiers, Closeburu Hall; Professor Wilson; Mr Wilson,
Wolfstar ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Scott Dudgeon in the chair.

Mr F. N. Menzies reported apologies for the absence of Sir W. C. Anstruther,
Bart. ; Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie, Bart. ; Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart, Bart ; Mr
Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr Sutherland- Walker of Skibo ; Mr Walker of Bowland, C.B.;
and Mr Walker, Portlethen.

The Late Sir Archd. Hope, Bart. — A letter was read from Lady Hope of Pinkie,
begging the Directors to accept her warmest thanks for the minute recording their
regret at the death of her husband, and their SATnpathy for her.

Inverness Show, 1883. — Stallion for District of Show. — The Secretary reported
that Mr Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge ; Mr Mackenzie, Dalmore ; Mr Walker, Altyre ;
and Mr Anderson of Lochdhu, had, at the competition at Glasgow on the 20th February,
awarded the prize of £100, with £15 for expenses, to Mr Peter M 'Robbie, Sunnyside,
Aberdeen, for his bay horse " Gilderoy," aged four years and eight months, bred by
Mr Duncan, Kirktoun, Deskford. The rate of service is £2 at end of season and £2
for a foal. No groom money. The horse to travel from Elgin to Tain as directed by
Committee, returning from Tain to Elgin by rail once a fortnight. The horse to travel
from 1st April till 15th July. A list of owners of mares to be supplied by the Com-
mittee, and in the event of any difficulty or misunderstanding arising between owner
of horse and the owners of mares, the same to be settled by the Committee, whose
decision shall be final.

Site for Showyard. — On a strong representation from several of the Directors
connected with the Inverness district, it was agreed to hold the Show on the farm of
Dalneigli, on the north side of the river Ness, instead of on Seafield farm, as had been
proposed.

Inverness Fo.rmers Society. — Mr Forbes of Culloden intimated that the Inverness
Farmers' Society had resolved to subscribe £50 in aid of the funds of the Inverness
Show. On the motion of the Chairman, the thanks of the Board were voted to the
Inverness Society for their donation.

Raihcay Arrangemeyits. — The Secretary stated that he had been for some time
in commimication with the managers of the Scotch railway companies, and that they
had agreed to meet the wishes of the Directors by assimilating the Scotch and English
regulations for the conveyance of live stock and implements to and from agricultural
shows as respects (1) the return of unsold live stock by passenger train at half the
ordinary rates, and (2) the free conveyance of men in charge of live stock. The
amended regulations will be published in the Premium Book for the current year.

Edinburgh Show, 1884. — The Directors resolved to intimate in the Premium
Book fur the current year (1) their willingness to accept suitable champion cups or
prizes for the recognised breeds of cattle, horses, and sheep in connection with the
General Show of the Society at Edinburgh in 1884. For these cups or prizes all
former prize animals will be eligible to compete. (2) That family or group prizes are
to be olfered in each of the five breeds of cattle (shorthorn, Ayrshire, polled Angus or
Aberdeen, Galloway, and Highland) ; in agricultural horses, two clases ; and in each
of the three breeds of sheep (blackfaced, Cheviot, and Border Leicester). The specifi-
cations of the different prizes will be intimated in January.

Clydesdale Stud-Book. — A letter was read from Mr Archibald M'Neilage, jun.,
Glasgow, presenting, on behalf of the Clydesdale Horse Society of Great Britain and
Ireland, a copy of the fifth volume of the Clydesdale Stud-Book for the Society's
library. The volume was accepted with thanks.

PllOCEKDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 4th APRIL 1883.

Present — Sir W. C. Anstrutlier, Bart.; Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart.; Sir
George Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Mr Ainslie of Costerton ; Mr Balfour of
Balbiruie ; Lieutenant-General Burroughs of Rousay, C.B. ; Mr Dingwall, Ramornie ;
Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Easson, Scones
Lethendy ; Mr Elliot, Blackliaugh ; Mr Fornian, Duncrahill ; Colonel Gillon of
Wallhouse ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Hope, East Barns ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie
-IVlains ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Major Rose of Kilravock ;
3Ir Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr J. Turnbull Smith, C A. ; Mr Campbell Swinton of
Kimmerghame ; MrVilliers, Closeburu Hall; Mr Walker, Portlethen ; Mr Wilson,
Wolfstar ; and Professor Wilson. —Mr Scott Dudgeon in the chair.

Mr F. N. Menziks reported apologies for the absence of the Hon. G. R. Vernon ;
Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart, Bart. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr Johnstone
Douglas of Lockerbie; Mr Drew, Merryton ; Mr Farquharson of Haughton ; Mr
Forbes of CuUoden ; Rev, John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Mr Irvine of Drum ;
Mr Mackenzie of Portmore, Mr M' Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Auchendennan,
3Ir Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Scott, Glendronach ; and
JVIr Walker of Rowland, C.B.

Inverness Show, 1883 — Letters to the conveners of the counties connected with
Ihe Show — Inverness, Elgin, Nairn, Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, Sutherland,
and Orkney and Shetland — and to the Provost of Inverness, in regard to the nomi-
nation of the Local Committee, were submitted and approved of.

Edinburgh Show, 1884.— The Board approved of letters being addressed to the
conveners of the counties embraced in the district of the Show — Edinburgh,
Haddington, an«l Linlithgow — and to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh— anent the
auxiliary subscription.

Report of Trial of Seed-Cleaners. — The following report was read : — The
adjourned trial of seed-cleaning machines took place on Wednesday, 7th March
1883, in the premises of Mr Robert T. Mackintosh, seedsman, 10 Melbourne Place,
Edinburgh, kindly placed at the disposal of the Society for that purpose. The
judges were Messrs Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains ; John Scott Dudgeon, Long-
newton ; Alexander Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; James Shaw, Skaithmuir ; and
H. Hogg Shaw, Cohistream. Mr R. T. Mackintosh also attended. Messrs John
Kichardson k Son, Carlisle, brought forward two machines, driven by hand,
aiumbered 285 and 286 in catalogue of Glasgow Show — the former of which was
tried with ryegrass and with clover seeds, the latter with clover seeds only. No.
285 machine is tittetl with a set of three or more sieves placed in steps and stairs
in the same slo])iiig frame. This frame oscillates lengthways with a heaving .>)0]t
of motion, by which a heavy-headed seed (such as wire-grass), when dropping
from one sieve to another, is made to fall on its heavy head, and so pass more
readily through the meshes of the sieve. This machine is chiefly intended for
ryegrass seed-s, and to do the chaffing, riddling, and screening at one operation.
By changes of sieves and riddles, it may be made to drop other agricultural seeds,
«uch as turnip seeds and clovers. It is light to drive, aud not expensive, the
price being £16, 10s. with one .set of sieves and riddles (other sizes of sieves and
riddles extra). The other machine is a combined machine intended to dress
either corn or small seeds. It is also light, easily driven, and costs £12, 10s.
The judges do not consider it nearly equal to tlie other as a seed cleaner, and
they had no opportunity for testing it as a dresser of corn. The perennial
ryegrass seed was very foul, and contained a considerable quantity of hair grass,
goose grass, Ijuttercup, Yorkshire fog, and other noxious weeds. By being
passed twice through No. 285 machine, a large portion of these foreign seeds was
removed, and the resulting sample of ryegrass seed was very much improved, aud
made com})aratively clean. The clover seed operateil on was old (.ierman red,
verv dirty and full of seeds of weeds, and neither machine was very successful
with it. On the whole, the judges were of opinion that No. 285 machine made
good work with ryegrass seeds, hut that it will re(|uire improvement both in the
blowing anil in the screening apparatus to bring it up to an equa'ity with tlie less
simple but more effective power-driven machines useil in the large seed-cleaning
warehouses. 'VXw.x do not, therefore, consider tlRinselvcs justiticd in awarding to
it any of the i»rizes ollVred for comptitition at Glasgow Show. Its merit is, haw-
ever, 80 very cousideral)le that they recommend the Directors to make a sj>ecial
grant of £10 to .Messrs J. Richardson & Son, in recognition of such merit, aud as an
encouragement to their efforts for its further improvement.

The Board conhrmed the award in favour of Messrs J. Kicliard.son k Son.

FooT-AND-Motrn Diskvsk.— On the motion of Mr Scott Didijkon, Longn.'wton,
ueconded by .Mr Bai.koir of Halbirnie, the H«iard unanimously p;i.ssed the following
resolution :— "Tliat, in view of the great spread of foot-and-mouth disease throughout the

4 PROCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

country, and the interference to trade caused by the restrictions which its presence
necessitates, th« Prime Minister be asked to receive a deputation from the Societj"
for the purpose of urging upon the Government the necessity of taking immediate
steps to carry into effect the recommendations of the Royal Commission on
Agriculture — ' that the landing of foreign live animals should not be permitted in
future from any countries as to which the Privy Council are not satisfied that they are
perfectly free from any contagious disease.' "

Three members of the Board were selected to go to London ; and the Secretary was
instructed to communicate with the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G.. the
President of the Society, and to arrange a deputation of members in London.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 2sd MAY 1883.

Present — Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart, Bart. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr
Dudgeon, Easter Dalraeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Mr Easson, Scones
Lethendy : Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Mr Farquharson of Hanghton : Mr Forman,
Duncrahill ; Rev, John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse ; Colonel
Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Hope, East Barns ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Nicoll,
Littleton ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson
Mains ; Mr Villiers, Closeburn Hall ; Professor Wilson ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr
Cunningham in the chair.

Mr F. N. Menzies reported apologies for the absence of Sir W. C. Anstruther^
Bart. ; Sir Geo. Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Mr Balfour of Balbirnie ; Mr
Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie ; Mr Forbes of Culloden ; Mr Beudersou of Stemster ;
Mr Irvine of Drum ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mackenzie of Port-
more ; Mr Martin of Auchendeunan ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Scott, Glendronach ; Mr
John Turnbull Smith, C.A. ; and j\Tr Walker, Portlethen.

Importation of Foreign Animals. — The Secretary reported that, according to
previous arrangement. Lord Carlingford had received a deputation from the Society on
Wednesday the 25th of April, at the Privy Council Office, on the subject of the
importation of foreign live animals. The deputation, which was headed by the Duke
of Richmond and Gordon, K.G., consisted of the Earl of Stair ; the Earl of Kintore ;
the Earl of Galloway ; Lord Balfour of Burleigh ; Sir James Gibson-Craig ; Sir
Thomas Gladstone ; Sir G. Macpherson Grant, M.P. ; Sir Kenneth Mackenzie ; Sir G.
Graham Montgomery; Sir James R. Gibson Maitland; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton*
Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Mr F. E. Villiers, Closeburn Hall; and Mr F. N. Menzies^
Secretary of the Society. The Duke of Richmond, followed by Sir James Gitson-
Craig, Sir George Macpherson Grant, Mr Scott Dudgeon, and Mr Elliot, stated
the case for the Society, which was to urge the necessity of taking immediate steps to
carry into effect the recommendation of the Royal Commission On Agriculture—
" That the landing of foreign live animals should not be permitted in future from any
countries as to which the Privy Council are not satisfied that they are perfectly free
from any contagious disease." The substance of Lord Carlingford's reply was that, so
far as in their power, they would work up to the provisions of the Act of 1878 ; but
what the Highland Society asked was practically a request for the prohibition of the
landing of live stock, which was not within the powers of the Privy Council.

Proposed Forestry Exhibition in Edinburgh. — On a letter being read from Mr
Hutchison of Carlowrie, asking the Directors to name a committee of their number to
ioin the Provisional Committee in carrying out the object of the proposed International
Forestry Exhibition to be held at Edinburgh in 1884, the Directors nominated a
committee, and subscribed £100 towards the guarantee fund.

In his letter Mr Hutchison explains that the objects intended by holding such an
exhibition are not only to stimulate a deeper interest in scientific forestry in the
public mind, and to illustrate the importance and value of woods to a country, but
also to aid the movement to supply what is now an acknowledged national want, viz.,
a school of forestry in Scotland. Edinburgh is pre-eminently well equipped for such
a school by the teaching of the professors of agriculture, botany, chemistry, engineer-
ing, and surveying, and only lacks some method of clinical instruction to utilise the
Botanic Garden and Arboretum.

State of Forestry in Britain. — The following resolution was unanimously
adopted : — That the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, as representing
the nobility, landed proprietors, and all who are interested in the management of
landed property in Scotland, have learned with much satisfaction that the state of
forestry m Britain is to be brought under the notice of Parliament. The Society was
instituted hi 1784, and incorporated by royal charter in 1787, and its exertions have
for the "reater part of a century been specially directed to the advancement of
practical^forestry by means of prizes for essays and reports on the management and

PROCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS. S

XJ

general treatment of woods and plantations. The Society has contributed largely as a
body and by its members to the introduction of many valuable forest trees suitable to
the climate and wants of the country. In 1871 the Society instituted a system of
examination in forestry, and grants certificates to candidates of merit, as exhibited in
their syllabus. The Society would therefore hail with pleasure the organisation of a
system of forest education in Great Britain as a matter of the greatest importance for
the instruction of forest officers, as they deem it a question of vast importance to this
country as well as her various colonies.

General Meetings. — The half-yearly general meeting of the Society for the
election of members and for other business was fixed to be held on Wednesday, 20th
June.

Inverness Show. — Letters were submitted from the Town Clerk of Inverness,
sending the names of the gentlemen appointed to act on the Local Committee of the
General Show to be held at Inverness in July next ; and from Mr Walter Mundell,
Moy, intimating a subscription of £20, by the Northern Pastoral Club in aid of the
Show.

Edinburgh Show, 1884.— The Secretary intimated that the Commissioners of
Supply for the counties of Edinburgh and Linlithgow had imposed a voluntary assess-
ment of 30s. per £1000 of valuation to raise a contribution towards the expenses of the
Show in 1884 ; and that the Commissioners of Haddington had voted an assessment of
^. in the pound towards the same object.

Agricultural Statistics. — A letter was read from Major P. G. Craigie, sending
copy of his work on Statistics of Agricultural Production. The pamphlet was ac-
cepted with thanks.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 6th JUNE 1883.

Present— 'S,\v James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr
Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr Drew, Merrytou ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott
Duilgeon, Longnewton ; Mr Easson, Scones Lethendy ; Mr Elliot, Blacknaugh ; Mr
Farquharsou of Haughton ; Mr Henderson of Stomster ; Mr Hope, East Bams ; Mr
Irvine of Drum ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains :
Mr NicoU, Littleton ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Scott, Glen-
dronach ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson Mains; Mr John Turnbull
Smith, C.A. : xMr Wilson, Wolfstar ; Mr Walker, Portlethen ; and Dr Aitken.— Mr
Cunningham in the chair.

Mr F. N. Mknzfes reported apologies for the absence of Sir George Macpherson
Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Mr Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie ; the Rev. John Gillespie ;
Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Aucbeudennan ;
Mr Mollisou, Dochgarroch Lodge ; Mr Villiers, Closebuni Hall ; Mr Walker of Bow-
land, C. B. ; and Professor Wilson.

Deceased Members. — Before proceeding with the business on the programme, the
Boani entered on their minutes resolutions expressive of their deep regret at the death
of the Rig'it Hon. Sir John M'Neill, G.C.B., and Mr Harry Maxwell Inglis of Logan
Bank, and tlieir .sense of the assistance which the Society had on many occasions
received from them.

International Forestry Exhibition.— The following are the names of the noble-
men and gentlemen apjiointed by the Directors to act on the Executive Committee of
the International Forestry Exhiljitiin; :— The Earl of Seafield ; Lord Lovat ; Sir
Robert Menzies of MenzieS; Bart. ; Sir Herbert E. Maxwell of Monreith, Bart. ; Sir
James II. Gil)son-Craig of Riccarton, Bart. ; Dr Cleghorn, Stravithie ; Mr Irvine of
Drum; Mr John M'Gregor, Dunkeld ; Mr Mackenzie of Portiuore ; and Mr F. N.
^!euzies, Secretary of the Society,

Inverness 'riUi)\\—J/utel AccammodatLoyi.—Tha headquarters of the Society were
fixed to be at the Caledonian Hotel, and an agreement with Mr Macfarlane was sub-
mitted an<l accei)ted Ity the Board. Closiny of the Entries. — The Secretary stated
that the iniploment entries closed on the 1st inst., and that as Friday the 15th current
was the last day for hxlging certificates of stock, he would attend at the Caledonian
Hotel, Inverness, on that day to receive entries and to ^:\o1>^i the list.

Chemical Uki'aht.ment. — The Secretary rejjortetl that, in tenus of the recommenda-
tions of the Committee on Publications approved by the Directors, he had arraugeil for
tlie publication in separate form of the reports by Dr Aitken as containeil in this year's
Volume of the Transuctions. The pamphlet extends to about tJO pages, juid contains
also the whole regulations and instructions issued by the Cheniiciil Department.

Knsilacje KxrKKiMKNT.s. — Dr AiTKKN reported that, in the absence of Mr .Mackenzie
of PortUKjre, .Mr .Mylne and he had recently inspected the .silo being constructed for
the Society at Portmore, and gave a descriutiou of the experiment. The silo, which
U now nearly completed, is a rectangular cnauiber 30 feet long, 13 feet deep, and 12

6 PROCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

feet wide. It is partly dug out of a dry bauk adjoining the steading, and is con-
structed of concrete, consisting of seven parts gravel got in the neighbourhood and.
one part Portland cement. The capacity of the silo is such as to contain, Avhen full^
about 100 tons of ensilage, and it is expected that the cost will not exceed 13s. per ton
of capacity. The crops — consisting of grass, oats, maslin, and tares — are to he cut
about the time' of flow^ering, and stored irrespective of weather. Mr Mackenzie--
is constructing a silo of similar capacity at another steading to receive the produce of
about 12 acres meadow grass and about 8 acres clover grass. In addition to these a.
silo of about 15 tons capacity will be dug on the hill farm in the form of a trench 15
feet long, 5J feet wide, and 5 feet deep, to be filled with bog grass for the feeding of
sheep, it will be simply a hole in the solid earth, dug as smoothly as possible without-
lining of any kind, and when it has been filled and trodden, the earth which has been
taken out will be heaped on the top, to give the w^eight required to keep the ensilage:
in good condition.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 20th JUNE 1883.

Present — Mr Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr Drew, Merryton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter
Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Colonel Gillon of
Wallhouse ; Colonel of Hare Calder Hall ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Hope, East
Barns ; Mr Irvine of Drum ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Mollison, Dochgarroch.
Lodge ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Shaw,.
Skaithmuir ; Colonel Williamson of Lawers ; Mr Wilson, Wolfstar ; and Dr Aitken. —
Mr Scott Dudgeon in the chair.

Apologies were reported for the absence of Sir George Macpherson Grant, Bart, M.P. ;;
Sir James H. Gibson-Craig Bart. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbeoch ; Mr Farquharson of
Haughton ; Mr Martin of Auchendennan ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Mr Scott, Glen-
dronach ; Mr John Turnbull Smith, C.A. ; Mr Walker, Portlethen, and Mr Yilliers,
Closeburn Hall.

The business had reference principally to the subjects to be brought before the
General Meeting of this date.

SPECIAL MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 4th JULY 1883.

Present— The Hon. G. R. Vernon, Auchans House ; Mr Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr
Drew, Merr}i;on ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ;
Mr Easson, Scones Letheudy ; Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; ]\Ir Forbes of Culloden ; ]\rr
Forman, Duncrahill ; Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse ; Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr
Hope, East Barns ; Mr Irvine of Drum ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Auchen-
dennan ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ;,
Mr Pott of Dod ; Major Rose of Kilravock ; Mr Scott, Glendronach ; Mr Shaw,
Skaithmuir ; Mr Walker of Rowland, C.B. ; Mr Walker, Portlethen ; Professor Wilson ;
Mr Wilson, Wolfstar ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Scott Dudgeon, and afterwards Mr Pott,,
occupied the chair.

Mr F. N. Menzies reported apologies for the aVisence of Sir Henry J. Seton
Steuart, Bart. ; Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr
Dundas of Arniston ; Mr Farquharson of Haughton ; Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald ;
Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mollison,
Dochgarroch Lodge ; and Mr John Turnbull Smith, C.A.

Inverness Show. — With reference to the resolution at last General Meeting,
leaving it to the Directors to decide at their meeting to-day whether the Show at
Inverness should be held or not, the Secretary read the Regulations passed by the'
Local Authorities of the county and burgh of Inverness.

After discussion, in which Mr Forbes of Culloden Mr Walker of Rowland, Mr-
Drew. ]VIerryton, and Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh, took part, the Directors, in considera-
tion of the Regulations by the Local Authorities of the county and burgh of Inverness,
and the wishes of Exhibitors, resolved that the Show should go on.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 7th NOVEMBER 1883.

Present — Mr Ainslie of Costerton ; Mr Balfour of Balbirnie ; Mr Cunningham,
Tarbreoch ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longiiewton ;
Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Colonel Gillon of
Wallhouse ; Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Hope,

PKOCEEDINGS AT BOAKD MEETINGS. 7

East Bams ; Mr Irvine of Drum ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Martin of Auchen-
dennan ; Mr Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge ; Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains ; Mr Pott
of Dod ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson Mains ; Mr John Tumbull
Smith, C.A. ; Mr Villiers, Closeburn Hall; Mr Walker of Bowland, C.B. ; Professor
Wilson ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Cunningham, and afterwards Mr Villiers, in the chair.

Mr F. N. Menzies reported apologies for the absence of Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart,
Bart. ; Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart.; Admiral Maitland Dougall ; Mr Farquhar-
son, of Haughton ; Mr Forbes of Culloden ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ;
Mr Mackenzie of Portmore ; Mr Murray of Dollerie ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ;
Mr Scott, Glendronach ; and Mr Walker, Portlethen.

The Late Mr Whyte Melville. — A letter was read from Mr J. H. Balfour, W.S.,
acknowledging receipt of the resolutions passed on the late Mr Whyte Melville of Ben-
nochy, and expressing, on behalf of his relatives, their appreciation of the esteem in
which he was held by the Society,

Inverness Show. — With reference to tickets which had been used by parties who
were not members, the Secretary stated that in one case the ticket had been stolen and
used by a man who, on being ciuestioned at the gate, ran away. The other case was
not so clear, but he would recommend the Directors not to publish the name. The
tickets are marked " not transferable," and should be signed by the members before
presenting them. The Directors resolved on this occasion not to report the names of
the members whose tickets had been presented by others, but they expressed a strong
opinion that members should be more careful of their tickets, and that if these
disgraceful transferences continue, strong steps would have to be taken to prevent
them.

Nomination of Directors by Show Districts. — The Secretary reported that the
following members had been nominated and recommended to the Board to act as
Ordinary Directors, in terms of the regulations :--Mr Robert Gardiner of Rottearns,
Chapel Bank — Perth district ; Mr Robert Paterson of Birthwood — Glasgow district ;
Mr James Murray, Catter House— Stirling district ; Mr John Marr, Cairnbrogie —
Aberdeen district ; Mr R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay of Whitehill — Edinburgh district ;
Mr Jonathan Middleton, Clay of Allan — Inverness district ; Mr Niven Mattliews,
Whitehills — Dumfries district ; Mr James T. S. Elliot, yr. of Wolfelee — Kelso district.

Offtce-Bearers and Directors. — It was remitted to the following committee
to prepare a list of Office-bearers and Directors, and to submit it for consideration
at the December meeting : — Lord Polwarth, Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie, Sir
James H. Gibson-Craig ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr Dingwall, Ramomie ;
Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Rev. John Gillespie, Mr Pott of Dod ; Mr Eliott
Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mackenzie of Portmore ; Mr Villiers, Closeburn
Hall ; Mr Martin of Auchendennan ; Mr Balfour of Balbirnie ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter
Dalmeny ; and Mr Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge.

General Shows. — Edbiburgh, 18S4. — The reports of the Conmiittees on General
Shows, Machinery, and Highland Industries, suggesting the premiums to be offeretl
at the Edinburgh Show next year, was under the consideration of the Board, and after
being again belore the Board will be submitted to a meeting of members to be held
next month.

Gl,vsgow Show, 1882. —The premiums awarded for shorthorn cows, two-year-old
shorthorn heifers, two-year-old Galloway heifers, and mares in foal (payment of which
had been suspended till birth of produce was certified) were reported to have been
finally decided as follows: — Sliorthorn Cows — 1, Mr Mitchell, Auchnagathle, "Haw-
thorn Bud;" 2, the late Mr Baillie of Dochfour, " Belle of Albion; "3, no award.
Two-year-old Shorthorn Heifers — 1, Mr Mitchell, Auchnagathle, "Aurora;" 2, Mr
M'William, Stoneytown, "Golden Wreath:" 3, George Bruce, Al)erdeen, "Emma,
2nd." Two-year-old Galloway Heifers — 1, Mr M'Cowan of Ne.wtonjiirds, " Nundina
3rd of Drundanrig" (3822);; 2, Mr Jardine of Castlendlk, M.P., "Lady Nancv 2ud"
(3981) ; 3, Mr Jardine Paterson of Halgray (4183). Mares in Foal— 1, Mr Dykes.
Kipps, "Susy; " 2, Mr Waddell of Inch' "Cherry;" 3 and 4, no award.

Di.strict Competitions. — It was also reported that the premiums awarded for
mares in foal in the dristrict of Cujiar ami St Andrews and Central Strathearn had
l)een ultimately adjudged as follow : — Cupar and St Andrews — 1, Mr BIytli, Ham-
breich ; 2. Mr Millie, Kilmaron ; 3, Mr Dingwall, Ii;imornie. Central Strathearn — 1,
Mr ftardiner, Chapel Hank ; 2, .Mr Dow, Balmanno ; .'<, Mr Gardiner, Chajnd Bank.

Pukskntation.— A letter was submitted from Mr A. Stephen Wilson, North
Kinmundy, Aberdeenshire, presenting copy of hi.s work, entitled yl Jiushel of Com,
and to m.-irk tlieir appreciation of his work the Directors had at a former meeting
awarded the writer a g(dd medal.

Mi.scEi.i.ANKors KK.MIT8— To the Reading Committee, to report on papers lodgetl in
1883; to the Pul)lication Committee, to revise the list of subjects lor 1884; to the
Committees on District Shows and on Cottages and Gardens, io revise the awanls of
1883, and consider the aitplicationa for 1884.

8 PEOCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 5th DECEMBER 1883.

Present — Sir G. Graham Montgomery, Bart. ; Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. ;
Mr Allan, Munnocli ; Mr Balfour of Balbimie ; Mr Cunningham, Tarbreoch ; Mr
Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr Drew, Merryton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott
Dudgeon, Longnewton ; 'Sir Easson, Scones Letheudy ; I\Ir Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Rev.
John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Mr Henderson of Stemster ; Mr Hope, East Bams ; Mr
Irvine of Drum ; Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae ; Mr Mackenzie of Portmore ;
Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr SUhm, Xiddrie Mains ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Pott of
Dod ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson Mains ; ]\Ir John Turnbull Smith,
C.A. ; Mr Villiers. Closeburn Hall ; Mr Walker, Portlethen ; Mr Walker of Bowland,
C.B. ; Professor Wilson; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Cunningham in the chair.

Mr F. N. Mexzies reported apologies for the absence of Sir Henry J. Seton
Steuart, Bart. ; Sir W. C. Anstruther, Bart. ; Sir C. E. F. Stirling, Bart. ; Sir George
Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Mr Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie ; Colonel Gillou
of Wallhouse ; Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Sir SloWhou, Dochgarroch Lodge ; Mr
Murray of Dollerie ; Mr Paterson, Plean Farm ; Mr Scott, Glendronach ; and Mr
Wilson, Wolfstar.

Board a>'D General Meetings.— The Board Meeting for January 1884 was fi.xed
to be held on the 9th instead of the 2ud, and the amiiversary General Meeting on the
16th of that month.

Cattle Disease.— On the motion of Mr Scott Dudgeon, seconded by Mr Dingwall,
the following resolution was agreed to : — " The continued prevalence of foot-and-
mouth disease, and the large increase in the number of outbreaks throughout the
United Kingdom since the Highland and Agricultural Society's deputation waited
upon the President of the Council in the end of April, compel the Directors of the
Society again to urge upon the Government the necessity of no longer delaying to give
effect to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Agriculture — ' that the
landing of foreign animals .should not be permitted in future from any countries as to
which the Privy Council are not satisfied that they are perfectly free from contagious
disease.' The past experience of the working of the Contagious Diseases (Animals)
Act, 1878, as administered by the Privy Council and Local Authorities, has proved it
to be a complete failure in preventing the introduction of disease ft-ora abroad, and the
constant recurrence of alarming and wide-spread outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease
throughout the kingdom ; while, from the want of uniformity in the restrictions
enforced by the various Local Authorities and the necessity which exists for their
almost constant imposition, these restrictions have become intolerable to the breeders
and feeders of live stock, and are interfering most prejudicially in the adequate supply
of butcher meat and dairy produce to the British public."

Amsterdam Agricultural Exhibition. — The following letter in regard to the
Agricultural E.xhibition to be held at Amsterdam next year, was read, and the Sec-
retary stated that the programme could be seen on application at the Society's Office,
No. 3 George IV. Bridge :—

" Science and Art Department, London, S. W.
" Amsterdam Agricultural Exhibitwn.

" Sir, — The Lords of the Committee of Council on Education have received from
the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a communication announcing that an Agricul-
tural Exhibition, under the patronage of His Majesty the King of the Netherlands?,
will be held at Amsterdam by the United Netherlands Agricultural Association f}'om
August 25 to September 6, 1884. I am to suggest that the intention to hold this
exhibition should be communicated to the members of your Society, and to such other
persons as would be interested in the subject. I enclose a coj^y of the programme
received from the Foreign Office ; and you will observe that further particulars of the
exhibition may be obtained from the Secretary of the Executive Committee, P. F. L.
Waldeck, Esq., Loosdimnen, near" the Hague, Netherlands. — I am. Sir, your obedient
servant, (Signed) G. F. Duncombe.

" The Secretary of the Highland and Agi-icultural Society of Scotland.'^

Hoose or Husk. — The Secretary read the following letter from Mr Williams, and
a hope was expressed that gentlemen having animals affected with the disease Hoose
or Husk would communicate either with the Secretary of the Society or Mr Williams : —

' ' New Veterinary College,
" Edinburgh, 4th December 1833.

^' Sir, — Having recently read and heard that drugs may be introduced directly into
th3 -snndpipe of animals without doing harm, I should very much like — should I
have the opportunity — to try the efficacy of some drugs in the treatment of ' Husk or
Hoose.' I may explain that husk is a dasease chiefly affecting calves and lambs ; it is
due to the presence of worms in the lungs, which cause a large amount of irritation,
and so cause bronchitis and pneumonia, resulting too frequently in death. Husk or hoose
occurs more frequently in England than in Scotland, but even in the latter country it

PROCEEDINGS AT BOARD MEETINGS. 9

causes annually a heavy loss. The disease is ordinarily treated by the administration
(by the mouth) of anti-parasitic medicines, which may in the earlier stages cause a cure,
but when the disease is much ad\'auced the ordinary administration of drugs is found
of no avail. If you know of any one whose animals are so affected, and if he be
willing, I would gladly avail myself of the opportunitv of attempting a cure — I am,
kc, (Signed) W. 0. Williams, V.S., and M.R.C.V.S.

"F. N. Menzies, Esq."

Argyll Naval Fund, — On the recommendation of the Committee in charge of
this Fund, it was resolved to place on the list of recipients Mr Archibald Peers Mac-
Ewan, at present on board the " Britannia," in room of Mr Charles Hope Dundas, who
has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Presentation. — The Secretary submitted a copy of Woods, Forests, and Estates
of Perthshire, by Tliomas Hunter, editor of the Perthshire Constitutional and Journal,
presented to the Society's library by the author. The work was accepted, and the
Secretary was instructed to thank the donor.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 9th JANUARY 1884.

Present — Sir George Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; Sir James H. Gibson-Craig,
Bart,; Mr Dingwall, Ramornie ; Mr Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie; Mr Drew,
Merryton ; Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Mr
Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Mr Forraan, Duncrahill ; Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald ; Colonel
Gillon of Wallhouse ; Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Henderson of Stemster; Mr
Hope, East Barns ; Mr Mackenzie of Portraore ; Mr M'Queen of Crofts ; Mr Paterson,
Plean Farm ; Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Sniith, Stevenson Mains ; Mr J. Turnbull
Smith, C.A. ; Mr Villiers, Closeburn Hall ; Mr Walker of Bowland, C.B. ; Mr Wilson,
Wolfstar ; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Scott Dudgeon, and afterwards Mr Mackenzie, in the
chair.

Mr F. N. Menzies reported apologies for the absence of Sir Henry J, Seton Steuart,
Bart.; Sir C. E. F. Stirling, Bart.,; Sir W. C. Anstruther, Bart. ; Mr Farquhaison of
Haughton; Mr Forbes of Cullodeu ; ^Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickl)rae ; Mr Martin
of Auchendeunan ; Mr Murray of Dollerie ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Pott of Dod,
Major Rose of Kilravock ; Mr Scott, Glendronach ; and Mr Walker, Portlethen.

Office-Bearers. — The Secuetary reported that the names of the noblemen and
gentlemen to be proposed by the Directors at the General Meeting on the 16th curt., to
fill the vacancies in the list for 1884, had been published in terms of the Charter.

Aoricl'ltural and Forestry Examinations. — The examinations in agriculture
and forestry were fi.\ed to be held on the 24th, 25th, and 26th March, candidates being
required to enter their names before the 10th March with the Secretary.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS, 16th JANUARY 1884.

Present— ^\r C. E. F. Stirling, Bart. ; Sir Henry J. Seton Steuart, Bart.; Mr Allan,
Munnoch ; Mr Balfour of Balliirnie ; Mr Dingwall, Kanioruie ; Admiral Maitland
Dougall of Scotscraig ; Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton ; Mr Easson, Scones
Lfthendy ; Mr Elliot, Blackhaugh ; Mr Fanpiharson of Haughton ; Colonel Gillon of
Wallhouse ; Colonel Hare of Calder Hall ; Mr Hope, East Barns ; Mr Henderson of
Stemster; .Mr Irvine of Drum; Mr .^Lackenzie of Port more ; Mr .Martin of Auchen-
deunan ; Mr Nicoll, Littleton ; Mr Paterson of Birth wood ; Mr Pott of Dod ; .Mr
Shaw, Skaithmuir ; Mr Smith, Stevenson Mains; Mr J. Turnbull Smith, C.A. ; Mr
Villitrs, Closeburn Hall; Mr Wilson, Wolfstar; and Dr Aitken. — Mr Scott Dudgeon
in the chair.

.Mr F. N. .Menzies reported apologies for the absence of the Marquis of Lothian;
the Ejirl of Dalkeith ; tiie Earl of .Mar and Kellie ; the Earl of lladtlington ; Sir
George Macpherson Grant, Bart., M.P. ; liev. John Gillespie ; Mr M'^uien of Crofts ;
Mr Mollison, Df>chgarroch Lodge ; Mr Walker of Bowland, C.B. ; Mr Walker, Port-
lethen ; and Professor Wilson.

The busines liid reference to the subjects to Ic brought before the Geuefcil Meeting
of this date.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS.

1883.

1874.

354

391

172

175

375

477

33

48

26

12

304

451

1280

1161

GENERAL MEETING, 20th JUNE 1883.
Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton, in the chair.

New Members. — 155 noblemen and gentlemen were duly elected as members of
the Society.

Inverness Show. — Colonel Gillon of Wallhonse, chairman of the Committee
on General Shows, reported that the meeting at Inverness would be held on the 24th,
25th, 26th, and 27th July. The entries closed on the 15th, and the following is a
comparative statement of the head of stock and number of implements : —

Cattle,
Horses, .
Sheep,
Swine,
Collie Dogs,
Poultry, .
Implements,

As the meeting is aware, a sj'ccial Committee Avas appointed on 1st November
last to consider suggestions by Colonel Williamson of Lawers, and the improvement
of the arrangements connected with the General Shows of the Society ; and on the
recommendation of that Committee, the Directors agreed as follows : —

1. That to assist and advise with the Secretary, a Show Committee shall be
appointed annually, with whom collectively shall rest the sole management and
responsibility for the arrangement and conduct of the General Show. This Committee
shall consist of six members, each of whom at his first appointment shall be, or
recently have been, a Director of the Society, and shall be eligible for re-election.
Their duties shall be divided as follow : — Four stewards of stock and two steward.*;
of implements— 1st, steward of horses; 2nd, steward of cattle ; 3rd, steward of sheep,
pigs, &c. ; 4th, steward of forage ; 5th and 6th, stewards of implements. The
stewards shall have an office in the committee room, where they shall attend at
stated hours to communicate with exhibitors. 2. That the parade of horses and
cattle shall be under the control of the stewards of these departments. 3. That a
half-day's forage be allowed all stock received into the yard on the day previous to
the opening of the show. 4. That no night accommodation for attendants on stock
be provided. 5. That all protests shall be accompanied by the deposit of £2, 2s ;
and if not sustained, the sum to be forfeited to the Society at discretion of Board,
6. That the charge for open space in implement yard shall be increased from Is. to 2s.
for members, and from 2s. to 3s. to non-members, per running foot of 20 feet deep.

The following have agreed to act as stewards : — Lord Arthur Cecil — Horses. Sir
James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. — Cattle. Rev. John Gillespie — Sheep, pigs, &c. Mr
Forbes of Culloden — Forage. Mr Shaw, Skaithmuir, and Mr Scott Dudgeon — Imple-
ments.

The following gentlemen have been named by the Commissioners of Supply to
represent the counties embraced in the district of the Show in the Local Com-
mittee : —

Inverness-shire. — Captain Eraser of Balnain ; The Mackintosh of Mackintosh ;
J. E. B. Baillie of Dochfour ; T. R. Biscoe of Newton ; E. H. Wood of Raasay ;
Major-General Warrand, The Bught ; Major Grant, Drumbuie ; John Peter, Croyard.
Elginshire. — Captain Dunbar Brander of Pitgaveny ; James Grant Peterkin of
Grange ; George R. Mackessack, yr. of Ardgye ; Thomas Balmer, Fochabers ; John
Smith, Inverallan House ; William Brown, Earlsmill. Nairnshire. — Colonel Clarke
of Achareidh ; Robert Anderson of Lochdhu ; A. C. Hebden, Nairn. Ross-shire.
— Colonel Davidson of TuUoch ; George Inglis of Newmore ; Major Warrand,
Ryefield House ; Capt. Munro, yr. of Fowlis ; Allan R. Mackenzie, yr. of Kintail ;
Colin Camerom, Balnakyle. Cromarty. — D. M. Ross, yr. of Cromarty ; Colin Lyon
Mackenzie of St Martins. Sutherland. — Thomas Barclay, Skelbo Castle ; Patrick P.
Sellar, Culmailly ; George G. Clarke, Erriboll ; William Mitchell, Ribigill ; Evander
Macivor, Scourie ; John Crawford, Tongue. Caithness. — Alexander Henderson of
Stemster, John Miller of Scrabster ; William Mackay, Melness ; James Macbeath,
Brims ; A. W. Henderson of Bilbster, Garden Duff-Dunbar of Hempriggs. Orkney. —
Simon Leitch, Elwick Bank; Robert Menzies Traill, Hobbister. Shetland. — John

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. II

Bruce, yr. of Sumburgh ; Lewis Francis Uraphray Garriock of Berry. Toivn of
Inverness. — Provost Eraser, Bailie William Smith, Bailie William Macbean, Bailie
James Melvin, Bailie Matthew Elliot.

At a meeting of the Local Committee held at Inverness on the 15th inst. ,the
following sub-committees were axjpointed : — Admission to ParoAe Gallery — Mr Mac-
kenzie, yr. of Kintail, convener ; Mr Anderson of Lochdhu, and Mr Cran, Kirkton.
Forage Arrangements — Mr Ross, yr. of CYomarty, convener ; Mr Paterson, Balrobert.
Police — Tlie Mackintosh of Mackintosh, convener ; Mr Biscoe of Newton ;
Major-Gen. Warrand, Bught ; the Provost of Inverness. President's Dinner —
Lord Lovat, convener ; Major Warrand, Ryefield ; Colonel Davidson of Tulloch ;
Captain Eraser of Balnain. Ball— Brodie of Brodie, convener ; Sir Kenneth Mac-
kenzie, Bart. ; Major Rose of Kilravock ; Mr Mackessack, )t. of Ardgye ; Capt. Lyon
Mackenzie of St Martins ; Mr Dougall, Inverness ; Mr Hebden, Nairn ; Mr Duncan
Shaw, W.S., with jDOwer to add to their number. Accommodation of Strangers —
The Provost of Inverness, convener ; Bailie Melvin ; Mr James Anderson, Inverness ;
Mr Dougall, Inverness ; Mr Cameron, Fettes. The Directors' and Judges' Dinners will
be held on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday ; and the President's Dinner, which is
open to members, will take place on Wednesday evening. The headquarters of the
Society will be at the Caledonian Hotel. Tickets for admission to the yard have been
sent to all members residing in the United Kingdom whose addresses are known, and
on no account will duplicates be issued. All members not producing their tickets
must pay at the gate, and the admission money will not be returned.

On giving in this report.

Colonel Gjllon of Wallhouse, said he regetted verj^ much to state, what he had
never had to do during the many years he had been a Director of the Society, that it
was very doubtful indeed whether the Show on which he was reporting would take
place. From the numerous outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease over the country, it
seemed very doubtful whether people would send their stock through districts where
there were restrictions against the transport of cattle. Even if these were waived,
which he believed they were willing to do in the neighbourhood of Inverness, yet, if
they once got to the Show, he <lid not very well see how they were to get back again,
because disease might break out there, and there would be groat difficulties in the way.
The Directors, at a meeting that forenoon, had discussed the matter most seriously,
and came ultimately to the decision that it would be rather rash to decide that day as
to whether there should be any Show or not at Inverness. They therefore adjourned
to that day week, when from the condition of the country then they would be better
able to give a decision as to whether the Show should be held or not. They hail hear<l
that day that foot-and-mouth disease had broken out in the market of Edinburgh.
They did not know whether that was true or not, but they were well aware that it had
broken out very recently in East Lothian and West Lothian — for the second time, he
believed, on one farm in East Lothian. There was also an outV)reak reported from
Forfarshire, so that it .seemed there was a good deal of disease in the country. The
taking of cattle and sheep there would thus be risky, an<l the Directors had come to
the conclusion that if cattle, sheep, and swine were excluded from the Show none shoidd
take place, as the entries of horses would not be large ; indeed, very few were generally
shown at Inverness.

The Chaikm.\n .said he was sure that the Society joined with the Directors in
lamenting that there was any doubt about the holding of the Inverness Show. But in
the circumstances, he thought the meeting would support the view the Directors took
in postponing a definite decision on the matter for another week. To come to a de-
cision to-day was very like legislating in a panic. In another week they might bo able
to arrive at a calm antl just decision.

Mr MoLLiso.v, Dochgarroch Lodge, urged that in considering this matter the Direc-
tors and the Society should not overlook the interests of exhibitors. Great prepara-
tions were being made for the Show, and he did not think three outlireaks of foot-and-
mouth «lisea.se in Scotland — which were all that could be mentioned at that moment,
unless there was a ca.se in the market that day — were sulHciently alarming to warrant
even the Directors considering the matter. These outbreaks were a long way from
Inverness, and they must not forget that those who were exhil>iting stock were
exhibiting valuable animals, and were ready as a rule to take the greatest precautions
that they .should not come in contact with disea.se or diseased centres. In the trans-
mi.s>ion of stock to the Sliow the owners of animals would see that the trucks and
cnrringes in which they wrn; cojiveyeil were thoroughly cleansed and the greatest
possible care was taken. He therefore did not think that the present meeting should
indicate its voice in regard to the matter. If there were any fresli outbreaks before
the day on wliich the Directors met they could then pronounce whether there was to Ih»
a Show ai Invenie.s.s. Speaking as a member of the Local Authority of Inverness, he
was .sure every means wouhi be taken to t)revent infection, and these, amongst others,
would include tlie suspension of sales ami markets witliin a certiiin radius of the town

12 PROCEEDINGS AT GENEUAL MEETINGS.

for at least fourteen days prior to the Show, lest any mishap should occur. It would
be a most unfortunate thing if the Directors were to see it necessary to decide that no
Show be held at Inverness unless something more alarming occurred between the present
meeting and that day week. He would therefore propose that unless any fresh out-
break occurred in that interval the Show at Inverness be held.

Mr Walker of Bowland, C.B., asked what restrictions there were at present at Inver-
ness with reference to the transmission of animals from other districts of the country ?
Mr Menzies (Secretary), read an excerpt minute of the Local Authority of Inverness,
of date 15th June, which bore that the Lord-Lieutenant brought under the notice of the
meeting a communication from the Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society,
suggesting a modification of the existing rule with reference to cattle entered for the
Society's Show at Inverness. According to the existing rules, no animals could be
transmitted from the south, and the meeting resolved that unless a fresh outbreak of
disease in the meantime occurred the cattle entered for the Inverness Show should be
admitted to the county with a licence or certificate, and the clerk was authorised to
grant such licence, and a committee appointed to take the necessary precautions for
admission of animals to the Show, having in view the regulations adopted by the
Royal Agricultural Society with reference to the York Show.

Mr Walker suggested that the Local Authority at Inverness should take into con-
sideration whether they would not absolutely prohibit during the week of the Show
the importation into the district of any animal brought from a place within ten miles
of an infected area or place. That would exclude from Inverness the possibility of
any animals going from East or West Lothian or Forfarshire witliin ten miles of a place
where disease existed.

Mr MoLLisox said he thought he would be quite safe in answering Mr Walker that
before the meeting of Directors was held next week the Local Authority of Inverness
would have fresh restrictions made to meet what Mr Walker proposed, because he
thought it i^erfectly reasonable.

Mr Smith, Whittinghame, thought they were much indebted to Mr Mollison for
giving the Society the opportunity for this discussion. The exhilntors, he thought,
would not only take care to look after their stock, but if unfortunately the disease were
to spread, he should question whether they would send their stock on, more especially
if there was the least fear that it would be affected. He thought, however, it was
premature now to take such a decided step as at once to give up the idea of the Show.
They did not know what might come out of the future ; but in the meantime he did
not think that it could inconvenience any one to let the arrangem.ents go on. If things
came to the worst, the exhibitors and others must just be contented to take circum-
stances as they came. He thought they should allow things to take their course.
(A Voice — "How long?") He should say to the last hour, or, at all events, last
week. (Cries of "No, no.") He deprecated panics. He thought that to some extent
their local authorities had been acting under them. They had done perhaps what
many might think proper, but what had proved to be a great annoyance and incon-
venience, and undoubtedly a considerable loss to many owners of stock. In the mean-
time, he thought Mr ]\Iollison's suggestion was well worthy of the support of the
Society, and he seconded the motion.

Mr HowATSON of Glenbuck, asked if there was much money expended on the Show-
yard arrangements up to this date ? If there was any likelihood of the Show being
stopped, now was the proper time.

Mr Mexzies stated that he had been north, and would not allow the contractor to
commence work until this morning. He was entitled to begin on the 9th June, and he
had now about a half of the wood on the ground. At the present moment the loss to
the Society would be, he had no doubt, somewhere between £100 and £500. He had
meantime instructed the contractor to go on with the work which would not require
any breakage, and he had done the best in his power to prevent any expense being
incurred which could be avoided. The contractor distinctly stated that he could not
put up the erections if he were to begin later, because if the weather broke he could
not possibly finish in time.

Mr MoLLisox thought it would be an unfortunate thing if the holding of the Show
should turn upon the matter of expense. There was a strong feeling that the Society
was a little too saving in that way. A large proportion of their revenue came from
the north, and he was confident that if it appeared in any Avay that the Show was put
oft' on account of the expense, it would be an unfortunate thing for the welfare of the
Society.

Mr Walker quite agreed with Mr Mollison that the question of expense to the
Society was of no moment whatever. ^Vhat they had to do with was the safety of the
stock of the exhibitors and of the country.

The Chairman then stated that he understood Mr Mollison's motion to be that unless
there were outbreaks occurring between this and the 1st July, this meeting resolved
that the Show should be held.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 13

Mr Hendersox of Stemster stated that what he understood was intended by Mr
Mollison was a recommendation to the Directors, who were to consider whether it
would be prudent to go on with the Show or not.

Mr Walker thought it better to leave the matter to the Directors as a recommenda-
tion. Before this day week the Local Authority would be able to communicate to the
Directors the restrictions they had made. When these were received he would be quite
prepared to go the length of the motion ; Vjut at present they were acting on uncer-
tainty, because they did not know that that view would be endorsed by the Local
Authority of Inverness.

Ikir Pott of Dod pointed out that if the Directors met on the 27th, three days would
elapse before the 1st July, in which an outbreak might occur.

Colonel Williamson of Lawers asked, supposing prosperity surrounded them on all
sides, what would be the probable gain or probable loss in connection with the Show
at Inverness ?

Mr Mexzies — Mr Mollison says we will have £2000 to the good. I asked him if he
would guarantee that ?

The Chairman said that, with all deference to Mr Williamson, he thought they had
come pretty unanimously to the conclusion that expense was not to be considered ;
and he thought it better that it should not be brought up now.

Mr Mollison suggested, as they might be limited in time in getting the guarantee
which Mr Walker properly asked for, it mght be better to put ott' the deliberation and
decision of the Directors for an additional week. By that time there was no doubt
they would be able to put in the hands of the Directors the assurance which Mr
Walker asked for.

It was then agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Directors until the first
Wednesday of July, to which day the meeting of Directors would stand adjourned.

Edinburgh Show, 1884. — Colonel Gillon then submitted the list of classes of stock
for the Edinburgh Show next year, and stated that the Directors were wilhng to accept
on this occasion, the centenary of the Society, suitable champion cups or prizes for the
recognised breeds of cattle, horses, and sheep, for which all former prize animals would
be eligible to compete. He pointed out that there would be family or group prizes in
all the breeds of cattle, as well as in the class of draught horses, and in the blackfaced,
Cheviot, and Border Leicester breeds of sheep, and that the animals to form these
family or group prizes would be announced in January. The Commissioners of Supply
for the counties embraced in the district of the Show — Edinburgh, Haddington, and
Linlithgow — had all imposed voluntary assessments to raise contributions towards the
expenses of the Show.

Potato Culture. — Mr Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny, reported that the Directors had
appointed a Special Committee to carry out the resolution of last General Meeting, and
that on their recommendation the Board resolved to ofter £50 as a prize or prizes for
the best variety of disease-resisting potatoes which had never been sold or offered for
sale, su(;h variety being a seedling of not less than five years' growth. Each competitor
was required to send not less than one stone of such variety to the Society, under
whose superintendence they were to be tested as to their disease-resisting properties
for one year, at the expiration of which time the prizes are to be awarded. The pro-
duce of the potatoes is to belong to the owners ; l)ut no y>rize will be awardeil to any
variety showing any symptom of disea-se. In accordance with these regulations five
competitors lodged samples, which have been planted on ground on the farm of East
Barns, near Dunbar, kindly granted for the purpose l)y Mr Hope.

Importation of Foreign Live Animals.— The Chairman gave an account of the
proceedings connected with the subject of the importation of foreign live animals.
He said that tlie Directors were unanimously of opinion that the matter of security to
their Hocks ami herds from infection and disease was a matter of very great import-
ance ; and tliey resolved accordingly, after considering the matter carefully, to support
tht! action which the Royal Agriiultural Society of England and a number of other
iiilluential agri'ultural societies had taken in aiipointing a deputation to wait upon the
President of the Council, to urge ujion the (iovernment the importance of preventing,
as far as tln-y possibly could, tlie importation of disea.se from abroad. He thon gave
an account, which has alreatly appeared, of the meeting of a deputation with Lord
Carlingford on the subject. The Society had not rested since the action they took on
that occasion. They considered the matter of the utmost iHi]iortance to agriridtnre,
and they had taken other means to have as wide an expression of opinion on the subject
from persons in Scotland a.s jiossible. Accordingly, they addressed a circular to all
tln' local authorities and agricultural a.ssociations in Scotland to ask them to express
their views on the matter; and most of tht-m were no doubt aware that in i'onse(|uence
of that action a meeting was to be held in Etlinburgh next week, when deputies from
various agricultural societies were to take up the subject. The Society had also
addressed a circular to a great number of the cattle salesmen and cattle dealers in
Scotland connected with the liome trade, a.sking to take some action in expressing an

14 PEOCEEDINGS AT GENEKAL MEETINGS.

opinion as to the evils arising from the introduction of disease. To that circular they
Jiad had a very favourable reply.

Agiucultural Education. — Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains, reported that the annual
examination of candidates lor the Society's diploma and certificates in agriculture, was
held on the 26th, 27th, and 28th March. The number of candidates who presented
themselves was eighteen. The examination resulted in five candidates passing for the
diploma, seven for the first, and three for the second class certificate, viz. : — Fw
Diploma — J. Bardgett ; Giris Chandra Basu ; Herbert W. Hamilton ; John H. Tiflfen ;
Henry A. Watson. For First-Class Certificate — Walter de Hoghton Birch ; Alex-
ander H. Gibson ; Arthur H. Kerr ; P. Lauderdale Maitland ; John Malcolm ; Henry
B. Mayne ; Robert R. Peter. For Second-Class Certificate — Herbert G. Aylen ;
Robert J. Campbell ; John K. Ledingham. Mr Mylne also mentioned that a letter
had been recently received from Sir Francis R. Saudford, Secretary of the Scottish
Education Department, sending copy of the Scotch Code for 1883, showing that the
principles of agriculture are now included in the list of specific subjects for which a
grant is offered ; and that agiiculture is there recognised by the Department as a
subject of instruction for pupil-teachers and scholars. He further stated that the two
prizes of £6 and £4 given by the Society in books to the class of agriculture in the
University of Edinburgh had been awarded, after special examination, to — 1, Alex.
H. Gibson ; 2, Herbert W. Hamilton.

Forestry Department. — Dr Cleghorn reported that the examination of candidates
for the Society's certificates in forestry was held at the same time as the agricultural
examinations. Four candidates presented themselves, but only one second-class
certificate was awarded — viz., to Peter Reid. He also stated that a proposal to hold
an International Forestry Exhibition in Edinburgh next year had been for some time
Vjefore the public, and that, at the request of those in charge of the matter, the
Directors had named ten gentlemen to join the Provisional Committee in carrying out
the object in view, all of whom have agreed to act. Towards the guarantee fund the
Directors had subscribed £100.

Chemical Department. — Dr Aitken then gave in his report. After stating,
regarding the progress of the work of the chemical department, that the experiments
at the Society's station have been successfully laid down, he said — "A large number
of schedules have been sent out to farmers in various parts of the country, describing
a simple method of testing the fertility of the soil, and so enabling farmers to discover
what manurial ingredients their soils most require. It is a small experiment applied
to the turnip crop, costing almost no money and very little trouble, and is capable of
yielding information which will enable those who try it to effect some economy in the
manuring of their land. The silo at Portmore, whose construction was sanctioned by
the Society at its last meeting, has now been built. It is made of concrete, and has a
capacity of about 170 cubic yards, and is capable of accommodating about 100 tons of
ensilage. The crops to be put into it are of several kinds, viz., about 8 tons clover
grass ; about 20 tons natural grass, cut from plantations and roadsides ; about 12 tons
of green oats, partly after lea and partly sown out ; about 30 tons of corn and peas ;
and about 30 tons of tares. These will all be cut and siloed at their greenest, and
kept during the winter under a pressure of about 200 lbs. per square foot of surface.
In addition to this silo, Mr Mackenzie is contsructiug another of slightly larger dimen-
sions to store the produce of 12 acres of natural grass and 8 acres of clover grass, and
also a sih; on the hill farm consisting of a pit dug in the dry earth, and intended to
hold about 10 tons of bog grass. The purpose of these experiments is not only to test
the suitability of silos for the preservation of fodder crops grown in this part of the
country, but also to furnish information regarding the value of fodder so preserved
compared with that of the crops at the time of cutting, and with the same when made
into hay. Intimation will be given of the time when the silos are to be filled, sn that
any members of the Society who are interested in the experiment may have an oppor-
tunity of witnessing the oi^eration."

The Transactions.— Mr Irvine of Drum laid on the table vol. xv. (fourth series)
of the Transactions.

New Veterinary College, Leith Walk. — Colonel Gillon said that in the absence
of Mr Hope he had been asked, as a member of the Veterinary Committee, and also as
an old convener, to inform the meeting that a new Veterinary College was being built
in Leith Walk, and that it would be opened on the 24th of October next. Principal
Williams had asked that the Directors should send a deputation to the opening. As
there would be no meeting of the Directors at that time, he thought the best way
would be to ask the Secretary to arrange for a deputation attending. (Agreed.)

Destruction of Weeds. — Mr Macfie of Gogar called the attention of the Directors
to the advisability of proprietors and others destroying nettles and noxious weeds by
the sides of roads and banks of rivers.

On the motion of Colonel GiLLON, a vote of thanks was given to the chairman, and
the pro:eedings terminated.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENEliAL MEETINGS. 15

GENERAL MEETING AT INVERNESS, 2oth JULY 1883.
The Right Hon, Lord Lovat, Vice-President, in the chair.

In opening the proceedings, Lord Lovat said that it was with regret he had to meet
them here in such dreadful weather. The meeting had been called according to rule to
hear any motion of which notice had been given. Mr Menzies informed him, however,
that no notice of motion had been given, so that the business would be very short, and
merely of a formal character.

Lord Lovat then moved the following resolution : — " That the Highland and
Agricultural Society of Scotland deem it their duty to record the deep and sincere
regret with which they have received the intimation of the death of Mr Whyte-Melville
of Bennochy, convener Jof Fifeshire, who at the time of his decease, was father of the
Society, having been elected a member in 1819 ; and their sense of the services rendered
by him as a member and as a Director."

The motion was unanimously adopted.

Sir James Gibson-Craig, Bart., moved — "That the thanks of the Society are
eminently due to the Right Hon. Lord Lovat, convener of the Local Committee elected
by the counties embraced in the district of the Inverness Show, for his personal
exertions in promoting the interests|of the Show ; and to the individual members of that
Committee for the co-operation in carrying into eflect the wishes of the Society, and the
purposes of the meeting." Wherever, he said, we go into Scotland, we always meet
with a pleasant reception, and we never got a better chairman than we have in Lord
Lovat. His Lordship is well known all over Scotland, and especially in this district,
for the interest he takes in all the matters which this Society was formed to promote,
and the way in which he personally shows attention to the rearing of fat stock in this
country is of great importance to the district with which he is connected. I am sure
that on the part of this Society, I can say how deeply indebted we are to the Local
Committee for carrying out the Show, for the hearty welcome we have received in
Inverness, and for the manner in which, despite the weather, we have been enabled to
enjoy ourselves.

The Rev. Mr Gillespie, Mouswald, seconded. The motion was agreed to unanimously.

Lord Lovat acknowledged the compliment in his own name and in the name of the
Local Committee.

Colonel GiLLON of Wallhouse moved — " That the thanks of the Society be given to
the Commissioners of Supply for the counties of Inverness, Elgin, Nairn, Ross,
Caithness, and Sutherland, for the liberality with which the auxiliary funds were pro-
vided by them."

Mr Mylne, Niddrie Mains, seconded. So long, he observed, as the Commissioners
were liberal, and so long as the people of the north were anxious for the Show to be
held at Inverness, the Society would continue to pay them a visit regularly, and see
this magnificent country.

Mr Scott-Dudgeon, moved — " That the thanks of the Society be given to the Inver-
ness Farmers' Club, the Northern Counties Pastoral Club, and the Easter Ross Farmers'
Club for their contributions towards the Inverness Show,"

Mr Macqueen of Crofts seconded the motion, which was adopted.

General Burrougus moved — "That the thanks of the Society be given to the
Provost and Magistrates of Inverness for their co-oi)eration in carrying out the arrange-
ments connected with the Show, and for tlieir contribution to the funds of the Society."

Mr Henderson of Stemster seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Lord Lovat moved — " That the thanks of the Society are due to Colonel Gillon of
Wallliouse for the zeal with which he discharges the duty of chairman of the Standing
Committee on General Sliows."

The Mackintosh of Mackintosh seconded the motion, amid applause.

Colonel Gillon — I thank you most sincerely for having accorded a vote of thanks to
me, I have been a long time connected with the Society, but my duties liave V)eon
very light indeed. 1 am delighted to serve the Society wherever it meets, and I am
more pleased when I come to the north than when I go anywhere else ; for this
Society was instituted not to become a central affair at all, but to visit })eriodically
the far northern districts. And we shall continue to visit this district, and never miss
a turn. We never, I hope, shall miss a turn. It is nine years since we la.st visited
Inverness, and if I maybe allowe«l to say something comjthmeiiUiry of it, I must say
that 1 see on this occasion very many improvements, and ilistinct signs of advance-
ment. We have met very many old friends, and, notwithstanding the weather, we
have been exceedingly happy ami delighted on this visit to Inverness.

The resolutions were formerly put and agreed to.

An opportunity was given for suggestions, but none were given, and on the motion
of Lord Arthi'r Ckcu., a vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman, which
concluded the proceedings of the meeting.

16 . PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS.

CENTENARY GENERAL MEETING, 16th JANUARY 1884.
Mr Scott Dudgeon, Longnewtoii, and afterwards Mr Balfour of Balljirnie

iu the chair.

New ]\.I embers. — 107 noblemen and gentlemen were duly elected members, after the
usual ballot.

Office-Bearers. — The following noblemen and gentlemen were elected to fill the
vacancies in the list of office-bearers for 1884: — Vice-Presidents. — The JMarquis of
Lothian, K.T. ; the Eaid of Haddington, the Earl of Wemyss and March, the Earl of
Hopetoun. Ordinary Directors.— J am.es T. S. Elliot, yr. of Wolfelee ; John Marr,
Cairnbrogie ; Niven Matthews, Whitehills ; Jonathan Middleton, Clay of Allan ; James
Murray, Catter House ; Robert Paterson of Birthwood ; R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay of
Whitehill ; Harry Young of Cleish Castle. ExtraordAnary Diredcrrs. — Lord Elcho, M.P. ;
the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir Alexander Kinloch, Bart. ; Sir Hew Dalrymple,
Bart. ; Sir James R. Gibson Maitland, Bart. ; Sir William Baillie, Bart.- ; Sir James
H. Gibson-Craig, Bart. ; Robert Dundas of Arnistou ; Colonel Learmonth of Dean ;
Peter M'Lagan of Pumpherston, ]\I.P. ; James Hope, East Bams ; John Scott Dudgeon.
Longnewton.

Mr Richmond, Hilton, asked why the name of Mr Gardiner, who had been elected
by a majority at a meeting held at Perth to represent the Midland Counties, did not
appear in the list ?

The Chairman replied that the Directors, after considering the matter, did not think
it expedient to give any reasons for their choice of Directors — for there being any one
put forward — but that in regard to Mr Gardiner he now held in his hand a letter from
that gentleman withdrawing his nomination. That, he thought, Avas quite sufficient for
the meetiug. '

At this stage Mr Scott Dudgeon vacated the chair in favour of Mr Balfour of
Balbirnie, who was now the senior Du-ector present.

The Annual Accounts — Mr Mackenzie of Poi-tmore, in the absence of Mr Murray
of Dollerie, laid on the table the annual accounts of the Society, which were approved.
The accounts of the Argyll Naval Fund were also submitted.

Inverness Show, 1883. — Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse said the first duty devolving
upon him as chairman of the Committee on General Shows was to report on the late
meeting at Inverness, but the proceedings had been so fully and widely circulated by
means of the daily and agricultural press that it seemed almost unnecessarj' to do more
than refer to one or two points. When he had the honour of reporting to the last
general meetiug, the i^ropriety of holding the Show was discussed. The Directors
afterwards, in consideration of the regulations by the local authorities of the county
and burgh of Inverness, and the wishes of the exhibitors, resolved that the meeting
should go on, and it was a source of much gratification to add that no evil resulted
from the Show being held. The site chosen for the yard did not belie the ardent
representations made of its suitability for the purpose, and it is believed that a more
desirable or convenient place could not have been found in the neighbourhood. As
regards the weather, the judging on Tuesday had to take place during much rain,
while Wednesday was showery throughout ; on Thursday the weather showed an
improvement, and kept fine on Friday, when the yard was crowded with visitors. In
a financial point of view there had not been siich a serious difference between the receipts
and expenditure as occuiTecl on the previous Show at Inverness. The receipts in 1874
were £3393, while the general expenses and premiums amounted to £4794, making a
loss of £1401. Last year the receipts were £4081, and the expenses and premiums
came to £4920, showing a deficit of £838. The Society, he need scarcely add, met with
that support and reception which have always been accorded to it in the capital of the
Highlands. Special votes of thanks were given at the general meeting of members held
in the showyard to Lord Lovat, on whose zealous and efficient services, in the absence
of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, so much of the success of the Show depended ;
to the Commissioners of Supply for the counties embraced in the district, and to the
Provost and Magistrates of Inverness, for their contributions in aid of the Show.

The report was adopted.

Edinburgh Show, 1884. — Colonel Gillon then said the General Show this year
would take place at Edinburgh, on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th of July, on a park
at the Dean. This would be the Society's fifty-seventh exhibition, and the eleventh
which has been held in the metropolis of Scotland. In addition to the usual
premiums, the Society on this occasion oft'ers — (1) Three family prizes in each of
the breeds of cattle, viz., a cow and three or more of her descendants (male or
female) in the female line (oxen excluded), bred by or bona fide the property of the
exhibitor ; and (2) three family prizes in the class of horses for agricultural purposes,
viz., for five animals foaled in 1882 (male or female, the offspring of one sire), not
necessarily the property of one person ; and three prizes for five animals foaled in
1883. In consequence of the liberal manner in which the Ayrshire Cattle Herd
Book Society, the Polled Cattle Society, the Galloway Cattle Society, the Clydesdale
Horse Society, and the breeders of stock generally have come forward with auxiliary

PEOCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 17

funds, the list of premiums will also contain additional prizes in all the breeds of cattle ;
in the classes of Clydesdale and of hunting horses ; in the Blackfaced, Cheviot, and
Border Leicester breeds ; and also, it is expected, in the classes of Shropshires and Half-
bred sheep. Although it has not been the practice for some time to offer premiums for
dairy produce at the Shows held in Edinburgh, the Directors, on such an occasion as
the Show of this year, anxious that nothing should be omitted from the list bearing on
agriculture, have repeated the premiums for butter and cheese which were offered
at Glasgow in 1882. Another interesting feature of the Show will be a working
dairy, which will be open for the inspection of the implements used in the separa-
tion of butter and cream, and in the manufacture of different kinds of cheese. In
the implement department premiums ^vill be offered for exhaust fans, broadcast
manure distributors, seed cleaning machines, cream and milk separators, machinery
for making butter, and travelling steam-engines. As to the regulations, I need
only refer to two, which, I venture to think, will meet with general acceptance,
viz. , (1) that all former prize animals are eligible to compete ; and (2) that the
animals for the family and special prizes may, with one exception, be drafted from
the regular classes. Tickets will be sent to all members residing in the United
Kingdom whose addresses are known, and on no account will duplicates be issued.
Mr Dundas of Amiston has been named by the Directors convener of the Local
Committee, and he has agreed to act. No time will be lost in finally adjusting
and publishing the list of premiums, to enable intending exhibitors to make the
requisite arrangements. In accordance with the \vishes of members in the district
connected with the Show, it has been resolved to vote £100,^,to be equally divided
between the counties of Edinburgh, Haddington, and Linlithgow, for entire horses
to travel this season in the Lothians.

This report was unanimously approved.

Aberdeen Show, 1885.— Colonel Gillon further reported that, according to the
usual rotation, the Show of the Society for 1885 would be held at Aberdeen, and
he submitted a list of the proposed classes of stock and implements, as prepared
by the General Show Committee and Directors. In regard to the list, it might
suffice to say that in addition to all the usual classes of breeding stock, the
Tweeddale Gold Medal would be given for the best shorthorn bull in the yard,
while in the native breed of the district (polled Angus or Aberdeen) a section was
added for three-year-old cows, as well as a family prize for a cow and three or
more of her descendants (male or female) in the female line (oxen excluded), bred
by or the bmia fide property of the exhibitor. Special premiums would be offered
for implements for the autumn cultivation of stubbles, and for the spring cultivation
of land intended for a green crop. Premiums would also be given for cured fish
and fish products, and medals for bee husbandi-y.

This report also was approved.

Chemical Department.
Dr AiTKEN, chemist to the Society, then gave in his report as follows : — I have to
rejjort regarding the experimental stations, that the barley crop of 1883 was secured
in good order at both stations. A public demonstration took place at Pumpherston oa
the 31st of August. Besides the general scheme of experiments which has been in
progress from the beginning, the most of the plots were divided into two equal parts,
to show the different ettects of early and late application of nitrate of soda. To one
half of each plot the nitrate was applied at the time of sowing along with the other
manures. It was intended to apply the nitrate to the other half about three weeks
thereafter, but by that time, owing to the extreme dryness of the weather in May,
many of the plots had not brairded, and it was not till fully a fortnight later that the
braird seemed far enough advanced to receive the second ap{ilication of nitrate. It
wa.s ajtplied on the 16th June, and a tack of wet weather succeeded, which forced the
crop away at a rapid rate. Tlie division which receiveil the late application of nitrate
was in a very backward .state at first, but it rapidly overtook the earlier sown division
and sliowed a taller greener croi). The storms of wintl and rain which occurred on tlie
inh and 13tii August did much injury to the crop, Init especially to that part which
had received the late dressing of nitrate. At the time of the inspection the full effect
of the .stormy weather was very apparent. Large breadths were levelled to the grouud
or twisted about in great confusion, while a vigorous aftergrowth was forcing its way
through the fallen com. But for the stormy weather it is probable that the purl
where the nitrate was sown late would have produced a mucli heavier crop than the
othur, but in order to secure that result, calm and warm weather would iiave been
needud during the sea.son of ripening. Where the nitrate was applied early the straw
was neither so long nor .so aoundant, but it was much stronger, and reoi-ived less
damagi' duriug the stormy wt-athur. The situation of Pumpherston is high aud
exi)osod, and it is evident that in such circumstances a late application of nitrate of soda
is attended with considerable risk. Had the season been a normal one, and the nitrate

h

18 PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS.

applied not later than three weeks after the time of sowing, it seemed evident that
much advantage would have residted from that method of manuring, and next year,
when the station is under oats, the experiment will again be tried, when it is to be
hoped the conditions will be more favourable. The results of the barley crop will be
given in the Transactions, along with the analysis of the previous turnip crop, which
is just approaching completion.

During the past year ten local analytical associations have sent in returns of their
analyses for the purpose of obtaining the Society's grant, and its aid in furtherance of
the objects they have in view. Twelve associations applied for the grant last year
and thirteen the year before. There is thus a slight falling off in the number of
associations who take advantage of the Society's co-operation. There is no doubt that
the cause of this diminution is the difficulty which some associations have experienced
in strictly adhering to the Society's regulations. Last year's experience made it
evident that unless these regulations were thoroughly carried out very little good could
be done by the Society's scheme, and the secretaries of the associations were informed
that the regulations would thereafter be strictly enforced. Strict adherence to the
Society's regulations requires increased care on the part of every member of an associa-
tion who is having analyses made for him, and also entails considerable trouble on
the secretary, and it is gratifying to find that so many have been able to conform to
the regulations this time. In the case of associations in whose administration some
looseness prevails, there may be some difficulty in comphang with all the details of
the Society's scheme, and they may prefer to lose the grant rather than be at the
trouble of observing the rules required for obtaining it. I hoj)e that if there are any
associations so minded, they will reconsider their position, and come to see that the
method of procedure required by the Society is founded on fairness, and is not more
troublesome than is necessary to secure the objects for which such associations exist.
There is no doubt that considerable injustice and misrepresentation have occurred in
the past from the defective way in which the work of associations has been carried on,
and it is to the interest of sellers as well as buyers to see that the Society's regulations
afi"ecting analytical associations are faithfully carried out.

The Society's scheme has now been in operation for three years, and from the
statistics now before us we are able to see how far it has been successful. The object
the Society has in view in co-operating with analytical associations is not only to lessen
the expense of analj^sis by the bestowal of a grant, but to guide the farmer to a jDroper
appreciation of the true value of manures, to protect him as far as he will be protected
against the misfortune of purchasing inferior and sham materials, to drive fraudulent
dealers out of the market, and to protect the interests of merchants who are supplying
the wants of the farmer in a fair and honest way. That the Society's liberality has
not been taken advantage of to anything like the full extent was perhaps inevitable ;
but there is abundant evidence that those who have listened to the advice aud
accepted the direction of the chemical department have derived much benefit from
the fact. At the general meeting in January, two years ago, while criticising the
returns made by the associations, it was pointed out that nearly one-third of the
manures supplied were under their giiarantees, and that many were deficient to an
alarming extent. Many manures were sold without a sufficient guarantee, and also
under names which were misleading, as they did not represent their true character, and
chief among these were dissolved bones and special manures. Regarding the latter,
farmers were warned of the risks they ran in ascribing special value to manures sold
under special names, often at very high prices. A comparison of the number of
manures of various kinds bought by the associations during the last three years shows
that farmers have profited by the advice.

Bones

Dissolved bones
Superphosphate
Peruvian guano
Tchaboe guano
Dissolved guano
Fish Manures
Ground phosphates
Turnip manures
Potato manures
Miscellaneous
Nitrate of Soda
Potash salts
Linseed cake
Other cakes . . .

221 202 150

1881.

1882.

1883

. 33

45

22

. 65

59

37

30

32

26

14

11

6

2

1

0

5

2

2

3

3

4

2

2

1

14

6

10

10

3

2

9

13

3

1

4

6

7

6

7

19

10

20

7

5

4

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS.

19

There is a great decrease in the total number of samples analysed, due, no doubt,
to the more limited use of artificial manures during the recent dull times. Dissolved
bones still remain the chief manure, but superphosphate shows least diminution.
The numbers of special manures during these three years have been respectively 33,
22, and 15, and the last number contains some mixtures which were made according
to the directions of the buyers. In 1881 these manures were sold at prices averaging
29s. above their value, in 1882 the prices averaged 25s. above value, and in 1883
the average excess of price over value was only 9s., showing that not only are
farmers avoiding special manures, but they are obtaining the few they require at
prices not so intlated as in former years. If we compare the quality of the manures
during these years, the improvement noticed is even more striking. Taking the
three most important manures the number and percentage which fell below their
guarantees, were as follow : —

1881.
No.

1882.
No.

1883.
No.

18S1.
-er cent.

1882.
per cent.

1883. 1
per cent.

Boues

Dissolved bones ...
Superphosphate ...

Total ...

12

13

8

9

12
5

4
6
2

36
20
20

20
20

15

18

16

8

31

26

12

Generally speaking, we may say that the proportion of deficient manures has been
halved during the last three years.

Nut only has the quality improved, but instances of overcharge are far less frequent.
By overcharge is meant the excess of the price of the manure over what is found
to be its value, as determined by lanits of valuation. The amount of o\ercharge
will depend upon the nature of the units, and these fluctuate with the market. I
find that when due allowance is made for variations in market prices from year to
year, the numl^er of samples which were bought at prices clearly in excess of their
fair \'alue during the last three years were as follow : —

1881.
No.

1882.
No.

1883. 1881.
No. per cent.

1882. 1883. 1
per cent, per cent.

Bones

Dissolved bones ...
i Superpho.<])hate ...

Total ...

14
12

8

5

15
4

2 42

6 19
1 27

11
25
]3

9

16

4

34

24

" 1

ago, and

Tliere is not one-third of the overcharging that was louud three years
instances of gross overcharge are now reduced to a very low number.

I think the Society is to be congratulated on these results, for although there
may have been other causes operating to i^roduce them, there can be no doubt that
this great improvement is mostly due to the various means which the Society ha^s
eUiplcjyed tlirough its chemical department to give farmers a better knowledge* of
the nature and value of manures, and the best method of purchasing them. This
year there are again some cases of deficiency where the (.uscrepancy between the
guarantees and the stulf supplied are so considerable as to require publication ; but
tlieir number over the whole of the associations is not so great as was found in
the case of only one a.ssociation last year.

The units fur the valuation of manures for the current year will shortly bt*
published. The .system of valuation devised for last year has been fouuil to work
very well, and the returns made by the associations have shown the extreme
accuracy of the units which were fixed last January. The average price of bone^
last year was jt'8, 7s., and their average value by the Society's units, £S, Ss. ; the
average price of dissolved bones was £6, 16s., and the average value by the Society's
units t'6, 13s., ; the average price of superphosphate was £4, 4s., and the average-
value by the Society's units £4, 5s. The adjustment of the units will again be
made with the same careful consideration as last year, and if any meniljers of the
Society liave any ~ ' ion to make for the imjirovement of the system of mainire

valuation, the Ch- Committee will be glad to receive them, and now \s the

time to make them.

Mr LiNUs.vv, Moadortiiat, said he was sure they had listened with great pleasure to

20 PKOCEEDINGS AT GEXEEAL MEETINGS.

this report, and that the Society should he congratulated on having a chemist who
took such an interest in his work. They had learned much in the past, and he hoped
they would learn much in the future. There was one question which he wished to
ask. Their expenditure was kept on year by year, and they were credited with
nothing for the crops in the past. A sum of £20 was allowed, but this was got up by
subscrii^tions. It was, perhaps, too early to realise the last crop, which was barley ;
but he thought the crop of turnips for 1882 should have been put into the^'market. He
would be glad to hear from Dr Aitken what he had done with the turnip crop for 1882.
Dr Aitken replied that he believed there was a considerable amount of arrears at
one of the stations which was at present being looked into, and he had no doubt that
it would soon be put in order. The receipts from Harelaw Station had been regularly
transmitted, but the money received for the turnip crop of 1882 had been received a
few days too late to be included in last year's accounts.
The report was then adopted.

Ensilage. — ^Iv Mackenzie of Portmore gave in the following report: — ''I have
the honour to report that in accordance with the arrangement made at this time last
year a silo of about 100 tons capacity was duly made during the spring at the farm of
Harcus, and filled during the summer. In order to make the experiment more com-
plete, another silo of about 100 tons capacity was made at Earlypier Farm and filled.
These silos were formally oj^ened on the 20th Decemoer last, when the contents of both
were found to be well preserved, and to be palatable to cattle. As the public press
reported very fully upon them at the time they were opened, I do not propose to
occupy your time with any detailed description of them or their contents ; but I think
it wiU be interesting to the Society to know that the ensilage shows no signs of de-
terioration as we approach the centre of the mass, but rather improves. The cattle
continue to eat it heartily, and it appears to agree with them well in every way. The
committee therefore think they are justified in reporting that the experiment has
proved successful up to this point, and, along with other experiments in Scotland,
England, and Ireland, goes to show that green fodders can be efficiently preserved in
silos for use in winter and spring in these countries as well as in those where the
system has been longer in use. But the proof of the fact that fodders can be thus
preserved is only the first stej^. Before it can be expected that the system should
become general it is necessary to show the value of this preserved fodder as compared
with other foods in present use, and the attention of the Committee on Ensilage is
now directed to this end. It has been arranged to experiment this spring upon twelve
cross polled stirks ; the half of these are being fed upon a certain quantity of ensilage,
and the other half i;pon a certain quantity of turnips and oat straw, while each lot
gets an equal amount of cake. The cattle were Aveighed one by one at the commence-
ment of the experiment, will be weighed once or more during its continuance, and
again at its conclusion, when they are turned out to grass. In this manner ensilage
will be tested in comparison with turnips and oat straw by a calculation of the money
value of the food consumed by each lot of cattle, and of their increase in live weight.
It has also been arranged that in the event of a scarcity of grass at lambing time an
experiment shall be made with two fiocks of ewes in parks to test the value of ensilage
against turnips and hay for the production of a flow of milk. These are the only
experiments which the committee find themselves able to undertake this spring, and
the results will be reported to the Society in due course. Dr Aitken proposes to take
samples of the difi"erent kinds of preserved fodder from both silos during the current
week for the purpose of analysis, and the committee feel sure that the Society will
look with much interest for the result of his investigation. " After reading the report,
Mr Mackenzie said that with the assistance of Dr Aitken and ]\Ir Mylne, and other
members of the committee, the subject would not be allowed to flag, and that the
most practical and reliable results would be brought out.

The Chairman said he thought every member of the Society, and indeed the whole
of Scotland, must feel very grateful indeed, not only to the committee, but principally
to the convener, for the practical manner in which this question of ensilage was being
carried out, and in regard to what was proposed to be done as to making it practically
useful, and showing how the ensilage could be best applied. He thought they would
all asrree with him that it was right that they should give a special vote of thanks to
Mr Mackenzie of Portmore for the way in which he had enabled the ensilage to be
thoroughly tested and carried out in operation.

Mr Mackenzie, in thanking the meeting for this unusual compliment, said that he
believed this system of ensilage was to be one which would very largely benefit every
section of agriculture in this country. It had given him the very greatest pleasure to
be able to do something in furtherance of the demonstration of it. He had been
materially aided in this matter by the committee that the Society were good enough
to appoint along with him to look after it, and further by the admirable exertions of
his land steward, ]Mr Brydone, to whom, he believed, the whole of the success of this
experiment was due.

PliOCEEDIXGS AT GEISERAL MEETINGS. 21

Potato Culture. — Mr Mylne, Xiddrie Mains, reiDorted on the subject of potato
culture. He stated that at the general meeting in January last it was remitted to the
Directors to encourage the raising and introducing new varieties of potatoes by the
giving of premiums or otherwise. In accordance with this remit, the Directors, at
their meeting in February, appointed a special committee to consider the best means
of carrying the resolution into effect. On the recommendation of this committee, the
Directors resolved at their meeting in April to offer the sum of £50 as a prize or prizes
for best variety of disease-resisting potatoes which had never been sold or offered for
sale, such variety to be a seedling of not less than hve years' growth. By the con-
ditions, not less than one stone of such variety was to be entrusted to the care of the
Society, under whose superintendence they were to be tested as to their disease-resist-
ing properties for one year, at the expiration of which time the prizes were to be
awardecl ; the produce of the potatoes to belong to the owners, and no prize to be
awarded to any variety showing any symptom of disease. In terms of these conditions,
live competitors lodged samples, which were all planted on the 1st day of May, on
ground on the farm of East Bams, Dunbar, kindly granted for the purpose by Mr
James Hope. The competitors were resident in the counties of Aberdeen, Ross,
Lanark, Kincardine, and Fife — one from each county. The crops were inspected by a
sub-committee on 7th August, and were reported on as follows : — No. 1 (Aberdeenshire)
appeared an early reddish potato, good size at this date, and apparently a distinct
variety. No. 2 (Ross-shire) had sufficient growth, not early, and appeared genuine.
No. 3 (Lanarkshire), white Vilossoms, but a slight mixture of purple blooms, scarcely
so groAvthy ; not early. No. 4 (Kincardineshire), a .strong variety, very like the
Champion ; shaw of great growth, evidently a very late variety. No. 5 (Fifeshire), a
very genuine variety, but with less top than tlie other varieties. A second inspection
took place on the 23rd of October, when the sub-committee reported in the folloAving
terms : — No. 1. White potato, red streaks, good size, free from disease, and a fair crop.
No. 2. A white variety, resembles the Victoria in shape ; is diseased, and appears a
strong growing variety, and a fair crop. No. 3. A white variety, also resembling the
Victoria ; a poor crop, and some disease. No. 4. A white round variety, something
like the Champion ; it is diseased, and is a poor crop, though somewhat better than
Nos. 3 and 5. No. 5. A white variety, in shape like No. 3 ; it is a poor crop, and very
much diseased. The sample (No. 1) which appeared to he free from disease when
inspected on 7th Augnst and 2.3rd October was, on lifting it on the 3rd of November,
found to l)e diseased. The length of drill planted of this sample was 60 yards, and the
weight of the whole crop was 15 st. 11 lbs., of which 12 lbs. are diseased. No. 2. Lifted same
date (3rd November). Length of drill planted, 77 yards. Total weight of crop, 21 st. 12 lbs.,
of which 14 lbs. were diseased. No. 3. Lifted same date. Length of drill planted, 59 yard.s.
Total weight of crop, 12 st. 7 lbs., of which there were 10 lbs. diseased. No. 4. Lifted
same date. Length of drill planted, 212 yards. Total weight of crop, 63 st. 2 lbs., of which
5 St. 3 lbs. were diseased. No. 5. Lifted .same date. Length of drill planted, 61 yards.
Total weight of crop, 13 st. 5 lbs., of which 1 st. 5 lbs. were diseased. From these statistics it
would be observed that No. 2 samjjle was the best crop, and contained the. smallest pro]ior-
tiou of disea.seil tubers ; and out of all the samples, it appeared the variety that most
resembled a good field potato. Mr Mylne concluded by stating that there would
thus be no prize awarded.

Agricultural Bufjsaries.— Mr Villiers, Closeburn Hall, reported that the exami-
nation for the Society's bursaries took place on the 17tli of October, when eleven candi-
dates enrolled their names, and the following passed : — For bursaries of £20 each —
Alexander Edward, Dundee, and Alexander .Johnstone, Edinburgh. For bursaries of
£10 each --Andrew R. Dunnet, Auchingill, Caithness ; Henry C. Fergusson, Stanley,
Perth ; J. G. Nicolson, Wick ; and John Wilson, St Andrews.

Dlstiuct Shows. — Colonel Hare of Calder Hall reported the premiums awarded in
188:3 and tho.sc offered in 1884.

Cottagk CctMi'KTiTioNs. — Mr Mackenzie of Portmore reported the premiums
awarded in 1883 and tho.se offereil in 1884.

Essay.s and Rki'ort.s, 1883-84.— Mr IitviNE of Drum rei)orted the premiums awarded
for reports in 1883 and those offered in 1884.

Mr .Maxwkll of Munches suggested that the Directors .should take into considera-
tion whether they .should not give up the forestry jiart of the awards. There was now
a forestry .society in Scotland whicii was considering that matter, and the Highland
Society might, without much injury to its exertions, drop these awards.

Mr Ikvink .said that no doulit the Directors would consi«ler this matter, but he
might mention that the awards for forestry were not very numerous this year.

The report was then adopted.

DisKAsED Cattlk lMiMiKTATir)N. — Mr ScdTT DmGEoN, Longncwton, rejiorted that
at the meeting of the Board on the 5th of December, the following resolution hail been
adoitted : — " The continued prevalence of foot-and-mouth di.sease, and the large increase
in the number of outbreaks throughout the United Kingdom, since the Highland and

22 PROCEEDIA'GS AT GEXERAL MEETIXCxS.

Agricultural Society's deputation waited upon the President of the Council in the end
of April, compel the Directors of the Society again to urge upon the Government the
necessity of no longer delaying to give effect to the recommendation of the Royal
Commission on Agriculture, 'that the landing of foreign animals should not be per-
mitted in future from any countries as to which the Privy Council are not satisfied
that they are perfectly free from contagious disease.' The past experience of the
working of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1878, as administered by the Privy
Council and local authorities, has proved it to be a complete failure in preventing the
introduction of disease from abroad, and the constant recun-ence of alarming and
\\idespread outbreaks of foot-and-moiith disease throughoixt the kingdom ; while, from
The want of uniformity in the restrictions enforced by the various local authorities
and the necessity which exists for their almost constant imposition, these restrictions
have become intolerable to the breeders and feeders of live stock, and are interfering
most prejudicially in the adequate supply of butcher meat and dairy produce to the
British public. "

To this representation the following reply was received : —

" Agricultural Department, Privy Council Office, 44 Parliament Street,
" Westminster, S. W., 12th December 1883.

"Sir, — I have submitted to the Lords of the Council the resolution passed by your
Society on the 5th inst., transmitted in your letter of the 6th inst.

" With reference to that part of the resolution which desires the Privy Council to
give effect to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Agriculture, ' that the
landing of foreign animals should not be permitted in future from any countries as to
which the Pri\^' Coimcil are not satisfied that they are perfectly free from contagious
disease,' the Privy Council are advised that such a measure, by substituting prohibi-
tion for slaughter at the port of landing, which is prescribed by the Contagious Diseases
(Animals) Act, 1878, would be one of a legislative and not an administrative character.
I am also to point out that if the Privy Council had been able to act, and had acted
on the recommendation of the Royal Commission, the unfortunate prevalence of foot-
and-mouth disease throughout the autumn in so many parts of the country would
have remained entirely unaffected. Of this fact no reasonable doubt can be enter-
tained when it is considered that from the 1st of July last to the present date only
three cases have occurred in which animals affected with foot-and-mouth disease have
been landed in Great Britain, and in none of these cases is there any ground for sus-
pecting that the infection was not absolutely confined within the foreign animals'
wharf.— I am, &c., (Signed) " C. L. Peel.

" The Secretary, Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland."

This reply was laid before the Board on the 9th of January, when the following
resolution was adoj^ted :— " That the Directors have received with great disappointment
the above answer of the Lord President of the Council, as they feel strongly the absolute
necessitj'' of prohibiting the importation of live animals from all countries as to which
the Privy Council are not satisfied that they are free from disease. From the above
answer it appears that diseased consignments of animals have been received into this
country on three separate occasions since the 1st of July last, which the Board consider
sufficiently dangerous to make their request only reasonable."

After reading the report, Mr Scott Dudgeon expressed regret on his own part, and
the regret and disappointment of the members of the Society and farmers generally,
that the representations which had been made by the Highland and Agricultural
Society and other societies that the strong feeling which had been expressed with such
unanimity throughout the country by the agricultural interests had hitherto been
ineffectual in moving the Government in the matter. There was no question that he
could remember of on which agriculturists of every political ojiinion were more
unanimous than this of cattle disease, and it was a strong evidence of the want of power
of the agricultural community in bringing anything aftecting their industry to bear
upon the Government of the country. The matter of cattle disease was one which
affected their industry to an enormous extent, and every one acquainted with the
workings of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act would know that the restrictions
which had been in force throughout the country had been a great source of loss — not
only of annoyance but of direct loss, and still more of indirect loss— to the agricultural
community. And he was sure no other industry in the country, even much less
important than that of agriculture, would have submitted to the annoyance and loss as
the farmers had done, and exhibited the patience they had exhibited. And he was
glad to say that there was evidence now throughout the country that the farmers were
feeling that this sort of thing would not do. He noticed during the recent weeks and
months of autumn that meetings had been held very generally throughout the south,
especially in England, and a very strong expression of opinion had been given at these
meetings. That he took as an evidence that the farmers would not submit to have
their interests ignored any longer as they had been in the past. All the experience of
the workings of the Cattle Diseases Act had gone to show — it was now an admitted

PROCEEDIXGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 23

■fact by every one — that foot-and-mouth disease had not a spontaneous origin, and was
not indigenous to the country, that if they were once free from it — and they were once
free from it in 1880 — if they had not got it again from abroad they would have been
still free from it, and it was only, he thought, a reasonable request, and one which they
should not cease to press till they got It carried, that they would not have the
importation of disease into this country — at least that they would have every means
taken to prevent the importation of disease into this country. This was not a cry for
protection against free trade. They did not want protection against animals or
butcher meat at all — it was protection against disease only that they wanted — and
they would welcome animals guaranteed free from disease from any country ; in fact,
they would be glad to get them. It seemed impossible that the disease could be
stopi~>ed till more speedy measures were taken to prevent animals suffering from it
coming to our shores.

Mr .Melvix, Bonnington, said that in the correspondence Mr Peel, writing for the
Privy Council, threw out a suggestion which might be acted on with advantage, when
he stated that the present measure was not sufficient to carry out the request of this
Society in regard to the Royal Commission. If that was the case, would it not do for
this Society to recommend or ask that a commission be appointed to take the whole
subject of cattle diseases into consideration, so that disease might be kept out of the
country, and only healthy animals admitted ? It was wretched to think that they were
dependent entirely on Ireland for their supply of cattle. If that commission were ap-
pointed, there were a number of questions that would come up for its consideration.
At present there was a multitude of local authorities throughout the country, every one
Avith its own doctrines and opinions as to what should be done, and that created con-
fusion. Indeed, for some time past the cure had been worse than the disease. It
seemed to him that the Society had good opportunity to take advantage of that state-
ment by Mr Peel. The appointment of a commission might shut the mouths of those
who said this was a mere question of protection, and that there was a desire to exclude
all sorts of cattle from the country, which he always held it was not.

Mr Bethune of Blebo said he did not know any subject equal in importance to
this. They must get at the root of the evil, or else it would ruin the agriculture of
the country. Tlie subject dinded itself into two heads. The agriculturists of the
country must compel the Goverament of the day not to pour in disease upon them.
It was said the cure was worse than the disease. They must bring it broadly before
the country that there were a number of men who did not go the length of saying
that. He was constantly persecuted by people saying the restrictions were worse than
the disease. They wanted to exercise some common sense. If the Privy Council
could not get hold of it, the Society would send them one man, and English societies,
of six of which he was a member, Avould do the same. The diseased cattle were being
poured in upon them. They must get at the truth, or perhaps they would be all
<lea'l, and their cattle too, before the thing was stopped. They must stop the jiouring
in ot those cattle at the bar of the House of Commons. Agriculturists were not to be
humbugged Ijy any Government, whether Whig, Tory, or Radical. They would not
submit to have the disease poured in upon them. He for one wa.s treated in the most
ferocious manner. They had enough of troubles without this foot-and-mouth disease.
They must have one universal code. They must teach the Privy Council on the
subject, and he did not know any persons more likely than the tough Scotch farmers
to do that. They must have a short code of universal practice. If ever there was
madness in the world it was the present course of action. He knew the disease had
brought numbers to bankruptcy, ami had ruined many. The code must be made
universal to stop the disease, and agriculturists would turn out half a dozen Govern-
ments— Whig, Tory, or Radical — unless they did what was wanted.

The Chaih.man, referring to the remarks as to tlie division of opinion among local
authorities, observed that there was now a central board which was doing a good work
under Mr Stirling of Kijtpendavie. lliere was a desire to have an attemi>t to get the
local authorities to work in unison, and he thought that was a step in advance.

Mr Scott Dudgkon read the following letter from Major Craigie, the secretary of
the Central Chamber of Agriculture, to Mr F. N. Menzies.

"Cattle Diseases Committee, Ct-ntral Chamber of Agriculture, 7 Arundel Street,
"Strand, London, W.C, 26th December 1883.

" Dear Sir, — In view of the necessity of moving the Government to further action in
tlie direction of excluding animals from countries inft'cte<l with foot-and-mouth disease,
jiowur has been given to this committee to ask the co-operation of other societies, and
to establish a special fund for the purpose of circulating information by printed papers,
or by k'ctures, esi)t'(ially in the towns. The suggfstion has V>een jtroiuptly responded
to, and various leading members of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society have
ndtled tlieir names to the comnuttee for this purpose. I enclose a list of the committee
appendcil to the report herewith, and also a cojiy of a riMirint which the committee ha.s
had made of a recent ]>aj'er by Mr Duckhain, M.I*, for ilerefordshire. By i>arcel pest

24 PROCEEDINGS AT GENEKAL MEETINGS.

I have sent you further copies, and if you can help the committee in devising methods
of diifusing information as to the true state of the case as regards the importation ot
foot-and-mouth disease I shoukl be gratefuL Possibly some of your Directors might
be willing to join in this effort, and allow their names to be added to the committee,
and perhaps subscribe to the special fund. — Yours faithfully,

(Signed) "R. Craigie."

After reading the above letter Mr Scott Dudgeon went on to say that they must
try as far as they could to educate the consuming public on this question. They were
influenced very much just now, and their minds were poisoned very much by a few
men interested in the foreign cattle trade ; and the members of this Society must try
to get them to understand the matter. The association referred to was originated for
that purpose, and this was the first of their publications that had been issued.

Mr Paterson of Birthwood said that the Glasgow men were treating them differently
from what had been expected. By the proposed unity of action it seemed to him they
were to pay nothing, and the counties were to pay all. That was their unity. Lanark
had given intimation that it was to go out of the union at all events.

The report was then approved.

LoupiNG-iLL AND Br^vxy. — ]\Ir Eliott Lockhart of Borthwlckbrae gave in the
report of the committee.

The proceedings then terminated.

ENSILAGE EXPEE,i:^IENTS AT POETMORE.

Experiments in ensilage have this year been carried out on an extensive scale on Mr Colin
J. Mackenzie's estate of Portmcre, Peeblesshire, and being the most important liitherto
conducted in Scotland, farmers generally have been looking forward with great interest to
the result. The new system of preserving fodder, which has been very successful in America,
has caused considerable speculation among British agriculturists as to its adaptation to the
climate and conditions of this country, and on the matter being brought before the Highland
and Agricultural Society, a committee was appointed to inquire into it. Mr Mackenzie of
Portmore, during recent visit? to America, was favourably impressed with ensilage as a
nutritious food for stock, which might overcome many drawbacks during an unpropitious
season, and he agreed to undertake the experiments on behalf of the Society. Two silos
were erected last summer at different steadings on his estate, and yesterday they w^ere
opened in the presence of between 200 and 300 agriculturists, many having come a great
distance. Among those present were— 3Ir F. N. Menzies, Secretary to the Highland and
Agricultural Society ; Dr Aitken, Chemist to the Society ; Lord Lionel Cecil, Orchard Mains.

The silo at Earlypier farm-steading was the first visited, and, under the supervision of Mr
Mackenzie, it was opened.

The silo was excavated early in June ; building commenced June 11, and ended July 14.
Construction of wall and floor same as at Harcus, but the dimensions of the silo differ some-
what, as this one is 24-3 feet long by 12 feet wide and 15*6 feet deep. This, at 45 cubic feet
per ton, gives a capacity of 100 tons and a very small fraction. In the case of this silo the
end wall is wholly exposed, and the door is on the level of the floor. The cost has been—
Excavation, £4, 5s. ; building, including cement, £55, 14s. 7d. ; roofing and joiners' wages
helping with framing, £12, 10s. ; cartage, £3, 5s. ; total, £75, 14s. 7d.

This gives a fraction over 15s. per ton of capacity. The cost of boxes for weights, and
planking to cover the ensilage and to fill the spaces between the pillars, has been £11, 10s.
By adding this to the formel- simi of £75, 14s. 7d., we have a total of £87, 4s. 7d., equal to
nearly 17s. 6d. per ton. The silo was filled on August 8, 9, and 10, with 42 tons of a heavy
crop of clover and rye grass, nearly all of it being put in during hea^y rain, and^the stuff
being quite saturated. It subsided nearly 7 feet, and on the 25th August it was filled up
with 28 tons of grass cut off a lea field, wdiich had been manured for the purpose in the
spring. The weight in this case, as at Harcus, has been about 150 lbs. per superficial foot.
No test for heat w\as carried out here. The odour which came from the door was less
pungent than at Harcus. The cost of cutting, hauling, tramping, putting on the weights,
removing them for refilling, and again putting them on, has been £19, 63., equal to 5s. 6d.
per ton stored. Here, as at Harcus, the expense was considerably enhanced owing to the
great amount of tramping performed ; and, in regard to both silos, it should be remembered
that all hands were new to the work.

The silo was opened (20th December 1883) from the top, at the end in which the door is
pierced. Several layers of the meadow grass were removed and inspected by the company,
who on all hands admitted that, so far as it was concerned, the experiment was successful.
The uppermost layers showed some indications of mould, but these disappeared as the
cutting progressed. The clover and rye grass at the bottom of the silo were not touched.
Handfuls of the ensilage were given to a herd of Polled Angus belonging to Mr Mackenzie.
Without exception, they ate it eagerly. Mr Mackenzie anticipates that, from the fact of the
door not being completely air-tight, there will be a quantity of waste in its neighbourhood.
Part of the moisture, too, has been lost through the floor of the silo being level with the base
of the doorway. The company, after closely examining the ensilage, and many of them
securing samples, proceeded to Harcus farm-steading, where the other silo is situated.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 25

The silo at Harcus was excavated early in May ; commenced building May 15 ; finished
building June 16. Dimensions inside, 30 feet long by 12 feet wide and 13 feet deep. Walls at
upper end and both sides 12 inches thick, that at lower end 15 inches ; floor 6 inches thick,
and quite level. Walls and floor composed of concrete, made of 7 parts of gravel and sand
to 1 of best Portland cement. The pillars to support roof, which are 11 in number, 5 feet
high, 1 foot square, and placed about 7 feet apart, are made of concrete, 3 to 1, as is also the
smooth facing on the whole inside of silo, and on such external parts as are visible. The
roof is of home-grown fir, and covered with roofing felt ; it has projecting eaves to throw the
drip clear of the walls. The silo is constructed in sloping ground ; at the lower end the floor
is 5 feet below the surface, and at the upper end Hi feet ; the material removed in the
excavation is heaped against the sides. In the lower end there is a door on the level of the
ground for paying out the ensilage. This was filled up with double boarding and 4 inches of
rammed sawdust between. The total cost has been — Excavation, £4, 16s. ; Building, including
cement, £57, 15s. ; roofing and joiners' wages helping with framing, £12, 53. ; cartage, £4,
43. ; total, £79. This is the entire cost of the Ijuilding itself. But there was a further
expense, for planking to cover the ensilage, to fill up the spaces between the pillars, for
making the boxes, which, when filled with gravel, form the weights, and for joiners' wages
knocking the boxes together, which altogether amounted to £12, 10s. more. It is customary
to count only the actual cost of the building in calculating how much a silo costs per ton of
capacity. Taking ensilage to run 45 cubic feet to the ton, the capacity of the Harcus silo is
104 tons; at this rate the cost per ton of capacity at £79 is a little over 15s. ; but if the full sum
of £91, 10s. be taken, it exceeds 17s. 6d. The building is altogether more highly finished than
was perhaps actually necessary, and it could be made quite substantial and good for say 12s.
per ton of capacity. The filling commenced July 30 ; by the 8th August the silo was full to
the wall head. The material put in was in consecutive order, about 6 tons of clover and rje
grass, 4^ tons of coarse plantation grass, 7k tons of oats after green crop, sown out, 3 tons
rough plantation grass, 19 tons oats off lea, and 4 tons of plantation grass ; total, 44 tons. By
the 16th August it had subsided 5^ feet, under a pressure of between 50 and 60 lbs. per
superficial foot. The silo was accordingly uncovered, and about 24 tons of oats, with some
peas and tares sown along with it, were put in and additional weight was put on, making it
about 150 lbs. per superficial foot. This greater pressure caused the subsidence of both
the former filling and the second filling, and on September 5th the top of the ensilage was
about 4i feet below the wall head. It was again uncovered, and about 6 tons of plantation
grass and 3 tons of oats and peas were put in, and the silo was finally closed on .September 11.
It continued to subside gradually for several weeks, and is now on the average 3h feet down.
There has Ijcen no subsidence for six weeks or two months. During the whole time, from the
commencement of the first filling till the subsidence after the last filling finally ceased, a test
for heating was continuously in operation, by means of an iron rod ilxrust into the mass,
between 8 and 9 feet long. At no time was there any heat to be detected greater than just
enough to enable one to say that the rod was not actually cold, and latterly there was no
heat at all. After the silo was filled for the second time, a pungent odour began to come
throu-di the doorway, and continued, sometimes slighter and sometimes stronger, for some
weeks after the third filling. On December 8 the silo was opened ; about 6 inches of the
ensilage in front of the door and about 3 inches on the top was mouldy. After this was
removed the ensilage was found in good order ; it emitted a strong odour, somewhat resemb-
ling draff, and a good quantity of the com was quite green. It was offered to 8 Ayrsliire and
Alderney dairy cows and to 9 polled Angus'cows. Some took it at once, some after a little, and
all had eaten it before twenty-four hours had elapsed. There was no heat in the ensilage, either
on the top or at the door, when the silo was opened. The cost of cutting, hauling, tramping,
putting on the weights, and remo\ing them for each refilling, and replacing them in position,
hax licen £24, 7s., equal to 63. 6.UI. per ton stored. It is only right to say that this is gi-eatly
in excess of what was actually necessary. In the anxiety to ensure success there was an
exceptional amount of tramping performed, and the cost was also considerably increased frum
the fact that strips out of fields were cut, a more tedious, and consequently expensive,
operation per acre than the cutting whole fields at once. It is left to practical readers to
place their own values on the different materials employed to fill the silo. At the bottom of
the silo there is an accumulation of juice, which Mr Mackenzie proposes to use with bran.
The oats, which were verystrong in theirgrowth, were found to be slightly fermented, owing,
it is supposed, to the air not being tlioronghly pressed out of the stalks. This of course
might bo avoided by chatting it. Despite the little fermentation, the cattle ate the oats
readily and in decidcil preference to ordinary straw. During the past ten days .Mderney,
Ayi-fihire, and Polled Angus cows alike have been regularly fodderetl with two meals of the
ensilage each day. They have received in addition a small (juaiitityof turnips, but these will
be diac(mtinued when the cows become more accustomed to the ensilage. The cattleman
states that already there is a perceptible inijirovenient in the quality of the milk. It is
cont<-niplated ijy .Sir .Mackenzie to test minutely the etfect of the ensilage upon tlie rattle,
when they arc feeding on it exclusively. Each meal at present consists of 15 Ib.s. of the
en.silage. All the juice is thus retained.

The inspection over, and luncheon having been partaken of, Mr F. N. .Menzies proposed
the health of Mr and Sirs Mackiiizif. Wlu-n Mr Mackenzie was placed upon the conumttee
of the Highland and .Vsriculttiral Socit-ty to invc'tigatf the (|Uestion of ensilage, Mr Mm/ies
said, he nt oiut- canic forward, and offtTfd to take njion liimsilf all the work and troulde of
testing it. Mc could only say that the .'Society, and imleed the agricultural pulilii of Srotlund,
were greatly indebted to him for what he ha<l ilone. Mr Mackenzie, in his reply, exprt-sstd
his willingnus.4 to exhibit the further results of the experiineiita to any one who wished. He
liad had the a.<<siHtance of the Society's committee, ami the still greater assistance, and zeal,
and energy of his excellent manager, .Mr Brydone.

26 PEEMIUMS AWAEDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

PEEMIUMS AWAEDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883-84

I.— REPORTS, 1884.
AGRICULTURAL.

1. James Tait, 4 Argyle Crescent, Joppa, for a Report on the Agi-iculture of the

County of Lanark, ........

2. William H. Ralston, Culmore, Stoneykirk, for a Report on the Agriculture of

the County of WigtO'WTi, .......

3. Professor Wallace, Royal Agricultural CoUege, Cirencester, for a Report on the

Food of Scotch HUl Stock, and its Chemical Composition,

4. James Barr, jun., Whiteshaw, Carluke, for a Report on the Application of

Tovm Sewage in Agriculture and the Effect of the Herbage on the Animal
System, . ... .....

5. James Tait, 4 Argyle Crescent, Joppa, for a Report on the Agriculture of the
County of Stirling, ........

6. George Bruce, 35 Market Street, Aberdeen, for a Report on Cultivating Grasses

in Scotland, .........

7. John MUne, M.A., King Edward, for a Report on Feeding Stock with different
kinds of Food, ........

8. Alexander Macdonald, Sub-Editor, "North British Agriculturist," Edinburgh,

for a Report on the Blackfaced Breed of Sheep, ....

9. David Archibald, Awamoa, Oamani, Otago, New Zealand, for a Report on the

Blackfaced Breed of Sheep, .......

FORESTEY.

10. W. F. Gimn, Nutwood, Strathpeffer, for a Report on the Woods, Forests, and

Forestry in the County of Ross, ....••

11. Robert Hutchison of Carlowrie, for a Report on Old and Remarkable Horse-

Chestnut Trees in Scotland, ......

12. Robert Hutchison of Cario'm.-ie, for a Report on Old and Remarkable Walnut

Trees in Scotland, ........

13. Robert Hutchison of Carlowrie, for a Report on the Disastrous Gales of Season

1881-82, .........

14. John B. Webster, 100 West Graham Street, Glasgow, for a Report on the Most

Suitable Trees to be left as Standards, . . . . •

£40

0

0

25

0

0

20

0

0

15

0

0

10

0

0

10

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

0

5

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

0

5

0

0

5

0

0

5

0

0

£170

0

0

II.— GLASGOW SHOW, 1882.

1. John Richardson & Son, Carlisle— Special Grant for Merits of Seed Cleaner,

and an encouragement for further Improvement, .... ^10 0 0

IIL— INVERNESS SHOW, 1883.
Class I.— CATTLE.
SHORTHORN.
TWEEDALE GOLD MEDAL. Best Shorthorn Bull in the Yard.
1. James Bruce, Bumside, Fochabers, "Goldfinder" (£20, less 9s. 4d. income-

£19 10 8

Section 1. BULL calved before 1st January 1881.

1. James Bruce, Bumside, Fochabers, " Master Harbinger " (40324), . . 20 0 0

2. James A. Gordon, Udale, Invergordon, " Rob Roy " (45484), . . 10 0 0

3. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, E.G., Gordon Castle, Fochabers, "Good

Hope " (44883), . . . . . . . .500

Breeder of Best Bull— William Handley, Greenhead, Milnethorpe. Silver Medal, 0 16 0

V. H. C, Hugh Eraser, Balloch of Culloden, Inverness, " Waterloo Beau." H. C,

James Dumo, Jackstown, Rothie Notman, '' Claymore."

Carryforward, £55 S 8

20

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

0

15

0

0

8

0

0

4

0

0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883. 27

Brought forward, £55 6 8

Section 2. BULL calved on or after 1st January 1881.

1. Alexander Lawson, Brae Lossie, Elgin, "Gambetta" (46394), .
H. John Hunter, Dipple, Fochabers, '' Glenmore," ....

3. James M'WUliam, Stoneytowm, Keith, '' Sir Thomas " (47116),
V. H. C, James Main, Burns, Fordyce, Portsoy, " Rosse." H. C, Thomas Adam
of Lynegar, Wick, " Othello " (46816).

Section' 3. BULL calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. James Bruce, Bumside, Fochabers, "Goldfinder," . . . . 10 0 0

2. George Inglis of Xewmore, Invergorden, " Baron Booth 3rd," . . 5 0 0

3. George Dean, Brangan, Portsoy, '' Entei-prise," . . . . 3 0 0
V. H. C.,The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G., Gordon Castle, Fochabers,

" St Patrick."

Section 4. COW of any age.

1. James M'William, Stoneytown, Keith, " Golden Wreath, "

2. James M'WiUiam, Stoneytown, Keith, " Merry Maiden,"

3. James E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness, " Sweet Pea,"
V. H. C, James E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness, "Strawberry Bud." H. C,

James Watt, Mains of Mulben, Keith, " Dorothy." C, W. A. Mitchell, Auch-
nagathle, AMiitehouse, Aberdeen, " Amethyst ; " The Duke of Richmond and
Gordon, K. G., Gordon Castle, " Lustre 1.5th ; " The Duke of Richmond and
Gordon, E.G., Gordon Castle, "Flower of the Forest."

Section 5. HEIFER calved on or after 1st January 1881.

1. James Bruce, Bumside, Fochabers, "Sir Arthur's Princess,"

2. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, E.G., Gordon Castle, '' Rosewood 13th,"

3. James Bmce, Burnside, Fochabers, " Florentia 6th,"
V. H. C, James E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness, "Butter Scotch." H. C,

James E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness, "Eleanor Windsor."

Section 6. HEIFER calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. James Dumo, Jacksto-.vn, Rothie Norman " Chief Blossom," .

2. James Bruce, Burnside, Fochabers, " Marigold 7th," ....

3. Thomas Adam of Lynegar, Wick, " Lady Graceful," ....
y. H, C, James Watt, Mains of Mulben, Keith, "Annetta." H. C, Alexander

Lawson, Brae Lossie, Elgin, " Idalia," C, James M'William, Stoneytown,
Keith, " Marie; " The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G., Gordon Castle,
Fochabers, "Peach Blossom 18th,"

AYRSHIRE.

Section 7. BULL calved before 1st Januar>' 1882.

1. Robert Wardrop, Gariaff, Old Cumnock, "King Coil" (431), . . . 20 0 0

2, D. C. Willison, Dalpeddar, Sanquhar, " Duncan " (3-50), . . . 10 0 0
5. Andrew Iloggan, jun., Busby Farms, Busby, Lanarkshire, "Baron of Over

Milton " (.351), . . . . . . . .500

Breeder of Best Bull— Robert Wardrop, Garlaff, Old Cumnock, . Silver Medal, 0 16 0

C, John Lome Stewart, Island of Coll, Oban, "Lowland Chief."

Section 8. COW in Milk of any age.

1. Andrew Iloggan, jun.. Busby Farms, Busby, Lanarkshire, " Kilbimie," . 15 0 0

2. Hector Morrison, Morrison Cottage, Kenneth Street, Inverness, "Lady," . 8 0 0

Section 0. COW in Calf of any age, or HEIFER in Calf, calved
before 1st Januarj' 1881.

1. Duncan Keir, Bucklyvie, "Maggie," . . . . . . 15 0 0

2. John LhxlNiiy, TlKriiliill, .«:tewarton, " Ji-an of Tliornhill" (l.'^97). . . 8 0 0

3. Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby Farms, Busby, " Auchendennau of Busby," . 4 0 0
V. H C, Andrew Iloggan, jun., Busby Farms, Busby, " Barmoorhill of Busby."

10

0

0

5

0

0

3

0

0

8

0

0

4

0

0

2

0

0

Cairy forward, l.'dJ

28

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

Brought foiTvard,
Section 10. HEIFER calved on or after 1st Januarj' 1881.

1. Robert Wardrop, Garlaff, Old Cumnock, " Nancy Lee,"

2. Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby Fanns, Busby, "Jenny Lind of Busby,"

3. John Lome Stewart, Island of Coll, Oban, " Belle of Coll,"
C, John Lome Stewart, Island of Coll, Oban, "Tit-Bit."

£253 2 8

10 9 0
5 0 0
3 0 0

Section 11. HEIFER calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. Robert Wardrop, Garlaff, Old Cumnock, " Bonnie Jean,"

2. Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby Farms, Busby, " Auchengilsie of Busby,"

8 0 0
4 0 0

POLLED ANGUS OR ABERDEEN.

Section 12. BULL calved before 1st December 1880.

1. R. F. 0. Farquharson of Haughton, Alford, Aberdeen, "The Black Knight, "

(1809), .........

2. John Strachan, Montcoffer Mains, Banff, "Editor " (1260),

3. William James Tayler, Rothiemay House, Huntly, " Sir Maurice " (1319),
Breeder of Best Bull — David A. Pearson of Johnston, Laurencekirk. Silver Medal,

20 0 0

10 0 0

5 0 0

0 16 0

Section 13. BULL calved on or after 1st December 1880.

1. Lord Tweedraouth, Guisachan, Beauly, " Tip Top " (1828),

2. George Reid, Baads, Peterculter, "Sir George of Baads " (2342),

3. George Cran, MorUch, Towie, " Cupid of Morlich " (2039),

V. H. C, Alex. Bowie, Mains of Kelly, 'Arbroath, "Rajah." H. C, James Argo,
Cairdseat. Udny, " Standard" (1829).

20 0 0
10 0 0

5 0 0

Section 14. BULL calved on or after 1st December 1881.

1. James Ai'go, Cairdseat, Udny, "Iliad," . . . . .

2. G. S. Grant, Auchorachan, Ballindalloch, " Prince of Livet " (2303), .

3. The Earl of Southesk, K.T., Kinnaird Castle, Brechin, " Solomon " (2349),

V. H. C, The Earl of Southesk, K.T., Kinnaird Castle, Brechin, '' Comus."'
H. C, A. F. & A. Leslie, Braco, Keith, "Sir Michael." C, John Stewart,
Auchindellan, Clatt, Kinnethmont, ''Emilius."

Section 15. COW of any age.

1. Lord Tweedmouth, Guisachan, Beauly, " Pride of Aberdeen 18th" (4321),

2. Robert Anderson, Daugh, Tarland, " Rosie of Daugh " (4840),

3. George Wilken, Waterside of Forbes, Alford, Aberdeenshire, " Sybils Darling "

(4050), .........

V, H. C, John Strachan, Moncoffer Mains, Banff, "Bella 3rd'' (4123). H. C,
George Reid, Clinterty, Blackburn. Aberdeen, '' Isla 3rd '' (4376). C, R. F.
0. Farqiiharson, of Haughton, Alford, Aberdeen, " Lilly of Haughton
3rd" (4366).

Section 16. HEIFER calved on or after 1st December 1880.

1. George Wilken, W^aterside of Forbes, Alford, Aberdeen, " Waterside Matilda

2nd " (6312), ........

2. George Reid, Baads, Peterculter, Aberdeen, " Isle of Beauty " (5935), .

3. John Hannay, Gavenwood, Banff, " Pride of Aberdeen 26th " (Lady Paramount)

(4560),

V. H. C, W, M'Combie of Easter Skene, Skene, "Alexandra" (5774).
H. C, Her Majesty the Queen, Abergeldie Mains, Ballater, "Drusilla"
(5090). C, Thomas F. Inkson, Kinermony, Aberlour, " Kate of Kinermony "
(5706).

10

0

0

5

0

0

3

0

0

15 0 0
8 0 0

4 0 0

10
5

0 0
0 0

3 0 0

Section 17. HEIFER calved on or after 1st December 1881.

1. John Hannay, Gavenwood, Banff, " Favonia," . . . . .800

2. W. M'Combie of Easter Skene, Skene, "Bona," . . . .400

3. Her Majesty the Queen, Abergeldie Mains, Ballater, ''Princess Beatrice"

(5055), . . . . . . . . .200

Carry fonvaid. £430 18 8

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

29

Brought forward, £430 IS 8

H. C, John Smith, Cragganmore, Balliudalloch, "Flora Macdonald'';
W. James Tayler, Pwothieraay House, Huntly, "Maid of Isla " (6196). H. C,
Lord Tweedmouth, Guisachan, Beauly, "Viola of Guisachan (6221)";
Lord T^veedmouth, Guisachan, Beauly, " Gloriosa" (6212), C,
R. Anderson, Daugh, Tarland, ''Maid of Fife"; Thomas Ferguson,
Elinnochtry, Cupar- Angus, " Victoria 2nd of Kinnochtry."

GALLOWAY.

Section 18. BULL calved before 1st Januaiy 1882.

1. F. E. Villiers, Closehum Hall, Thomhill, " John Highlandman of Closeburn "
(1905), .........

Breeder of Best Bull — W, <fe J. Shennan, Balig, Kirkcudbright, Silver Medal,

20 0 0
0 16 0

Section 19. COW of any age.
1. F. E. Villiers, Closeburn Hall, Thomhill, " Forest Queen of Closeburn " (4513).

15 0 0

Section 20. HEIFER calved on or after 1st Januarj^ 1881.

1. Alexander M'Cowan, Newton Airds, Dumfries, "Semiramis 3rd of Tarbreoch," 10 '' 0

2. Alexander M'Cowan, of Newton Airds, Dumfries, "Helena 4th of Wedholme "

(4163), . . . . . . . . .500

Section 21. HEIFER, calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. F. E. Villiers, Closeburn Hall, Thomhill, " Vidette of Closeburn " (4517),

2. Thomas Biggar <fe Son, Chapelton, Dalbeattie, " Ranee 4th " (5544), .
V. H. C, Thomas Biggar & Son, Chapelton, Dalbeattie, " Colia 2nd,"

8 0 0
4 0 0

HIGHLAND.

Section 22. BULL, calved before 1st January 1880.

1. Duncan M'Diarmid, Camusericht, Rannoch, •' Fear-a-Bhaile," .

2. John Mackintosh, South Kinrara, Aviemore, '' Ossian."

3. John Stewart of Ensay, Harris, " Fear-a-Bhaile," ....
Breeder of Best Bull — Duncan M'Diarmid, Camusericht, Rannoch. Silver Medal,
H. C, Lord Middleton, Applecross. "Gille Ruadh." C, Mackintosh of Mackintosli,

Moy Hall, Inverness, "Raahl,"

20 0 0

10 0 0

5 0 0

0 16 0

Section 23, BULL, calved on or after 1st January 1880.

1. John Stewart, of Ensay, Harris, "The Gardener,''

2. J. M'Gillivray, Ballochroan, Kingussie, " Cailean,"

3. The Earl of Seafield, Castle Grant, Grantown, " Barran Buidhe,"
H. C, David Carnegie, of Stronvar, Lochearahead, "Comhall."'

20 0 0

10 0 \>

0 0 0

Section 24. BULL, calved on or after 1st January 1881. .

1. George Willison, Ardlarach House, Luing, Easdale, Oban, " Nonnan," .

2. James Duncan, of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, " Coirintee,"

3. Alexander .M'Donald, Nether Largie, Kilmartin. " Brochriach,"

H. C, John Stewart, of Ensay, Harris' "Sugliay." C, George A. Cox, Invcr-
trossachs, Callander, " Fcar-a-Bhaile."

Section 25. BULL, calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. Allan Macgillivray, Gordon Hall, Kingussie, " Murach,"

2. Duncan .M'lMunnid, Camuscriclit, Rannoch, *' I'airig Og,"
3 James Duncan, of Benmore, Kilnuin, Cowiil, "Glen Sanda,"
H. C, Alexander Macdonald, Balrunahl, Loclunaddy, '• UllJeam.

Seafield, Castle Grant, Grantown, "Alaatair."

10

0

0

5

0

0

3

0

0

.

5

n

0

,

3

0

0

, ,

1

u

l>

C, The Earl of

Carry fonr.ird.

Lv.n

lo

s

30

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1S83.

Brought forwarr!, £591 10 8-

Section 26. COW of any age,

1. John Stewart, of Ensay, Harris, " Guanach," . . . , .

2. George Willison, Ardlarach House, Easdale, Oban, '' Cladvale,''

3. Robert Anderson of Lochdhu, Xaii-n, ......

V. H. C, Colonel G. Gardyne of Glenforsa, Aros, Mull, " Ban-a-MhuUeach.

H. C, James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, "Highland Mary.'" C,
Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Moy Hall, Inverness, " Flora.''

Section 27. HEIFER, calved on or after 1st January 1880.

1. John Stewart of Ensay, Hams, "Donnach," . . . . .

2. John Stewart of Ensay, Harris, " Ribhinn Og," . . . .

3. James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, " Mhaighdean Bhan,"

V. H. C, John Mackintosh, South Kinrara, Aviemore, " Flora Og.'' H. C, The
Earl of Seafleld, Castle Grant, Grantown, "Bynack." C, John Mackintosh,
South Kinrara, Aviemore, "Lillie."

0

15 0
8 0 0
4 0 0

10 0 0
5 0 0
3 0 0

Section 28. HEIFER, calved on or after 1st Januaiy 1881.

1. John Stewart of Ensay, Harris, " Guanach 1st " .

2. John Stewart of Ensay, Hams, " Molach Dearg," . . . .

3. George Willison, Ardlarach House, Luing, Easdale, Oban, " Nora,"

V, H. C, George Willison, Ardlarach House, Luing, Easdale, Oban^ " Ruo Vore."
H. C, John Mackintosh, South Kinrara, Aviemore, "Mary." C, John
Mackintosh, South Kinrara, Aviemore, " Lady Og."

8 0 0
4 0 0
2 0 0

Section 29. HEIFER, calved on or after 1st January 1882.

1. John Stewart of Ensay, Harris, " Guanach 2nd,"

2. James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, "Highland Channer,"

3. James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, "Jessie,"

C, The Earl of Seafleld, Castle Grant, Grantown, "Kinvachie."

5 0 0
3 0 0
10 0

Section 30. FAMILY PRIZE— COW of any age, and three or more
of her Descendants, Male or Female.

1. James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal, . . , . . 15 0 0

2. The Earl of Seafleld, Castle Grant, Grantown, . . . ' . 8 0 0
8. Robert Anderson of Lochdhu, Nairn, . . . . . .400

FAT STOCK.

Section 31. HIGHLAND OX calved before 1st Januaiy 1880.

1. The Duke of Sutherland, K.G., Dunrobin Mains, Golspie,

2. The Earl of Seafleld, Castle Grant, Grantown, ....
v. H. C. The Duke of Sutherland.

5 0 0
3 0 0

Section 32. HIGHLAND OX, calved on or after 1st January 1880.

1. Earl Cawdor, Cawdor Castle, Nairn, . . . . . .400

2. Earl Cawdor, Cawdor Castle, Nairn, . . . , . .200
V. H. C, Earl Cawdor, Cawdor Castle, Nairn. H.C., The Duke of Sutherland,

K.G., Dunrobin Mains, Golspie.

Section 33. SHORTHORN OX, calved before 1st January 1881.— No Entry.

Section 34. SHORTHORN OX, calved on or after 1st Januaiy 1881.

1. James Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers, . , . . . .400

2. George Shand, Ordens, Boyndie, Banff, . . . . .200

Section 35. POLLED OX, calved before 1st Januaiy 1881.— Not Forward.

Section 36. POLLED OX, calved on or after 1st January 1881.
1. George Wilken, Waterside of Forbes, Alford, Aberdeen, . . .400

Cany forward, £710 10 8

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

31

Brought forward, £710 10

Section 37. OX, of any other Pure or Cross Breed, calved before
1st Januarj' 1881.

1. John Cran, Kirkton, Bunchrew (cross between Shorthorn and Cross),

2. VVilliam Cairns, Belhie, Auchterarder (non-pedigreed Shorthorn),

Section 38. OX, of any other Pure or Cross Breed calved on or after
1st January 1881.

1. John Cran, Kirkton, Bunchrew (cross between Shorthorn and Polled), .

2. John Cran, Kirkton, Bunchrew (cross between Shorthorn and Polled), .
V. H, C, William Francis Boden, Scotsbum, Delny (cross between Shorthorn and

Highland). H.C, James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch (cross between Short-
horn and Cross).

3

4
2

0
0

Section 39. CROSS-BPvED HEIFER, calved before 1st January 1881.

Mrs Phoebe Dunbar Dunbar of Seapark, Kinloss, Forres (cross between Short-
horn and Cross), ........

CROSS-BRED HEIFER, calved on or after Ist Januarj-
1881.

Section 40,
William Peterkin, Dunglass, Conon Bridge (cross between Shorthorn and Cross),

EXTRA CATTLE.
Ven,- Highly Commended.

Shorthorn Bull, "Rosario 2nd" (42299), winner of First Prize at Glasgow, 1882,
James A. Gordon, Udale, Invergordon, .....

Ayrshire Bull, '-'Pretender" (191), winner of First Prize at Glasgow, 1882, Andrew
Hoggan, jun.. Busby Farms, Lanarkshire, . . Medium Gold Medal,

Polled Angus or Aberdeen Bull, "Prince Albert of Baads" (1336), winner of
First Prize at Kelso, 1880, Robert Anderson, DaughTarland, Medium Gold Medal,

Cross Ox, Tlie Duchess of Sutherland, Tarbat Parkhill, . Medium Gold Medal,

Highly Commended.

Shorthorn Heifer, "Lily," John Cran, Kirkton, Bunchrew, Inverness,

Crosa Ox, The Duchess of Sutherland, Tarbat, Parkhill, . Minor Gold Medal,

Highland Heifer, The Duke of Sutherland, K.G., Dunrobin, 3Iinor Gold Medal,

Commended.

Highland Heifer, The Duke of Sutherland, K.G., Dunrobin,
Cross Cow, "Dandy," James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch
Cross Ox, John Stirling of Fairbum, Muir of Ord, .

Class II.— HORSES.

Silver Medal,
Silver Medal,
Silver Medal,

3 0
3 15
3 15

0 16
0 16
0 16

0
0

0

0

5 0 0

4 0 0

0 0

6 2 0

0
0
0

0

0
0

£769 14 S

25

0

0

18

0

0

10

0

0

0

16

0

FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.
STALLION to travel the district of the Inverness Show in Season 1883.
Peter M'Robbie, Sunnysidc, Aberdeen, " Gilderoy," .... £100 0 0

Section 1. STALLION, foaled before 1st Januarj' 1880.

1. Ale.x. M'Cowan, Newton Airds, Dumfries, "Corsewall" (1420) .
2 David Riddel), Blackball, Paisley, "Tip Top," .....
3. Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton, "Bold Briton," ....
Breeder of Best Stallion — William Eraser, Barncrosh, Ringford, . Silver Medal,
V. II. C, William Wyllie, I'linces Street Cottage, Perth, " British Commander "
(1981). II. C, Alex. M 'Robbie, Sunnysidc, Aberdeen, "GUderoy" (1438).

Section 2. ENTIRE COLT, foaled on or after 1st Junuarj- 1880.

1. David Riddell, Blackball, Paisley, •' Sir Windham," ....

2. James M'Nab, Glenochil House, Menstrle, " Lurd Kelburne" (2253),

3. Wllliuin Wyllie, Princes Street Cottage, Perth, " Logic the Laird" (2237),
V. H. C, Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton, "Royal Sandy." H. C, Peter

Ferguson, Rock Cottage, Renfrew, "Windsor" (2509).

Carry fon*ard, £196 16 u

20

0

0

15

0

0

8

0

0

32

PEEMIUilS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

Brought forward, £196 16 0

Section 3. ENTIRE COLT, foaled on or after 1st January 1881.

1. David Riddell, Blackhall, Paisley, "Bloomsberrj-," . . . .

2. The Earl of Strathmore, Glamis Castle, Glamis, "Morning Star,"

3. Alex. M'Robbie, Sunnyside, Aberdeen, " Grand Master, . . . .
V. H. C, Alex. M'Robbie, Sunnyside, Aberdeen, "Havelock" (2161). H. C, R. J.

Mackav, Burgie Lodge, FoiTes.

15 0 0
8 0 0
4 0 0

Section 4. ENTIRE COLT, foaled on or after 1st Januaiy 1882.

1. David Riddell, Blackball, Paisley, ......

2. Lawrence Drew, Menyton, Hamilton, ......

3. LawTence Drew, Menyton, Hamilton, ......

V.H.C., James Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers, "Strathspey.'' H.C., Wm. Stevenson,

Lochgrog, Bishopriggs, "'Baron Wolseley. "

10 0 0
5 0 0
3 0 0

Section 5. MARE (with Foal at foot), foaled before 1st Januaiy 1880.

1. J. F. Murdoch, Hallside, Ne^vton Yearns, " Rosie," . . . . 20 0 0

2. D. M. Ross, yr. of Cromarty, Cromarty, "Bloom," . . . . 10 0 0

3. James Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers, " Rosebud " (657) . . . .500
H. C, James Watt, Mains of Mulben, Keith, "Kate."

Section 6. MARE (in Foal), foaled before 1st January 1880.

1. Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton, "Queen," . . . .

2. Alexander Baird of Une, Stonehaven, "Bonnie Jean" (982),

3. D. C. Willison, Dalpeddar, Sanquhar, "Pride of Nith," .

V. H. C, William ^Yalker, Torbrex, Stirling, "Rosie." H. C, AVilliam Walker,
Torbrex, Stirling, "Gipsy Queen." C, James Watt, Mains of Mulben, Keith,
"Luck."

20 0 0

10 0 0

5 0 0

Section 7. FILLY, foaled on or after 1st January 1880.

1. Alexander Baird of Urie, Stonehaven, "Nazli," , . . .

2. Major L. D. Gordon Duff of Drummuir, Keith, " Lily o' the Dale,"

3. William M'Donald, Wester Moy, FoiTes, "Bell," . . . .
H. C, David .Forrester, Balqidiidderock, Bannockbum, "Jeanie." C, WHliam

M'Donald, Wester Moy, Forres, "Maiy."

10 0 0
5 u 0
3 0 0

Section 8. FILLY, foaled on or after 1st Januaiy 1881.

1. David Riddell, Blackball, Paisley, " The Queen," ....

2. Alexander M 'Cowan, Newton Airds, Dumfries, "Moss Rose,"

3. John Marr, Cairnbrogie, Oldmeldrum, "Darling 3d," . . . .
V. H. C, Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton, H. C, G. Duff Dunbar, Ackergill

Tower, Wick, "Young Sultana." C, James Jenkins, New Elgin, Elgin,
" Sally ''; D. M. Ross, yr. of Cromarty, Cromarty.

8 0 0
4 0 0
2 0 0

Section 9. FILLY, foaled on or after 1st Januaiy 1882.

1. George Alston, Loudoun Hill House, Darvel, "Maj-flower,"

2. La-ftTcnce Drew, MeiTyton, Hamilton, . .....

3. John Robertson of Rhjmie, Fearn, " Nelly," .....
V. H. C, John Hunter, Dipple, Fochabers, "Nonna." H.C., D. M. Ross, yr. of

Cromarty, Cromarty. C. , R. J. Mackay, Burgie Lodge, Forres.

6 0 0
3 0 0
10 0

Section 10. DRAUGHT GELDING, foaled before 1st Januaiy ISSO.

1. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch, "Sharp," . . . .500

2. John Robertson of Rhynie, Fearn, "Scot," . . . . .300

3. John Hunter, Dipple, Fochabers, " Prince Dick," . . . .10 0

Section 11. DRAUGHT GELDING, foaled on or after 1st January 1880.

1. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch, " Clyde,'' . . . -500

2. William M'Donald, Wester Moy, Fon-es, . . . . -300

Carry foi-ward. £370 16 0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

33

Brought foi-ward, £370 16 0

ROADSTERS.

Section 12. JIARE or GELDING, suitable for Carriage,
foaled before 1st January 1880.

1. Allan R. Mackenzie, yr. of Kintail, Clunes, Inveniess-shire, Mare, " Molly,"

2. Alexander Russell, Myreside, Elgin, Mare, "Rose,''

V. H. C, Macrae & Dick, Baron Taylor's Lane, Inverness, Mare, "Delny."

15 0 0
8 0 0

Section 13. MARE or GELDIXG, suitable for Canlage,
foaled on or after 1st January 1880,

1. Charles R, Gallic, Inverness, Gelding, "Jamie,''

2. Duncan Cameron, Fettes, Inverness, Gelding, "Deerfoot,"
V, H, C, Charles R. Gallie, Inverness, Mare, "Mary."

15 0 0
8 0 0

Section 14. MARE or GELDING, suitable as hackney or roac'ster
between 14 and 15 hands.

1, J. C. Cuninghame of Foyers, Inverness, Gelding, " Charlie," .

2. C. J. Merry, Belladmm, Beauly, Gelding, ....
V. H. C, Alex. Colvin, Crown, Inverness, Mare, " Maggie,"

10 0 0
5 0 0

EXTRA HORSES.

Verj' Highly Commended.

Clydesdale Mare, " Sally,'' Dr Brougham, Culduthel, Inverness, Med. Gold Medal,

Commended,

Thoroughbred Stallion, " Waverley,'' Alex, Colvin, Crown, Inverness, Silver Medal,
Basuto Pony Stallion, "The Kaffir," C. D. Steuart, Dalguise, Dunkeld, Silver Medal,

6 2 0

0 16 0
0 16 0

PONIES.

Section 15. HIGHLAND STALLION, 15 hands and under.

1. Lord Tweedmouth, Guisachan, Beauly, " Kit,''

2. Dr Brougham, Culduthel, Inverness, " Highland Laddie,"

3. Alex. M'Donald, Balranald, Lochmaddy, ;'Tom,"

10 0 0
5 0 0
3 0 0

Section 16. HIGHLAND MARE or GELDING, between
13 and 14^ hands.

1. Allan R. Mackenzie, yr. of Kintail, Clunes, Inverness, Mare, " Ladybird,"

2. Allan R. Mackenzie, yr. of Kintail, Clunes, Inverness, Mare, " Butterfly,"

3. Chas. Innes, Balifeary, Inverness, Mare, "Nelly," . .

6 0 0
3 0 0
10 0

Section 17. MARE or GELDING, between 12i and 14 hands.

Not Forward.

Section 18. MARE or GELDING under 12J hands.

1. Wm. Couper, Antfield, Inverness, Gelding, ''Shaggy,"
3. W. G. .Mundell, Inverlaul, Lochbroom, Gelding, " Donald,'
3. A. M'Donald, Chapelton, Muir of Ord, Mare, " Beauty,''

Class TIT. -SHEEP.

BLACKFACED.

Section 1. TUP above 1 Shear.

1. David Foyer, Knowehend, Campslc, , , . » ,

2. John Fleming, I'louglilaiul, Strathuven, . . ,
8. John Fleming, I'loughland, Strathuven, ....

V. H. C, David Foyer, Knowehead, Campsie. H. C, Robert Buchanan. Letter,
Kill cam.

Carrj" forward.

6 0 0
3 0 0
1 0 0

£477 1' 0

£10

0

0

6

0

0

S

0

0

£19

u

0

C

34

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

Sectiok 2. SHEARLING TUP.

Brought forward,

1. Charles Howatson of Glenbuck, Lanark, ....

2. Charles Howatson of Glenbuck, Lanark, ....

3. Charles Howatson of Glenbuck, Lanark, ....

V. H. C, John Fleming, Ploughland, Strathaven. H. C. , John Fleming, Plough-
land, Str^thaven. C, John Fleming, Ploughland, Strathaven.

£19 0 0

10 0 0
6 0 0
3 0 0

Section 3. Pen of 3 EWES above 1 Shear, with LAMBS.

1. Peter Piobertson, Achilty, Dingwall,

2. P. M. Tumbull, Smithston, Gartly,

3. James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal,

V. H. C, James A. Gordon, Udale, Invergordon.
Letter, Killeam.

H. C, Robert Buchanan,

8 0 0
5 0 0
2 0 0

Section 4. Pen of 3 SHEARLING EWES or GIMMERS.

1. Lord Lovat, Garthbeg, Stratherrick, Gorthlick, Inverness,

2. P. M. TumbuU, Smithston, Gartl)% ....

3. Lord Lovat, Garthbeg, Stratherrick, Gorthlick, Inverness,
V. H. C, Lord Lovat, Garthbeg, Stratherrick, GorthUck. H.

C, P. M. Tura-

bull, Smithston, Gartly. C.^ James Duncan of Benmore, Kilmun, Cowal.

8

0

0

5

0

0

2

0

0

CHEVIOT.
Section 5. TUP, above 1 Shear.

1. Walter MundeD, Muirfield House, Inverness, . . . . .

2. Walter Mundell, Muirfield House, Inverness, . . . . .

3. General Brown, C.B., Gordonbush, Brora, . , . . .
V. H. C, Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station. H. C, Donald M'Kenzie,

Glenloy, Fort- William. C, Donald M'Kenzie, Glenloy, Fort- William.

10 0 0
6 0 0
3 0 0

Section 6. SHEARLING TUP.

1. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-Geoi"ge Station, . . . .

2. Walter Mundell, Muirfield House, Inverness, .....
S. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station, ....
V. H. C, Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station. H. C, Walter

Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station. C, Walter Mundell, Muirfield
House, Inverness.

10 0 0
6 0 0
3 0 0

Section 7. Pen of 3 EWES, above 1 Shear, with LAMBS.

1. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station,

2. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station,

8 0 0
5 0 0

Section 8. Pen of 3 SHEARLING EWES or GIMMERS.

1. John Baird of Knoydart, Inverguseran, Isle Ornsay,

2. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station,

3. Walter Mundell, Gollanfield, Fort-George Station,

V. H. C, John Baird of Knoydart, Inverguseran, Isle Ornsay.

8 0 0
5 0 0
2 0 0

BORDER LEICESTER.
Section 9. TUP, above 1 Shear.

1. A. J. Balfour of Whittinghame, M.P., Prestonkirk,

2. Duncan Cameron, Fettes, Inverness, .

3. William Purves, Thurdistoft, Thurso, .

Section 10. SHEARLING TUP.

1. A. J. Balfour of Whittinghame, M.P., Prestonkirk,

2. A. J. Balfour of \Yhittinghame, M.P., Prestonkirk,

3. Samuel Jack, Mersington, Coldstream,
V. H. C, A. J. Balfour of Whittinghame, M. P., Prestonkirk.

guson, Pictstonhill, Perth. George Simson, Courthill, Kelso.

H. C, W. S. Fer-

10 0 0
6 0 0
3 0 0

10 0 0
6 0 0
3 0 0

Carry forward, £172 0 0

8

0

0

5

0

0

2

0

0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883. 35

Brought forward, £172 0 0
Section 11. Pen of 3 EWES above 1 Shear.

1. W. S. Ferguson, PictstonhiU, Perth, . . . . , .800

2. A. J. Balfour of Whittinghame, M.P., Prestonkirk, . . . .500

3. Archibald Cameron, Killen, Avoch, . . . . . .200

C, James Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers.

Section 12. Pen of 3 SHEARLING EWES or GDDIERS.

1. Samuel Jack, Mersington, Coldstream, .....

2. John Thompson, BaUlieknowe, Kelso, . .....

-3. George Simson, Courthill, Kelso, ......

H. C, A. J. Balfour of Whittinghame, M.P., Prestonkirk. H. C, W. S. Ferguson,

Pictstonhill, Perth.

LONG-WOOLLED OTHER THAN BORDER LEICESTER.
Section 13. TUP above 1 Shear. — No Entry.
Section 14. SHEARLING TUP.— No Entry.
Section 15. Pen of 3 EWES above 1 Shear. — No Entry.
Section 16. Pen of 3 SHEARLING EWES or GIMMERS.— No Entry.

SHROPSHIRE.
Section 17. TUP above 1 Shear.

1. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, ......

2. Th° Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth, ....

3. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth, ....

Section 18. SHEARLING TUP.

1. The Earl of Strathmore, Glamis Castle, Forfar, . . . .800

2. The Earl of Strathmore, Glamis Castle, Fortar, . . .400

3. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, . . . . . .200

V. H. C, Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith. H. C, Archibald Cameron, Killen, Avoch.

Section 19. Pen of 3 EWES above 1 Shear.

1. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, . . . . . .600

2. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, . . . . . .300

3. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth, . . . .10 0

Section 20. Pen of 3 SHEARLING EWES or GIMMERS.

1. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, . . . . . .600

2. Francis Gibson, Woolmet, Dalkeith, . . . . .300

SIIORT-WOOLLED OTHER THAN SHROPSHIRE.
Section 21. TUP above 1 Shear.— No Entry.

Section 22. SHEARLING TUP.
1. Walter Mundcll, Stronchrubie, Assynt, Lairg, . . . .800

Skction 23. Pen of 3 EWES above 1 Shear.— No Entrj'.

Section 24. Pen of 3 SIIKAULING EWES or GIMMERS,— No
Entry.

8

0 0

4

0

2

0 0

Carr)- forward. £-2j2 0 0

36

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

Brought foi-ward, £252 0 0

EXTRA SECTIONS.

Section 25. Pen of 5 BLACKFACED WETHERS, not above 4
Shear.

1. James E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness, .....

2. John AiTes Mather, Delnies, Nairn, ......

V. H. C, Lord Tweedmouth, Guisachan, Beauly. H. C, William Gordon, Auch-

allater, Braemar.

Section 26. Pen of 5 CHEVIOT WETHERS, not above 3 Shear.
1. The Duke of Sutherland, E.G., Dunrobin Mains, Golspie,

Section 27. Pen of 5 HALF-BRED WETHERS not above 2 Shear.
1. Walter Mundell, Stronchnibie, Assynt, Lairg, ....

Section 28. Pen of 5 CROSS-BRED WETHERS, not above 2 Shear.
No Entiy.

3 0 0
2 0 0

3 0 0

3 0 0

Class IV. -SWINE.

BLACK or BERKSHIRE.
Section 1. BOAR.

1. George Inglis of Newmore, Invergordon, . . . ' .

2. The Earl of Haddington, Tyninghame, Prestonkirk,

Section 2. SOW.

1. Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie of Gairloch, Bart., Conon House, Conon Bridge,

2. Duncan Forbes of CuUoden, Inverness, ....

Section 3. Pen of 3 PIGS, not above 8 months old.

1. The Earl of Haddington, Tyninghame, Prestonkirk,

2. Captain Forsyth Grant of Ecclesgreig, Montrose,

SMALL BREED,
Section 4. BOAR,

1. No award.

2. John Tliomson, Prospect HiU, Cathcart, ....

Section 5. SOW.

1. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth,

2. John Thomson, Prospect HUl, Cathcart, ....

Section C. Pen of 3 PIGS, not above 8 months old.

1. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth,

2 John Thomson, Prospect Hill, Cathcart, ....

3. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, ....

£263 0 0

£5 0 0
3 0 0

4 0 0
2 0 0

4 0 0
2 0 0

3 0 0

4

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

EXTRA,

Very Highly Commended,

Sow, Large Breed, winner of first prize at Glasgow in 1882— The Earl of Hadding-
ton, Tyninghame, ... . Minor Gold Medal,

3 15 0

Highly Commended.
Sow, Middle Breed — John Thomson, Prospect Hill, Cathcart,

SUver Medal,

Commended,
Boar, Large Breed, winner of first prize at Glasgow in 1882 — The Earl of Had-

dington, Tyninghame,

Medium Silver Medal,

Sow, Large Breed — Andrew Mackenzie, Dalmore, Alness, . Medium Silver Medal,

0 16 0

0 10
0 10

6
6

£41 12

0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883. 37

Class V.— COLLIE DOGS.

Section 1. Long-Haired DOG, not above 6 years old.

1. John Fleming, Ploughland, Strathaven, " Drift," , . . .£200

2. Michael Anderson, Bishopmill, Elgin, " Tweed," . . . .10 0
V. H. C, John Fleming, Ploughland, Strathaven, " Clyde."

Section 2. Long-Haired BITCH, not above 6 years old.

1. Colin D. Nairn, 16 Leith Street, Edinburgh, " Nell," . . . .200

2. James Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers, " Nell," . . . . .10 0
C, John Sinclair, Kintessack, Fon-es, "Glen."

Section 3. Short-Haired DOG, not above 6 years old.— No award.

Section 4. Short-Haired BITCH, not above 6 years old.— No award.

EXTRA..

Very Highly Commended.

Longhaired Dog, " Halla," winner of 1st Prize at Stirling, 1881, Colin D. Nairn, 16

Leith Street, Edinburgh, .... Minor Gold Medal, 3 15 0

£9 15 0

Class VI.— POULTRY.

DORKING, Silver Grey. Cock—

1. Vrilliam Street, Stirling, ....

2. Donald Cameron, Grougar, Kilmarnock,

DORKING, Silver Grey. Hen—

1. John Cran, Keith, .....

2. James Ward, Keith, .....

DORKING, Silver Grey. Cockerel—

1. James Robertson, Gordon Castle, Fochabers,

2. J. E. B. Baillie of Dochfour, Inverness,

DORKING, Silver Grey. PuUet—

1. James Robertson, Gordon Castle, Focliabers,

2. John Cran, Keith, .....

DORKING, Coloured. Cock—

1. John Cran, Keith, .....
2 Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

DORKING, Coloured. Hen—

1. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch, .

2. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch, .

DORKING, Coloured. Cockerel—

1. John Cran, Keith, . . . . , .10 0

DORKING, Coloured. Pullet—

1. William Adam, Tynet Gate, Fochabers,

2. William Adam, Tynet Gate, Fochabers,

COCIIIN-CIIINA. Cock—

1. Jolin Cran, Keith, .....

2. Captain Forsyth Grant of Ecclesgrcig, Montrose,

COCIIIN-CIIINA. Hen-

1. Captain Forsyth Grant of Ecdesgreig, Montrose,

2. William Street, Stirling, ....

COCHIN-CHINA. Cockerel.-

1. Charles Sidgwick, Ryddlesden Hall, Kcighley, .

2. John Cran, Keith, .....

COCIUN-CIIINA. Pullet—

1. John Cran, Keith, .....

2. Charles Sidgwick, Ryddlcston Hall, Kcighley, .

Carry forward, £17 10 0

£1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

38

PRE:SIIOrS AWAEDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

Brought forward, £17 10 0

BRAHMAPOOTRA. Cock—

1. Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

2. T. R. Biscoe of Ne'srton, Inverness,

BRAHMAPOOTRA. Hen—

1, No award.

2. ^Irs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

BRAHMAPOOTRA, Cockerel—

1. Charles Sidgwick, Ryddlesden Hall, Keighley, .

2. WUliam NicoU, 150 Scouiingbum, Dundee,

BRAHMAPOOTRA. Pullet—

1. Charles Sidgwick, Ryddlesden HaU, Keighley, .

2. Jonathan Watson, Asby-Frizington, Carnforth,

SPANISH. Cock—

1. William Street, Stirling,

2. William Street, Stirling,

SPANISH. Hen—

1. William Street, Stirling,

2. James Noi'val, Hawkhill, Alloa,

SPANISH. Cockerel—

1. Thomas Martin, Muirj-hiD, ThomhiU, .

2. James Noi-val, Hawkhill, Alloa,

SPANISH. Pullet—

1. Mrs D. Mackenzie, Post-oflBce, Meigle, .

2. Thomas Martin, Muiryhill, Thomhill, .

SCOTCH GREY. Cock—

1. William G. M'Dougall, George Street, Sth'ling, .

2. C. L. Ralston, Glamis House, Glamis, .

SCOTCH GREY. Hen—

1. William G. M'Dougall, George Street, Stiiiing, .

2. John Cran, Keith, ....

SCOTCH GREY. Cockerel—

1. Thomas Hamilton, Braidwood Tile Works, Carluke,

2. Thomas Clarkson, Braidwood Tile Works, Carluke,

SCOTCH GREY. Pullet—

1. Thomas Clarkson, Braidwood Tile Works, Carluke,

2. WiUiam G. M'Dougall, George Street, Stirling, .

HAMBURG. Cock—

1. Major-General Duncan Baillie, Lochloy, Nairn,

2, Mrs Asher, Fettes House, Muir of Ord,

HA?.IBURG. Hen—

1. No award.

2. Major-General Duncan Baillie, Lochloy, Nairn,

HAMBURG. Cockerel—

1. John Anderson, 241 High Street, Elgin,

2, John Morrison, Mill Street, Alloa,

HAMBURG. Pullet—

1. Major-General Duncan Baiihe, Lochloy, Nairn,

2. John Anderson, 241 High Street, Elgin,

POULTRY— Any other Pure Breed. Cock—

1. John Cran, Keith (Langshan),

2. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch (Polish),

POULTRY— Any other Pure Breed. Hen —

1. John Cran, Keith (Langshan),

2. Robert E. Frew, Kirkcaldy (Polish),

10 0
0 10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 e

10 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

1 0 0
0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 a

10 0

0 10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

Cany foi-ward, £42 10 0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

39

Brought fonvard, £42 10 0

POULTRY— Any other Pure Breed. Cockerel—

1, No award.

2. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth (Wliite

Dorking), ......

POULTRY— Any other Pure Breed. Pullet—

1. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth (White

Dorking), ......

2. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth (White

Dorking), ......

GAME — Black or Brown Reds. Cock —

1. George Cruickshank, Whitetree, Elgin,

2. Mrs Asher, Fettes House, Muir of Ord,

GAME— Black or Brown Reds. Hen—

1. Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

2. George J. Ross, The Park, Dingwall, .

GAME —Black or Brown Reds. Cockerel —

1. James Graham, 3 Castle W>Tid, Inverness,

2. George J. Ross, The Park, Dingwall, .

GAME— Black or Brown Reds. Pullet —

1. James Graham, 3 Castle Wj-nd, Inverness,

2. Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

GAME— Any other Pure Breed. Cock.— No Entry.
GAME— Any other Pure Breed.
GAME — Any other Pure Breed.
GAME— Any other Pure Breed.

0 10 0

Hen. — No Entry.
Cockerel. — No Entrj'.
Pullet.— No Entry.

BANTA3I— Any Pure Breed. Cock—

1. Miss Agnes Meikle, Melrose (Game),

2. Miss Bessie P. Frew, Kirkcaldy (Game),

BANTAM— Any Pure Breed. Hen—

1. Miss Rachel C. Frew, Kirkcaldy (Silver Laced),

2. The Hon. Marjory Murray, Scone Palace, Perth (Japanese),

BANT.UI— Any Pure Breed. Cockerel—

1. Miss Jane M. Frew, Kirkcaldy (Game),

2. John Cran, Keith (Game), ....

BANTAM— Any Pure Breed. Pullet—

1. John Cran, Keith (Game), ....

2. George K. Scobie, Comely Park, Dunfermline, .

DUCKS— White Aylesbury. Drake—

1. Alex. .Smith, Inchcorsie, Huntly,

2. Win. Macbean, Cradle Hall, Inverness,

DUCKS— White Aylesbury. Duck—

1. Ale.x. Smith, Inchcorsie, Hnntly,

2. Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers,

DUCKS— White Aylesbury. Drake (Young)—

1. Alex. Smith, Indicorsie, Huntly,

2. Mujor-Gcneral Duncan Baillie, Lochloy, Nalm,

DUCKS— White Aylesbury. Duckling-

1. Alex. Smitli, Indicorsie, Huntly,

2. .Major-Gencral Duncan Bailllc, Lochloy, Nairn,

DUCKS— liouen. Drake

1. U. G. Smith, GcorgevlUc, Mldcnldcr, .

2. James Ward, Keith, ....

DUCKS— Rouen. Duck—

1. Admiral Multland Dougall of Scotscralg, Tayport,

2. The Earl of .Man.sfleld, K.T., Scone Pulncc, Perth,

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

10 0

0 10 0

10 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

1 0 0
0 10 0

1 0 0
0 10 0

1 0 0

0 10 0

Carry forward, £65 10 0

40 PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

Brought forward, £65 10 0

DUCK&— Rouen. Drake (Young)—

1, Admiral Maitland Dougall of Scotscraig, Taj^jort, . . 10 0

2. James Ward, Keith, . . . . . . 0 10 0

DUCKS— Rouen. Duckling—

1. James Ward, Keith, . . . . . .10 0

2. Admiral Maitland Dougall of Scotscraig, Tayport, . . 0 10 0

DUCKS — Any other Pure Breed. Drake—

1. Thomas JIartin, MuiryhiU, ThomhiU (Pekin), . . .10 0

2. The Hon. Marjory Murray, Scone Palace, Perth (Muscovey), . 0 10 0

DUCKS— Any other Pare Breed. Duck—

1. Thomas Martin, MuiryhilL, Thomhill (Pekin), . . .10 0

2. James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch (Pekin), . . . 0 10 0

DUCKS- Any other Pure Breed. Drake (Young) —

1. John Cran, Keith (Pekin), . . . . .10 0

DUCKS — Any other Pure Breed. Duckling —

1. John Cran. Keith (Pekin), . . . . .10 0

TURKEYS— Any Pure Breed. Cock—

1. T, R. Biscoe of Newton, Inverness (Bronze), .

2. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth (Black Nor-

folk), .......

TURKEYS— Any Pure Breed. Hen—

1. Alexander Munro, Oakes Villa, Invergordon (Cambridge),

2. James MoUison, Dochgarroch Lodge, Inverness (Black Norfolk),

TURKEYS— Any Pure Breed. Cock (Poult)—

1. John Cran, Keith (Cambridge), ....

2. Mrs Sutor, The Collie, Fochabers (Norfolk),

TURKEYS— Any Pure Breed. Hen (Poult)—

1. John Cran, Keith (Cambridge), ....

2. James E. B. BaQlie of Dochfour, Inverness (Black Norfolk),

GEESE— Any Pure Breed. Gander—

1. William M'Bean, Cradle Hall, Inverness (Toulouse),

2. Captain F. Grant, Ecclesgreig, Montrose (Toulouse),

•GEESE — Any Pure Breed. Goose—

1. William M'Bean, Cradle Hall, Inverness (Toulouse),

2. Captain F. Grant, Ecclesgreig, Montrose (Toulouse),

•GEESE— Any Pure Breed. Gander (Young)—

1. The Earl of Mansfield, K.T., Scone Palace, Perth (Toulouse), .

2. Alex. Smith, Inchcorsie, Huntly (Toulouse),

OEESE— Any Pure Breed. GosUng—

1. Alex. Smith, Inchcorsie, Huntly (Toulouse),

2. Geo. Cruickshank, Whitetree, Elgin (Toulouse);

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

1 0
0 10

0
0

£85 10

0

CLASS VII. -HIGHLAND INDUSTRIES AND FISHERIES.

John Gunn, Golspie, Guard Rail for Fishing Boats, £8, and Medium Gold Medal, £14 2 0

CLASS YIII.— BEE HUSBANDRY.

Jas, Johnstone, Touch, Stirling — Observatorj* Hive, • . Silver Medal, £0 16 0

Jas, Johnstone, Touch, Stirling — Bee Driving, . . . Silver Medal, 0 16 0

£1 12 0

JUDGES AND ATTEND IXG MEMBERS AT INVERNESS SHOW, 1883. il

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

Cattle,

Horses,

Sheep,

Swine,

Collie Dogs,

Poultrj',

Highland Industries and Fisheries,

Bee Husbandly,

£769 14 8

477 10 0

263 0 0

41 12 0

9 15 0

85 10 0

14 2 0

1 12 0

£1662 15 8

JUDGES.

Shoethorn.— James Cochrane, Waterside Lodge, Newburgh, Aberdeen ; John Wood, 8 The
Crescent, Ripon.

Ayrshire. — Andrew Allan, Munnoch, Dalrj', Ayr.

Polled Angus or Aberdeen.— James Macdonald, Editor, Irish Farmers' Gazette^ Dublin;
William Robertson, Aberlour Mains, Craigellachie.

Galloway. — James Cunninghame, Tarbreoch, Dalbeattie.

Highland. — D. A. M'Diarmid, Killiemore, Auchnacraig, Mull; James M'Pherson, Maam, In-
veraray ; John Maclachlan, Frenich, Pitlochr}-.

Fat Stock and Swine. — Matthew Elliot, Inverness; George Williamson, Shempston, Elgin.

Draught Stallion.s and Entire Colts. — James Calder, Colgiain, Cardross; James Lockhart,
Mains of Airies, Stranraer; David M'Gibbon, Ard-Na-Craig, Campbeltown.

Draught Mares, Fillies, and Geldings. — Robert Brydon, The Dene, Seaham Harbour ;
Robert Murdoch, West Hallside, Newton, Lanarkshire; James ToiTance, Milton,
Lesmahagow.

Roadsters and Ponies.— Robert 0. Farquharson of Haughton, Alford ; William Ford, Fenton
Bams, Drem ; Colonel Gillon of Wallhouse, Bathgate.

Blackfaced — George Malcolm, Invergarry ; James Moffat, jun., Gateside, Sanquhar.

Cheviot. — Thomas Elliot, Blackhaugh, Galashiels ; Peter Robertson, Achilty, DingwalL

Border Leicester and other Long-Woolled. — Richard H. Harris, EamhiU, Forres; John
Usher, Stodrig, Kelso.

Shropshire ant) other Short- Woolled. — John R. Evans, Uffington, Shrewsburj'.

Swine.— The Judges of Fat Stock.

Collie Dogs. — James Moffat, jun., Gateside, Sanquhar.

Poultry. — Thomas Raines, Bridge Haugh, Stirling.

ATTENDING MEMBERS.

Shorthorn. — Allan R. Mackenzie, yr. of Kintail ; William Brown, Earlsmill.

Ayrshire. — George Inglis of Newmore; James Mollison, jun., Glenelg.

Polled Angus or Aberdeen. — Colonel Davidson of Tulloch; Duncan Cameron, Fettes.

Galloway. — Captain Frascr of Bulnain ; C. M. Cameron, Balnakyle.

Highland. — D. M. Ross, yr. of Cromarty; Cai)tain Mackcssuck, yr. of Ardg)-e.

Fat Stock and Swink. — Colonel Clarke of Acharcldh ; C. L. Mackenzie, Braelang\vell.

Dkaught Stallions and Entire Colts. — T. IL Biscoc of Newton ; Donald Patcrson, Balrobcrt.

Draught Makes, Fillie.s, and Geldings. — Brodlc of Brodic; Major Warrand, Ryefleld House.

RoAi'STEits AND PoxiE.s. — Mackintosh of Mackintosh ; John Smith, Inverallan.

Blackfaced. — Captain Munro of Fowlis; E. C. Suthcrland-Wjilker of Skibo,

Cheviot. — Robert Anderson of Lochdhu; James .Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge,

Border Leice^hter and other Long-Woolled. — Alexander Henderson of Stcmstcr; John
Peter, Croyard.

Shkoi-shike .vkd otiieu Shout-Woolled.— Major Grant, Dnmibuio; William Mackay, Mdncss.

CoixiE Dogs.— Captain Dunbar Brandcr of IMtgavcnlc; A. C. Hcbdcn, Nairn.

Poultry.- G. Duff Dunbar of Ilcmpriggs; G. G. Clarke, Eriboll.

42

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

IV.— DISTRICT COMPETITIONS.
CATTLE.

NAME OF DIST. PREMIUM AWARDED TO

Deeside
Union

Lorn

Gordon "Watt, Mains of Park
Gordon Watt, Mains of Park
J. & A. Dewar, Bethlin

Finla}' M'Lachlan, Clachdon
John M'Intyre, Barcaldine
James M'Kechnie, Blarcreen
Duncan M^Callum, Clenmackrie
John Campbell, Glenoe,
John M'Intyre, Barcaldine
John M'Intyre, Barcaldine
Alex. M'Leish, Ardmaddy
Duncan M-Callum, Clenmackrie

FOE

Shorthorn Heifer
do.
do.

Highland Bull Class I. * .

do. do.

do. do.

do. Class II. t

do. do.

do. do.
Highland Heifer
do.
do.

AMOUNT.

£3 0 0
10 0

3

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

3

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

3

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

Central James M'William, Stoneytown Shorthorn Bull Class II. Minor Sil. Medal
Banffshire T. F. Inkson, Kinermony Polled Heifer Minor Silver Medal

Stirling- John Young, Cobblebrae
shire William Weir, Inches

W. C. Macfarlane, Greenhill

JShiU, Coll, J. X. Forsyth of Quinish
and Tiree Peter Robertson, Rahoy
John M'Phail, Scalastle

Ayrshire Bull Class I. Minor Silver Medal

do. Class II. do.

Shorthorn Heifer do.

Highland Bull Class I. Minor Silver Medal

do. Class II. do.

Highland Heifer do.

Renfrew- W. Bartlemore, Netherhouses
shire Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby
Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby
Andrew Hoggan, jun., Busby

Ayrshire Bull Silver Medal

Ayrshire Bull Class I. Minor Silver Medal

do. Class II. do.

Ayrshire Heifer , do.

Buchan N. Lawrence, Bridgend

Lt.-Col. Ferguson, Pitfour
Lt.-CoL Ferguson, Pitfour

Shorthorn Bull Class I. Minor SU. Medal
Polled Bull Class II. Minor Silver Medal
Polled Heifer Minor Silver Medal

HORSES FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

Lower Ward^
of Renfrew- > David Eiddell, Blackhall
shire )

Vale of
Alford

Lower An-

I William Wyllie

, , > Peter Ferguson, Renfrew
nandale J *

Dunblane, \
Doune, and \ James M'Nab, Glenochil
Callander )

Stallion

Stallion

Stallion

Kirriemuir William Stevenson, Lochgi-og Stallion

Stallion

Cupar and A. W. Russell of Kenlygreen Brood Mai'c
St Andrews William Dingwall, Ramornie do.

Aged BuUs.

Carry fonvard,
f Two-year old Bulls.

. 25 0 0

. 25 0 0

. 25 0 0

. 15 0 0

. 15 0 0

4 0 0

. 3 0 a

£136 0 0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

43

NAME OF DIST. PEEMICM AWARDED TO

FOE

Brought fonvard,

Nairnshire James M'Kessack, Eamside Brood Mare .
James M'Kessack, Eamside do

Earl of
Selkirk's
Tenantry
and Dis-
trict

Central
Strathearn

Eskdale and
Liddesdale

Morayshire

Eastern Dis-
trict of Ber-
wickshire

I William Montgomerj', Banks Brood Mare
f Thomas Phillips, Carse do.

J

Lauderdale

Machars

County of
Peebles

Robert Gardiner, Chapel Bank Brood Mare
James Calder, Ardargie do.

John Richardson, Purdomston Brood 5Iare
David Hardie, Priesthaugh do.

James Watt, Mains of Mulben Brood Mare
James M'Kessack, Eamside do.

Gavin Jack, Foulden Newton
Gavin Jack, Foulden Newton
Henry H. Craw, West Mains
Gavin Jack, Foulden Newton
E. White, Aytonlaw
Alex. W. White, Kelloe Mains
Heniy H. Craw, West Mains
James Cousin, Blackburn

James Dunn, Blainslie
John Bertram, Hartside
Thomas Neilans, New MiUs
Jas. W. Lawrie, Mitchelston
John Mark, Craigend
John Mark, Craigend
Robert S Bruce, Thirlstane
Robert S. Bmce, Thirlstane
Robert S. Bruce, Thirlstane
Jas. W. Lawrie, Mitchelston

Matthew Ken', Craiglemine
Routledge Bros., Old Mills
John Forsyth, Riffei-park
William Mactier, Garchew
James M'Connell, Boreland
James Jardine, Blairshinnoch
A. M'Whinnie, Aire.volland
Robt. M'Dowall, Auchengallie
Robt. M'Dowall, Auchengallie
C. Anderson, Barsalloch

David Alston, Ilyndford
David Alston, Ilyndford
Lord Arthur Cecil, Orchard )

Mains )

P. Melrose, West Loch
William Dickson, Traqualr
Lord .\rtliur Cecil, Orchard )^

Muliis )

David Alston, Ilyndford
William French, Mulrlca

One-year old Colt

do.
Two-year old Filly

do.

do.
One-year old FiUy

do.

do.

Brood Mare .

do.
Three-year old Filly

do.
Two-year old Filly

do.

do.
One-year old Filly

do.

do.

Two-year old Colt

do.
One-year old Colt

do.
Two-year old Filly

do.

do.
One-year old FiUy

do.

da

Two-year old Entlr
do.

Two-year old Filly

do.
do.

One-year old Filly

da
da

Colt

CaiT)' forward,
* Half Premiums awarded, the number of Lots being under five

AMOUNT.

£136

0

0

4

0

0

3

0

0

4

0

0

3

0

0

4

0

0

3

0

0

4

0

0

3

0

0

4

0

0

3

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0*

0

10

0*

0

5

0*

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0*

0

10

0*

0

5

0*

1

0

0*

0

10

0*

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

1

0

0*

0

10

0*

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

10

0

2

0

0

I

0

0

0

10

0

£210

10

0

4i

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

NAME OF DIST.

PEESIIUM AWARDED TO

FOB

Brought fonvard,

Eastern Robert Calder, Mumrills
District of George Waddell, Bonnyfield
Stirling- James Fleming, Cai-muirs
shire John Rennie, Craigburn

Thomas Chalmers, Walton
George Waddell, Bonnyfield
John Stevenson, Cowden Hill
Robert Calder, Mumrills
Robert MeLkle, Polmont Hill
CaiTon Co., Roughlands

Lesmahagoic John M'Millan, Bent

Gavin Hamilton, Auldtown
Thomas Hamilton, Poniel
John Steele, Boreland
Thomas Mitchell, Nethanfoot
James Vallance, Greathill
Gavin Hamilton, Auldtown
Andrew Tonance, Kypeside

Carrick Thomas Crawford, Drumbeg
Robert Haiper, ilyremiU
Thomas Crawford, Dmmbeg
Quintin Dunlop, Morriston
William Henderson, Meadownay
David Cross of Knockdon
Thomas Crawford, Dimmbeg
James Wright, Doonside

Two-year old Colt

do.
One-year old Colt

do.
Two-year old Filly

do.

do.
One-year old Filly

do.

do.

One-year old Colt

do.
Two-year old Filly

da

do.
One-year old Filly

do.

do.

One-year old Colt

do.
Two-year old Filly

do.

do.
One-year old Filly

do.

do.

Border John Robson, Newton

Union John Robson, Newton

Thomas Clark, Oldhamstocks
Samuel Jack, Mersington
Thomas Clark, Oldhamstocks
George Simson, Courthill

Athole and P. & D. Ferguson, Dalcapon

Weem P. <fe D. Ferguson, Dalcapon

Adam Conacher, Ballyoukan

P. ifc D. Ferguson, Dalcapon

SHEEP.

Che^'iot Tup

do.
Border Leicester S. Tup

do.
Border Leicester Gmrs.

do.

Leicester Shear. Tup

do.
Leicester Gimmers .

do.

UnitedEast A. J. Balfour of Whitting- ) ^. „ ,„,, ry^^^
Tr.ii.^r,,. -ho^,^ Aft. >i^eicestei lup

Lothian

hame, M.P. )

Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains do.

Andrew Smith, Castle Mains Leicester Shear. Tup
A. J. Balfour of Whitting-

hame, M.P.

do.

jS^ether
Lorn

Argyll

Robert Allan, Glenmore
Robert Allan, Glenmore
Allan Hall, Degnish
Robert Allan, Glenmore
Roberti Allan, Glenmore
Allan Hall, Degnish
Robert Allan, Glenmore
Robert Allan, Glenmore

A. Sinclair, Upper Largie
R. Allan, Glenmore
A. Campbell of Auchindarrocli
A. Campbell of Auchindarrocli

Blackfaced Tup

do.
Blackfaced Shear. Tup

do.
Blackfaced Ewes

do.
Blackfaced Gimmers

do,

Blackfaced Tup

do.
Blackfaced Shear. Tup

do.

AMOUKT.

£210 10

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 16

0

1 0

0*

0 10

0*

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0*

0 10

0*

2 0

0

1 0

0

2 0

0

1 0

0

1 0

0*

0 10

0*

1 0

0*

0 10

0*

10 0^

Carry fonvard
* Half Premiums awarded, the number of Lots being under five.

0

10

0*

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

£275

0

0

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

45

NAME OF DIST.

PREMIUM AWARDED TO

''}

John Malcolm of Poltalloch
R. Allan, Glenmore
John Malcolm of Poltalloch
Sir J. P. C. Ordeof Kilmoi
Bart.

Inveraray James M'Pherson, Maam
James M'Pherson, Maam
James M'Pherson, Maam
James M'Pherson, Maam
James M'Pherson, Maam
Ptobt. M'Taggart, Achadunan
James M'Pherson, Maam
James M'Pherson, Maam

Dunoon James Duncan of Benmore

James Duncan of Benmore
James Duncan of Benmore
James Duncan of Benmore

Dalkeith Duke of Buccleuch
Duke of Buccleuch
Duke of Buccleuch
Duke of Buccleuch

FOR

AMOUNT.

Brought fon\'ard,

£2'

75

0

0

Blackfaced Ewes

2

0

0

do.

,

1

0

0

Blackfaced Gimmers

•

2

0

0

do.

1

0

0

Blackfaced Tup

.

2

0

0

do.

. '

1

0

0

Blackfaced Shear. Tup

)

,

2

0

0

do.

.

1

0

0

Blackfaced Ewes

,

2

0

0

do.

,

1

0

0

Blackfaced Gimmers

,

2

0

0

do.

1

0

0

Blackfaced Tup

Minor

Silver Medal

Blackfaced Shear. Tup

Minor

Silver

Medal

Blackfaced Ewes

Minor

Silver

Medal

Blackfaced Gimmers

Minor

Silver

Medal

Leicester Tup

ilinor Silver Medal

Leicester Shear. Tup .

Minor

Silver

Medal

Leicester Ewes

Minor

Silver

Medal

Leicester Gimmers, .

Minor

SUver Medal

UpperWard Alex. Hamilton, Yardhouse Blackfaced Tup . Minor Silver Medal

of Lanark- James Greenshields, West Town Blackfaced Shear. Tup .Minor Silver Medal

shire Mrs Tweedie, Castle Crawford Blackfaced Ewes . Minor Silver Medal

Ebenezer Ritchie, Stonehill Blackfaced Gimmers . Minor Silver Medal

Lochdber G. W. Anderson of Ardsheal
D. P. M'Donald, Claggan
D. P. M'Donald, Claggan
D. P. M'Donald, Claggan

County of Earl of Dalhonsie

Forfar Earl of Dalhousie

Earl of Dalhousie

Earl of Dalhousie

Blackfaced Tup . Minor Silver Jledal

Blackfaced Shear. Tup Minor Silver Medal
Blackfaced Ewes . Minor Silver Medal
Blackfaced Gimmers . Minor Silver Medal

Leicester Tup
Leicester Shear
Leicester Ewes
Leicester Gimmers

. Minor Silver Medal

Tup . Minor Silver Medal

. Minor Silver Medal

Minor Silver Medal

County of ) wmiam Purves, Thurdistoft Leicester Shear. Tup
Caithness )

Minor Silver Medal

DAIRY PRODUCE.

Forth WUliam Scott, Crofthead

Society. Jas. Anderson, West Foith
John Thorn, Damlicad
James Black, Bowridge

Sweet Milk Cheese
Sweet Milk Cheese
Cured Butter
Cured Butter

I Common Silver Medal,
35 Minor Silver Medals,

10 0*

0 10 0*

2 0 0

10 0

ijy: 10 0

0 16 0
9 0 10

£^07 6 10

NAME OF DIST.

Ayrshire Association
Untt Agricultural Society
Orkney Agricultural Society
lioutay Agricultural Society

SPECIAL 0 RANTS.

Vote to Dairy Produce Show at Kilmarnock,
Vote in aid of Premiums,
Vote in aid of Premiums,
Vote in aid of Premiums,

AMOUNT.

£20 0 0

3 0 0

3 0 0

3 0 0

£29 0 0

* Half Premiums awarded, the number of Lots being under elRlit.

46

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

MEDALS IN AID OF PREMIUMS GIVEN BY LOCAL SOCIETIES.

Minor Silver Medals were awarded to the folloAvlng: —
Aberdeenshire.

NAM15 OF DISTRICT.
Auchindoir, Kil-

drummie, and

Towie

Cluny, Monymusk,
and Midmar

Cromar, Upper
Dee, and Don-
side

Ebrieside

Formartine

Fyvie

Gai'ioch

Kinellar
Kinnetbmont

Leochel Cushnie

Mar

North-East Aber-
deenshire

North of Scotland
Strichen

Kintyre

Lismore

Mull, Coll,
Tiree

and

Beith

Coylton and Stair

Dairy

MEDAL AWARDED TO

H. G. Lumsden, Clova
John Forbes, Mains of Brux
John Forbes, Mains of Brux
James Walker, Westside of Brux
Alexander Dewar, Bethlen
George Stewart, Auchravic
Her Majesty the Queen
Robert Anderson, Daugh
Robert Dingwall, Bhickmill
Charles Strachan, Tillyorn
William Leask, SkilmafiUy
John Littlejohn, Ebriehead
George Johnston, Overto^vn
Robert KUgour, Ardlin
Mrs Catto, Braehead
Da%ad Gibson, Pitmedden
Da\'id Gibson, Pitmedden
James Durno, Jackstown
George Cocker, Hill of Petty
Henry Gordon of Manar
John JIaitland, East Balhalgardy
James Mitchell, Caiesmill
Col. Leith Hay of Leith-hall
James Moir, Mains of Wardhouse
John Stewart, Auchindellan
Peter Bruce, MjTeton
Mrs Leith Hay, Leith-hall
Alexander Strachan, Wester Fowlis
Alexander Strachan, Wester Fowlis
Alexander Strachan, Wester Fowlis
George Reid, Baads
Silvester Campbell, KinneUar
James Biraie, Overtown
James Beedie, Ardlaw Mains
George Chessor, Percyhorner
John King, Blackslack
William Penny, Tyronhill
Mrs Stewart, Sandhole
James Murray, Fauchfaulds
William Ironside, Mains of Keith
Alexander Urquhart, Auchtygills
Alexander Beddie, Banks

Argtllshiee.

Peter Clark, Pininver
John GemmeU, Dalrioch
David ]\I'Gibbon, Ard-na-Craig
Duke of Argyll, K.G.
Alexander M'Coll, Park
Dugald M'Dougall, Baileveolan
H. H. Pitcairn, Tiroran
John Galbraith, Ardnacross
H. A. Campbell, Ardfenaig
Walter ElUot, Laggan

AmSHIRE.

David Kerr, Parkfarm
John Parker, Roughwood
Robert Caldwell, Knockshoggle
John Sloan, Barnhill
Andrew Craig, Kirkland
Gilbert Ferguson, Thirdpart
William Crawford, Bowertrapping
Andrew Craig, Cunningham-Baidland

FOR

Polled Bull
Polled Cow
Polled Heifer
Polled Heifer
Shorthorn Bull
Leicester Ewes
Polled Bull
Polled Cow
Shorthorn Bull
Shorthorn Cow
Shorthorn Bull
Polled Bull
Draught Mare
Leicester Tup
Cured Butter
Swedes
Potatoes

Shorthorn Heifer
Draught Mare
Swedish Turnips
Yellow Turnips
Pen of Poultry
Shorthorn Bull
Shoithoni Cow
Polled Bull
Draught ]SIare
Cured Butter
Polled Bull
Polled Heifer
Green Crop
Polled Heifer
Shorthorn Cow
Shorthorn Bull
Polled Cow
Draught Mare
Seeds
Roots

Dairy Produce
Turnips
Potatoes
Shorthorn Bull
Polled Cow

Ayrshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Filly
Blackfaced Tup
Highland Bull
Brood Mare
Highland Heifer
Draught Mare
Blackfaced Shearling Tup
Cheviot Shearling Tup

Ayrshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow
Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale ]Mare
Ayrshire Bull
AjTshire Cow
Brood Mare
Aj^rshire Cow

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

47

Atrshiee — continued.

NAME OF DISTRICT,

Oalston

Kilmarnock

Muirkirk

MEDAL AWARDED TO

James Young, Somhill
Hugh Fleming, Lochfield
Alexander Meikle, Strath
Da\id Riddel], Blackhall
LaA\Tence Drew, Merryton
Loudoun <b Lanfine Hugh Fleming, Lochfield

James Hendrie, Drumdroch

Alexander Steel, Burnhead

A- W. Taylor, Bellisle

James Mitchell, CairahiU

Hugh Anderson, Greenock Dyke

Daniel Craig, Xethen\-ood

Thomas M. M'Minn, Upper ^Yellwood

Andrew Hamilton, Greenock Mains

James Craig, Middlefield

John Colville, Auldhousebum

R. A P. Wardrop, Garlaff

William Steel, Fardenrioch

John Retson, Holehousehillhead

John Cameron, Waulkmill

John Watson, Daldorch

William Sloan, Crofthead

John Watson, Daldorch

Archibald Wilson, Drummelling

John Hendrj-, Mains

James Dunlop, Hunterston

John Montgomery, Meadowhead

Miss G. Crawfurd of Auchenames

New Cumnock

Sorn and Dalgain

West Kilbride

FOR

Roots

Sweet Milk Cheese
Powdered Butter
Clydesdale Stallion
Clydesdale Mare
Sweet Jlilk Cheese
AjTshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Mare
Border Leicester Tup
Ayrshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Gelding
Clydesdale Mare
Blackfaced Tup
Blackfaced Tup
AjTshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow
A}Tshire Bull
AjTshire Cow
Clydesdale Mare
Sweet Milk Cheese
Fences

A}Tshire BuU
Ayrshire Cow
Draught Mare
Cheddar Cheese
Cured Butter

East of Berwick-
shire

Berwickshire.

R., G., & W. B. Swan, BeiTyhaughs
Robert Fender, Noithfield
Ga^^n Jack, Foulden Newton

DCTMBARTON-SIIIRE,

Kirkintilloch George Hamilton, Hayston

Walter Lyon, Balquharrage
George Graham, Easterboards
John Wallare, Stonclaw

Western District of iirs MacLellan, High Balernick
Dumbartonshire Duncan M'Farlane, Terr

DCMFRIESSHIHE.

Moffat and Upper William Dunn, Granton

Annandale James Johnstone, Hunterheck

John A. Johnstone, Archbank
George KeiT, Craigiehinds Lodge

Elginshire,

Forres and Northern 5 axnc^ Bnice, BurnRide
Fat Show Club John Cnin, Bunchrcw

Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G.
Duke of Richmond and Gordon, K.G.
Pkichard H. Harris, Eamhill
George Morrison, Grange Mills

FlFESniRE.

Windy-gales John Balfour of Balblrnie

John Balfour of Balbirnie

IXVERNES-S-SniRE.

Strathspey John Grant, Advie Mains

John Grunt, Advic .Mains
Jolin Grant, Chinas Mains
John Grant, Advlc .Mains
John Grant, Bogg

Cross Cow
Leicester Sheep
Brood Mare

Aj'rshire Cow
Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Colt
Clydesdale Gelding
Ayrshire BuU
Ayrshire Cow

AjTshire Cow
Clydesdale Mare
Cheviot Tup
Duikings

Cross Ox

Cross Heifer

Blackfaced Wethera

Pig

Turnips

Grain

Draught Marc
Leicester Tup

Polled Bull
Polled Hoifcr
Clydesdale .Mare
Common Barley
Collection of Hoots

48

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

NAME OF DISTRICT.

CcUderwaterhead
Carmunnock
Old Monkland

Culross

Moulin
Stormont Union

Lanarkshire,
medal awarded to
James Williamson, Greenhead
William Murray, HiUs of JIurdostoun
Andrew Hoggan, jun.. Busby
William Fleming, Windlaw
John Steel, Lochwood

Perthshire,
William Graham, Cameil
William Beveridge, East Grange
William Beveridge, East Grange
John Stewart, Edradour
James Ferguson, Ballunie
D. L. Grigor, Banchoiy
Alexander Farquharson, Greenburns
James Sidy, Bridge Faitn
Mrs Sidy, Banchoiy

Renfrewshire.

Arthur Lang, West Kilbride
William Bowie, Blackbyre
David Kerr, Park Farm
David Kerr, Park Farm

ROSS-SHIRE.

A, Cameron, Killen

D, M. Ross, yr. of Cromarty

D. Cameron, Fettes

A. Mitchell, Drumderfit

C. Munro, Weston

James Fletcher of Rosehaugh

Stirlingshire.

Campsie, Strath-\ ^ , .,(., „ „
1,7 J 7D 7 ( John M'Kean. Ballewan

blane, and Bal- >-^ ,, _. - t, i u
dernock /Walter Lyon, Balquharrage

Kilsyth James Graham, Auchencloch

James Patrick, Queenziebuni

140 Minor Silver Medals, £36, 3s, Ad.

Johnstone
Lochwinnoch

Black Isle

FOR

Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Colt
Ayrshire Cow
Draught Gelding
Ayrshire Cow

Hay

Farm Management

Turnips

Green Crop

Polled Cow

Clydesdale Mare

Shropshire Tup

Turnips

Daily Produce

Ayrshire Cow
Draught Gelding
AjTshire Bull
Ayrshire Cow

Shorthorn Bull
Clydesdale Mare
Leicester Tup
Barley
Oats
Ryegrass Seed

Ayrshire Bull
Clydesdale Mare

Ayrshire Cow
Clydesdale Mare

PLOUGHING COMPETITIONS.

In 1882-83 the Society's Silver Medal was awarded at 155 Ploughing

Competitions as follows : —

ABERDEENSHIRE.

NO.

NAME OF society.

PLACE OF COMP

1.

Aboyne.

Haugh.

2.

Ballater.

Braikley.

3.

Buchan.

Lumbs.

4.

Cairnie.

Hollowdyke.

5.

Corgarff.

Cockbiidge.

6.

CountessAvells.

North Lasts.

7.

Crathie,

Invergelder.

8.

Cromar and Lochside.

Coutts Croft.

9.

Echt, Skene, <fcc.

Tillyboy.

10.

Finzean,

Wester Clune.

IL

Leochel-Cushnie,

Wester Leochel

12

Lumphanan.

Tillylair.

13.

Monymusk, &c.

Inn Fann.

14.

Newhills and Dyce.

Overhills,

15.

North-East Aberdeenshire.

Sandhole.

16.

Strichen.

Smiddyhill.

SILVER MEDAL AWARDED TO

John Skeene, Mill of Gellan.
Alexander Ross, Ballater.
James Scott, Auchtygills.
Peter Mitchell, Claypots.
James Coutts, Darlick.
John Duguid, Wardhead.
John Mackie, Crathie Manse
Gordon Smith, The Manse.
A. Forbes, Garrick.
A. Anderson, Balnaboth.
Francis Gilbert, Norham.
F. Cromar, Auchinhove.
James Duthie, Gight.
John Henderson, Derbeth.
Wm. Webster, Mains of Forest.
Alex. Tuilff, Strichen Mains.

PREMIUMS AWAEDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

^9

ARGYLLSHIRE.

NO.

NAME OF SOCIETY.

PLACE OF COMPETITION.

17.

Dmor.

Kiel

18.

Islay, Jura, and Colonsay.

Bridgend.

19.

Kintyre.

Cattadale.

20.

Lismore.

Ballieveolan.

21.

Lorn.

Auchnacreebeg

22.

Strath of Appin.

Glasdnim.

AYRSHIRE.

2-3.

Ayr and AHoway.

Broomberry.

24.

Coylton.

Hole.

25.

Dairy.

Lintseedridge.

26.

Dalrymple.

Balgreen.

27.

Fenwick.

Tannacrieff.

28.

Galston.

Bent.

29.

Glenmuir and Bellowaters.

Duncanziemuir.

30.

Kilmarnock.

South Dean.

31.

Kirkmichael.

Cloncaird.

32.

Minishant.

Midton.

33.

Monkton.

Brocket.

34.

Xew Cumnock.

Castlemains.

3.5.

Sorn.

Daldillan.

36.

Stewaiion.

Castleton.

37.

Tarbolton.

Bennals.

38.

West Kilbride.

West Kilbride.

BANFFSHIRE.

39.

Bohirm.

Ardoch.

40.

Keith.

Dum.

BERWICKSHIRE,

41.

Cockbumspath.

Redheugh.

42.

Lammermoor.

Blakerston.

BUTE AND AB.RA

43.

Arran.

Torlin.

44.

Bute.

WindyhaU.

45

Bute (1881).

Ardnahoe.

SILVER MEDAL AWARDED TO

Donald Connell, Ard Sheal.
Donald Gillespie, Corsapool.
Dun. M'Phie, Darlochan.
John M'Corquodale, Balure.
Dun. Buchanan, Eriska.
John Boyd, Achnacone.

Wm. Gray, Trees.
James Weir, High Park.
Robt. Fulton, Cuff.
William Brown, Balgreen.
Hugh Meikle, Parkhead.
Robt. Meikle, Strath.
Robt. Neil, Darmalloch.
Robt. Osborne, Drum John.
John M'Kie, Killockie.
.James Paten, Grimmet,
WiUiam Aitkinson, Newdykes.
Wm. MUlar, Whitehill.
Geo. M'Kerrow, Daldillan,
M. Steel, jun., Auchenharvie.
Thos. M'Kay, Sjjringbank.
And. Dinning, Ardneil,

Jas. Neish, Gauldwell.
A- Allan, Ardonald.

John Anderson, Pathhead.
John Thomson, Bm-nhousea.

46. Gackmannanshire
47 Cromarty.
4S. Kirkintilloch.

49. Glencaim.

50. Ilolywood.

51. KirkconneL

52. Lochniaben.
63. Penpont.

54. Glencross.

55. Lasswade.

56. West Calder.

57. St Andrews.

58. Spey, Avon, &c.
69. Strath.-«pcy.

60 Urrjuliart.

61. Western District of Elgin.

62. Auchterderrau.

63. CrossKtttest.

64. Ea.1t of Fife.
66. Leslie.

C6. West of Fife.

Dan. M'Donald, West Bennan
Hugh M'Lean, Ascog.
Dun. Monison, Kerrycroy.

CLACKMANNANSHIRE.
Bowhouse. Peter Watson, Parkfarm.

CROMARTYSHIRE.
Glen Urquhart. Thos. M'Kenzie, Muirton.

DUMBARTONSHIRE.
Dumbreck. Matthew Barrie, Ha; itone.

DUMFRIESSHIRE.
Strait h.
Broomrigg.
Bum foot.
Bridgemmir.
Cairn Mill.

EDINBURGHSHIRE.

Bush.

Pentland.

Turniemoon.

ELGINSHIRE.

Wester Calcots.

Ballindalloch.

Delchapple.

Corskie.

Morriston.

FIFESHIUE.
Kcdhouse.
South Fod,
C'aiplie,

Balquothomerie.
Dunduff.

Arch. M'Kirdale. Gordieston.
Robt. Johnstone, Summerliill.
Donald M'Callum, Kelloside.
Wm. Edgar, Halleaths.
John Bryce, Tibbers.

Thomas Paden, Easter Bush.
John White, Thornton.
Wm. Greenhorn, East Breich.

Alex. Sandison, Lochhill.
James Nei!>h,Guuldwell.
Don. M 'Queen, Bogg.
A. Sandieson, Innesmill.
Wm. Clayton, Oldniills.

Alex. Fanner, Bogside.
Wm. Heid. Bruccflcld.
Jas. Smart, Clephanton.
Robert Fanner. Finniount.
William Fraaer, Fcrrybank.

d

50

PREMIUMS AWAEDED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1883.

FORFARSHIRE.

KO. KAME OF SOCIETT.

PLACE OF COMPETITION.

67. Forfar and Dunnichen.

Craig Xathro.

68. Isl .

Cotton of Craig.

69. Kirriemuir.

Auchindorie.

70. Tannadice and Oathlaw.

Battledykes.

IXYERNESS-SHIRE.

71. Badenoch and Rothiemurchus. Euthven.

72. Glen Urquhart.

Dnimnadrochit.

7-3 Inverness.

Dunain.

74. Laggan.

Drnmgask.

7-5. Lochaber.

Auchendall.

76. Strathdeam.

Freebum.

77 Stratherrick

Errogie.

78 Strathglass.

Erchless Mains.

79. Strathnaim.

Naimside.

KIXCARDINESHIRE,

80. Dun-is

Denside.

81. Marj^culter.

Westside.

82. Xigg.

Altons.

83. Portlethen.

Mains of Portlethen.

84. Rickarton, Urie, <tc.

Blairs.

85 Strachan.

Mill of Cammie.

STEWARTRY OF KIRKCUD]

86. Corsock.

HUlside.

87. Kirkcudbright

Banks.

88. Kirkpatrick-Durham.

Lairdlaugh.

89. New Abbey.

Overton.

90. Penninghame, .fee.

Calgow.

91. Renick.

Portmary.

92. Troqueer.

Crooks.

LANARKSHIRE.

93. Cadder.

Bannalloch.

94. Carmunnock.

Wester Busby.

95. Duneaton Water.

Balgray.

96. Xew Monkland (open).

RochsoUoch.

97 New Monkland.

RochsoUoch.

98. Old Monkland.

Wester Shawhead.

LINLITHGOWSHIRE.

99. Blackburn.

Murrayfield.

100. KLnneil.

Hainings.

NAIRNSHIRE.

101. Ardclach.

Mains of Glenfemess.

ORKNEY.

102. Egilshay.

North Tafts.

103. Evie and Rendail.

Aikemess.

104. Orkney.

Wideford.

105. Oi-pbir.

Gear.

106. Rousay and Yeiia.

Langskaill.

107. St Ola.

Saaerock.

lOS. Shapinshay.

Waltness.

109. South Ronaldshay.

Grutha.

110. Stronsay.

HoUand.

111. Tankemess

NetherhiU.

112. Veira.

Castlehall.

113. West Mainland.

Howe.

PEEBLESSHIRE.

114. Eddleston Water.

Stewaiton.

PERTHSHIRE.

11-5. Ardoch.

Quoigs.

116. Aniprior.

Shirgarton.

117. Blairdrummond, &c.

Brierlands.

118: Breadalbane (Eastern Dist).

Ben Lawers.

119. Breadalbane (Western Dist.).

Morenish.

SILVER MEDAL AWARDED TO

George Sturrock, East Meathie.
David Edwards, Scruchloch.
Alex. M'Kenzie. Glamis.
Wm. Haggart, Barnyards.

E. Stewart, KUliehuntly.
Alex. Ross, Balmacaan.
John Urquhart, Viewfield.
Angus M "Donald, Blargie.
Dun. Cameron, Achantee.
Wm. M 'Arthur, Streens.
Alex, Fraser, Farraline.
Thos. Fraser, Erchless Mains,
Don. M'Gillivray, Drumore.

John Simpson, SpyhilL
William Watt, Corkley.
Wm. Robertson, KirkhilL
Wm. Jamieson, juru, Upperton.
Robt. Murray, Urie.
Robt. Duguid, Bowbutts. •

RIGHT.

James BeH, Hallcroft.

Sam. Cole, Carse.

Robert Nish, Upper Minnydow»

John Thorbum, Craigbill.

John Ferguson, Upper Barr.

Wm. Haugh, Overlaw.

John Lin wood, Carruchan.

Walter Stewart, Buchley.
Alex. Borland, Dripps.
Alex. Frame, Mossbank.
Andrew BaiTie, Woodhall.
George Cume, Springwells.
Fleming Smellie, Woodhall.

George Pate, Balmuir.
John Stevenson, Hainings.

Alex. Innes, Mains of Glenferness.

Alexander Grieve, How.
John Meii, Bui-gar.
John Sclater, Wideford.
Thomas Clouston, Smoogrow.
Malcolm Corsie, Brandale.
George Windwick, Birstane.
James Foubister, Ness.
Dan. Burgess, Berriedale.
Peter Shearer, Airj*.
Jas. Pottinger, Hall of Tankerness.
John Corsie, Helzegitha.
Robert Foubister. Binscarth.

John Fleming, Crossbum.

Robert Hanis, Cambushinnie.
Heniy Gray, Birkenwood.
Wm. HaUam, Rossunilane.
Dun. M'Naughton, Ben Lawers.
Peter Dewar. Kilt\Tie.

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY I^' 1SS3.

51

NO. NAME OF SOCIETY.

120. Breadalbane (W. Dist. 1882).

121. Comrie.

122. Culross.

123. Drummond Castle.

124. Dunblane,

125. Foss and Strathtummel.

126. Glenalmond.

127. Glen]yon.

128. Logiealmond, <fec.

129 ilid. District of Athole, <fec.

130. Monteith.

131. Monzievaird and Strowan.
132 Moulin.

133. Xoith Stoi-mont.

134. Rannoch.
13.5. St Martins.

136. Stormont Union.

137. Strathbraan.

138. Strathearn (Central).

139. Struan.

140. Thornhill.

141. Weem.

PERTHSHIRE— coniznuerf.

PLACE OF COMPETITION.

Finlang.

Cuiltabraggan;

Middle Grange.

Leadmachony.

Caim.'^ton.

Foss Home Farm.

Francisfield.

Balantyre.

Drummond Park.

Chapelton.

Blaircessnock.

Strowan.

Balnadrum.

Logiebrae.

Innerhadden. <

Bandirran.

Stralochy,

Meikle Logic.

Inner Dunning.

Kindrochet.

Myme

Castle Menzies.

SILVER M F.DAL ATVAKDED TO

James M'Pherson. Craggantoll,

George Phillips, Dalchoiizie.

Wm. Stobo, Muirside.

Alex. Crow, Wester Ochtermuthill.

James Dick, Torrance.

Charles M'Lauchlan, Frenich.

Peter Cameron, Williamston.

Peter Stewart, Roromore.

Peter Ewan, DrumbaiTow.

Charles Reid, Balnacraig.

Dun. Dougall, Blaircessnock.

And. Donaldson, Carse of Lennoch.

Robert Forbes, Pittarig.

Alex. Forbes, jun., Stralochy.

John Gumming, Camghouran.

George Drummond, Westfield.

Alex. Forbes, Stralochie.

Peter M'Donald, Tomnagrew.

John Scobie, Dalreoch.

Robert Robertson, Struan.

Jn. Murdoch, Carse of Maconiston.

Wm. Menzies. Weem.

RENFREWSHIRE.

142. Cathcart and Eastwood (open) .Househillwood.

143. Cathcart and Eastwood. Househillwood.

144. Erskine and Inchinnan. Old Mains.

145. Kilbarchan. Mains of Milliken.

146. Renfrewshire. Linclive.

147. Black Isle.

ROSS-SniRE.
Rhives.

STIRLINGSHIRE.
Bogside.

148. Baldemock.

149. Bannockbum, Plean, <fcc. Pimhall.

150. E&stem Dist. of Stirlingshire. Broomage Mains,

151. Strathendrick. Gartness.

152. Rosehall.

153. Machars.

154. Old Luce.

155. Whithorn and Glasserton.

SUTHERLxVNDSHIRE,
Achungill,

WIGTOWNSHIRE.

Ravenstone Mains.
High Challoch.
Longhill.

Alexander Ferguson, Westfann.
Wm. Jackson, Carrolside.
John Munn, Commonside.
Robert Muir, Waterstone.
Arthur Watson, Fulwood.

J. Souter, Killen.

Peter Smeaton, South Bardourie.
James Paterson, Duries Hill.
Thomas Stevenson, Larbert.
Arch. M'Lauchlane, Coult.

Charles Birnie, RosehalL

Robt. M'Lellan, Ravenstone Mains.
William M'Culloch, Blackhill.
Robt. M'Lellan, Ravenstone Mains.

15.> Minor Silver Medals, £46, 10s.

v.— COTTAGES AND GARDENS.
BEST KEPT COTTAGES AND GARDENS.

Coll .

C'ardtt <^

Argyllshire.

Lachlin M •Donald

Cottage

Donald MKinnon

do

Lachlun M 'Donald

Garden

Hector M'Fadycn

do.

DUMDARTOSSHIRE.

Andrew Jeffrey

Cottage

Janica CajtseU

do.

D. Smith

Garden

James Cassels

do.

£10 0

0 1 » 0

1 0 0
0 10 0

0 10 0*

0 5 0*

1 0 0
0 10 0

Carry forward. £5 5 0

• Half Premiums awnrded, the number of Competitors belnc under thrw.

52

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

Currie and Balerno

Kingskettle

•

Newburgh , , ,

Abington ,

Larkhall , , ,

Dalmeny & Queensferry

Kirkliston , ,

Torphichen ,

Bridge of Earn

Dunning ,

Edderton .

Wester Ross

Killearn

Edinburghshike.

John Black Garden

Charles Shanks do.

Brought forward, £5 5 0

FiFESHIEE.

David Beveridge

Cottage

John Scott

do.

John Scott

Garden

David Inglis

do.

George Bett

Cottage

Charles Carswell

do.

George Bett

Garden

John Young

do.

Lanabkshibe.

WilUam Crorrie

Cottage

William Thomson

do.

John B. Forrest

Garden

William Crorrie

do.

Alexander Finlayson, jun.

Cottage

Allan Thomson

do.

John Corbett

Garden

William Scott )
Allan Thomson j

equal

do.

Ldilithgowshire.

Mrs Wilson

Cottage

Mrs Lawiie

do.

James Hunter

Garden

John Drysdale

do.

Robert Arbuckle

do.

John Weston

do.

Archibald Gardner

Cottage

Walter Carlyle

do.

John Shields

Garden

Walter Carlyle

do.

Perthshire.

John Campbell

Cottage

David Smith

do.

David Smith

Garden

John Campbell

do.

Peter M'Pherson

Cottage

James Canning

do.

Andrew Smith .

Garden

Thomas Callum

do.

Ross-shire.

Hugh Fraser

Cottage

James Fraser

do.

James Fraser

Garden

Andrew Ross

do.

Thomas Munro

Cottage

Donald Denoon

do.

John M'Kenzie

Garden

Alexander M'Kenzie

do.

Stirlingshire.

Angus Dimn

Cottage

Mrs Bilsland

do.

Alexander M'Adam

Garden

George Bauchop

do.

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

0 10

0*

0 5

0*

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

1 0

0

0 10

0

Carry forward, £40 10 0
* Half Premiums awarded, the number of Competitors being under three.

PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

53

Brought forward, £40 10 0

Wigtownshire.

Inch

Robert M'Graw
James Bell
L. Donnelly
John Wilson

Cottage .

do.
Garden ,

do.

2. MEDALS FOR COTTAGES AND GARDENS AND GARDEN
Minor Silver Medals were awarded to the following : —
Aberdeenshikf.

Kinellar Charles Beaton Garden

Udny James Gellan Cottage

Galston
Loudoun

. 1

0

0

. 0

10

0

r-l

0

0

. 0

10

0

£43

10

0

PRODUCE

1.

Vale of Leven and Dumbarton

Liberton and Newton .

Dyke

Kirkcaldy
Strathmi'jlo .

Pencaitland .

Biggar , . . ,
Caniicdth
Gartsherrie . - .

Mauldilie and Ro$ebank

Neu; Victoria Gardens .

Stracen Public Gardens

Shetlleston .

Auldearn

Dlairgoitrie and Rattray
lireadalbane, Weem, Ir.

Capulh .
Cherrybnnk .
Dunktld and Birnam

James Gellan

Garden

AtB-SHIRE.

William Maxwell

Cut Blooms

William Maxwell

Vegetables

Robert Paterson

Vegetables

DCMBARTOX.SniRE.

James Miller

Garden

John M'Lauchlan

Flower Plot

Edixbceghshire.

Robert Mitchell

Flower Plot

Alexander Cunningham

Garden

Elginshire.

William Martin

Cottage

James Ross

Garden

Fifeshire.

Henrj' Christie

Flower Plot

James Lumsden

Flower Plot

George Watson

Garden Produce

David M'Dougall

Garden

[lADDmOTONSHIRE.

Mrs Peter Cossar

Cottage

John Beveridge

Garden

Lanarkshire.

William Minto

Garden

William Kay

Garden

John RoUo

Cottage

William Close

Garden

William Muir

Garden

William Thomson

Flower Plot

Samuel Brooke

Garden Plot

William Cooke

Garden Plot

Hugh Smith

Flower and Vegetable

Plot

John Watson

Vegetables

William Ilowat

Flowers

N'AiRNsninE.

Mrs M'Kenzle

Garden

Pertusiure.

James M'NlcoU

Garden

Alexander Caiiieion

Best kept Garden

Donald Cowan

Best Cropped Garden

John Stratton

Cottage

Thomas M'Intyre

Garden

Robert Jolmstone

Cottage

Alex. Beveridge

Garden

Thomaa M'lntvre

Garden Produce

54

PEEMIUMS AWARDED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1883.

Ren/rew

Golspie

Renfeewshire.

Archibald Shearer
Archibald Shearer

Cut Flowers
Vegetables

Sdtherlandshire.

John F. Gunn Garden

41 Minor Silver Medals, £10, lis. lOd.

VI.— VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.

CLASS EXAMINATIONS— APRIL 1883.
Dick's Veterinary College.

Kenneth James Urquhart,

Anatomy,

Silver Medal,

£0 16

0

Charles S. Smart,

Physiology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Kenneth James Urquhart,

Chemistry,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

D. J. Berry,

Materia Medica,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Harry M. Maxwell,

Botany,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Kenneth James Urquhart,

Cattle Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Herbert W. Hamilton,

El. Vet. Med. and Surgery,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Kenneth James Urquhart,

Horse Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

New Veterinary College, Edinburgh.

R. J. Hicks,

Horse Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

R. J. Hicks,

Cattle Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

J. A. Robinson, )

W. D. Connoquhie. f ^^"^'^^

Chemistry,

( Silver Medal,
( Silver Medal,

0 16
0 16

0
0

A. J. Haslam,

Physiology,

SUver Medal,

0 16

0

A. J. Haslam,

Anatomy,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

William Lothian,

Botany,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

A. J. Haslam,

Materia Medica,
Glasgow Veterinary College.

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

John Francis Hayes,

Horse Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Alexander Brown,

Cattle Pathology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Andrew Stewart,

Histology and Physiology,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Andrew Stewart,

Anatomy,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Edwin Saver,

Botany,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

Edwin Sayer,

Chemistry,

Silver Medal,

0 16

0

John M'Kinna,

Materia Medica,

SUver Medal,

0 16

0

£18 8

0

"■"

VII.— AGRICULTURAL CLASS, EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY.

1. Alexander H. Gibson, Kirkcaldy,

2. Herbert W. Hamilton, Boghall,

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

1. Essays and Reports, ....

2. Glasgow Show, 1882, ....

3. Inverness Show, 1883, ....

4. District Shows: —

Stock and Dairy Produce,
Special Grants, ...
Local Societies — 140 Medals to, .
Ploughing Associations — 155 Medals to,

£6 0 0

4 0 0

£10 0 0

£170 0 0

10 0 0

1662 15 8

£307 6 10

29 0 0

36 3 4

46 10 0

5. Cottages and Gardens — Money Premiums, £43, 10s. ; 41 Minor Silver

Medals, £10, lis. lOd., .......

6. Veterinary Department — Medals to Students, ....

7. Agricultural Chair, Edinburgh University — Prizes to Class,

419 0 2

54 1 10

18 8 0

10 0 0

£2344 5 8

00

STATE OF THE FUNDS

OF

THE HIGHLAND AND AGPJCULTUEAL SOCIETY

OF SCOTLAND

At 30th NOVEMBER 1883.

T. Bo>T)S—

Heritable, £11,479, 16s. at 3i, and £1300 at 4 per cent., . £12,779 16 0

Debenture Bonds by Clyde Navigation Trustees at 4 per cent., 6,450 0 0

Railway Debenture Bonds at 4 per cent., . . . 2,000 0 0

II . Debextuee Stock —

£3,000 North British Railway Company, 4^ per

cent., at £112, . ' . . . £3,360 0 0

£2,727 Caledonian Railway Company, at 4 per

cent., at £108, 10s., "... 2,958 15 11
£1,000 London and North-Western Railway

Comp ny, at 4 per cent., at£116, 10s., . 1,165 0 0

III, Bank Stocks —

£6,407, 7s. 8d. Royal Bank of Scotland, at

£220, . . . £14,096 4 10

2,218, 6s. 5d. Bank of England, at £297, 10s., 6,599 10 1
2,000, Os. Od. British Linen Company Bank,

at £303, . . . 6,060 0 0

1,250, Os. Od. National Bank of Scotland,

at £310. . . . 3,875 0 0

1,080, Os. Od. Commercial Bank of Scotland,

at £281, 5s., . . 3,037 10 0

1,091, 13s. 4d. Bank of Scotland, at £307, . 3,351 S 4

£21,229 16 0

7,483 15 11

£14,047, 73. 5d.

37,019 13 3

Xote. — The original cost of these Bank Stocks was £22,360, 19s. 6d.,
showing a protit, at present prices, of £14,658, 13s. 9d.

IV. Ten Shares (£500) of the British Fishery Society, valued at 200 0 0

V. Arrears of Members' Subscriptions, considered recoverable, . 66 2 tj

£65,999 7 8
Deduct Balance Due to Royal Bank on Current Account, . 1,734 7 11

Amount of Funds, . . . £64,264 19 J)

VI. Building Fund —

1. Kstimatt'd value of Building, No. 3 George IV. Bridge, £3,100 0 0

2. Sum lent on Heritaljle Bond, .... 350 0 0

3. De[)osit Willi Royal Bank, . . . . . 12 0 11

A.MOUNT OF BtU.DINQ FUND,

VII. T\N'EEDDALE MeDAL FuND—

Del>enture Bond vith Caledonian Railway Company,

VIII. Furniture —

Estimated Value of Furniture, Paintings, Books, &c..

. £3.462

0 11

£500

0 0

. £1,000

(' 0

W. S. W.VLKKR, Tnasunr.

1 1 K W ( • mci ITON, Mnnbt-r of Finanrr Committee.

J. TURN BULL SMITH, C.A., Auditur.

EdiJJBUROH, Wi January 18?4.

56
ABSTRACT of the ACCOUNTS of the HIGHLAND and

CHARGE.

1. Deposit with Roval Bank in name of Building Fund, of date llth

November 1882, ....... £306 3 10

2. Deposit with Royal Bank, of date llth November 1882, . . 2,000 0 0

3. Arrears of Annual Subscriptions at 30th Nov. 1882, £62 13 0

"\^Tiereof due by Members who have
now compounded for life, and
thereby extinguished, . . £7 0 6

Sum ordered to be struck oif as
irrecoverable, . . . 27 1 6

34 2 0

28 11 0

4. Interest and Dividends —

(1) Interest on Heritable Bonds, less Income-Tax, £443 4 8

(2) Interest on Debenture Bonds —

On £8450 at 4 per cent, less tax, . . 329 18 3

(3) Interest on Debenture Stock —

On £3000 at 4i per cent, less tax, £124 9 0
On £3727 at 4 j)er cent., less tax, 145 9 2

269 18 2

(4) Intereston Deposits transferred from Building Fund, 15 0 6

£1,058 1 7

(5) Dividends on Bank Stocks —

£6,407, 7s. 8d. Roval Bank of

Scotland, £624 14 4

2,218, 6s. 5d. Bank of England, 227 8 6

2,000. Os. Od. British Linen Co.

Bank, . . 280 0 0

1,250, Os. Od. National Bank of

Scotland, . 187 10 0

1,062, 10s. Od. Commercial Bank

of Scotland, . 156 12 0

1,091, 13s. 4d. Bank of Scotland, 152 16 8

1,629 1 6

(6) Dividend on 10 Shares British Fishery Society. 10 0 0

5. Income from Building Fund-
Interest on Heritable Bond, £350, . . . £11 19 5
Interest on Deposit with Royal Bank, . . 0 16

2,697 3 1

12 0 11

6. Subscriptions —

Annual Subscriptions, .... £894 9 6

Life Subscriptions, ..... 884 9 6

1,778 19 0

7. Subscriptions received towards Louping-ill and Braxy Inquiry, 76 0 0

8. Chemical Department Subscriptions, . . . . 20 0 0

9. Transactions— Proceeds of sales, . . , , . 14 3 2

10. Balance of Receipts from Inverness Show (exclusive of Premiums

paid), as shown in separate States, .... 754 5 10

11. Balance due to Royal Bank on current account, as at 30th

November 1883, ...... 1,734 711

Sum of Charge, . . £9,421 14 9

Edinburgh, ^th Jo.nuary 1884.

57
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY of SCOTLAND for the YEAR 1882-83.

DISCHARGR

1. Sum due to Royal Bank on current account at 30th Xovember 1882, £2,559 7 7

2. Establishment Expenses —

Salary to Secretary, ....

Salary to Clerk, £300, and Second Clerk, £150,
Wages to Messenger, ....
Feu-Duty, £28 ; Water Duty, £2, 3s. 4d. ; Taxes,

£32, 13s. 7d., .....

Coals, £10, 15s. Id. ; Gas, £5, 18s. 9d. ; Insurance,

£3, 17s. 6d., .
Repairs and Furnishings,

3. Fee to Auditor of Accounts for year 1881-82,

4. Allowance to Practical Engineer, .

5. Agricultural Education —

Grant to Professor of Agriculture, £150 ; Prizes, £10 ; Bursaries,
£80; Fees to Examiners and Expenses, £34, 19s., . . 274 19 0

6. Chemical —

Salary and allowance to Chemist, £600, and Fees

for Lectures and Analysis, £26, 5s.,
Altering, Furnishing, and Fitting Laboratory,
Neill &Co., Printing Chemical Reports,
Experimental Stations —

Harelaw— Rent, £30 ; Taxes, £1, 7s. 6d. ;
Superintendent'sAllowance, £15, 15s.; £47 7 10

Pumpherston — Rent, £13 ; Superin-
tendent's Allowance, £15, 15s., 28 15 0
Manures and Seeds for Stations, . 156 15 6
Chemist's Travelling Expenses, . 19 19 0

£850 0 0

450 0 0

72 0 0

62 16 11

20 11 3
41 19 0

1,497
50
20

7 2
0 0
0 0

• •

£626 5

0

66 6

0

5 18

6

252 17 4
Grants to Analytical Associations, . . ' . 49 0 0

1,000 6 10

7. Veterinary— Allowance to Professor Williams, £26, 5s. ; Medals

to Students, £18, 8s., . . . . . . 44 13 0

8. Expenses in connection with Inquiry into Louping-ill and Braxy,

Dr Aitken, £34 ; Professor Williams, £28, 2s. 3d. ; Mr

Brotherston, £28, 17s., . . . • . . 90 19 3

9. Expenses in connection vnth. Paintings, &c. — Galloway Bull, £60;

Frame £6, 10s. ; Sundries, 17s. 6d., . . . . 67 7 6

10. Society's Transactions — Printing, £348 ; Binding, £83. 6s. ;

Postages and Delivering, £87, 18s. 9d. ; and extra Clerking Work,

£38, = £557, 4s. 9d. ; Essays and Reports, £108, 13s., . . 665 17 9

11. Ordinary Printing and Lithographing, £57, 6s. 6d. ; Advertising,

£55, 14s. 4d. ; Stationery and Books, &c., £45, 7s. 3d. ; Postages,

&c., £57 ; Bank Charges, Telegrams, &c., £8. 6s. 9d., . . 223 14 10

12. Expenses in connection with Deputations to London as to Cattle

Disease, Potato Culture, &c., . . . . . 84 0 6

13. SuBSCRiiTiONS to Public Societies— Meteorological Society, £20;

Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, £5, • . 25 0 0

14. Miscellaneous— Reporting General Meetings, £3, 3s. ; Luncheons

for Directors, £5, os. ; Handsels, £1, 10s.; Repairing Crane and
Turnstiles, £10, 8s. ; Restriking Medals, 8s., and Travelling
Exjjeuses in connection with Nomination of Directors, £22, 2s. 6d., 42 19 6

15. Premiums —

Stirling Show 18S1, . . . . £14 0 0

Glasgow Show 18S2, .... 315 10 2

Inverness Show 1883, .... 1,408 15 8

District Competitions,
Cottages and Gardens,
Ploughing Competitions,

878 6 0

2,616 11 10

16. Interest on Overdraft on Current Account with Royal Bank for

year to 30th Novem])er 1883, . . . . . 18 2 1

17. Arrears of Subscrii)tions struck off a-s irrecoverable, . . 62 4 6

18. Arrears con-sidercffrecoveralile, . . . . . 66 2 6

19. Deposit with Royal Bank in name of BuiMing Fund, Nov. 13, 1883, 12 0 1 1

Sum OP DiscuARGE, . £9.42114 9

W. S. WALKER, Treasurfr.

HEW CRICHTON, Afnnbrr «f Finance Committee.

.1. TURNBULL SMITH, C..\., Awiit<yr.

£743 14
87 16
46 16

£1,738 5 10
0
0

0

V79, « n

58

ABSTRACT OF ACCOUNTS

CHARGE.
Local Subscriptions —

Voluntary Assessment on Proprietors —

Inverness-shire,

Elginshire, ....

Ross-shire, ....

Cromartyshire, ....

Caithness-shire (£20 not yet received),

Sutherlandshire,

Xairnshire, ....

Town of Inverness,
Local Societies —

Inverness Society £50 (not yet received),

Northern Pastoral Club,

Easter Ross Society,

Amount Collected during Show —

Drawn at Gates, ....

D^a^^^l at Grand Stand,

Season Tickets,

Catalogues and Awards sold.

Drawn at Gentlemen's Room and Cloak Room,

3. Rent of Stalls,

4. Rent of Refreshment Booths,

5. Forfeited Deposit Money for Return of Horses,

6. Interest from Tweeddale Medal Fund,

7. Interest from Royal Bank, .

Balance of Payments.

£532

1

2

290

10

0

279

3

8

0

0

0

140

0

0

50

0

0

75

9

8

50

0

0

£

0

0

0

20

0

0

25

0

0

45

0

0

£1,462

4

6

£1,120

6

6

52

10

0

16

0

0

103

4

4

2

13

6

1,294
1,067

14
17

4
0

,

150

0

0

rses,

16

0

0

,

19

10

8

1

12

3

£4.011 18 9
654 9 10

£4,666

Edinburgh, 8th January 1884.

ABSTRACT of the ACCOUNTS of the

CHARGE.

Funds as at 30th November 1882—

Debenture Bond by Caledonian Railway Company,

Debenture Stock of the North British Railwav Company, . 1,200

Funded Debt of the Clyde Navigation Trustees,- £3000, purchased at 2,970
Stock of the Royal Bank of Scotland, £305, purchased at . 671

£1,000

0
0
0
0

Balance in Bank at 30th November 1882,

2. Income received —

On £1000 Caledonian Railway Company Debenture

Bond at 3f percent., £37, 10s., less tax, 17s. 6d.,
On£1200 North British Railway Company Debenture

Stock at 4| per cent., £51, less tax, £1, 4s. 5d.,
On £3000 Funded Debt Clyde Navigation Trustees

at 4 per cent., £120, less tax, £2, 17s. 6d.,

On £305 Royal Bank Stock for year.

On Bank Account, .....

Sum of Charge,

£36 12 6

49 15 7

117 2 6

£203

10

7

29

14

9

3

10

8

0
0
0
0

£5,841 0 0
336 19 0

£6.177 19 0

236 16 0
£6,414 15 0

Edinburgh, 8th Janvjxry 1884.

59

of the INVERNESS SHOW, 1883.

DISCHARGE.

1. Show- Yard Expendituee —

Fitting up, £1948, 12s. Id. ; Rent of Field, £70 ; Carriage

of Turnstiles, &c., £4, 7s. 7d. ; Miscellaneous, £3, 3s. 9d., £2,026 3 5

2. Forage and Bedding for Stock, .... 225 19 7

3. Police, . . . . . . . 43 7 10

4. Travelling Expenses of Judges, Stewards, &c., , . 214 11 3

5. Hotel and other Bills for Judges, Directors, &c., . . 337 6 1

6. Music in Show-Yard, . . . . . 40 10 0

7. Printing Catalogues and Awards, and Lithographing Tickets

and Badges, ...... 146 9 6

8. Advertising, . . . . . . 23 19 6

9. Allowance to Local Secretary and Clerks, . . . 20 0 0

10. Allowance to Local Veterinary Inspector, . . . 10 0 0

11. Allowance to Practical Engineer, . . . . 18 18 0

12. Clerks and Assistants, . . . , . 50 10 0

13. Attendants at Turnstiles and Ticket Gates, . . 65 11 0

14. Postage and Receipt Stamps, . . . . 34 6 9

Amount of General Expenses,
15. Premiums drawn at 30th November 1883,

Note. — To the Balance of Payments of

There must be added the Premiums undrawn at
30th November, amounting to

But deduct Contributions to be received from
Inverness Society £50, and Caithness £20, .

Making the probable Loss,

£3,257 12 11
1.408 15 8

£654 9 10

254 0 0

£908 9 10

70 0 0

£838 9 10

£4,666 8 7

W. S. WALKER, Treasurer.

HEW CRICHTON, Member of Finance Committee.

J. TURNBULL SMITH, A uditor.

ARGYLL NAVAL FUND for 1882-83.

DISCHARGE.

1. Allowances to the five following Recipients —
Charles Hope Dimdas, fifth year, .
Edward Walroixl de Wells Bruce, fourth year,
Edward W. Elphinstone Wemyss, fourth year,
Lewis Weutworth Clietwynd, fourth year, .
G. P. W. Hope, first year, ,

2. Funds as at 30th November 1883—

I)uV)enture Bond by Caledonian Railway Company
Debenture Stock of the Nortli British Railway

Company, ....

Funded Debt of the Clyde Navigation Trustees

£3000, purcliasc-d at
Stock of the Royal Bank of Scotland, £305, pur

cha.sed at ... .

Balance in Bank at 30th November 1883.

Sum of Dischargk,
W. S. W.M.KHIi, Trmsuny)-

£40 0 0

40 U 0

40 0 0

40 0 0

40 0 0

£200 0 0

, £1,000

0

0

. 1,200

0

0

. 2,970

0

0

671

0

0

£5,841
373

0
15

0
0

6 *'14 15 0

•

. ft), 11 I 1.'. M

HEW CKK'ill'UN, MemU-r of Finance CommUtrr
J. TURNBULL ^yWTW, Auditor.

60

VIEW OF THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

For the Year 1882-83.

INCOME.

Annual Subscriptions and Arrears received, . . . £801 11 6

Life Subscriptions received, . .... 877 S 6

Interests and Dividends received —

Interests, ...... £1,058 1 7

Dividends, 1,639 1 6

£1,079 3 0

2,697 3 1

4. Income from Building Fund Account, . . . . 12 0 11

5. Subscriptions received towards Louping-ill and Braxy Inquiry, . 76 0 0

6. Chemical Department— Subscriptions, . . . . 20 0 0

7. Transactions— Proceeds of Sales, . . . , ^ . 14 3 2

8. Bai^vnce of Receipts from Inverness Show, excluding Premiums

paid, ........ 754 5 10

Sum of Income, . . £5,252 16 0

EXPENDITURE.
1. Establishment—

Salaries and Wages, .... £1,372 0 0

Feu-Duties, Taxes, Coals, Gas, Insurance, and Re-
pairs and Furnisliings, , . . 125 7 2

£1,497 7 2

2. Fee to Auditor lor 1881-82, . . . 50 0 0

3. Fee to Practical Engineer, . . . 20 0 0

4. Agricultural Education (including Bursaries and

Fees to Examiners), . . . . 274 19 0

5. Chemical Department, .... 1,000 6 10

6. Veterinary Department, . . . . 44 13 0

7. Expenses in connection with Inquiry into Louping-ill

and Braxy, . . . . . . 90 19 3

8. Expenses in connection witli Paintings, &c. , . . 67 7 6

9. Transactions, ..... 665 17 9

10. Ordinary Printing, Advertising, Stationerv, Stamps,

Bank Charges, and Telegrams, . ' . . 223 14 10

11. Expenses in connection with Deputations to London, 84 0 6

12. Subscriptions to Public Societies, . . . 25 0 0

13. Miscell^vneous, . . . . . 42 19 6

14. Premiums —

Stirling Show, . . . £14 0 0

Glasgow Show, . . . 315 10 2

Inverness Show, . . . 1,408 15 8

District Competitions, . . 743 14 0

Cottages and Gardens, . . 87 16 0

Ploughing Competitions, . . 46 16 0

2,616 11 10

15. iNTERESTonOverdraft on Royal Bank Current Account, 18 2 1

Sum OF Expenditure, . . 6,721 19 3

Balance of Expenditure, . . . £1,469 3 3

W. S. WALKER, Treasurer.

HEW CRICHTON, Member of Finance Committee.

J. TURNBULL SMITH, C.A. , Auditor.

Edinburgh, 8th January 1884.

APPENDIX (B).

PEEMIUMS

OFFERKl" I'.Y

THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF SCOTLAND IN 1884.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

General Notice, ....... 3

Constitution and Management, ..... 4

Establishment, ........ 5

Committees, ........ 8

Agricultural Education, . . . . . .11

Veterinary Department, ...... 15

Forestry Department, ....... 16

Chemical Department, ....... 18

General Regulations for Competitors, .... 30

CLASS I.— KEPORTS.

§ 1. The Science and Practice of Agriculture— For Approved
Reports on —

1. Afi^riciilture of the County of Dumbarton, .... 31

2. A<fri(;ulture of the County of Renfrew, .... 31

3. Agriculture of tlie County of Selkirk, .... 31

4. Experiments for fixing the ingredients in Farm-yard oManure, . 81

5. Manures produeed by diHerent kinds of Feeding, ... 81

6. Improved varietie,s of Agricultural Plants, ... 32

7. Vegetable Productions of India, China, and America, . . 82

8. Best mode of housing Fattening Cattle, .... 32

9. Ditferent descriptions of Fooil for Stock, . . . .33
10. C<)m[»;irative Feeding V^alue of Ensilage, .... 33
II Influence of Soil and Geological Formation in producing Disease, 33

12. Improvement of Hill Pasture without breaking up, . . US

13. Rural Economy ubroad su.sceptible of being introduced into Scotland, 33

§ 2. Estate Improvements— For Ai-proved Reports on—

1. General Improvement of Kstates by Proprietors,

2. Most approved Farm HuiMings by Proprietors,

3. 4, and 0. Reclamation of Waste Lantl by Proprietors ov Tenants, .
U and 7. Improvement of Natural Pasture by Prttprietors or Tenants,

34
34
34
35

CONTENTS.

PAGE

§ 3. Highland Industkies and Fisheries — For Approved Reports on —

1. Oyster Fisheries of Scotland, ..... 35

Eel Fishing of Scotland,

3. Utilisation of Fish Products or Offal of Scotland,

35
35

§ 4, Machinery —

1. Cattle Truck for Feeding and "Watering Animals in transit, . 35

2. Truck for conve3'ing Dead Meat, Fish, &c., in hot weather, . 35

§ 5. Forestry Department — For Approved Eeports on —

1. Extensive Planting by Proprietors, . . . .SO

2. Planting on Peat Bog, . . . • . . .36

3. Forest Trees of recent introduction, . . . .36

4. Trees best adapted for planting as shelter in the Islands of Scotland, 36
The old and remarkable Cedars of Lebanon, . . .36
'ilie old and remarkable English Yews, . . . .37
Perthshire Woods, Forests, and Forestry, . . . .37
Inverness-shire "Woods, Forests, and Forestry, . . .37
Ctilisation of Waste Produce of Forests, . . . .37
Insects most injurious to Forest Trees, . . . .37

11. Trees best adapted to resist Wind Storms, . . . .37

12. Cultivation of Mushrooms, ...... 37

5.
6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

CLASS II.— DISTRICT COMPETITIONS

1. Cattle,

2. Horses,

3. Sheep,

4. Swine,

5. Dairy Produce,

6. Special Grants,

7. Medals in aid of the Premiums given by Local Societies

8. Ploughing Competitions,

38
39
41
42
42
45
45
49

CLASS III.— COTTAGES AXD GARDENS.

1. Premiums for Best Kept Cottages ani Gardens,

2. Medals for Cottages ani Gardens or Garden Produce,

3. Improving Existing Cottages, .

4. Building New Cottages, ....

.50
51
54
54

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884,
GENERAL SHOW AT ABERDEEN IN 1885, .
LIST OF MEMBERS admitted dnce January 1883,

55
74
78

( 3 )

GENERAL NOTICE.

The Highland Society was instituted iu the year 1784, and incorporated b)'
Koyal Charter in 1787. Its operation was at first limited to matters connected
with the improvement of the Highlands of Scotland; but the supervision of
certain departments, proper to that part of the country, having been subsequently
committed to special Boards of Management, several of the earlier objects
contemplated by the Society were abandoned, while the progress cf agriculture
led to the adoption of others of a more general character. The exertions of the
Society were thus early extended to the whole of Scotland, and have, for the
greater part of a century, been directed to the promotion of the science and
practice of agriculture in all its branches.

In accordance with this more enlarged sphere of action, the original title of the
Society was altered, under a Royal Charter, in 1834, to The Highland and
Agricultural Society of Scotland.

The leading purposes of the Institution are set forth in the following pages,
where it will be found that Premiums are offered for Reports on almost every
subject connected with the cultivation of the soil; the rearing and feeding of
stock ; the management of the dairy ; the improvement of agricultural machinery
and implements ; the growth of timber ; the extension of cottage accommodation ;
the apfdication of chemical science ; and the dissemination of veterinary
information.

Among the more important measures which have been eff'ected by the Society
are —

1. Agricultural Meetings and General Shows of Stock, Implements, &c., held
in the ])rincipal towns of Scotland, at which exhibitors from all parts of the
United Kingdom are allowed to compete.

2. A system of District Shows instituted for the purpose of improving the
breeds of Stock most suitable for diiftrent parts of the country, and of aiding and
directing the efforts of Local Agricultural Associations.

3. The encouragement of Agricultural Education, under powers conferred by a
supj)lementary Royal Charter, gi'anted in 1856, and authorising "The Council
of the Highland and Agiiicultukal Society on Education" to grant
Diidomas to Students of Agriculture ; and by the establishment of Bursaries.

4. The establishment of Agricultural Stations for the purpose of promoting tlie
application of science to agriculture, and the appointment of a chemist to super-
intend all experiments conducted at these Stations, and ]>repare a Report of the
same to be |)ubli.shed in the Transactions. Also to subsidise, under certain con-
ditions. Local Analytical Associations.

5. The advancement of the Veterinary Art, by conferring Certificates ou
Students who liave passed through a prescribed curriculum, and who are found,
by ]iublic examiiiatinii, f|ua]ilicd to ]iractise. Now terminated in accordance
with urrungeineuts with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

6. The appointment of a Board of Examiners, and tlie granting of Fii"st and
Second Class Certificates iu Forestry.

7. The annual publication of the Transactions, which compreliend the Prize-
Reports, and reports of experiments, also an abstract of the business at Board
and General Meetings, and utlier communications.

8. Tlie management of a fund left by Jolm, nth Duke of Argyll (the original
President of tlie Society) to assist young natives of the Highlands who cuter
Her Majesty's Navy.

( 4 )

COXSTITUTIOX AXD ^lAXAGEMEXT.

The general business of The Highland and Agricultural Society is con-
ducted under the sanction and control of a Royal Charter, which authorises the
enactment of Bye-Laws. Business connected with Agricultural Education is con-
ducted under the authority of a supj)lementary Royal Charter, also authorising
the enactment of Bye-Laws.

The Office-Bearers consist of a President, Four Vice-Presidents, Thirty-two
Ordinary and Twenty Extraordinary Directors, a Treasurer, an Honorary and an
Acting Secretary, an Auditor, and other Officers.

The Directors meet on the first AVednesday of each month from November to
June ; seven being a quorum. The proceedings of the Directors are reported to
General Meetings of the Society, held in January and in June or July.

With reference to motions at General Meetings, Bye-Law No. 10 provides —
" That at General Meetings of the Society no motion or proposal (except of mere
form or courtesy) shall be submitted or entertained for immediate decision unless
notice thereof has been given a week previously to the Board of Directors,
without prejudice, however, to the competencj* of making such motion or
proposal to the effect of its being remitted to the Directors for consideration,
and thereafter being disposed of at a future General Meeting."

The Council on Education, under the Supplementary Charter, consists of
Sixteen Members — Nine nominated b}^ the Charter, and Seven elected by the
Society. The Board of Examiners consists of Ten Members.

Candidates for admission to the Society must be proposed by a Member, and
are elected at the half-yearly General Meetings in January and June or July,
but it is not necessary that the proposer should attend the meeting.
The ordinary subscription is £1, 3s. 6d. annually, whicli may be redeemed by
one payment, varying, according to the number of previous annual payments,
from £12, 12s. to £7, Is. Proprietors farming the whole of their own lands,
whose assessment on the Valuation Roll does not exceed £500 per annum, and
all Tenant-Farmers, Office-Bearers of Local Agricultural Associations, Resident
Agricultural Factors, Land Stewards, Foresters, Agricultural Implement Makers,
and Veterinary Surgeons, none of them being also owners of land to an extent
exceeding £500 per annum, are admitted on a subscription of 10s. annually,
which may be redeemed by one payment, varying, according to the number of
previous annual payments, from £5, 5s. to £3. Subscriptions paj^able on
election, and afterwards annually in January. According to the Charter, a
Member who homologates his election by paying his first subscription cannot
retire until he has paid in annual subscriptions, or otherwise, an amount equi-
valent to a life composition. Members having candidates to propose are requested
to state whether the candidate should be on the £1, 3s. 6d. or 10s. list.

Members of the Society receive the Transactions free on application to the
Secretary, and are entitled to apply for District Premiums — to report Ploughing
Matches for the Medal — to free admission to the Showyard, and to exhibit Stock
at reduced rates. Firms are not admitted as Members, but if one partner of a
firm becomes a Member, the firm is allowed to exhibit at Members' rates.

Orders, payable at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh, are issued by the
Directors, in name of the persons in whose favour Premiums have been awarded.

All communications must be addressed to "Fletcher Norton Menzies, Esq.,
Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, No. 3 George IV.
Bridge, Edinburgh."

( 5 )

ESTABLISHMENT FOR 1884.

His Grace The DUKE of RICHMOND axd GORDOX, K.G.,

49 Belgrave Square, London.

The Marquis of Lothian, K.T., Newbattle Abbej^ Dalkeith.
The Earl of Haddington, Tyninghame, Prestonkirk,
The Earl of Wemyss and March, Gosford, Longniddry.
The Earl of Hopetoun, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.

©rbinarg pirector^.

David Ainslie of Costerton, Blackshiels.

John Balfour of Balbirnie, Markinch.

Thomas Elliot, Blackhaugh, Galashiels.

'Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald Manse, Dumfries.

Lieut. -Colonel Hare of Calder Hall, Philpston House, "Winchburgh.

Gideon Pott of Dod, Kno^yesouth, Jedburgh,

"Walter Scott, Glendronaeh, Huntly.

Andrew Allan, Munnoch, Dairy, Ayrshire.

Arthur H. Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie, Glen Stuart, Annan.

Alexander Dudgeon, Easter Dalnieny, Queensferry.

Thomas Gordon Duff, Park House, Banff.

James Mollison, Dochgarroch Lodge, Inverness.

Thomas Munro Nicoll, Littleton, Kirriemuir.

Georoe J. "Walker, Portlethen, Aberdeen.

Sir Charles E. F. Stirling of Glorat, Bart., Milton of Campsie.

Sir Hknry J. Seton Steuart of Allanton and Touch, Bart., 9 Charlotte Square.

Lawren'ce Drew, Merryton, Hamilton.

Robekt Easson, Scones Lethendy, Perth.

Robert 0. Farquharson* of Haughton, Alford, N.B.

Duncan Forbes of Cullodcn, Inverness.

James M 'Queen of Crofts, Dalbeattie.

John T. S. Paterson, Plean Farm, Bannoekburn.

James Shaw, Skaithmuir, Coldstream.

William Wilson, Wolfstar, Tranent.

Jamks T. S. Elliot, yr. of Wdlfchn", Hawick.

John Mark, Cairnbrogie, Old Mfldriim.

NiVKN Matthews, Whitehills, Sorbie, Wigtownshire,

Jonathan Middlkton, Clay of Allan, Fearn, Ross-shiro.

James Mukuay, Cutter House, Drymen.

Robkut Paterson of Birthwood, Biggar.

R. G. Waudlaw Ramsay of Wiiileliill, Rosewell.

Hauky Young of Cleish Castle, Kinross.

6 ESTABLISHMEKT FOR 1884.

CrxtraorMnarg directors;.

Lord Elcho, M.P., Gosford, Longniddry.

Eight Hon. George IIareison, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

Sir Alexander Kinloch of Gilmerton, Bart., Drem.

Sir Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick, Bart., Luchie, North Berwick.

Sir James R. Gibson-Maitland of Barnton, Bart., Craigend, Stirling.

Sir William Baillie of Polkemmet, Bart., Whitburn.

Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart., Currie.

Robert Dundas of Arniston, Gorebridge.

Colonel A. Learmonth of Dean, Woodcroft, St Boswells.

Peter M 'Lagan of Pumpherston, M.P., Clifton Hall, Ratho.

Alexander Foebes Irvine of Drum, 25 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh.

James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar.

Colonel GiLLON of Wallhouse, Bathgate.

William Dingwall, Ramoruie, Ladybank.

Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains, Haddington.

Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton.

John Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton, St Boswells.

John M. Martin of Auchendennan, Bloomhill, Cardross.

Colin J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

F. E. ViLLiERS, Closeburn Hall, Thornhill, N.B.

AViLLiAM Stuart Walker of Bowland, C.B., Treasurer.
Sir G. Graham Montgomery of Stanhope, Bart., Honorary Secretary.
Fletcher Norton Menzies, Secretary.
Rev. James Grant, D.C.L., D.D., Chaijlain.
Andrew P. Aitken, D.Sc, Chemist.
John Turnbull Smith, C.A,, Auditor.
Murray & Falconer, W.S., Laiv Agents.

J. Wilson, F.R.S.E., F.G.S., University of Edin., Professor of Agriculture.
* * * Professor of Botany.

David Stevenson, F.R.S.E., M.LC.E., Consulting Engineer.
James D. Park, Practical Engineer.
Thomas Duncan, Recorder and Clerk.
John Macdiarmid, Second L>lerk.
Gourlay Steell, R.S.A., Animal Portrait Painter.
William Williams, F.R.C.V.S., Professor of Veterinary Surgery.
Thomas Walley, M.R.C.V.S., Professor of Cattle Pathology.
William Blackwood & Sons, Puhlishei-s.
Neill & Company, Printers.
■ G. Waterston & Sons, Stationers.
Hamilton, Crichton, & Co., Silversmiths and Medallists.
John Watherston & Sons, Inspectors of Works.
William Simpson, Messenger.

■^ Cl)atnran: of CTommiltccis!.

1. Argyll Naval Fund, . Admiral Maitland Dougall of Scotscraig, Tayport.

2. Chemical Department, . Colin J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

3. Cotta(,es and Gardens, , Lieut.-Col. Hare of Calder Hall.

4. District Shows, . . A. Campbell Swinton of Kimmerghame, Duns.

5. Finance, . . . Anthony Murray of Dollerie.

6. G'eneral Shows, . . Colonel GiLLON of Wallhouse, Bathgate.

7. Hall and Chambers, . John Ord Mackenzie of Dolphinton.

8. Highland Industries, (tc. Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart.

9. law, .... Thomas Graham Murray, W.S.

10. Machirerif, . . . Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton.

11. Ordnance Survey, . Robert Dundas of Arniston, Gorebridge.

12. Publicatio7is, (L-c, . Alexander Forbes Irvine of Drum.

13. Veterinary Department, James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar.

ESTABLISHMENT FOR 1884. 7

General Meetings. — By the Charter the Society must hold two General
Meetings, and, under ordinary circumstances, they are held on the third
Wednesday of the months of January and June, at one o'clock, in the
Society's Hall, 3 George IV. Bridge, for the election of Members and other
business.

Meeting at Edinburgh. — By a resolution of the General Meeting on 15th
January (1879, a General Meeting of Members is held in the Showyard
on the occasion of the Annual Show. This year it will be held at
Edinburgh, on Wednesday 23rd July, at 1.3U p.m.

General Show at Edinburgh. — 22nd, 23fd, 24th, and 25th July, — Entries
close for Implements, 21st May — Stock, 4th .June.

Directors Meetings. — The Board of Directors meet on the first Wednesday
of each month from Nov^ember till June inclusive, at 1.30 p.m., and
occasionally as business may require, on a requisition by three Directors
to the Secretary, or on intimation by him.

Nomination of Directors. — Meetings of Members, for the purpose of
nominating Directors to represent the Show Districts on the Board, will be
held at the places and on the days aftermentioned : —

1. Perth, Eoyal George Hotel, . . . Friday, 1st August, at 1.

2. Glasgow, George Hotel, . . . Wednesday, 6th Aug., at 1.

3. Stirling, Golden Lion Hotel, . . Friday, 8tli August, at 1.

4. Aberdeen, Imperial Hotel, . . . Friday, 15th August, at 1.

5. Edinburgh, 3 George IV. Bridge, , . Wednesday, 20th Aug., at 2.

6. Inverness, Caledonian Hotel, . . Friday, 22nd Aug., at 12.30.

7. Dumfries, King's Arms Hotel, . . Wednesday, 27th Aug., at 1.

8. Kelso, Secretary's Tent, Ram Sale Ground, Friday, 12th Sept., at 1.

The nomination of Tenant Farmers, or other Members paying the lower
subscription, must be made in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 8th Districts ; and the
nomination of Proprietors is recommended in the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7 th.

Committee Meetings.

Highland Industries. — First Tuesday in November, at 12 noon.

Machinery. — First Tuesday in November, at 1 p.m.

General Shows. — First Tuesday in November, at 2 p.m., and first
Tuesday in June at 2 p.m.

Publications. — First Wednesday in November, at 12 noon, and first
Wednesday in January, at 12 no(jn.

Cottages and Gardens. — First Tuesday in December, at 12 noon.

District Shows. — First Tue.sday in December, at 12.30 p.m.

Chemical — First Tuesday in December, at 2 p.m., and first Tuesday in
-March, at 2 p.m.

The other Standing Committees — Ar(;yi.l X.vv.vl Fund, Fin.vnck, Hall
AND CiiAMiJKU.s, Law, ORDNANCii Slhvey, and Vetekinauy, uicet
wlien refjuired.

Examinations for the Society's Diploma and Certificates in Agriculture
5\nd Cerlilicate.H in Fore.slrv are hel I annnallv in tlie end of March or
b«'ginning of April.

Exziminations for tho Society's Bursaries ire held annually in October.

(8)

COMMITTEES FOR 1884.

1. ARGYLL NAVAL FUND.

Admiral Maitland Dougall of Scotscraig, R.lSr., Tayport, Oonveiicr^
Lord Elphinstone, Carberry Tower, Musselburgh.
Admiral Sir William Edmoxstone of Duntreath, Bart.
Hew Crichton, S.S.C., 13 Nelson Street, Edinburgh.

2. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston, Convener.

Sir Alexander M. Mackenzie of Del vine, Bart., Dunkeld.

Professor Douglas Maclagan, 28 Heriot Row, Edinburgh.

Professor Wilson, Universily, Edinburgh.

P. B. SwiNTON, Holyn Bank, Gifford.

John Munro, Fairnington, Roxburgh.

Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains, Haddington.

Charles Smith, Whittinghame, Prestonkirk.

John Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton, St Boswells.

George R. Glendinning, He tton Mains, Ratho.

Alex. R. Melvin, Bonningtcn, Wilkieston.

David Ainslie of Costerton, Blackshiels.

Lieut. -Col. Hare of Calder Hall, Philpston House, Winchburgh.

Hugh Lindsay, Meadowflatt, Thankerton.

Dr Andrew P. Aitken, 8 Clyde Street, Edinburgh, Chemist.

3. COTTAGES AND GARDENS.

Lieut. -Col. Hare of Calder Hall, Convener.

John Ord Mackenzie of Dolphinton.

Archibald Campbell Swinton of Kimmerghame, Duns.

C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar.

4. DISTRICT SHOWS.

Archibald Campbell Swinton of Kimmerghame, Convener.

F. E. Villiers, Closeburn Hall, Thornhill, Vice- Convener.

Sir James R. Gibson-Maitland of Barnton, Bart., Craigend, Stirling.

Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart., Currie.

Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton.

Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains, Haddington.

James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar.

Thomas Elliot, Blackhaugb, Galashiels.

Lieut. -Col. Hare of Calder Hall, Philpston House, Winchburgh.

Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton.

J. T. S. Paterson, Plean Farm, Bannockburn.

James M 'Queen of Crofts, Dalbeattie.

Robert Paterson of Birthwood, Biggar.

5. FINANCE.

Anthony Murray of Dollerie, Convener.
William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B., Treasurer.
Sir G. Graham Montgomery of Stanhope, Bart.
Hew Crichton, S.S.C, 13 Nelson Street, Edinburgh.
Thomas A. Hog of Newliston, Kirkliston,
James Auldjo Jamieson, W.S., Edinburgh.
Patrick Blair, W.S., York Place.
John Turnbull Smith, C.A., 29 St Andrew Square.

COMMITTEES FOR 1884.

6. GENERAL SHOWS.

Colonel GiLLON of Wallhouse, Bathgate, Convener.

Lord Arthur Cecil, Orchard Mains, Innerleithen.

Sir Michael K. Shaw Stewart of Greenock and Blackhall, Bart.

Sir Alexander Kixloch of Gilraerton, Bart., Drem.

Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie of Delvine. Bart., Dunkeld.

Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart.

Thomas Mylne, ZSTiddrie Mains, Liberton.

Alexander Young, Keir Mains, Dunblane.

William Ford, Fentonbarns, Drem.

Andrew Mitchell, Alloa.

Alexander Forbks Irvhne of Drum,

Walter Scott, Glendronach, Huntly.

Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald Manse, Dumfries.

James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar.

Gideon Pott of Dod, Knowesouth, Jedburgh

C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

James Cunningham, Tarbreoch, Dalbeattie.

Andrew Allan, Munnoch, Dairy, Ayrshire.

Fred. E. Villiers, Closeburn Hall, thornhill.

A. H. Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie, Glen Stuart, Annan.

Lawrence Drew, Merryton, Hamilton.

James M 'Queen of Crofts, Dalbeattie.

Robert P ater^^on of Birthwood, Biggar.

Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains, Haddington.

Thomas Elliot, Blackhaugh, Galashiels.

Jonathan Middleton, CJay of Allan, Fearn.

J. M. Martin of Auchendennan, Blooinhill, Cardross.

7. HALL AND CHAMBERS.

John Ord Mackenzie of Dolphinton, Convener.
Sir James Gardiner Baird of Saughton Hall, Bart.
Anthony SIurray of Dollerie, 141 George Street, Edinburgh.
David Stevenson, C.E., 84 George Street, Edinburgh.
William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.

8. HIGHLAND INDUSTRIES AND FISHERIES.

Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart., Convener.

Sir James Ramsay Gibson-Maitland of Barn ton, Bart.

Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie of Gairloch, Bart.

Lieut. -General Burroughs of Kousay, C. B., Orkney.

Alexander Forbes Irvine of Drum.

Profp.ssor Wilson, University, Edinl)urgli.

Archii'.ai.T) Young, 22 Royal Circus, Edinburgh.

Alexander Henderson of Sti^nster.

William Anderson Smith, Ledaig, Argyllsliirc.

9. LAW.

Thomas Gkaham Mtmihay, W.S., 11 Kandolpli Crescent, Convener.

John <)i;d .Mackenzie ot Dolpliinton, W.S., Edinburgh.

William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.

Anthony Mi'kray of Dollerie, W.S., Edinburgh.

Hew Ckk'Hton, S.S.C, 13 Nelson Street, Edinburgh.

Ja.me.s Atmuo Jamieson, W.S., Edinl)uri4h.

Patrick Blair, W.S., York Place.

10. MACHINERY.

Thoma.s .Mylnp:, Niddrie Main.s, Convener.

Lord Authuk Cecil, Orcliard Main.s, Innerleithen.

10 COMMITTEES FOR 1884.

Sir James R. Gibson-Maitland of Barnton, Bart.

David Stevenson, C.E., 84 George Street, Edinburgh.

Professor Wilson, University, Edinburgh.

John Munro, Fairnington, Roxburgh.

P. B. Swinton, Hol3^n Bank, Gifford.

C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

John Kemp, Stirling.

James A. R. Main, Clydesdale Iron Works, Possil Park, Glasgow.

John Marshall, Maybole.

John Young, jun., Ayr.

A. H. Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie, Glen Stuart, Annan.

T. M, Kicoll, Littleton, Kirriemuir.

Alexander Dudgeon, Easter Dalmeny, Queensferry.

James Shaw, Skaithmuir, Coldstream.

J. T. S. Paterson, Plean Farm, Bannockburn.

NivEN Mathews, Whitehills, Sorbie.

James T. S. Elliot, yr. of Wolfelee, Hawick.

James D. Park, Greenside Lane, Edinburgh, Practical Engineer.

IL ORDNANCE SURVEY.

Robert Dundas of Arniston, Covrener.
C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.
William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.

12. PUBLICATIONS AND PREMIUMS FOR REPORTS

Alexander Forbes Irvine of Drum, Convener.

Sir Alex. Muir Mackenzie of Delvine, Bart., Dunkeld.

Sir James R. Gibson-Maitland of Barnton, Bart.

William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.

Professor Wilson, University, Edinburgh.

Robert Scot Skirving, 29 Drummond Place, Edinburgh.

P. B. Swinton, Holyn Bank, Gifford.

Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton.

David Stevenson, C.E., 84 George Street, Edinburgh.

Dr Cleghorn of Stravithie, St Andrews.

C. J. Mackenzie of Portmore, Eddleston.

Rev. John Gillespie, Mouswald Manse, Dumfries.

William Macdonald, Editor, North British Agriculturist, Edinburgh.

F. E. ViLLiERS, Closeburn Hall, Thornhill.

John Scott Dudgeon, Longnewton, St Boswells.

James T. S. Elliot, yr. of Wolfelee, Hawick.

13. VETERINARY DEPARTMENT

James Hope, East Barns, Dunbar, Convener.
Lord Arthur Cecil, Orchard Mains, Innerleithen.
Sir James H. Gibsun-Craig of Riccarton, Bart.
Sir Alexander Kinloch of Gilmerton, Bart., Drem.
Colonel Gili.on of Wallhouse, Bathgate.
William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.
Thomas Mylne, Kiddrie Mains, Liberton.
Adam Smith, Stevenson Mains, Haddington.
Colonel Williamson of Lawers, Crieff.
Lieut. -Colonel Hare of Calder Hall.

The President, Vice-Presidents, and Honorary Secretary are members ex officio
of all Committees.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

11

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMA IX AGRICULTURE.

Council on Education.

By a Supplementary Charter under the Great Seal, granted in 1856, the
Society is empowered to grant Diplomas.

Members of Council named by Charter.

The President of the Highland and Agricultural Society-
The Lord Justice-General — Vice-President.

-President.

The Lord Advocate.

The Dean of Faculty.

The Professor of Agriculture.

The Professor of Anatomy.

The Professor of Botany.
The Professor of Chemistry.
The Professor of Natural
History.

Members of Council nominated by Society.

The Duke of Buccleuch, K.G.
William S. Walker of Bowland, C.B.
John Wilson, Wellnage.

Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains.
Robert Dundas of Arniston.
John Munro, Fairnington.

A. Campbell Swinton of Kimmerghame.

Board of Exarainers.

1. Science and Practice of Agriculture. — Professor Wilson; John Wilson,

Wellnage, Duns ; Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton ; and
John Munro, Fairnington, Roxburgh.

2. Botany. — Dr Cleghorn.

3. Chemistry. — Dr A. P. Aitken.

4. Natural History. — Dr Ramsay H. Traquair.

5. Veterinary Science. — Professor Williams.

6. Field Engineering. — David Stevenson, M. Inst. C.E.

7. Boohkeejjing. — John Turnbull SiiiTH, C.A.

Standing Acting Committee.
The Lord Justice-General — Ccnvencr.

The Professor of Agriculture.
The Professor of Botany.
The Professor of Chemistry.

Thomas Mylne, Niddrie Mains.

John Munro, Fairnington.

A. Campbell Swinton of Kim-

merghame.

Bye- Laws.

I. That, in terms of the Charter, tlie Society shall nominate seven members
to act on the Council on Education.

II. That tlie Council shall aj)point a Board of Examiners on tlie following
subjects : — Science and Practice of Agriculture ; Botany ; Chemistry ; Natu-
ral History ; Veterinary Science ; FicKl Engineering ; and Book-keeping.

III. That tlie examinations shall be both written ami oral, that the value
of the answers sh;ill be deterniiued by nuuibers, and that the oral examina-
tions shall be public.

12 AGEICULTURAL EUL' CATION.

IV. That there shall be three examinations,* to be styled respectively
the "Second Class Certificate Examination," the "First Class Certificate
Examination," and the " Diploma Examination."

V. That to pass the " Second Class Certificate Examination," a candidate
must be acquainted with the science and practice of agriculture, elemen-
tary chemistry, field engineering, and book-keeping ; and that a certificate in
the following terms, bearing the corporate seal and arms of the Society,
signed by the President or Vice-President of the Council on Education, the
Examiners, and by the Secretary, shall be granted to a candidate passing this
examination : —

" These are to certif}' that on the A. B. was examined, and

has been found to possess a knowledge of the science and practice of agricul-
ture, elementary chemistry, field engineering, and book-keeping."

VI. That to pass the " First Class Certificate Examination " a candidate
must be acquainted with the science and practice of agriculture, l)Otany,
chemistry, natural history, veterinary science, field engineering, and book-
keeping ; and that a certificate in the following terms, bearing the corporate
seal and arms of the Society, signed by the President or Vice-President of
the Council on Education, the Examiners, and by the Secretary, shall be
granted to candidates passing this examination : —

" These are to certify that on the A. B. was examined, and

has been found to possess a knowledge of the science and practice of agricul-
ture, botany, chemistry, natural history, veterinary science, field engineer-
ing, and book-keeping."

VII. That to pass the "Diploma Examination" a candidate must possess
a thorough knowledge of the science and practice of agriculture, botany, chemis-
try, natural history, veterinary science, field engineering, and book-keeping ;
and that a diploma in the following terms, bearing the corporate seal and
arms of the Society, and signed Ijy the President and Vice-President of the
Council on Education, the Examiners, and by the Secretary, shall be granted
to candidates passing this examination : —

" These are to certify that, on the A. B. was examined,

and has been found to be proficient in the science and practice of agriculture,
botany, chemistry, natural history, veterinary science, field engineering, antl
book-keeping."

VIII. That each successful candidate for the Society's Agricultural
Diploma shall thereby become eligible to be elected a free life member of
the Society.

IX. That the Society shall grant annually ten bursaries of £20 each ; and
five of £10 each, to be competed for by pupils of schools to be apj^roved of
by the Directors, which include or are willing to introduce the teaching of
chemistry, and the following branches of natural science — physical geo-
graphy, botany, and geology, into their curriculum.

X. That the £20 bursariest shall be tenable for one year at the University
of Edinburgh, for the purpose of enabling the holders to take the classes
necessary to qualify for the Society's certificate or diploma ; and the £10
bursaries to be tenable for the same period, to enable the holders to receive
another year's preparation at the schools.

XL That the bursaries shall be determined by examination held in Edin-
burgh by the Society's Examiners.

XII. That a Standing Acting Committee of the Council on Agricultural
Education shall be appointed by the Directors.

Note. — The list of Diploma Free Life Members was published in vol. xv.

* It has been resolved that, under ordinary circumstances, the examinations shall
be held annually in the end of March or beginning of April, candidates being required
to lodge intimation before the 10th of ]\Iarch.

"t The £20 bursaries are not due till the holder presents himself for examination for
the certificate or diploma.

AGUICULTUKxVL EDUCATION.

13

Tl

1867.

1868.

1873.

1875.

1875.

1875.
1876.

1876.

1876.
1876.
1878.

1879.

1880.

1880.

1876.

1876.
1877.
1877.

1878.

1878.
1879.

1880.

1880.

e fallowing have passed —

For First Class Certificate.

J. C. BowsTEAD, M.R.A.C., Halk-

thorpe Hall, Penrith.
James Taylor, Clashfarquhar,

R. C. B. Willis, M.R.A.C, Chel-
tenham.

George H. Catt, 44 Middle Street,
Brighton.

1880. James M'Laggan, Cobbleheugh,
Dinnet, Aberdeenshire.

1880. R. A. xMalloch, Balhaldie, Braco,
Perthshire.

1881. Daniel Baix, Wick.

1881. Alfred Hardle, Oxford House,
Stockport.

1882. Daniel Finlayson, Wick.
Robert Ewing, Reporter, late Edin- 1882. Benjamin Hepburn, Preston jMains,

burgh. I Prestonkirk.

John Scott, Howford, Selkirk. ! 1882. James Rodger, Inchock, Arbroath.
Cecil C. Baker, 2 Blooiusbury ; 1883. Walter de Houghton Birch, The

Place, London. Warren, Wootteu-under-Edge.

Percy H. Cathcart, 16 Oakley i 1883. Alex. H. Gibson, Kirkcaldy.

Square, London. i 1883. Arthur Herbert Kerr, Crook-

JoHN M'Caig, Kilhilt, Stranraer. ; ham, Farnham.

1883. Patrick L. Maitland, Perrymead
House, Bath.

1883. John Malcolm, 60 Bath Row, Bir-
mingham.

1883. Henry B. Mayne, Brantridge,
Balcomb, Sus'je.x.

1883. Robert Rouse Peter, 5 Ravelston
Place, Edinburgh.

C. E. M. Russell, Ballielisk, Dollar.
W. M. Anderson, Pirntaton,

Stow.
Michael Falcon, Staiuburn,Work-

ington.
William Brown, Watten Mains,

Caithness.
Alex. Inglis, Kenmore, Aberfeldy.

For Second Class Certificate.

Andrew Catton, Couston, Aber-

dour, Fife.
John Fleming, Coates, Penicuik.
John T. T. Scoular, Edinburgh.
Robert H. Wallace, Newton Hall,

Windygates.
James Gillespie, Halfmark, Cor-

sock, Dalbeattie.
James S. Tnnes, Edinburgh.
Robert M. Traill, Hobbister,

Orkney.
Andrew Chapman, Breckonhill,

Lockerbie.
James Sutherland, Wick.

1880. William R. T.ut, Wick.

1880. Francis Underwood, Sywell Hall,

Northampton.

1881. John M. Little, jun., Bonnington

House, Blackheuth, London.
1881. Samuel Nais>uth, Edinburgh.
1881. John S. Peter, 5 Ravelston Place,

Edinburgh.
1883. Herbert G. Aylen, Hazeldeau

Farm, St Albans.
1883. R. J. Campbell, Slagnaw, Castle

Douglas.
1883. John K. Ledingham, Slap, Turrili'.

SYLLABUS OF EXAMINATION

FOR CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMA.

L— SCIE^X'E AND PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE.

1. Geological strata — surface {jeology — fornuition of soils — their classi-
ficati(jn — chemical and physical ciiaracters and composition — suitability for
cultivation. 2. The principle of rotations — rotations suitable for ditferent
soils — .systems of farming. 3. The composition of {a) manures — farm-yard
and artificial — period and mode of application. The composition of (6)
feeding substances — their .suitability for ditferent classes oi farm stock —
con.sidi;rations atfecting tlieir u.se. 4. "How crops grow" — our farm crops
— their cultivation — diseases — insect injuries and remedies — their chemical
composition. The f(jrnuition and nuinagenicnt of plantations. 5. The
principles on which drainage, irrigation, and warping oi)erations shoidd be
biwed and carried out. The application of lime — marl — clay, &c. 6.
Meteorology, ot the laws of climate as all'ecting plant life — the intluence of
light and heat on cultivation — of absorption and retention of heat and

o>

li AGRICULTUKAL EDUCATION.

moisture — of porosity and capillarity in soils. 8. The breeding, rearing,
feeding, and general treatment of farm stock — the different breeds of cattle
and sheep — their characteristics — the districts where they are generally met
with. 9. The machines and implements used in farming — their uses — and
the principal points to be attended to in their construction. The " prime
movers," or sources of power used in agriculture — man — horse — wind —
water — steam — their relative values and advantages. Text-hooks — Morton's
"Cyclopedia of Agriculture," Blackie & Son ; "Our Farm Crops," Blackie
and Son ; " How Crops Grow," Macmillan and Co. ; Roscoe's " Elementary
Chemistry," Macmillan & Co.; Lindley's, Henfrey's, or Balfour's "Botany ;"
Page's " Geological Text-Book," Blackwood & Sons.

II.— BOTANY.

1. Nutritive Organs of Plants — root, stem, leaves. Functions of roots.
Various kind of stem, with examples. Use of the stem. Structure of
leaves. Different kinds of leaves. Arrangement and functions of leaves.
2. Reproductive Organs — Flower and its parts. Arrangements of the whorls
of the flower — calyx, corola, stamens, pistil. Ovule. Mature pistil or fruit.
Pruning and grafting. Seed. Young plant or embryo. Sprouting of the
seed, or germination. 3. General Principles of Classification — meaning of
the terms Class, Order, Genus, Species. Illustrations of natural orders taken
from plants used in agricultural, such as grain-crops, grasses, clovers, vetches,
turnips, mangold-wurzel, peas, beans, &c. Practical examination in fresh
specimens atid models ; some of the latter may be seen in the Museum, at
the Royal Botanic Garden, which is open daily to the public, free. Text-
hooTc — Balfour's " Elements of Botany," A. & C. Black, 1876, price 3s. 6d.

III.— CHEMISTRY.

The general principles of chemical combination. The chemistry of the
more commonly occurring elements, and their more important compounds.
The chemical processes concerned in agriculture generally. The changes
which take place in the germination, growth, and maturation of plants, in
the weathering and manuring of soils, &c. The composition and chemical
character of the common mineral manures. Text-books — Roscoe's " Lessons
in Elementary Chemistry," Macmillan & Co., London, price 4s. 6d. John-
ston and Cameron's "Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology."
Johnson's "How Crop Grows," Macmillan & Co., London.

IV.— NATURAL HISTORY.

1. Zoology.

1. The Primary Divisions of the Animal Kingdom, with examples of each.
2. The Vertebrate Kingdom. The peculiarities and functions of the alimen-
tary canal, distinguishing the Ruminants. 3. The orders — Hymenoptera,
Diptera, and Coleoptera — with examples of insects injurious to farm crops
belonging to each of the Orders — the preservation of birds which prey upon
these insects, drawing a distinction between those which are beneficial and
those which are destructive to crops. Text-hook — Nicholson's " Introductory
Text-Book of Zoology," William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London.

2. Geology.

4. The various strata forming the earth's crust in their order of deposi-
tion. 5. Their influence on the surface soils of the country. 6. The mean-
ing and application of Disintegration, Drift, Alluvium, Dip, Strike, Fault.
Page's " Introductory Text-Book of Geology," and Lyell's " Students' Ele-
ments of Geology."

AGRICULTUKAL EDUCATIOX. 15

v.— VETERIXAEY SCIENCE.

1. Anatomy of the Digestive organs of horse and ox, describing their
structural differences. 2. The process of digestion in the above animals,
and food most proper for each in quantity and quality. 3. The manage-
ment of stock before, at, and after parturition. The time of utero-gestation
in the domesticated animals. 4. The general principles to be followed in
the treatment of very acute disease, before assistance of the veterinary
surgeon can be procured.

YL— FIELD ENGINEERING.

1. Land-Surveying with the Chain. 2. Mensuration of Areas of Land,
in Imperial and Scotch acres, from a Chain Survey or from a Plan. 3.
Levelling with the ordinarv levelling instrument and staff, and calculatin''
levels and gradients. Text-hoohs — " Rudimentary Treatise on Land and
Engineering Surveying," by T. Baker, C.E. ; " Weales Series," price 2s.,
part I., chaps. 1, 2, 3, and 6, and part II. chap. 1, to be read.

YIL— BOOK-KEEPING.

1. Questions in Practice and Proportion. 2. Book-keeping — Describe
books to be kept ; give examples — taking of stock. Text-hook — Stephen's
" Practical System of Farm Book-keeping," \Vm. Blackwood & Sons, Edin-
burgh, price 2s. 6d.

EXAMINATION FOR BURSARIES.

Candidates are examined in the Elements of Botanv, Chemistry, Phvsical
Geography, and Geology. Text-hooks — Balfour's " Elements of Botany ; "
Roscoe's " Lessons in Elementary Chemistry ; " Page's " Introductory Text-
Book of Geology ; " Geikie's " Primer of Physical Geography ; " and Lyell's
" Students' Elements of Geology."

It has been resolved that, under ordinary circumstances, the examina-
tions shall be held annually in the end of October, and candidates must
enter their names with the Secretary before the loth of that month, and
produce the necessary certificates from the teachers of the schools they have
attended.

The bursaries are open to candidates not less than fourteen years of age.

VETERINARY DEPARTMENT.

The Society established a Yeterinary Department in 1823, but by an
arrangement made with the Royal Colk-ge of Yeterinary Surgeons, the
Society's examinations ceased in 1881. Holders of the Society's "S'eterinary
Certiticate are entitled to become Members of the Royal College of Yeteri-
nary Surgeons on payment of certain fees, without being required to umlergo
any further examination. The number of students who have passed for the
Society's Certiticate is 1183.

In 1874 the Society resolved to vote annually eight silver medals for
Class Comjietition to each of the two Yeterinary Colleges in Edinburgh, and
to the one in Glasgow.

16 CEKTIFICATES IN FORESTRY.

FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.

The Society grants First and Second Class Certificates in Forestry.

Board of ExAiiiNERS.

1. Science of Forestry and Practical Management of Woods. — Dr Cleg-

horn of Stravitliie, St Andrews ; John Macgregor, Ladywell, Dun-
keld ; William M'Corquodale, Scone Palace, Perth ; J. Grant
Thomson, Grantown, Strathspey.

2. Elenunts of Botany. — Dr Cleghorn.

3. Nature and Properties of Soils, Drainage, and Effects of Climate. —

Professor Wilson.

4. Land and Timber Measuring and Surveying ; Mechanics and Construc-

tion, as applied to Fencing, Drainage, Bridging, and Eoad-AIaking ;
Pmplements of Forestry. — A. W. Belfrage, C.E.

5. Book-keeping and Accounts. — John Turnbull Smith, C.A.

? Candidates must possess — 1st, A thorough acquaintance with the details of
practical forestry. 2d, a general knowledge of the following branches of
study, so far as these apply to forestry :— The Outlines of Botany ; the
Nature and Properties of Soils, Drainage and Effects of Climate ; Land and
Timber Measuring and Surveying ; Mechanics and Construction, as applied
to fencing, draining, bridging, and road-making ; Implements of Forestry ;
Book-keeping and Accounts. The examinations are open to candidates of
any age.

The following have passed for First-Class Certificate : —

George Young Wall, M.E.A.C, Durham, . . 1870

William Baillie, Forester, Whitinghame, East Lothian, 1871

William Robertson, Forester's House, Lauder, . 1871

Peter Loney, Marchmont, Duns, . . . 1873

John M. Aitken, Ravenshill, Lockerbie, . . 1880

EiCHARD Henderson, The Grange, Kirkcudbright, . 1880

A. H. Gibson, Kirkcaldy, . . . .1882

Alex. Inglis Kenmore^ Aberfeldy, . . 1882

For Second Class Certificate : —

John M'Ewen, Yellow Cottage, Killin, . . , . 1880

Peter Reid, Waulkmilton, Linlithgow, . . 1883

SYLLABUS OF EXAMINATION.

1.— SCIENCE OF FORESTRY AND PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT

OF WOODS.'

1. Formation and ripening of Wood. Predisposing causes of decay. 2. Re-
storation of Wood-lands : — (1) Natural reproduction ; (2) Artificial planting,
3. General management of plantations. Cropping by rotation. Trees recom-
mended for different situations. 4, Season and methods of pruning, thinning,
and felling. 5. Circumstances unfavourable to the growth of trees. 6. Me-
chanical appliances for conveying and converting timber. Construction of
saw-mills. 7. Qualities and uses of chief indigenous timbers. Processes of

CERTIFICATES IN FORESTRY. 17

preserving timber. 8. Management of nurseries. Seed-sowing. 9. Collec-
tion of forest produce. 10. Manufacture of tar and charcoal. 11. Insects
injurious to trees — preservation of birds which prey upon them, drawing a
distinction between birds which are beneficial and those which are destructive
to trees.

II.— ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

1. Nutritive Organs of Plants. — Eoot, stem, leaves. Functions of roots.
Various kinds of stems, with examples. Use of the stem. Structure of
leaves. Diti'erent kinds of leaves. Arrangement and functions of leaves.

2. Reproductive Organs. — Flower and its parts. Arrangement of the whorls
of the flower — calyx, corolla, stamens, pistil. Ovule. Mature pistil or fruit.
Pruning and grafting. Seed. Young plant or embryo. Sprouting of the
seed or germination. 3. General Principles of Classification — Meaning of the
terms Class, Order, Genus, Species. Illustrations taken from common forest
trees and shrubs. Practical examination on fresh specimens and models,
some of the latter may be seen in the Museum at the Royal Botanic Garden,
which is open daily to the public free. Candidates may consult Professor
Balfour's " Elements of Botany," published by A. & C. Black, Edinburgh,
1860, price 3s. Cd.

III.— NATURE AND PROPERTIES OF SOILS, DRAINAGE, AND

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE.

1. The different descriptions of soils, their classification and suitability
to growth of different descriptions of timber trees. 2. The composition and
constituents of soils. The relations between the soil and trees growing on it.

3. The effects of drainage on soils and on climate. 4. The mode of drainage
for plantations. 5. The influence of temperature, rainfall, aspect, shelter,
and prevailing winds on tree life. 6. The methods of registering and record-
ing observations, and the instruments used.

IV. — LAND AND TIMBER MEASURING AND SURVEYING;
MECHANICS AND CONSTRUCTION as applied to Fencing,
Bridging, and Road-Making : IMPLEMENTS OF FORESTRY.

1. Thti Use of the Level and Measuring Chain. Measuring and mappings'
surface areas. 2. The measurement of solid bodies — as timber, stacked bark,
faggots, &c., earthwork. 3. The <lilferent moiles of fencing and enclosing
jjlantations ; their relative advantages, durability, cost of construction, ana
ivpairs. 4. The setting out and formation of roads for temporary or perma-
jient use. 5. The construction of briilges over streams and gullies; of gates
or other enlrunces. G. The dilferent implements and tools used in planting,
l)runing, felling, barking, and working uj) timber trees, or preparing them
for aile. Ewart's " Agricultural Assistant," Blackie & Son, Glasgow and
Edinburgh, Price 3s. (Jd. Stiachan's " Agricultural Tables," Oliver (jc Boyd,
E<linburgli, price 2.s. Gd.

v.— BOOK-KEEPING AND ACCOUNTS.

L Ouf^stions in Practice and Proi-oriion. 2. Book-keej)ing — descrilw
Looka to be kept ; give exauil'les. Talcing of stock.

o

(18)

CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

Chemist to the Society — Dr A. P. AITKEN, Chemical Laboratory,

8 Clyde Street, Edinburgh.

The object of the Chemical Department is to carry on the Experiments
at the Society's Agricultural Stations, and to consider all matters coming
before the Society's notice in connection with the chemistry of agriculture.

The practical chemical work of the Society is under the charge of its
Chemist, whose duties are —

1. To superintend the experiments being carried on at the experimental

stations of the Society, to make all necessary analyses and investi-
gations in connection therewith, and to prepare an annual report
of these for publication in the Transactions.

2. To jDerform the requisite analyses in connection with such other ex-

periments as are conducted under the sanction and direction of the
Chemical Committee, and report on the same if desired.

3. To prepare a summary of all analyses for which the Society has contri-

liuted payment, and full details of such as appear to the Chemical
Committee worthy of notice for publication in the Transactions.

4. To attend all meetings of the Chemical Committee of the Society.

5. To have a laboratory in Edinburgh, where he may be consulted by

members of the Society.

6. To maintain a sufiicient staff of assistants, one of whom at least is

specially engaged in, and acquainted with, both the chemical and
experimental work of the Society.

7. To prepare for publication in the Society's Transactions reports on

the more important investigations and experiments being conducted
in this country and elsewhere on the application of chemistry to
agriculture.

8. To deliver lectures at such places and on such subjects connected with

the chemistry of agriculture as are approved of by the Chemical
Committee, and for which the chemist is permitted to receive re-
muneration from those apj)lying for his services.
In Older to encourage members, being practical farmers, to make experi-
ments with different manures in the field, the Society undertake to defray
the cost of making necessary analyses of soils, manures, and products for
such experimentalists, provided they conduct their experiments under the
direction or with the sanction of the Chemical Committee of the Society.

The chemist and his assistants are paid their travelling expenses when on
the Society's work.

He receives a fee of £1, Is. for each analysis made by him when employed
as referee in connectio]i with Local Associations.

He is entitled to charge for analyses made for members of the Society
according to the following scale of fees : —

Manures, ......

Feeding Stuffs, . . . . •

Water, Sanitarv Analvsis, ....
„ . Full Analysis, ....

Soil, Analytical Examination and Eecommendation
of Manures, .....
,, Full Analysis, .....
Vegetal)! e Products, such as Hay, Turnips, Grain, &c..
Partial Analysis, viz., one constituent.
Estimation of Nitrates or Potash in a manure,
Testing for Gross Adulteration,

^1

0

0

1

C)

0

1

0-

0

5

0

0

1

10

0

5

0

0

1

10

0

0

10

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

CHEMICAL DEPAKTMENT. 19

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING SAMPLES EOR ANALYSIS.

MANURES.

Four or more bags are to he selected for sampling. Each hag is to he
emptied out separately on a clean floor, worked through with the spade,
and one spadeful taken out and set aside. The four or more spadefuls
thus set aside are to he mixed together until a uniform mixture is obtained.
Of this mixture one spadeful is to be taken, spread on paper, and still more
thoroughly mixed, any lumps which it may contain being broken down with
the hand. Of this mixture two samples of about a pound each shall be
taken by the purchaser or his agent, in the presence of the seller or his
agent or two witnesses, and these samples shall be taken as quickly as
possible and put into bottles or tin cases to prevent loss of moisture, and
having been labelled, shall be sealed by the samplers — one sample to be re-
tained by the association, and the other to be sent to the chemist for analysis.

FEEDING STUFFS.

Samples of feeding compounds are to be taken in a similar manner.

Samples of cake are to be taken by selecting three cakes, breaking each
across the middle, and from the broken part breaking off a small piece.
The three pieces thus obtained shall be wrapped up and sealed by the
samplers, and sent for analysis as in the case of manures, and three dupli-
cate pieces similarly sealed shall be retained by the association.

SOILS.

Dig a little trench about two feet deep, exposing the soil and sub-
soil. Cut from the side of this trench a perpendicular section of the soil
down to the top of the subsoil, and about four inches wide. Extract it
carefully, and do not allow the subsoil to mix with it. A similar section of
subsoil immediately below this sample should be taken and preserved
separately. Five or six similarly drawn samples should be taken from
different parts of the field, and kept separate wliile being sent to the chemist,
that he may examine them individually before mixing in the laboratory.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.

Turnips, d:c., 20 to 30 carefully selected as fair average bulbs.

Hay and straw must be sampled from a thin section cut across the whole
stack, and carefully mixed about ; about 20 lbs. weight is required for
analysis.

Grain should be sampled like manures.

WATERS.

Samples of water for analysis should not be put into ordinary wine
bottles or stoneware jars stopi)ed with corks, as these usually vitiate the
samples. Clear glass Winchester (piarts with gla.ss stoj)pers should be used.

Ca.ses containing these, chemically cleaned, are forwarded from the
laboratory on ajjplication.

Well water should be allowed to run for some time before the sani])le it*
drawn.

Standing water from cisterns, tanks, ponds, &.c., should be samj»led bv
immersing the bottle entirely under the water, and holding it, neck upwards,
at least four inches below the surlace.

Spring or stream water should lie .sampled in dry weather, by immersion,
if possihU*, but if not deep enough for tliat purpose, a j)erfectly clean cup
or gla.>s should be u.sed for transferring the water to the l)oltle.

While the bottle la being filled the sto]tj)er shouUl either be lield in the
hand by the toj) or laid on a clean piece ol" paper.

Saujples should be desj)atched to the laboratory immaiuitdy alter being
taken.

20 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

LOCAL ANALYTICAL ASSOCIATIONS.

I. "With the view of encouraging, as well as regulating the conduct of,
Local Analytical Associations, the Society contributes from its funds
towards their expenses a sum not exceeding £250 annually.

II. The amount of such contribution is to each association at the rate of
10s. for each full analysis, and 5s. for each partial analysis of manure or
feeding stuff effected, or such proportion thereof as the above annual con-
tribution may jjermit of. The pecuniary assistance thus offered is subject
to the following conditions being complied with to the satisfaction of the
Chemical Committee : —

1. That the rules of the association are submitted to and approved of by
the Chemical Committee.

2. That it is a condition of participating in the grant that the association
make analyses for members of the Highland and Agricultural Society, being
farmers and not members of the local association, charging them the cost
price to the association, less the amount recovered from the Society.

3. That the association is managed by a committee of practical farmers
owning or occupying land in the district.

4. That the analyst employed is of acknowledged standing.

5. That the benefits of the grant apply only to analyses made for farmers,
and that these subscribe towards the expenses of the association, subject to
the exception in No. 2.

6. That each analysis represents at least one ton of bulk actually pur-
chased and delivered to one or more members under guarantee, or at a
specified price per unit of valuable ingredients.

7. That the analysis has been made from a sample dra^\^l after delivery,
in accordance with the published instructions of the Society, and that a
sealed duplicate sample has been retained.

8. That all analyses are reported according to forms furnished by the
Highland and Agricultural Society, and that valuations of manures, if any
are made, are calculated on a uniform standard to be issued periodically by
the Society, and at least once a year.

III. (a) A general report regarding the analyses for which the Society
has contributed payment is submitted to the general meeting in January,
and full details concerning all manures and feeding stuffs whose analyses
show any of the valuable constituents to be deficient to the extent of one-
tenth of the amount guaranteed, or whose total deficiencies represent as
much as one-tenth of the value of the manure or feeding stuff, are published
annually in the Transactions.

(b) Before such publication is made, the seller must be communicated
with, so that any explanation he has to offer may be obtained.

(c) In the case of every analysis showing the deficiency above described, the
secretary of the association must lose no time in communicating with the
seller, in order that no deterioration may take place in the duplicate sample,
which must, as soon as possible, be forwarded to the Secretary of the High-
land and Agricultural Society, along with any explanation received from the
seller.

(d) Should the seller be dissatisfied with the results obtained by the
analyst of the association, a further analysis may, at his option, be made
from the duplicate sample by another analyst to be chosen by the Society,
and at its cost, if the further analysis exonerates the seller, if otherwise, at
the seller's cost.

IV. The report of each analysis for which a grant is claimed must be
sent to the Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society on or before

CHEMICAL DEPAKTMENT. 21

the 1st November of each year, written on a schedule, containing the
following particulars : —

Kind of manure or feeding stuff, and quantity purchased.

Names and addresses of seller and of huyer, and names of witnesses

present at sampling.
Cash price per ton, or per unit, and value (if made) according to

the Society's units of valuation.
Time and place of sampling.
Analysis guaranteed, and analysis found.

These schedules are supplied by the Secretary of the Society on appli-
cation, and no grant is given for any analysis whose schedule is not
accurately filled up.

The actual analvtical reports of the association's analvst need not accom-
pany the schedules, but must be forwarded if desired.

MANURES— THEIR COMPOSITION AND CHARACTERISTICS.

Nitrate of Soda. — A most valuable nitrogenous manure. Perfectly
soluble, and immediately available for the nourishment of the plant.
Feebly retained by the soil. Rapidly goes down to the subsoil, and im-
proves its texture. Benefits deeply-rooting plants.

Good samples contain 95 per cent, or upwards of pure nitrate of soda,
equivalent to about 19 per cent, of ammonia.

Five parts of nitrate of soda equal 1 of ammonia.

Sulphate of Ammonia. — A more concentrated nitrogenous manure than
the preceding. Perfectly soluble, but not so rapid in its action as nitrate
of soda. It is somewhat lirmlv retained bv the soil, and not so liable as
nitrate of soda to be washed out by heavy rains. It is therefore more
suitable than nitrate for wet districts.

Good samples contain 93 per cent, or more of pure sulphate of ammonia,
equivalent to from 24 to 25 per cent, of ammonia.

About four parts of sulphate of ammonia equal 1 of ammonia.

N.B. — Both nitrate of soda and sul])hate of ammonia increase leaf
and stem more than grain, and when applied to grass they
check the growth of clover.

Dried Blood. — A nitrogenous manure, which differs from the above in
being insoluble. It must be decomposed in the soil before it yields up its
nitrogen to the plant, and this it does only slowly. The nitrogen is in
the form of albumen, and is capable of yielding from 12 to IG per cent, of
ammonia.

Horn Dust. — An insoluble nitrogenous manure, capable of yielding 16 to
18 per cent, of ammonia. When in the form of fine sawdust, it decomposes
easily, and is a good nitrogenous manure even for cereals.

Horn, when in the form of chips or coarse shavings, decomposes extremely
slowly, and is not suitable for manure.

Shoddy or Wool Waste. — An insoluble nitrogenous material used by
manure manufacturers as a source of ammonia in dissolved manures. It is
capable of yielding from 5 to 10 per cent, of ammonia, but is unsuitiible for
direct application as a manure.

Leather. — A very insoluble nitrogenous material, yielding about 9 per
cent, of ammonia, used by manure manufacturers, but posse^.^ing no interest
for the fanner.

22 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

Peruvian Guano. — A general manure formed of the excrements of fish-
eating birds, and containing nitrogenous compounds, phosphates, and
potash.

High-class Peruvian guano is rich in nitrogenous matter, a large propor-
tion of which is soluble. As now imported, it is capable of yielding from
8 to 12 per cent, ammonia, part of which is derived from ammonia salts,
and part (less than 1 per cent.) from nitrates. Phosphates are low, seldom
exceeding 30 per cent., but from one-quarter to one-half of the phosphates
is soluble. The amount of potash is small, usually from 3 to 5 per cent.

Low-class Peruvian guano, as now imported, is poor in nitrogenous matter,
yielding only from 3 to 5 per cent, ammonia. The phosphates are corre-
spondingly high, viz., from 30 to 50 per cent., but the proportion of soluble
phosphate is much smaller than in high-class Peruvian guano. Potash
occurs to a very small extent, viz., about 1 to 3 per cent.

Low-class guanos are formed from high-class guanos, by the washing out
of soluble constituents Ijy rain, &c., and their composition varies greatly
according to the amount of washing they have undergone.

Genuine Peruvian guano frequently contains a large proportion of stony
insoluble matter.

Ichaboe Guano. — A general manure, but of recent formation. It is very
rich in nitrogenous matter, which yields from 10 to 16 per cent, of am-
monia, but a large part of the nitrogenous matter is in the form of feathers,
which are insoluble and of low manurial value.

The total phosphates vary from 18 to 30 per cent,, of which from a fourth
to a half is usually soluble. There is seldom more than 2 per cent, potash
present.

Fish Guano. — Derived from fish-curing yards, and consisting of the heads
and off'al of fish, dried and ground. Properly speaking, it is not a guano.
The name guano is properly applied only to the dung of birds.

High-class fish guano contains nitrogenous matter, yielding from 10 to 12
per cent, of ammonia, but it is in the form of insoluble albuminous com-
pounds, which only very slowly decompose and become available as plant
food. The phosphates range from 18 to 30 per cent, and are all insoluble.

Low-class fish guanos are substances like the preceding, but containing less
nitrogenous matter and more phosphates. They are simply bone manures,
with somewhat more ammonia and less phosphate than ordinary bone meal,
and having no real resemblance to a guano.

Fish guanos are usually impregnated with fish oil, which detracts from
the value of the manure. The oil varies from 3 to 10 per cent.

Fre 7 Bentos Guano. — The dried and ground residue and debris of animals
after the extraction of " Liebig's Extract." It is not a guano. It contains
nitrugenous matter and phosphates, both of which are insoluble and slow
in their action as manures. It varies in composition, jdelding from 6 to
12 per cent, ammonia, from 16 to 35 per cent, phosphates, and a small pro-
portion of potash.

Bone Meal. — Chiefly a phosphatic manure, but containing also nitro-
genous matter. Phosphates range from 44 to 53 per cent, according to the
purity of the bones, and are insoluble. The nitrogenous matter is capable
of yielding from 4 to 5 per cent, ammonia, and is also insoluble. There is
usually 3 per cent, or more of oil in bones, and this retards its action as a
manure. The finer ground it is the more speedy is its action.

Bone Dust.— A coarser ground bone than the preceding.

Crushed Bones. — Still coarser ground.

Steamed Bone Flour. — Bones which have been subjected to steam at high
pressure for the extraction of glue or gelatnie. The residue contains from
56 to 65 per cent, phosphates and from 1 to 2 per cent, ammonia. It is
white coloured and friable, and can be crushtd ^vith the hand. It is able

CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 23

to be, and ouglit to be, ground to a fine flour. Owing to this latter character,
it is the most active form of bone manure.

Pure Dissolved Bones. — Bones dissolved in sulphuric acid and dried with
bone ash or bone char, or other bone material. It cuntains usually less than
20 per cent, soluble phosphate, about lU per cent, or upwards of insoluble
phosphate, and yields from 2^ to 3^ per cent, ammonia.

Dissolved Bones. — A conventional name applied to compound manures
consisting of nay kind of mixture of phosphutic and nitrogenous materials
which can be dissolved, with (or without) an admixture of bone, so as to
produce a manure containing from 15 to 30 per cent, soluble pho.sphates,
and from 1 to 3 per cent, ammonia.

Vitriolated Bones. — Bones which have been moistened -uath sulphuric
acid, and theiealter allowed to heat in large heaps for a long time. Good
samples contain from 6 to 12 per cent, soluble phosphate, with from 30 to
40 per cent, insoluble phosphate, and yield from 3 to 4 per cent, ammonia.

Superphosphates. — Phosphates dissolved with sulphuric acid. Their
composition varies accordmg to the richness of the phosphate from which
they are made, and the extent to which they have been dissolved.

Higli-class Superphosphates are made from phosphates containing a high
percentage of phosphate of lime, and are very thoroughly dissolved. They
should contain between 30 and 40 per cent, soluble phosphaie, and very little
insoluble phosphate.

Medium Superphosphates contain at least 23 per cent, soluble phosphate,
and all below that are

Low-class Superphosphates made from minerals poor in phosphate of lime,
or insufficiently dissolved.

Mineral Phosphates exist in great variety, and contain very various pro-
portions of phuspiiate of lime, viz., from 20 to 90 per cent. They are of use
as manures only when they are ground to the Hnest Hour. Even when ground
very tinely, some are so hard and insoluble iis to be of no use as manures.

Compound Manures. — These are general manures containing nitrogenous
matter, phosphates, and potash, and their value depends not only on the
auiuunts of these constituents, but also on their fineness of division, :heir
solubility, and the sources from which their ingredients are derived.

The general character of a few of the more common of these may be
indicated thus : —

Tvjrnip Compounds. — These usually contain from 25 to 35 per cent,
phosphates, of which the half or more is soluble, and nitrogenous matter,
capuole of yielding from 2 to 4 per cent, of annnonia, and sometimes 1 or 2
per cent, of poUish.

t*otato Compounds. — These are somewhat like the ])n'ceding, but contiiin
usually less pliosj>h;ile and a little more ammonia, from 3 to tl per cent.;
sometimes they contain no potash, but more fre([uently about 3 or 4 per
cent, is present, and in some instances twice as much.

Bean Compounds. — These may contain from 10 to 20 per cent phosphates,
nitrogenous matter yielding from 3 to 7 per cent, of ammonia, and usually
a cousideral)le proportion of })oLash, often as much us from U) to 15 per cent.

Cereal Compounds. — These usually contain al)out 20 per cent, phosphates,
mostly soluble, and nitrogenous matter, yielding from 3 to (5 per cent,
ammonia, and seldom conUiin potiish.

Grass Compounds. — These are somewhat like the preceding, but may
conUiin less phosphates and more nitrogen, part of wliich may be in the
form of nitrate.

24 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT.

RELATIVE ACTIVITY OF MANURES.

Nitrogen. — Most active in — 1st, Nitrates ; 2nd, Ammonia salts ; 3rJ.
High-class Peruvian and Ichaboe guanos ; 4th, High-class dissolved com-
pounds ; 5th, Dried blood ; 6th, Steamed bone flour ; 7th, Fish guano and
tine bone meal ; 8th, Rape cake and cotton cake dust ; 9th, Bone dust and
crushed bones.

Phosphates. — Most active in — 1st, Superphosphates and dissolved phos-
phates derived from any source ; 2nd, Precipitated and reverted phos-
phates : 3rd, Steamed bone flour ; 4th, Bone ash ; 5th Charleston and
similar phosphates ground to the finest flour ; 6th, Bone meal and fish
guano ; 7th, Bone dust and crushed bones.

HINTS ON THE APPLICATION OF MANURES.

Nitrogenous Manures.

Nitrate of Soda. — Apply as a top-dressing to the braird. Showery weather
advantageous. Heavy rains cause loss. Two half doses with fort-
night interval better than one whole dose. Increases straw more
than grain. Increases grass, diminishes clover.

Sulphate of Ammonia. — Apply as top-dressing after sowing, not after
brairding. Increases grass, diminishes clover. More suitable than
nitrate for wet districts.

High Class Guanos. — Apply with the seed, or partly as top dressing. Useful
for young grass and early potatoes.

Dissolved Compounds. — Apply with the seed.

Dried Blood. — Apply a month or more before sowing, if possible. If applied
with the seed, useful for root-crops only.

Fisli Ckiano. — Best on warm, open lanl, and in moist climates. Apply as
early as possible. Should not contain more than 3 per cent. oil.

Leather and Shoddy. — Of no value to the farmer.

Phosphatic Manures.

Superphosphate. — Best phosphate for clayey soils. Suits medium soils.
Makes early crop, therefore good for late districts. Increases grain
more than straw.

Precipitated Phosphate. — Best on medium and light land.

Steamed Bone Flour. — Should be finely ground and applied early. Best on
light soils or on moorland. Suits wet climates. Excellent improver
of pastures. Quicker than bone meal in its action.

Bone Ash. — Generally applicable. Best on light land.

Bone Meal. — Should be as fine as possible, and applied early. Best on light,
free soils, and on sandy soils.

Mineral Phosphate. — Must be ground to the finest flour, and feel soft and
chalky. Best on moorland and land rich in organic matter. Should
be applied A'ery early.

Bone Dust and Crushed Bones. — More suitable for vine borders than for
agricultural purposes.

Phosphatic Manures. — When applied alone, frequently fail to give a full
crop. Some nitrogenous manure onglit as a rule to be mixed with
them, or applied later as a top-dressing.

CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 25

PoTASSic Manures. — Useful where potatoes or beans are grown, or where
straw is sold. Increases clover. Seldom required where much dung
is used. Sometimes injurious if applied with the seed. Should he
applied very early.

Lime. — Better slaked in large heap, and then carted on and spread, than
slaked in small heaps on land. Better two small limings than one
big one. Best results on clayey land and moorland. As a pre-
ventive of finger-and-toe, lime is better applied to the lea before the
oat crop than to the stubble. It is of little use for that purpose
when applied to the fallow immediately before turnip sowing.

NOTES EEGARDING ANALYSES.

1. MANURES.

The three ingredients of greatest importance in manures are phosphoric
acid, nitrogen, and potash.

1. Phosphoric Acid is present in manures as such, and also as phos-
phates of lime, magnesia,, iron, and alumina.

Phosphate of Lime is most important, and exists in two states, insoluble

and soluble.
Insoluble —

Insoluble phosphate of lime, called also | ^^^^^.^^ ^^^^^^ ^^y
rricalcic phosphate, and \ i,, ^oric acid.

Iribasic phosphate 01 lime, )

Soluhle —

Soluble phosphate of lime, called also | ^^^^^.^^ ^^^^^^ ^ c/

Acid phosphate of lime, and erroneously > ^r i ^„- ^- 1
-.r 4 • 1 -i . <• T ^ ( phosrjhoric acid.

Monabasic phosphate oi lime, )

Some analysts prefer to state the soluble phosphate as

Biphosphate of lime, called also '( contains about 72%

Monobasic phosphate, ^ phosphoric acid.

The soluble phosphates are usually stated as equivalent to

so much tricalcic or insoluble phosphate.

cj 1 n u -u *. u- T 1 T n ( gives the equivalent of

Soluble pho.sphate, multiplied by U" tricalcic phosphate
Biphosphate, ^ „ „ 1^ ^^^^^^,^

Much confusion has arisen from the vario^is methods of stating soluble
phosphate. To escape from this confusion, it has nov) become the
custom to consider the term "soluble phosphate" to mean
" phosphate of lime rendered soluble." In other words, soluhle
phosjdiate vuans the insoluble phosphate from which it vns
derived.
Phos])hato of magnesia occurs in small quantity in bones, &c., and is

usually reckoned as tricalcic phosphate.
Phosphates of iron and alumina, when occurring in small quantify,
are usually reckoned as tricalcic phosphate, but if the (quantity is
considerable it should be S(.qtar:itfly i-^timated.

2. Nitrogen occurs in manures mostly in throe forms — Ammonia silts.

nitrates, and albuminoid matter.

Ammonia sulphate (pure), contains 25?% ammonia.

:h

»»

Ammonium chloride (])ure), „ 31

Nitrate of soda (pure), contains nitrogen equal to 20% ammonia

Albuminoid mutter contains iibout lO,,, nitr(»gen, equal to about 19%

ammonia, most of which sooner or later becomes available as plant

food.

26

CHEMICAL DEPARTME^'T.

3. Potash is found in small amount in most manures, and should be
reckoned as anhydrous potash (KgO).
Sulphate of potash (pure), contains potassium = 54% anhydrous potash.
Muriate of potash (pure), contains potassium - fully 63% anhydrous
potash.

II. FEEDIXG STUFFS.

These are chiefly concentrated forms of food, whose value depends on
the amounts they contain of albuminoids, oil, and carbohydrates.

Albuminoids are compounds containing nitrogen, and more or less
resemble dry flesh in their composition. They are sometimes called
flesh- formers. They are the most valuable constituents of feeding
stutt's. The percentage of nitrogen contained in a cake multiplied
by 6j gives the percentage of albuminoids.

Oils occur chiefly in seeds, and are of various kinds. Some are highly
nutritious.

Carbohydrates are compounds, such as sugar, starch, gum, and cellulose.
These are sometimes called heat-producers.

Woody fibre is the name given to that part of the cellulose which is
insoluble when boiled in weak soluticjns (5%) of acids and alkalies,
and is therefore considered indigestible.

Good linseed, cotton, and rape cakes should contain from 4% to
5% nitrogen, about 10% oil, and about 6% ash.

Useful Factors.

A.mount of

Multiplied by

Gives corresponding
amount of

Nitrogen, ....

i

1-214

Ammonia.

J) ...

6-3

Albuminoid matter.

Ammonia,

3-882

Sulphate of Ammonia.

5>

3-147

Muriate of Ammonia.

J>

3-706

Nitric Acid.

'?

5-0

Nitrate of Soda.

Potash (anhydrous),

1-85

Sulphate of Potash.

5, . . .

1-585

Muriate of Potash.

Phosphoric acid (anhydrous), .

2-183

^Phosphate of Lime.

» >?

1-4

Biphosphate.

J5 »

1-648

Soluble Phosphate
(monocalcic tribasic).

Soluble Phosphate,!

1-325

Phosphate of Lime.

Biphosphate, ....

1-566

Phosphate of Lime.

Lime,

1-845

Phosphate of Lime.

)> .....

1-786

Carbonate of Lime.

* By phosphate of lime is meant tricalcic phosphate (3CaO, P2O5).
t Monocalcic tribasic phosphate (CaO, 2H2O, P2O5).

CHEMICAL DEPAETME^"T.

27

The foUowin.cj are the forms in which analyses of ordinary genuine
manures and feeding stuffs must be reported by Local Analytical
Associations receiving the Society's grant : —

I. Reports of Analyses of MANURES.

(On the one side are the analytical details, and on the other the valuable con-
' stituents luhich alone are considered in estimating the value of manure.)
1. Form of Analysis for Superphosphates, Dissolved Bones, and
the like.

Analytical details.

Phosphoric Acid, in a soluble )

state, . . . . (

Do., in an insoluble state,

Lime,

Sulphuric Acid, Organic/ ' Amnumia, .

matter, &c.,
Sand and insoluble matter.

Capable of yielding the following
Vallable Constituents.

Phosphate of Lime,

dissolved,

( fllSSOlVl

) Do. undif

dissolved.

(

2. Form of Analysis for Bones, Bone Meal, Fish Guano, and the like.

Capable of yielding the following

Analytical details.

Phosphoric Acid, .

Lime, ....

Alkalies, &c.,

Organic matter, ,

Moisture,

Sand and insoluble matter.

Valuable Constituents.
. Phosphate of Lime,undissolved.

Ammonia,

3, Form of Analysis for Mixed
Guanos, and the like.

Analytical details. i

Phosphoric Acid, in a soluble
state, ....
Do., in an insoluble state,
Lime, .....

Alkalies, kc,

Organic matter and ")
Ammonia Salt.«, J

Moist'' re, ....
Sand and insoluble matter, .

Manures, Peruvian and Ichaboe

' ;l

Capable of yielding the following
Valuable Constituents.

Phosphate of Lime, ^ "i

dissolved, . . \ > ...

Do., undissolved, )

*Potash,

*Nitrates = Ammonia,

Ammonia,

TT. Report^ of Analyses of FKEDTNCr STUFFS.

( Albuminoid conqK^unds,

Valuable Constituents^ <^ Oil,

( Carl)ohydrat('s,
Woody Fii)rc',
Moi.^turi',
Ash, .

Nitrogen,
• ENtiiiiate'l only if i»;iiueste<l.

28

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( 30 )

PREMIUMS.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR COMPETITORS.

All reports must be legibly written, aud on one side of the
paper only ; they must specify the number and subject of the
Premium for which they are in competition ; they must bear a
distinguishing motto, and be accompanied by a sealed letter
similarly marked, containing the name and address of the Re-
porter— initials must not be used.

No sealed letter, unless belonging to a Report found entitled
to at least one-half of the premiums offered, will be opened with-
out the author's consent.

Reports for which a Premium, or one-half of it, has been
aw^arcled, become the property of the Society, and cannot be
published in whole or in part, nor circulated in any manner,
without the consent of the Directors. All other papers will be
returned to the authors, if applied for within twelve months.

When a Report is unsatisfactory, the Society is not bound to
award the wdiole or any part of a premium.

All Reports must be of a practical character, containing the
results of the writer's own observation or experiment, and the
special conditions attached to each Premium must be strictly
fulfilled. General essays, and papers compiled from books, will
not be rewarded. Weights and measurements must be indicated
by the Imperial standards.

The Directors, before awarding a Premium, shall have power
to require the writer of any report to verify the statements made
in it.

The decisions of the Board of Directors are final and conclu-
sive as to all premiums, whether for Reports or at General or
District Shows; and it shall not be competent to raise any
question or appeal touching such decisions before any other
tribunal.

The Directors will welcome papers from any Contributor on
any suitable subject not included in the Premium List ; and if
the topic and the treatment of it are both approved, the Writer
will be remunerated, and his paper published.

^ 31 ;

CLASS !.
K E P 0 R T S.

Section 1.— THE SCIENCE AND PEACTICE OE

AGKICULTUKE.

FOR APPKOVED KEPOliTS.

1. Ou the Agriculture of the County of Dumbarton — Twenty
Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1884.

The Report should embrace full details of the different systeins of Farm
Management observed in the County, and of the progress which Agri-
culture and other industries have made within the last 25 years.

2. On the Agriculture of the County of Eenfrew — Twenty-
live Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1885.

The Keport should embrace full details of the different systems of Farm
Management observed in the County, and of the progress which Agri-
culture and other industries have made within the last 25 years.

3. On the Agriculture of the County of Selkirk — Twenty-five
Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1885.

The Pieport should embrace full details of the diff'erent systems of Farm
Management observed in the County, and of the progress whicli Agri-
culture and other industries have made within the last 25 years.

4. On the results of experiments for fixing and retaining the
volatile and soluble ingredients in farm-yard manure — Twenty
Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November in any year.

The Kejiort must detail the treatment adopted to fix and retain these in-
gredients— the materials used for that purpose — and the quantity and
cost thereof — comparative analyses of the manure with and without
the treatment, and also a statement of the crops grown with manure
and without such treatment, must be given by the Reporter. The
experiments to have extended over at least two years and crops.

5. On the results of experiments for ascertaining the com-
parative value of farm-ynrd manure obtained from cattle fed
upon different varieties of food, by the application of such
manures to farm crops — Twenty Sovereigns. To be lodged by
1st November in any year.

The Report nnist state the eifects ])ro(hu'ed on two successive crojts by tke
aitplicatiuh of manure o})tained from cattle fed on different sorts of
food, such as turnips and straw alone ; nnd turnips and straw, with
an addition of oil-eake, linseed, bean-meal, grain t>r other substances.
The animals should l)e as nearly as possible of the same age, weight,
condition, and maturity, and each lot sliould receive doily the same
t|uantity of litter : and except as to the difference of food, they must
be treated alike.

32 PKEMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

The preparation of the manure, by fermentation or otherwise, should be
in every respect the same ; and it is desirable that not less than two
several experiments be made with each kind, and that the ground to
which it is to be applied be as equal as possible in quality and con-
dition.

G. On the means successfully employed for obtaining new
Aricultural Plants, or new and superior varieties, or improved
sub-varieties, of any of the cereal grains, grasses, roots, or other
agricultural plants at present cultivated io this country — Medals,
or sums of Money not exceeding Fifty Sovereigns. To be lodged
by 1st November in any year.

It is necessary that the varieties and sub-varieties reported upon shall'
have been proved capable of reproduction from seed, and also that the
relation they bear to others, or well known sorts, should be stated.
The Reporter is further requested to mention the effects that he may
have observed produced by different soils, manures, &c., ou the plants
forming the subject of report, and how far he may have ascertained
such effects to be lasting.

Should any improved variety reported upon be the result of direct ex-
periment by cross impregnation, involving expense and long-continued
attention, a higher premium will be awarded.

7. On the hardy and useful Herbaceous Plants of any country
where such climate exists as to induce the belief that the plants
mav be beneficiallv introduced ioto the cultivation of Scotland
— The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
Xovember in any year.

Attention is particularly directed to the Grains and Grasses of China,
Japan, tlie Islands of the Eastern Archipelago, the Himalaya country,
the Falkland and South Sea Islands, California, and the high north-
western district of America.

Reporters are required to give the generic and specific names of the
plants treated of, with the authority for the same — together with the
native names, so far as known ; and to state the elevation of the
locality and nature of the soil in which they are cultivated, or which
they naturally inhabit, with their qualities or uses ; and it is further
requested that the descriptions he accompanied, in so far as pos-
sible, with specimens of the plants, and their fruit, seed, and other
products.

8, On the comparative advantages of fattening Cattle in
stalls, in loose houses or boxes, and in sheds or hammels —
Twenty Sovtreigns. To be lodged by 1st November in any
vear.

The Reijort must detail the comparative result of actual experiments.
The same Cjuantities and kinds of food must be usee'. Information
is required as to the comj^arative expense of attendance, the cost of
erecting the buildings, and any other cu'cumstance deserving of
attention. The state of the weather during the experiment, in point
of temperature and wetness, and the advantages or disadvantages of
clipping cattle put up to feed, must be particularly noted and re-
]'orted.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1884. 33

9. On experiments for ascertaining the actual addition of
weight to growing or fattening Stock, by the use of different
kinds of food — Twenty Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
November in any year.

The attention of the Experimenter is directed to turnips, carrots, beet,
mangold-wnirzel, potatoes, cabbage, as well as to beans, oats, barley,
Indian corn, lins 3d, oil-cake or rape-cake, and to the effect of warmth
and proper ventilation, and the difference between food cooked and
raw. The above roots and other kinds of food are merely suggested ;
competitors are neither restricted to them nor obliged to experiment
on all of them.

When experiments are made with linseed and cake, attention should be
paid to the comparative advantages, economically and otherwise, of
the substance in these two states.

Before commencing the comparative experiments, the animals must be
fed alike for some time previously.

The progress of different breeds may be compared. This will form an
interesting experiment of itself, for Reports of which encouragement
will be given.

N.B. — The experiments specified in the two previous subjects must be
conducted over a period of not less than three months. No lot shall
consist of fewer than four Cattle or ten Sheep. The animals selected
should be of the same age, sex, and breed, and, as nearly as possible,
of the same weight, condition, and maturity. The live weight before
and after the experiment must be stated, and, if killed, their dead
weight and quantity of tallow.

10. On the Comparative Feeding Value of Ensilage with other
ordinary Farm produce — Fifteen Sovereigns. To be lodged by
1st February 1885.

11. On the influence of Soil and Geological Formation in the
production of Disease in Animals — Ten Sovereigns. To be
lodged by 1st November 1884

12. On the improvement of Hill Pasture without breaking
up — The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by
1st November 1884.

The writer to detail the results of jtractical experiments earned on by
himself or others.

13. On any useful practice in Rural Economy adopted in
other countries, and susceptible of being introduced with ad-
vantage into Scotland — The Gold Medal. To be lodged by 1st
November in any year.

The purposes eliiefly contemplated by tlie offer of this premium is to in-
uuco tnivellers to notice and record such particular practices as may
seem calculated to benefit Scotland. The Keport to be founded on
personal observation.

34 PEEMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Section 2.— ESTATE IMPEOVEMENTS.

FOE APPEOVED EEPOETS.

1. By the Proprietor in Scotland who shall have executed the
most judicious, successful, and extensive improvement. — The
Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged hj 1st ISTovember
in any year.

Should the successful Report be written for the Proprietor by his resident
factor or farm manager, a Minor Gold Medal will be awarded to the
writer in addition to the Gold Medal to the Proprietor,

The merits of the Report will not be determined so much by the mere
extent of the improvements, as by their character and relation to the
size of the property. The improvements may comprise reclaiming,
draining, enclosing, planting, road-makmg, building, and all other
operations proper to landed estates. The period within which the
operations may have been conducted is not limited, except that it
must not exceed the term of the Reporter's proprietorship.

2. By the Proprietor in Scotland who shall have erected on
his estate the most approved Farm-buildings — The Gold Medal.
Reports, Plans, and Specifications to be lodged by 1st November
in any year.

3. By the Proprietor or Tenant in Scotland who shall have
reclaimed within the ten preceding years not less than forty
acres of waste land — The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To
be lodged by 1st November in any year.

4. By the Tenant in Scotland who shall have reclaimed within
the ten preceding years not less than twenty acres of waste land
— The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
November in any year.

5. By the Tenant in Scotland who shall have reclaimed not
less than ten acres within a similar period — The Medium Gold
Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November in
any year.

The Reports in competition for ISTos. 3, 4, and 5 may comprehend such
general observations on the imjjrovement of waste lands as the writer's
experience may lead him to make, but must refer especially to the
lands reclaimed — to the natui'e of the soil — the previous state and
probable value of the subject — the obstacles opposed to its improve-
ment— the details of the various operations — the mode of cultivation
adopted — and the produce and value of the crojDS produced. As the
required extent cannot be made up of different patches of land, the
improvement must have relation to one subject ; it must be of a pro-
fitable character, and a rotation of crops must have been concluded
before the date of the Report. A detailed statement of the expenditure
and return and a certified measurement of the ground are requisite.

6. By the Proprietor or Tenant in Scotland who shall have
improved within the ten preceding years the pasturage of not

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884. 35

less than thirty acres, by means of top-dressing, draining, or
otherwise, without tillage, in situations where tillage may be in-
expedient—The Gold Medal, or Ten S)vereigns. To be lodged
by 1st Xovember in any year.

7. By the Tenant in Scotland who shall have improved not
less than ten acres within a similar period — The Minor Gold
Medal. To be lodged by 1st Xovember in any year.

Reports in competition for Xos. 6 and 7 must state the particular mode
of management adopted, tlie substances applied, the elevation and
nature of the soil, its previous natural products, and the changes
produced.

Section 3 — HIGHLxVXD INDUSTRIES AND FISHERIES.

FOR APPROVED REPORTS.

1. On the Best Means of Developing the Oyster Fisheries of
Scotland — Medium Gold Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be
lodged by 1st November 1884.

2. On the Best Means of Developing the Eel Fishing of
Scotland, and of conveying the Fish to English Markets —
Medium Gold Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
November 1884.

3. On the Best Mode of Utilising Fish Products or Offal of
Scotland — Medium (xold Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be
lodged by 1st November 1884.

Section 4.— MACHINERY.

FOR APPROVED REPORTS.

1. On the best and most improved Cattle Truck for feeding
and watering the animals in transit — Twenty Sovereigns. To be
lodged by 1st November 1884.

Kcports must Ik; acconinaiiicd witli drawinrjs nn»l description, or, if
neci'.ssnry, l)y a model.

2. On the best and most improved Trurk for conveying Dead
Meats, Fish, &c., from long distances in liot weather— Twenty
Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1884.

Reports must l>e accomnaniod with drawings and desrription, or, if
necessary, by a model.

36 PEEMIUMS OFFEEED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Section 5.— FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.

FOR APPEOATID EEPORTS.

1. By the Proprietor in Scotland who shall, within the five
preceding years, have planted not less than 150 acres — The Gold
Medal. To be lodged by 1st November in any year.

The whole planting operations which may have been conducted by the
Eeporter within the five years, whether completed or not, must be
embraced, and he must state the expense — description or soils — age,
kind, and number of trees planted per acre — mode of planting, drain-
ing, and fencing — general state of the plantation — and any other
observations of interest.

2. On Plantations of. not less than eight years' standing,
formed on deep peat bog — The Medium Gold Medal, or Five
Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1884.

The premium is strictly applicable to deep 'peat or flow moss ; the con-
dition of the moss previous to planting, as well as at the date of the
Eeport, should, if possible, be stated.

The Report must describe the mode and extent of the drainage, and the
effect it has had in subsiding the moss — the trenching, levelling, or
other preliminary operations that may have been performed on the
surface — the mode of planting — kinds, sizes, and numbers of trees
planted per acre — and their relative progress and value, as compared
with plantations of a similar age and description grown on other soils
in the vicinity.

o. On the more extended introduction of hardy, useful, or
ornamental Trees, which have not hitherto been generally culti-
vated in Scotland — The Medium Gold Medal, or Five Sovereigns.
To be lodged by 1st November in any year.

The Eeport should specify as distinctly as posfible the kind of trees
introduced. The adaptation of the trees for use or ornament, and
their comparative progress, should be mentioned. Attention is
directed to the introduction of any tree as a nurse in young planta-
tions, which by growing rapidly for several years, and attaining
maturity when at the height of 20 or 25 feet, might realise the advan-
tage and avoid the evils of thick planting.

4. On the varieties of Trees best adapted for planting as
shelter in the Islands of Scotland — The Medium Gold Medal, or
Five Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1884.

5. On the old and remarkable Cedars of Lebanon in Scotland
— The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
November 1884.

Details of their growth, measurements, and condition, and any particulars
of their history, must be given. The measurements to be taken by
the Reporter himself, and at 5 feet from the 'ground, if possible.
Photographs and drawings are desirable.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1884. 37

6. On the old and remarkable English Yews in Scotland —
The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st
November 1884.

Details of their growth, measurements, and condition, and any particulars
of their history, must be given. The measurements to be taken by
the Reporter himself, and at 5 feet from the ground, if possible.
Photographs and drawings are desirable.

7. On the Woods, Forests, and Forestry in the county of
Perth — The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by
1st November 1881

8. On the Woods, Forests, and Forestry in the county of
Inverness — The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged
by 1st November 1884.

9. On the utilisation of waste produce of Forests and Wood-
lands— The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. To be lodged by
1st November 1884.

10. On the Insects most injurious to Forest Trees, and the
diseases occasioned by them, and the best means of prevention
— Twenty Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1884.

The Report to be accompanied, where practicable, by specimens of the
insects.

11. On Trees which are best adapted to resist wind storms —
The Medium Gold Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be lodged
by 1st November 1884.

Information is desired both as regards plantations, and siugle trees,
irrespective of the value of the tiuiber.

12. On the Cultivation of the ^lushroom {Agaricus campestris)
— The Medium Gold Medal, or Five Sovereigns. To be lodged
by 1st November 1884.

Reports need not necessarily be confined to Scotland, but it must be
shown that the system described can be successfully carried out under
the comlitions of the Scottish climate and without artificial ht-at.
Information is desired both as regards Mushrooms grown for sale and
fur private use only.

(38)

CLASS II.

DISTRICT COMPETITIONS.

The Money Premiums and Medals awarded at District Competitions will he
sent direct to the winners in Janioary next. No payments must, thereforey
he made by the Secretary or Treasurer of any local Association.

Grants in aid 0/ District Competitions /or 1885 must he applied for hefore
1st November I884, on Forms to he obtained from the Secretary.

When a Grant has expired, the District cannot apply again for aid for

five years.

Section 1.— CATTLE.

Note. — The Society's Cattle Premiums are granted to each District for three
alternate years, on condition that the District shall, in the two interme-
diate years, continue the Competitions by offering for the same descrip-
tion of Stock a sum not less than one-half of that given by the Society.

At the intermediate Competitions, three Minor Silver Medals will be
placed at the disposal of the Committee, to be given along with the first
prize in the three Classes of Cattle, provided there are not fewer than
three lots exhibited in each Class.

The selection of the Breed is left to the local Committee. See Eule 6.

districts.

1. Central Banffshire. — Convener, George Kynoch, jun., Keith ; Secre-

tary, J. Geddes Brown, Keith. Granted 1880.

2. Stirlingshire. — Convener, Sir James E. Gibson-Maitland of Bamton,

Bart., Craigend, Stirling ; Secretary, Robert Taylor, 22 Barnton Place,
Stirling. Granted 1880.

3. Islands op Mull, Coll, and Tiree. — Convener, James Noel Forsyth

of Quinish, Tobermory ; Secretary, Robert Lang, Aros Mains, Aros,
Mull. Granted 1880.

4. Renfrewshire. — Convener, Lieut. -Colonel Sir Archibald C. Campbell of

Blythswood, Bart., Renfrew ; Secretary, William Bartlemore, County
Buildings, Paisley. Granted 1880.

5. District of Buchan. — Convener, John Sleigh, Strichen; Secretary ^

James Smith, Burnshangie, Strichen. Granted 1882.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1884, 39

PEEMIUMS.

1. Best Bull, 3-year old and upwaj-drf, of any pure breed, . . £Z

Second Best, ^2

Third best, . .......... £1

2. Best Bull, 2-year old and under, of any pure breed, ... ^3

Second best, - . . <£2

Third best, £\

3. Best 2-year old Heifer (if Highland breed, 3 years), of any pure breed, .£3

Second best, £2

Third best, £1

J18

The dates of calving of cattle will be counted as from on and after January 1, except
Polled Angus and Aberdeen, which will be counted as from on and after December 1.

In 1884.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 are in competition for the last year.
No. 5, for the second year.

Section 2.— HOESES.

FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

Note. — The Society's Stallion Premiums are granted to each District for two
years, and are followed by Premiums for other two years for Brood
Mares, and again for a similar period by Premiums for Entire Colts
and Fillies.

1. Stallions.

1. Lower Annandale. — Convener, A. H. Johnstone Douglas of Lockerbie,

Glen Stuart, Annan ; Secrefanj, William Koddick, Annan. Granted
1882. (In abeyance in 1882.)

2. Kirriemuir District Agricultural Association. — Convener, T. M.

Nicull, Littleton, Kirriemuir; Secretary, Andrew Osier, Kintyrie,
Kirriemuir. Granted 1883.

3. Dunblane, Doune, and Callander Farmers' Club. — Convener, Sir

James R. Gibson-Maitland of Barnton, Bart., CraigiMid House,
Stirling. Secretary, John Murray, Muunieston, Thornhill, Stirling.
Granted 1883.

Premiums.

Best Stallion, rising 3 and not above 12 years old.

No. 1 receives a Premium of .£25,

Nos. 2 and 3 receive a Premium of £15 each.

In 1884.
Nos. 1, 2, and 3 are in comiHJtition for the last year.

40 PEEMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

2. Brood Mares.

1. District of Eskdale and Liddesdale. — Convener, "William Little of

Whithaugh, Burnfoot, Ewes, Langholm ; Secretary, Thos. Stevenson,
Langholm. Granted 1883.

2. Morayshire. — Convener, Eobert M'Kessack of Ardgye and Roseisle,

Forres ; Secretary, William Macdonald, Caledonian Bank Buildings,
Elgin. Granted 1883.

3. Lower "Ward of Renfrewshire. — Convener, Horatio E. B. Peile,

Mansion House, Greenock ; Secretary, John W. Crawford, 26
Hamilton Street, Greenock. Granted 1884.

4. Yale of Alford, — Convener, R. 0. Farquharson of Haughton, Alford ;

Secretary, John Leonard, Farmton, Alford. Granted 1884.

Premiums.

1. Best Brood Mare, .£4

Second best, £3

In 1884.

Nos. 1 and 2 are in competition for the last year.
Nos. 3 and 4 for the first year.

3. Entire Colts and Fillies.

1. District of Lesmahagow Society. — Convener, Gavin Hamilton of

Auldtown, Lesmahagow ; Secretary, John Hamilton, British Linen
Co. Bank, Lesmahagow. Granted 1883.

2. District of Carrick. — Convener, John Rankine of Beoch, Lochland,

Maybole ; Secretary, David Brown, Maybole. Granted 1883.

3. District of Cupar and St Andrews. — Convener, David Bayne

Meldrum of Kincaple, St Andrews ; Secretary, "William Dingwall,
Ramornie, Ladybank. Granted 1884.

4. Nairnshire. — Convener, Robert Anderson of Lochdhu, Nairn ; Secretary^

John Joss, Budgate, Cawdor. Granted 1884.

5. Earl of Selkirk's Tenantry and District. — Convener, Andrew Lusk,

Howell, Kirkcudbright ; Secretary, John Gibson, Kirkcudbright.
Granted 1884.

6. District op Central Strathearn. — Convener, John Kerr, Rossie Ochil,

Bridge of Earn : Secretary, Robert Gardiner, Chapel Bank, Auchter-
arder Granted 1884.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1881. 41

PREMIUMS.

1. Best Entire Colt, foaled after 1st January 1882, . . £2 0 0
Second best, . . . . . . . . , £10 0

2. Best Entire Colt, foaled after 1st January 1883, . . £2 0 0
Second best, . . . . . . . . . £10 0

3. Best Filly, foaled after 1st January 1882, . . . . £2 0 0

Second best, . . . . . . . . . £10 0

Third best, £0 10 0

4. Best Filly, foaled after 1st January 1883, . . . . £2 0 0

Second best, . . . . . . . . . £10 0

Third best, £o 10 0

In 1884.

£13 0 0

Nos. 1 and 2 are in competition for the last year.
Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the first year.

Section 3.— SHEEP.

Note. — The Society's Sheep Premiums are granted to each District for three
alternate years, on condition that the District shall, in the two inter-
mediate years, continue the Competitions by otfering for the same
description of Stock a sum not less than one-half of that given by the
Society.

At the intermediate Competitions, four Minor Silver Medals -will be placed
at the disposal of the Committee, to be given along with the first prize
in the four Classes of Sheep, provided there are not less than three lots
exhibited in each Class.

The selection of the Breed is left to the Local Committee. See Rule 6.

DISTRICTS.

1. District of Dunoon. — Convener, A. S. Finlay of Castle Toward,

Greenock ; Secretary, John Dobie, Clvdesdale Bank, Dunoon. Granted
1880.

2. District of Dalkeith. — Convener, Sir James Gardiner Baird of

Saughton Hall, Bart., Inch House, Liberton ; Secretary, William
Harper, Sherillhall Mains, Dalkeith. Granted 1880.

3. Upper Ward of Lanarkshirk. — Convener, John Ord Mackenzie of

Dolphinton ; Secretary, David Oswald, Abington. Granted 1880.

4. District of Lochaber. — Convener, D. P. M'Donald, Invernevis, Fort-

William ; Secretary, D. Macpherson, Glennevis, Furt-William.
Granted 1880.

5. County of Forfar. — Convt/nr, Charles Lyall, Old >fontrnsp, Mont-

rose ; Secretary, Alexander M. Thomson, AccctunUmt, Arbroath.
Granted 1882.

C. County of Caithness. — Convener, Alexander Henderson of St*?mster,
Thur.so ; Secretary, James Brims, Solicitor, Thui-so. Granted 1882.

7. District of Inveraray. — Convener, James Wyllie, Inveraray ;
Secretary, G. Scott, Inveraray. (irant<id 1881.

42

PREMIUMS OFPEEED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Premiums.

1. Best Tup above One Shear, ....

£2

Second best, ......

£1

2. Best Shearling Tup, . . . . .

£2

Second best, ......

£1

3. Best 3 Ewes above One Shear, . . . . .

£2

Second best, ......

£1

4. Best 3 Gimmers or Shearling Ewes, . . . .

^2

Second best, ......

£1

In 1884.

Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are in competition for the last year.
No. 7 competes for local Premiums.

£12

Section 4— SWINE.

Kote. — The Society's S\Wne Premiums are granted to each District for three
alternate years, on condition that the District shall, in the two inter-
mediate years, continue the Competitions by offering for the same
description of Stock a sum not less than one-half of that given by the
Society.

At the intermediate Competitions two Minor Silver Medals will be placed
at the disposal of the Committee, to be given along with the first
prize in the two Classes of Swine, provided there are not fewer than
three lots exhibited in each Class.

Premiums.

1. Best Boar, .
Second best,

2. Best Brood Sow,
Second best.

In 1884.
No application has been received.

£2
£1
£2
£1

£6

Section 5.— DAIEY PEODUCE.

Note. — The Society's Dairy Produce Premiums are granted to each District
for three alternate years, on condition that the District shall, in the
two intermediate years, continue the Competitions by offering for
the same description of Stock a sum not less than one-hall" of that given
by the Society.

At the intermediate Competitions, two Minor Silver Medals will be placed
at the disposal of the Committee, to be given along "with the first prize
in the two Classes of Dairy Produce, provided there are not less than
three lots exhibited in each Class.

District.

Forth Dairy Produce and Cattle Show Society. — Convener, Thomas
Nimmo, Lawhead, Forth, Lanark ; Secretary, James Haig, Wilsontown,
Lanark. Granted 1883.

PREMIUMS OFFEEED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884. 43

Premiums.

1. Best Coui)le ol" Sweet Milk Cheeses, .... £2
Second best, ....... ^1

2. Best Cured Butter (not le.ss than 14 lljs.). . ■ £'2
Second best, ....... ,£1

In 1884.
The District of Forth competes for local Premium^

£6

RULES OF C03IPETITI0X.

1. The Members of the Highland and Agricultural Society connected
with the respective districts are appointed Committees for arranging the
Competitions, the Convener being appointed by the Directors ; live mem-
bers to be a quorum.

2. The Convener of each District shall summon a meeting of Committee
for the purpose of determining the time and place of Competition, the
nomination of Judges, and other preliminary arrangements. The time and
place (which must be within the bounds of the District, imless in reference
to Stallions) shall be pubUcly intimated by Conveners.

3. The Money Premiums awarded at District Competitions will be paid
in January next, by precepts issued by the Directors. No payments must,
therefore, be paid by the Secretary or Treasurer of any local Association.
Medals "v^'ill be issued at same time.

4. Stock must be the property of Lhe Exhibitor at the date of Entry. No
entry shall be received later than one week previous to the Show. Entry-Money
shall not exceed 2| per cent, on the amount of the Premium to be competed
for.

5. The Competitions (except for Stallions to serve in the District) must
take place between the 1st of April and the 26th of October, and are open
to general competition to all parties within the boundaries of the District
of the local Society, whether members of the local Association or not. The
Stallion Premiums are open to all comers, or the Horses may be selected
at the Glasgfiw Stallion Show on permission to that effect being obtained.

6. The Committee shall select the breed, and specify it in the retunis.
In Cattle the animals exhiltited must belong to one of the following pure
breeds — Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Polled (Galloway, Angus, or Aberdeen),
Highland. The Bulls may be of one breed, and the Heifers of another.
In Sheep, the breeds must be Leicester, Cheviot, or Blackfa<ed.

7. Stock of an inferior description, or which does not fall within the pre-
scribed regulation.s, shall not be i)laced for competition.

8. The Premiums shall not be divided. In Cattle, Horses (except Stal-
lions to serve in the distrirt), S}iee]>, and Swine, five lots in each Class will
warrant the award of full, and three lots of halt. Premium.'*. In Dairy Pro-
duce, eight Kxhibitors in any one Clas.s will warrant an award of full, and
four of half, IV-miums. A Competitor may exhibit two lots in each Class,
excejit in Dairy Produce, where only one lot is allowed fnnn the same farm.
No animal to be allowe<l to comjiete in more than one section.

9. To authori.M? the award of the Medals in the intermediate year, there
must be not less than three lots in each Class, ami the Society's Hegulations
must be adhered to.

10. An animal which has gained the Highland and A<Micultural Socielvs
first Money Premium at a previous District or (niural Show is inadmissible
in the Siuue Clo-ss (except in the case of Stallions) ; and one which has

4J: PEEMIUxMS OFFEEED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

gained a second Money Premium can only thereafter compete in that Class
lor the j&rst.

11. A Bull the property of two or more Tenants may compete, although
the Exhibitors may not be Joint-Tenants.

12. Bulls for which Money Premiums are awarded may be required to
serv^e in the District at least one season ; the rate of service to be fixed by
the Committee, and the prizes may be withheld till the conditions are ful-
filled. Premiums for the Heifers may be retained till the animals are
certified to have calved.

13. Evidence must be produced that the Prize Stallions have had produce.

14. Mares must have foals at foot (except when death of foal is certified),
or be entered as being in foal ; in the latter case payment of the Premiums
will be deferred till certificate of birth, which must be within 11 months
from the date of the Show.

15. All Prize Tups must serve within the District during the season
following the Competition. Ewes and Gimmers must be taken from the
Exhibitor's stock, and must have been bred by him in the District ; and
Ewes must have reared Lambs during the ordinary season of the District.

16. Sheep must have been clipped bare during the season, and the
Judges are instructed to examine the fleeces of the sheep selected for prizes,
and to cast those on which they find any of the former fleece. Fleeces must
not be artificially coloured.

17. Should it be proved to the satisfaction of the Committee that an
animal has been entered under a false name, pedigree, or description, for
the purpose of misleading the Committee or Judges as to its qualifications or
properties, the case shall be reported to the Directors, and submitted by
them to the first General Meeting, in order that the Exhibitor may be dis-
qualified from again competing for the Society's Premiums, and his name,
if he is a member, struck from the roll, or his case otherwise disposed of as
the Directors may determine.

18. When an animal has previously been disqualified by the decision of
any Agricultural Association in Great Britain or Ireland, such disqualifica-
tion shall attach, if the Exhibitor, being aware of the disqualification, fail
to state it and the grounds thereof, in his entry, to enable the Committee
to judge of its validity.

19. Competitors must certify that the Butter and Cheese exhibited by
them are average specimens of the produce of their dairies in 1884, and that
the quantity produced during the season has not been less than 1 cwt. of
Butter, or 2 cwt. of Cheese.

20. It is to be distinctly understood that in no instance does any claim lie
against the Highland and Agricultural Society for expenses attending a show
of stock beyond the amount of the Premiums offered.

21. Blank reports will be furnished to the Conveners and Secretaries of
the different Districts. These must, in all details, be completed, and lodged
with the Secretary on or before the 1st of November next, for the approval of
the Directors, against whose decisions there shall be no apj^eal.

22. A report of the Competitions and Premiums awarded at the inter-
unediate local shows in the several Districts for Cattle and Sheep, signed by
a member of the Society, must be transmitted to the Secretary on or before
the 1st November in each year, otherwise the Society's grants shall ter-
minate.

23. When a grant has expired, the District cannot apply again for aid for
five years.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1884. 45

Section 6.— SPECIAL GRANTS.

^50 to the Glasgow Agricultural Society — Joint-Secretaries, David Inglis

and Andrew Todd, 145 St Vincent Street, Glasgow. Granted 1884.
£20 to the Ayrshire Agricultural Association, to be competed for at the

Dairy Produce Show at Kilmarnock. — Convener, The Hon. G. E. Vernon,

Auchans House, Kihnarnock ; Secretary, James M'Murtrie, Avr. Granted

1872.
£3 to Orkney Agricultural Society. — Convener, Colonel Balfour of Balfour

and Trenabie, Kirkwall ; Secretary, James Johnston, jun.. Hall of

Tankerness, Kirkwall. Granted 1883.
£Z to Rousay Agricultural Society. — Convener, General Burroughs of Rousay,

C.B. ; Secretary, John Gibson, Langskail, Rousay. Granted 1883.

Section 7.— MEDALS IN AID OF PREMIUMS GIVEX

BY LOCAL SOCIETIES.

The Society, being anxious to co-operate with local Associa-
tions, will give a limited number of Minor Silver Medals
annually to Societies, not on the list of Cattle, Horse, or Sheep
Premiums, in addition to the Money Premiums awarded in the
Districts for —

1. Best Bull, Cow, Heifer of any pure breed, or Ox.

2. Best Stallion, Mare, or Gelding.

3. Best Tup, or Pen of Ewes or Wethers.

4. Best Boar, Sow, or Pig.

5. Best Coops of Poultry.

C. Best sample of any variety of "Wool.

7. Best sample of any variety of Seeds.

8. Best managed Farm.

9. Best managed Green Crop.

10. Best managed Hay Crop.

11. Best managed Dairy.

12. Best Sweet Milk Cheese.

13. Best Cured Butter.

14. Best sample of Honey, not less than 5 lbs., taken without destroying

the bees.

15. Best collection of Roots.

16. Best kept Fences.

17. Male Farm Servant who has been longest in the same service, and wlu>

has proved himself most etticient in his duties, and to have invariably
treated the animals under his charge with kindness.

18. Female Servant in charge of Dairy and Poultry who has been longest in

th(! same service, and who has proved herself most ellicieiit in her
duties, and to have invariably treated the animals under lur charge
with kindness.

19. Best Sheep Shearer.

20. Most expert Hedgt; Cutter.

21. Mo>:t expert Labourer at Draining.

22. Most expert Farm Servant at trial of Reaj iiig Machine?.

23. P>est Maker of Oat Cakes.

It is left to the local Society to choose out of the foregoing list the classes

for which the Medals are to be competed.
The Medals are given for live auiaecutive yenrs.

46 PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Aberdeenshire.

1. AucHiXDOiR, KiLDRUMMiE, AND TowiE ASSOCIATION. — Convener,

Carlos P. Gordon of Wardhouse, Inscli ; Secretary, William "Walker,
Ardhiincart, Mossat. 4 Medals. Granted 1881.

2. Cluny, Monymusk, and Midmar Association. — Convener, Eanald

Macdonald, Clnny Castle, Aberdeen ; Secretary, James Christie,
Backliill of Castle Fraser, Kemnay, Aberdeen. 2 Medals. Granted
1881.

3. Cromar, Upper Dee, and Donside Association. — Convener, Sir

John Forbes Clark, Bart., Tillyj)ronie, Tarland ; Secretary, William
Thomson, Tarland. 4 Medals. Granted 1881.

4. Ebrieside Association. — Convener, Wm. Leask, Skilmafilly, Ellon;

Secretary, William Hetherwick, Knoxhill, Ellon. 5 Medals.
Granted 1881.

5. Fyvie Association. — Co?ii;e?ier, James Mackie, Lewes, Fy vie; Secretary,

James Ironside, Steinmanhill, Fyyie. 2 Medals. Granted 1880.

6. KiNNETHMONT ASSOCIATION. — Convener, Col. Leith Hay of Rannes,

C.B., Leith Hall, Kinnethmont ; Secretary, James R. Moir, Leslie
Place, Aberdeen. 5 Medals. Granted 1881.

7. Mar Association. — Con vmer, William Wish art, Cairntradlyn, Kinellar,

Blackburn ; Secretary, Silvester Campbell, jiin., Tofthills, Kintore.
2 Medals. Granted 1882.

8. North-East Aberdeenshire Society. — Convener, Sir Alexander

Anderson, Aberdeen ; Secretary, G. A. Cruickshank, Nether Cortes,
Lonmay. 6 Medals. Granted 1880.

9. North of Scotland Root, Vegetable, and Fruit Association. —

Convener, A. F. Nares, Brucktor, Old Meldriim ; Secretary, James
Smith, Agent, Inverurie. 2 Medals. Granted 1881.

10. Stricken Society. — Convener and Secretary, John Sleigh, Strichen

Mains, Strichen. 2 Medals. Granted 1882.

Argijllsliire.

11. Kintyre Society. — Convener, Colonel Mackay of Carskey, Campbel-

town ; Secretary, James Hamilton, Royal Bank, Campbeltown. 4
Medals. Granted 1882.

12. Mull, Coll, and Tiree. — Convener, James Noel Forsyth of Quinisli,

Toliermory ; Secretary, Robert Lang, Aros Mains, Aros, Mull.
4 Medals. Granted 1880.

Ayrshire.

13. Beith Society. — Convener, William Bartlemore, County Buildings,

Paisley ; Secretary, William Fulton Love, Writer, Beith, Ayrshire.
2 Medals. Granted 1881.

14. Coylton and Stair Society. — Convener, Major-General Burnett of

Gadgirth, Tarbolton ; Secretary, Robert Caldwell, Knockshoggle,
Tarbolton. 2 Medals. Granted 1882.

15. Craigie Society. — Convener, R. Drummond, Pocknave, Craigie, Kilmar-

nock ; Secretary, Andrew M'Farlane, Schoolhouse, Craigie. 3 Medals.
Granted 1881. (In abeyance in 1883.)

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884. 47

16. Galston Horticultural Society. — Convener, Robert Mackie, Draffeii

House, Stewarton ; Secretary, William M'H. Hendrie, Drumdroch,
Galston. 3 Medals. Granted 1880.

17. Kilmarnock Society. — Convener, Robert Guthrie, Crossburn, Troon ;

Secretary, Jas. Wilson, Banker, Kilmarnock. 4 Medals. Granted 1882.
(In abeyance in 1883.)

18. MuiRKiRK Society. — Convener, Robert Millar, Alloway Cottage, Ayr ;

Secretary, Alexander Donald, The Schoolhouse, Muirkirk. 6 Medals.
Granted 1881.

19. New Cumnock. — Convener, John Picken, Mansfield Mains, New Cum-

nock ; Secretary, William F. Haddow, Riggfoot, New Cumnock.
4 Medals. Granted 1881.

Bervjickshire.

20. East of Berwickshire Agricultural Association. — Convener,

Jonathan Melrose of Monynut, Coldstream ; Secretaries, Bowhill &
Doughty, Ay ton. 3 Medals. Granted 1883.

Dumbartonshire.

21. Kirkintilloch Society.— Convener, William Burt Wright, Auchinvole

Castle, Croy ; Secretary, Andrew iMatson, National Bank of Scotland,
Kirkintilloch. 4 Medals. Granted 1882.

Dumfriesshire.

22. Moffat and Upper Annandale Society. — Convener, Walter John-

stone, Alton, Moffat ; Secretary, Alexander Scott, Hillside, Lockerbie.
4 Medals. Granted 1881.

Elgijishire.

23. Forres and Northern Fat Cattle Club. — Convener, Richard H.

Harris, Earnhill, Forres ; Secretary, Robert Urquhart, jun., Forres.
6 Medals. Granted 1881.

Fifeshij-e.

24. WiNDYGATES SOCIETY. — Convener, H. V. Haig of Bridgend, Cameron

Bridge, Windy gates; Secretary, Da\'id Normand, Kennoway. 2
Medals. Granted 1882.

Inverness-shire.

25. Inverness Farmers' Society. — Ccmvener, Duncan Forbes of CuUodeii,

Inverness ; Secretary, Donald Paterson, Balrobert, Inverness. 5
Medals. Granted 1884.

26. Strathspey Club. — Convener, Earl of Seafield, Castle Grant, Granto^\Ti ;

Secretary, John Grant, Advie Mains, Strathspev. 5 ]Medals. Granted
1881.

Lanarkshire.

27. Calderwaterhead Society. — Convener, Peter Forrest, Shotts ; Secre-

tary, James Ferguson, Fairnieshaw, Holytown. 2 Medals, Granted

1881.

28. Carmunnock Farmers' Society.— Co?i7Wi€r, Andrew Hoggan, jun.,

l^usby Farms, liusl.y ; Secrftury, Andrew Robertson, Carniunnock,
Rutliergleii. 2 Medals. Grunted 1883.

20. Carnwath Society.— 6'(wiiv?i€r, Hector F. M'Lean, Caniwatli Hou.se;
Secretary, George Russell, Carnwath. 4 MedaU Granted 1878.
(In abeyance in 1881, 1882, and 1883.)

48 PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

30. Old Monkland Society. — Convener, Wm. J. Andrew, Banker, Coat-

bridge; Secretary, John Couper, Bank Buildings, Coatbridge. 1
Medal. Granted 1883.

Perthshire.

31. Dunblane Poultry, &c., Society. — Convener, Peter M'Caiill, Dykedale,

Dunblane ; Secretary, David Sword, Helensfield, Dunblane. 2
Medals. Granted 1884.

32. Moulin Association. — Convener and Secretary, E. M'Gillewie, Balna-

drum, Pitlochry. 1 Medal. Granted 1881.

33. Stormont Union Society. — Convener, Sir Alex. Muir Mackenzie of

Delvine, Bart. ; Secretary, Robert Grant, The Pleasance, Coupar
Angus. 5 Medals. Granted 1880.

Renfrewshire.

34. Johnstone West of Scotland Society. — Convener, Eobert Wilson,

Manswraes, Kilbarchan ; Secretary, Robert Reid, Banker, Johnstone.
2 Medals. Granted 1883.

35. LocHWiNNOCH Society. — Convener, William Bartlemore, County Build-

ings, Paisley ; Secretary, Robert Reid, Banker, Lochwinnoch. 2
Medals. Granted 1881.

Ross-shire.

36. Black Isle Society. — Convener, James Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Avoch ;

Secretary, William Murray, Bellfield, Inverness. 3 Medals. Granted

1881.

Stirlingshire.

37. Kilsyth Society. — Convener, James Patrick, Queenzieburn. Milton of

Campsie ; Secretary, R. M. Lennox, Writer, Kilsyth. 2 Medals.
Granted 1880.

The Medals are given for five consecutive years.

Applications from other Districts must be lodged with the Secretary of
the Society hy 1st November next.

rules of competition.

1. All Competitions must be at the instance of a local Society.

2. The classes for which Medals are granted must be in accordance with
the list at page 45. The Committee shall select the classes, and specify
them in the return.

3. In each District the Convener (who must be a member of the Society
appointed by the Directors) shall fix the time and place of Competition,
appoint the Judges, and make all other necessary arrangements, in concur-
rence with the other Members of the Society, and the local Association of
the District.

4. The Money Premiums given in the District must be £2 for each
Medal claimed.

5. The Medal for Sheep Shearing shall not be awarded unless there are
three competitors, and it shall always accompany the highest Money Pre-
mium. There must not be fewer than two competitors in all the classes.

6. Blank reports will be furnished to all the Conveners of the diff"erent
Districts. These must, in all details, be completed and lodged with the
Secretary on or before the 1st of November next, with the exception of green
crop reports, which must be forwarded on or before the 20th of December,

PREMIUMS OFFEEED BY THE SOCIETY IX 1884. 49

for the approval of the Directors, against whose decisions there shall be no
appeal.

7. "WTien a grant has expired, the District cannot apply again for aid for
five years.

Section 8.— PLOUGHIXG COMPETITIONS.

The Minor Silver Medal will be given to the winner of the
first or highest Premium at Ploughing Competitions, provided
a Eeport in the following terms is made to the Secretary, within
one month of the Competition, by a Member of the Society : —

FORM OF REPORT.

I of Member ol the Highland and
Agricultural Society, hereby certify that I attended the Ploughing

Match of the Association at in the county

of on the when ploughs

competed ; of land was assigned to each, and hours
were allowed for .the execution of the work. The sum of £
was awarded in the following proportions, viz. . —

[Here enumerate the names and designations of successful Competitors.]

RULES OF COMPETITION.

1. All Matches must be at the instance of a local Society or Ploughing
Association, and no Match at the instance of an individual, or confined to
the tenants of one estate, will be recognised.

2. The title of such Society or Association, together ^^'ith the name and
address of tlie Secretary, must be registered with the Secretary of the High-
land and Agricultural Society, 3 George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh.

3. Not more than one Match in the same season can take place within the
bounds of the same Society or Association.

4. All reports must be lodged within one month of the date of the Match,
and certified Ijy a Member of the Highland and Ago-icultural Society who
was present at it.

5. A Member can only repoi-t one Match, and a Ploughman cannot carry
more than tliree Medals in the same season.

G. To warrant the grant of tlie Medal tliere must have been twelve ploughs
in Competition, and Three Pounds awarded in Premiums by the local
Society. The Medul to Ije given to the winner of the first or highest prize.

7. Ploughmen shall n(jt be allowed any assistance, uuil their work must
nut be set up nor touched by others ; on land of average tenacity the
ploiigliing should be at the rate of an imperial acre in ten huuiv;, and atten-
tion should be given to the firmness and sulficiency of the work below
more than to its neatness above the surface.

( 50 )

CLASS III.

COTTAGES AND GAEDENS.

The following Premiums are offered for Competition in the
Parishes after mentioned.

The Premiums for Cottages and Gardens are given for five
consecutive years.

Sectiox I.— PEEMIUMS FOE BEST KEPT COTTAGES

AND GAEDENS.

1. Best kept Cottage, . . . . £10 0

Second best, . . . . . 0 10 0

2. Best kept Cottage Garden, . . . 10 0
Second best, . . . . . 0 10 0

Argyllshire.

1. Coll. — Convener, John Lome Stewart of Coll ; Secretary, J. A. Hain,

Island of Coll, Oban. Granted 1882.

2. Lorn Horticultural Society. — Secretary, Arch. Mitchell, Oban.

Granted 1884.

Dumbartonshire.

3. Cardross. — Secretary, ^Irs Murray, Moore Park, Cardross. Granted

1881.

Edinburghshire.

4. CuRRiE AND Balerno. — Convener, Sir James H. Gibson-Craig of

Riccarton, Bart, Currie; Secretary, James Hutchison, jun., Cocklaw,
Currie. Granted 1881.

Fifeshire.

5. Kingskettle Horticultural Society. — Convener, William Dingwall,

Ramornie, Ladvbank ; Secretary, John Scott, Kettle Bridge, Kettle.
Granted 1883. ^

6. Newburgh District Gardening Society. — Secretary, George Anderson,

Tay View, Newburgh. Granted 1882.

Lanarkshire.

7. Abington Floral and Horticultural Society. — Convener, John

Morton, Nether Abington, Abington ; Secretary, George Hastie,
Abington. Granted 1881.

8. Larkhall Horticultural Society. — Convener, William Forrest of

Lawmuir, Hamilton ; Secretary, Robert Cooper, jun., Braehead,
Larkhall. Granted 1883.

Linlithgowshire.

9. Kirkliston Horticultural Society. — Convener, Peter Glendinning,

The Leuchold, Dalmeny Park, Edinburgh ; Secretary, James Brown,
Schoolhouse, Kirkliston. Granted 1882.

10. ToRPHiCHEN Horticultural Society. — Convener, Colonel Gillon of

Wallhouse, Bathgate ; Secretary, Wm. Arbuckle, Torphichen, Bath-
gate. Granted 1882.

Perthshire.

11. Bridge of Earn Horticultural Society. — Convener, Thomas Rich-

mond, Hilton, Perth ; Secretary, Peter Fordyce, Heughfield House,
Bridge of Earn. Granted 1882.

12. Dunning Horticultural Society. — Convener, Robert Gardiner,

Chapelbank, Auchterarder ; Secretary, Johnstone Wright, Dunning.
Granted 1880.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884. 51

Boss-shire.

13. Edderton Society. — Convener, W. E. Catley of Edderton, Eoss-shire ;

Secretary, James Ross, Balblair. Edderton, Eoss-shire. Granted 1882.

14. Wester Eoss Horticultural Society. — Convener, Sir Kenneth S.

Mackenzie of Gairloch, Bart.; Secretary, David Munro, 65 High
Street, Dingwall. Granted 1881.

RULES of competition.

1. Competitions may take place in the different parishes for Cottages and
Gardens, or for either separately.

2. The occupiers of Lodges at Gentlemen's Approach Gates and Gar-
dener's Houses are excluded, as well as others whom the Committee con-
sider, from their position, not to be entitled to compete. The inspection
must be completed by the 1st of October. In making the inspection, the
Conveners may take the assistance of any competent judges.

3. It is left to the Committee of the District to regulate the maximum
annual rent of the Cottages, which may, with the garden, be from £b to £7.

4. To warrant the award of full Premiums, there must not be fewer than
three competitors in each class.

5. A person who has gained the highest Premium cannot compete again.

6. If the Cottage is occupied by the proprietor, the roof must be in good
repair ; if the roof is thatch, it must be in good repair', though in the occu-
pation of a tenant. The interior and external conveniences must be clean
and orderly — the windows must be free of broken glass, clean, and affording
the means of ventilation. Dunghills, and all other nuisances, must be
removed from the front and gables. In awarding the Cottage Premiums,
preference will be given to Competitors who, in addition to the above requi-
sites, have displayed the greatest taste in ornamenting the exterior of their
houses, and the ground in front and at the gables.

7. In estimating the claims for the Garden Premiums, the judges should
have in view : — The sufficiency and neatness of the fences and walks ; the
cleanness of the ground ; tlie quality and choice of the crops ; and the
general productiveness of the garden.

8. Reports, stating the number of Competitors, the names of successful
parties, and the nature of the exertions which have been made by them,
anust be transmitted by tlie Conveners to the Secretary 07i or before the 1st
November next.

9. When a grant has expired, the District cannot apply again for aid for
five years.

Parislies desirous of these Premiums must lodge applications with the
Secretary on or before the 1st November next.

Section 2.— MEDALS FOR COTTAGES AXD GARDEXS

Oil GAIJDEX rr.ODUCE.

The Society will issue annually two Minor Silver Meilals to
a limited Jiuniber of local Associations or individuals, who at
their own expense establisli J'rcniiunLs for Cottages or (Jardens
under £15 of lient. The IMedals may be awarded for best
kept Cottage, and best kept Garden or i'lower Hot, or CJarden
J'roduce.

Local Associations or individuals desirous of thtse Medals, nuist lodge
ay})lication8 with the Secretary on or before the 1st November next. The
eduls are given for live consecutive years.

am
Me

63 PKEMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Aberdeenshire.

1. Udnt Horticultural Society. — Convener, Alexander Keith, Chapelton,

Ellon; Secretary, Thomas DiiguicI, Mosshead, Udny. Granted 1881.

Ayrshire.

2. Galston Horticultural Society. — Convener, Robert Mackie, DraflPen

House, Stewarton ; Secretary, "W. M'H. Hendrie, Driimdroch.
Granted 1881.

3. Loudoun Horticultural Society. — Convener, RolDert Mackie, Draffen

House, Stewarton ; Secretary, George Neil, Greenhead Street, New-
milns, Kilmarnock. Granted 1883.

Edinburghshire.

4. LiBERTON AND Newton HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. — Convener, Thomas

Mylne, Niddrie Mains, Liberton ; Secretary, James Anderson,
Schoolhouse, Gilmerton. Granted 1882.

Elginshire.

5. Dyke HorticultuRxYL Society. — Convener, Hugh Brodie of Brodie,

Brodie Castle, Forres ; Secretary, J. Clark, Brodie Gardens, Forres.
Granted 1882.

Fifeshire.

6. Kirkcaldy Horticultural Society. — Convener, William Drysdale of

Kilrie, Kinghorn ; Secretary, John Leslie, West Mills, Kirkcaldy.
Granted 1880.

7. Strathmiglo and District Horticultural Society. — Convener,

Alexander Troup, Strathmiglo ; Secretary, James Somers, Post-
master, Strathmiglo. Granted 1883.

Haddingtonshire.

8. Pencaitland Horticultural Society — Convener, William Wilson,

Wolfstar, Tranent ; Secretary, Peter Cossar, Pencaitland. Granted
1883.

Lanarkshire.

9. Biggar Horticultural Society — Convener, J. L. Murray of Heavy-

^ide, Biggar ; Secretary, Andrew Smail, Biggar. Granted 1883.

10. Blantyre Horticultural Society. — Convener, John Craig of Bells-

fiekl Blantyre ; Secretary, William Gardiner, jun., Blantyre.
Granted 1884.

11. Carnwath Horticultural Society. — Convener, George Russell,

Carnwath ; Secretary, David Aitken, Carnwath. Granted 1880.

12. Gartsherrie Works Horticultural Society. — Convener, Dr Bruce

Goff, Woodlea, Both well; Secretary, George R. Home, Millside,
Bothwell. Granted 1881.

13. Law Floral and Horticultural Society. — Convener, Sir W. C.

Anstruther, Bart., Carmichael House, Thankerton ; Secretary, John
Greenhorn, Law Junction, Carluke. Granted 1884.

14. Mauldslie and Rosebank Horticultural Society. — Convener,

Colonel Hozier of Newlands, Mauldslie Castle, Carluke ; Secretary,
Robert Gardiner, Millburn Lodge, Netherburn, Hamilton. Granted
1882.

15. RuTHERGLEN VICTORIA GARDENS ASSOCIATION. — Convener, Col. F.

Robertson Reid of Gallowflat, Rutherglen ; Secretary, John Gordon,
jun., 51 Main Street, Rutherglen. Granted 1884,

16. Shettleston Horticultural Society. — Secretary, Alexander Hay,

Shettleston House, Shettleston. Granted 1881.

PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884. 53

Linlithgowshire.

17. Abercorx Horticultural Society. — Convener, Colonel Hare of

Calder Hall ; Secretary, John Martin, Hope Cottage, Hopetoun,
South Queensferry. Granted 1884.

Nairnshire.

18. AuLDEARX Flower Show. — Convener, Hugh Brodie of Brodie, Brodie

Castle, Forres ; Secretary, James Carson, Auldearn, Nairn. Granted
1880.

19. Cawdor Horticultural and Industrial Society. — Convener, Robert

Fraser, Brackla, Nairn ; Secretary, John M'Arthur, Brooiuhill,
Cawdor, Nairn. Granted 1884.

Perthshire.

20. Almond Valley Horticultural Society. — Convener, J. D. Lumsden,

Pitcairnfield, Perth ; Secretary, William Robertson, Huntingtower-
field, Perth. Granted 1884.

21. Blairgowrie and Rattray Horticultural Society. — Convener^

John Anderson, Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie ; Secretary, Henry Dryerre,
10 High Street, BlairgowTie. Granted 1880.

22. Caputh — Convener, Sir Alex. M. Mackenzie of Delvine, Bart., Dun-

keld ; Secretary, R. ]Miller, Spittalfields, Caputh, Dunkeld. Granted
1883.

23. Cherrybank Horticultural Society. — Convener, "William Mac-

donald. Woodlands, Perth; Secretary, William Law, Cherrybank,
Perth. Granted 1882.

24. CouPAR Angus Horticultural Society. — Convener, Thomas Fer-

guson, Kinochtry, Coupar Angus ; Secretary, T. B. Farquharson,
Coupar Angus, Granted 1884.

25. Dunkeld and Birnam Horticultural and Poultry Association. —

Convener, John Macgregor, Ladywell, Dunkeld ; Secretary, Robert
Robertson, Ladywell, Dunkeld. Granted 1880.

Renfrewshire.

26. Renfrew Horticultural Society. — Convener, William Herron, Ren-

frew ; Secretary, Robert S. Milne, Renfrew. Granted 1883.

Sutherlandshire.

27. Golspie Horticultural Society. — Convener, J. B. Dudgeon, Crakaig,

Golspie ; *S'ecrgfari/, Andrew Lindsay, Golspie. Granted 1883.

regulations.

1. Competitions may take place in the different districts for Cottages and
Gardens, or for either sei)arately.

2. The annual value of each Cottage, with the ground occupied in the
parish by a Competitor, must not exceed .£15.

3. If Competition takes place for Garden Produce in place of the best kept
Garden, such produce must be ^>07ia /We grown in the Exhibitor's Garden,
and lie will not be allowed to make up a collection from any other Garden.

4. To warrant the award of thi' Mcdils, tlicro must not be fewer tlian
three Com[ietitors.

5. Blank reports will be furnished to the Conveners and Secretaries of the
different Districts. The.se must, in all details, be completed and lodged
with the Secretary on or htfore the Jsf Norenifh^r next, for the a]>proval of the
Directors, against whose decisions there shall be no ap])eal,

6. When a grant has expired, the District cannot aj>ply again for aid for
five years.

54 PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1884.

Section 3.— IMPEOVIXG EXISTING COTTAGES.

To tlie Proprietor in Scotland who shall report the Improvement of the
greatest number of Cottages during the years 1881, 1882, and 1883 — The
Gold Medal.

Section 4.— BUILDmG NEW COTTAGES.

To the Proprietor in Scotland wno shall report the Erection of the greatest
number of approved Cottages during the years 1880, 1881, 1882, and 1882 —
The Gold Medal.

RULES OF COMPETITION.

1. Claims for the Premiums Nos. 3 and 4 must be lodged with the Secre-
tary on or before the 1st of October next, to allow an inspection to be made
of the different Cottages. The inspection will be conducted by a Committee
of the Society's Members, and Reports must be transmitted to the Secretary
on or before the 1st November next.

2. The annual value of the Cottage or Cottages separately, with the garden
ground, must not exceed £5.

3. In estimating the claims of the Competitors, the following points will
be kept in view : — The external appearance of the Cottages ; their internal
accommodation ; the arrangements of the out-houses ; the means of drainage
and ventilation ; and the expense of the building or of the alteration, com-
pared with its durability and accommodation. When the Cottages of one
Competitor are suj^erior in style and comfort to those of another, though
not so numerous, the Inspectors will give them preference, provided they
amount at least to three, and have been erected at a moderate expense.

4. Parties competing will forward to the Society Plans, Specifications,
and Estimates, of which, and of all information sent therewith, copies may
be taken for publication, if the Society shall see fit, and the originals re-
turned to the parties -v^dthin six months, if desired.

( 55 )

HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

OF SCOTLAND.

GENERAL SHOW OF STOCK AND IMPLEMENTS

ON

DEAN PARK, EDINBURGH,

On 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th July 1884,
Ttie Centenary of the Society.

^rcsibfut of ll;c .^ocictiT,

His Grace The DUKP: OF RICHMOND AND GORDON, K.G.

Cljairnmn of tlje ^ocal Committer.

ROBERT DUNDAS, Esquire of Arniston.

The District connected with the Show comprises the Counties of
Edinburgh, Haddington, and Linlithgow.

REGULATIONS.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

1. The Competition is open to Exhibitors from all parts of the United
Kingdom.

2. Every Lot must be intimated by a Certificate of Entry, lodged with the
Secretary riot later than the 21s< May for Implements^ and Ath June for
Stock and other Entries. Printed forms will be issued on application to the
Secretary, No. 3 George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh. Admission Orders will be
forwarded to Exliibitors, by post, previous to the Show.

3. Protests against the awards of the Ju<lges, or against a viohition of
the judging regulations, must be lodged with the Secretary not later than
9 A.M. on Wednesday, 23d July, and i)artii's must be in attendance at the Com-
mittee-Koom, in the Showyanl, at 10 a.m. tliat day, when protests will Ite
disposed of. All j)rotests must be accompanied by the deposit of £2, 2s.,
and if not sustained the sum will be forfeited to the Society at the discretion
of the Board.

4. Protests lodged for causes wliich the protestor produces no good evi-
dence to substantiate, will render him liable to be reported to the Board of
Directors, with the view, if they see rwison, to his being prohibited from
again entering stock for a General Show.

5. The Society shall not be liable for any loss or damage whicii Stock,
Poultry, Implements, or other articles may susUiin at the Show, or in
transit.

G. The decisions of the Boanl of Directors are final in all nuestions res|>ect-
ing Premiums and all other matters connected with the Show, and it shall
not be competent for any Exhibitor to ap])e;d against such decisions to, nor
seek redress in respect of them from, any other tribunal.

7. Covered I'ooths for Oliices ('J feet by i) feet), purely for business, not

56 GENERAL SHOW AT EDIXBUEGH IN 1884.

for exhibition of goods, can be had for ^3, 10s. to Members, and £5 to Xon-
Members. Intimation to be made to the Secretary before the 20th of June.

8. No lights allowed in the Yard at night, and Smoking is strictly pro-
hibited within the sheds. Those infringing this Knle will l3e fined ids.

9. As the command of water in the Yard is limited, it is particularly re-
quested that waste be avoided.

10. When the ground requires to be broken, the turf must be carefully
lifted and laid aside, and the surface must be restored to the satisfaction of
the Society, and at the expense of fhe Exhibitor.

11. All persons admitted into the Showyard shall be subject to the Eules
and Orders of the Directors.

12. The violation by an Exhibitor of any one of the Eegulations will in-
volve the forfeiture of all Premiums awarded to him, or of such a portion
as the Directors mav ordain.

13. Railway Passes for unsold Stock and implements must be applied for
at the Committee Room in the Yard between 9 and 11 o'clock on the fore-
noon of Thursday and Friday.

14. The Show terminates at 5 p.m. on Friday, 25th July, and no animal
or article can be withdrawn l)efore that hour. Stock and Implements may
remain in the Yard till Saturday afternoon.

15. The Premiums awarded will be paid in November 1884, and, with
the exception of the Tweeddale Gold Medal and the Silver Medals, may be
taken either in money or in plate, unless otherwise provided for in the special
prizes.

STOCK AND POULTRY.

16. Stock and Poultry to be entered with the Secretary on or before the
4th day of June. Received in the Yard on Monday, 21st, and till 10
A.M. on Tuesdav, 22d Julv. Judged at 11 a.m. on Tuesdav. Exhibited on
Tuesdav, Wednesdav, Thursdav, and Friday, 22d, 23d, 24tli, and 25th
July.

17. All animals must be entered in the sections applicable to their ages,
and cannot be withdra"\;\Ti after entry.

18. No animal to be allowed to compete in more than one section, except
for family and special prizes, anhnals for which may be drafted from the
regular classes.

19. Shorthorn, Polled Angus or Aberdeen, and Galloway animals, must
be entered in the herd books, or the Exhibitor must produce evidence that
his animal is eligible to be entered therein.

20. Stock must be 'bona Jrde the jproperty and in the iiossession of the Ex-
hibitor from the 4th June (the last day of Entry), except where otherwise
allowed in the family and special prizes.

21. The schedule of Entry must be filled up so far as within the know-
ledge of the Exhibitor.

22. The name of the Breeder, if known, must be given, and if the Breeder
is not known, a declaration to that eflect, signed by the Exhibitor, must be
sent along with the Schedule, and no pedigree will be entered in the Cata-
logue when the Breeder is unkno\ATi.

23. Should it proved to the satisfaction of the Directors that an animal
has been entered under a false name, pedigree, or description, for the pur-
pose of misleading the Directors or Judges as to its qualification or pro-
perties, the case shall be reported to the first General Meeting, in order that
the Exhibitor shall be disqualified from again competing at the Society's
Shows, and his name, if he be a member, struck from the roll, or his case
otherwise disposed of as the Directors may determine.

24. All former prize animals are eligible to compete.

25. When an animal has previously been disqualified by the decision of
any Agricultural Association in Great Britain or Ireland, such disqualifi-

GEXERAL SHOW AT EDIXBUKGH IX 1S84. 57

cation shall attach, if the Exhibitor, being aware of the disqualification, fail
to state it, and the grounds thereof, in his entry, to enable the Directors to
judge of its validity.

26. Breeding Stock must not be shown in an improper state of fatness, and
the Judges will be prohibited from awarding Premiums to overfed animals.

27. No animal shall l:)ear on its rug, harness, pail, or other fittings, any
initial, crest, or mark of ownership, nor be distinguished otherwise than by
the number indicating its place in the Catalogue.

28. Exhibitors shall be answerable for all acts, whether committed by
themselves, their servants, or others, and shall be responsible for the con-
dition of their animals during the whole time they remain in the Showyard.

29. Xo animal to be taken out of its stall after 10 a.m. during the Show,
except by order of the Judges, or with permission of the Secretary. Those
infringing this Rule will be fined 10s.

30. Aged Bulls and Stallions must have had produce, and, along with
Two-year-old-Bulls, Three-year-old-Colts, and aged Tups, have served within
the year of the Show.

31. All Cows must have had calves previous to the Show, and when ex-
hibited they must either be in milk or in calf ; if in milk, birth must have
been within 9 months of the Show; if in calf, birth must be certified within
9 months after the Show. In the case of Ayrshire Cows in Calf, and
Ayrshire Heifers in Calf, calved before 1st January 1882, birth must be
certified 9 mouths after the Show. This Rule does not apply to Animals
in Family Prizes.

32. Cows in the Family and Group Prizes to be shown in milk, and to
have had calves not more than 9 months before the Show. Two-year-old
Heifers in the Family and Group Prizes to be certified to have been served
before the Show.

33. All Milch Cows of the Ayrshire breed must be in the Yard on the
evening of Monda}^, 21st July, before 8 o'clock, after which they will be
inspected by the Veterinary Surgeon, or other official of the Society, between
8 and 9 o'clock, to see if they have been milked dry ; and if not, they must
be milked under his direction, and, after the judging, all Milch Cows must
be milked morning and evenirj'',

34. Any artificial contrivance or device of any description found on
or proved to have been used on an animal, either for preventing the flow
of milk or for any other improper purpose, will disqualify that animal
from being awarded a Premium, and the Owner of said animal will be
prohibited from again entering stock for any of the Society's General
Shows, or for such a period as the Directors may see fit.

35. Two-year-old Heifers — of the Shorthorn and Polled Breeds — must be
in calf when exhibited, and the premiums will be withheld till birth be
certified, which must be within 9 months after the Show. This Rule does
not ap])ly to Animals in tliu Family Fii/.es.

30. Animals of any age that havu had a calf must l)e shown as Cows.

37. Mares in Sections .") and 14 must have produced foals after 1st Januar}'
1884, and foals must be at foot, exce])t wlien death can be provetl. Mares
in Section fj must be in foal, and awards will be susjuMided till birtli is
c(;rlifi('d, which nnist be within 11 months from the date of the Show.

38. With reference to regulations 31 and 3';, birth of at least a seven
lUftnths' calf must be certified ; and in regard to regulation 37, birtli of nt
lea-st a nine months' foal.

39. Horses entered as Hunters are ex])octod to bo jumped in the
Horse King, but thi.s is not compul>*ory except when the animals are being
judged, and tlien only if refjuiretl by the Judges. Those entiTed for leap-
ing mu.st be junii)ed in tlie Horse King at Ciich parade during the Show.
'nio.se refusing will be liable to a penalty of lOs. each i)arade.

58 GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBUEGH IN 18S4.

40. The inspection of Horses as to soundness is left entirely to the Judges,
who may consult the Society's Veterinary Surgeon if they deem it expedient.
No protests on veterinary grounds will be received.

41. All Ewes must have reared Lambs in 1884 ; and Ewes in Sections 3
and 9 (Blackfaced and Cheviot) must be in milk, and have their Lambs at foot.

42. Sheep must have been clipped bare during the season, and the Judges
are instructed to examine the fleeces of the Sheep selected for prizes, and to
cast those on which they find any of the former fleece. Fleeces must not
be artificially coloured.

43. Sows must have reared pigs in 1884 or be in pig ; and Pigs must
belong to the same litter, and be uncut.

44. In Poultry the Aged Birds must have been hatched previous to, and
Cockerels and Pullets in, 1884. No dubbing is allowed in the male birds of
the Game Breeds. Those dubbed will not be placed.

45. The Yard will be open for Stock on Monday, 21st July, and between
C and 10 o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, 22d, after which hour no
Stock can be admitted.

46. Bulls must be secured by nose rings, with chains or ropes attached, or
with strong halters and double ropes. All cattle must be tied in their stalls.

47. Servants in charge of Stock must bring their own buckets or pails
and a piece of rope to carry their forage.

48. Strong loose boxes will be provided for Stallions and Three-and-Two-
year-old entire Colts, in which they can remain all night, and loose boxes for
Mares with foal at foot; closed-in stables for all the other horses, and covered
accommodation for the whole of the other stock.

49. Straw, hay, grass, and tares will lie provided free by the Society
during the four days of the Show, and half allowance on Monday for any
stock that may be in the Yard that day; other kinds of food will be supplied
at fixed prices in the forage yard. Any Servant removing bedding from an
adjoining stall will be fined in double the amount taken. Exhibitors may
fetch their own cake or corn to the Yard, but not grass, tares, hay, nor straw.
Coops, food, and attendance for Poultry will be found by the Society.

50. Cattle, Sheep, Swine, or Poultry cannot be removed from the Yard
till 5 P.M. on Friday, 25th July, except on certificate by the Veterinary Sur-
geon employed by the Directors.

51. Horses may be withdrawn at six o'clock each evening on a deposit of
£2 for each animal, which shall be forfeited, along with any prize money it
may have gained, if the animal is not brought back. They must return at
half-past 7 o'clock the following morning, and those not in before 8 will forfeit
10s. Horse passes to be applied for at the Committee Room between 5 and
6 P.M. on Tuesday, and the deposit will be returned between 12.30 and
2.30 on Friday.

52. "When the Stock is leaving the Yard, no animal is to be moved till
ordered by those in charge of clearing the Yard. Those transgressing this
Rule will be detained till all the other Stock is removed.

JUDGING STOCK AND POULTRY.

53. On Tuesday, 22d July, Exhibitors, and all others except Servants in
charge of Stock, must leave the Yard at 10 a.m.

54. The Judges will commence their inspection at 11 a.m., when the public
will be admitted. The space reserved for the Judges will be enclosed by
ropes, and no encroachment will be permitted. In no case shall a Premium
be awarded unless the Judges deem the animals to have sufficient merit ; and
where only one or two lots are presented in a section, and the Judges con-
sider them unworthy of the premiums off'ered, it shall be in their power
to award a lower prize, or to suggest the removal of any lot which appears to
them unworthy of being placed in the Yard.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884. 59

55. In addition to the Premiums, the Judges are authorised to award
three Commendations in each section (except Poultry, where only two
prizes are to be awarded) if the entries are numerous and the animals of
sufficient merit. These Commendations to consist of — Very Highly Com-
mended, Highly Commended, and Commended.

56. The animals in Section 11 (Ayrshire Breed) which have not calved
before the Show, will be judged along wiih the Cows and Heifers in Calf,
and those in Section 12 which have calved before the Show will be judged
along with Cows in Milk.

57. Two Members of Committee will attend each section of the Judges.
It will be their duty to see that no obstruction is offered to them, and that
the space reserved for them is not encroached on ; to communicate to the
Secretary any ciuestion that may arise for the consideration of the Committee;
to complete their reports ; and to ticket the prize animals.

58. It shall not be competent for any Exhibitor, nor for his Factor or Land-
Steward, to act as a Judge or attending Member in any class in which he is
competing ; and no Exhibitor shall remain in charge of any lot, wliether
belonging to himself or another, while the Judges are at work in the Yard.

DAIRY PEODUCE.

59. Dairy Produce to be entered with the Secretary on or before 4th June.
Received in the Showyard on Monday 21st July, and till 10 a.m. on Tues-
day 22d July. Judged at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Exhibited Tuesday, Wed-
nesday, Thursday, and Friday, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th July.

60. Dairy Produce must liave been made on the Exhibitor's farm in 1884.
At least 1 cwt. of the variety of Butter, and 2 cwt. of that of the Cheese
exhibited, must have been made during the season. The lots must be fair
samples, and untasted. No lot can be removed from the Yard till 5 p.m. on
Friday 25th July.

STALL RENT.

61. The following rates shall be paid by Exhibitors when making their
Entries: —

Cattle, each, .....
Loose boxes for Stallions — 3 and 2 year-old
entire Colts, and Mares with Foals at foot, .
All other Horses, each, . . .

Sheep, per pen, ....

Family or Group of Sheep, per pen, .
Swine, per pen, ....

Poultry, each entry, ....
Dairy Produce, each entry.
Covered Bocjths for ollices, 9 feet by 9 feet, .
Newspaper ottices, . . £-2, 10s.

IMPLEMENTS AND OTHER ARTICLES.

62. Imjtlements to be entered with the St'crctary on or before 21st May
Received iu tin; Yard on Tursday 15th July, and till 10 o'clock on the
morning of Tuesday 22d July. Exhibited Tuisday, Wednesday, 'i'hursday,
and Frichiy, 22(1, 23d, 24th, and 25th July. The 'Schedule of entr}- must
be filled up so far as within the knowledge of the P^xhibitor, and prices must
be statccl.

63. No M»»ney Prizes or Medals will be given for Imjilenients of any kind,
and no inspection of them by Judges will take place, except tho.«c specified
at page 18.

64. Agricultural Implement?, nnd Inu'lenients and collections of artich 8

Members.

Xon -Members,

s. d.

S.

d.

15 0

25

0

30 0

40

0

20 0

30

0

10 0

15

0

20 0

30

0

15 0

20

0

3 0

5

0

4 0

6

0

70 0

100

0

60 GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

not Agricultural, will be received for Exhibition, but the Secretary will be
entitled to refuse Entries from dealers in articles not deemed worthy of
Exhibition.

65. Implements will be placed in the following sections, viz. : — 1st, Under
Cover, for Agricultural Implements ; 2nd, Open, for Agricultural Imple-
ments ; 3rd, for Exhibits not Implements of Husbandry, which will be
placed apart from the Agricultural Implements, either under cover or open,
as may be deemed necessary by the Secretary ; 4th, Motion Yard. Ex-
hibitors must specify the'space they require.

66. The articles of each Exhibitor will be all placed in one stand, except
implements in motion, and must not on any account extend beyond the
^vidth allowed. No article to be moved out of its stand, or the stand dis-
mantled, till the termination of the Show, at 5 p.m., on Fridav 25th Julv.
Those infringing this rule will be reported to the Directors.

67. Exhibitors must arrange their own articles within the space allotted to
them before 11 o'clock on Tuesday the 22d July, and to the satisfaction of
those in charge of the Implement Yard.

68. Exhibitors must on no account leave their stands during the judging
of Stock, and if found in tlie Stock Yard thev will be fined 10s.

69. All Machines requiring steam or fire must be entered as such in the
Certificate, and will be placed in the Motion Yard. Coke must be used in
all cases wliere fire is required.

70. No Steam Engine shall be driven in the Yard at a greater speed than
4 miles an hour.

71. Locomotive and Traction Engines and other Machines must not be
moved from their places without permission of the Secretary, and must not
leave their stands till 5.30 p.m. on Friday.

72. There must be attached to each Implement, when forwarded to the
Show, a label bearing the Exhibitor's name, and that of the Implement.

73. The carriage of all Implements must be prepaid.

STALL REXT.

74. No smaller space than 6 feet frontage, 20 feet deep (in Motion Yard
50 feet deep), can be allowed for Implements, and, except for exhibits not
agricultural, no boarding shall exceed 4 feet in height.

75. The following rates shall be paid by Exhibitors when making their
Entries : —

Non-
Members. Members.
Implement Shedding, 20 feet deep 9 feet higli, per foot, £0 3 0 £0 4 0
Implements without Shedding, 20 feet deep, per foot, 0 2 0 0 3 0
Implement Shedding in Motion Yard, 20 feet deej), with

30 feet open space behind, per foot, . . .046 070
Implements in Motion Yard, without Shedding, 50 feet

deep, per foot, 026 050

Covered Booths for offices, 9 feet by 9 feet, each, . 3 10 0 5 0 0
Newspaper offices, each, .... £2, 10s.

ADMISSION TO YARD.

The public will be admitted on Tuesday, 22d July, at 11 a.m., when the
inspection by the Judges commences. The charges will be — Tuesday, from
11 A.M. till 5 P.M., 5s.; Wednesday, from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m., 3s. ; Thursday,
from 8 A.M. till 5 p.m., 2s. ; Friday, from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m., Is.

Members of the Society are a^lmitted to the Showyard without payment,
on exhibiting a '^ Member's Ticket," which is strictly not transferable. Tickets
will be sent to all Members residing in the United Kingdom whose addresses
are known, and on no account will duplicates be issued. All Members not
producing their tickets must pay at the gate, and the admission-money will
not be returned.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884. 61

Exhibitors of Stock (not Members) will be charged 5s. for admission to
the judging on Tuesday ; on Wednesday at 8 a.m., and throughout the Show
they will be admitted free.

Exhibitors of Implements and their attendants will be entitled to free
entry during the Show, but must remain at their stalls during the judging
uf the Stock on Tuesday.

Tickets for attendants on Stock and Implements are not available to
admit to the Yard between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ; and any attendant requiring
to leave the Yard during the day, cannot be again admitted except by a
special pass (to be applied for at the Committee Room), which must be given
up on his return.

Placards are prohibited both inside the Showyard and on the outside of
the Boundary Fence, with the exception of those belonging to Exhibitors,
whose right is confined to their own stalls. No newspapers or any other
article allowed to be carried about the Yard for sale. No strolling bands
admitted.

No Carriages or Eqitestrians admitted without special leave from the
Directors, and then only for Invalids. Bath chairs may be brought in.

Premium Lists, Regulations, and Certiticates of Entry, may be obtained by
applying at the Secretary's Office, No. 3 George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh,

All Communications sJwuld be addressedto Fletcher Norton Menzies, Esq.,
Secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, No. 3
George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh.

LAST DAYS OF ENTRY.
Implements — 21st May.
Stock and all other Entries — 4th June.

RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS.

The Scotch Railway Companies have adopted the following Regulations.

By Passenger Train.

1. Live Stock to the Show to be charged ordinary rates.

2. Live Stock /row the Show, if sold, to be charged ordinary rates.

3. Live Stock from the Show, if unsold, to be conveyed at lialf rates back
to the station whence they were sent, on production of a certificate from the
Secretary of the Agricultural Show to the eirect that they are really unsold ;
failing production of such certificate, ordinary rates must be charged. The
reduction to half-rate is to be allowed only when the animals are returned by
the same route as tliat by which tliey were conveyed to llie Show.

If the nnsold Live Stock which was conveyed on the outward jounuy by
(foods Train in cattle trucks he required to be returned by Passenger Train in
horse-boxes, half the Passenger Train rates nutst be charged.

4. Horses— By Passenger or Si)ecial Train.

(a) A Stallion to be charged the rate for one Horse, jdus 50 per cent.

(b) Any other Horse, for which the exclusive use of a horse-box is

ordered, to be charged the rate for one liorse, plus 50 per cent.

(r) Other Hoi-ses to be diarged at t)r«linary mtes.
6. Bulls, Cows, and other Animals—

(n) A Bull, Cow, or nth«M- animal sent in a liorse-bo.x, and for which
tlie exclusive use (»f the Itox has been ordered, to be diarged the
rate for three Hofhcs. (Highland Railway, phus 25 jwr cent)

(b) Bulls, Cows, or other animals sent in horse-i)Oxes, but for which

62 GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

tlie exclusiv^e use of the box has not been ordered, to be charged
each the rate for one Horse, plus 50 per cent. (Highland
Railway, plus 25 per cent.)

6. Unsold Live Stock transferred from one Agricultural Show to another,
in another part of the country, must be charged ordinary rates.

7. Poultry. — The Companies give notice that they are not common
carriers of poultry ; they will, however, to accommodate the public, cany
such by special agreement only, and at special rates, to be obtained at the
Companies' stations.

8. Provender conveved to Agricultural Shows with Live Stock is to be
charged ordinary rates, except so much of the same as may be required on
the journey.

9. Dogs to be charged full rates both ways.

10. All the above to be carried at owners' risk.

11. Collection and delivery to be j^erformed in all cases by the owners.

12. Men, certified by the o-wners to be bona fide in charge of Live Stock,
to be conveyed free in the same train as the animals, as follows : —

One man for each consignment, except when the consignment requires
more than one vehicle, when one man for each vehicle may be
sent free.
Note. — U}jo?i both the outward and homeward journey a separate cer-
tificate must be given, ichich must be retained by the station master at the
outicard or homeward starting-point, as the case may be.

13. For men in charge of Horsesor other Live Stock forwarded bv Pas-
senger Train, no separate pass must be issued ; the only form of pass must be
the endorsement of the station clerk written across the horse ticket, which
must be delivered up on the arrival of the animals at their destination.

By Goods Train.
Live Stock.

1. Live Stock to the Show to be charged ordinary rates.

2. Live Stock from the Show, if sold, to be charged ordinary rates.

3. Live Stock /ro7?i the Show, if unsold, to be conveyed at half rates back
to the station whence they were sent, on production of a certificate from the
Secretary of the Agricultural Show to the eff"ect that they are really unsold;
failing production of such certificate, ordinary rates must be charged. The
reduction to half-rate is to be allowed only when the animals are returned
by the same route as that by which they were conveyed to the Show.

If the unsold Live Stock ivhich was conveyed on the outicard journey by Pas-
senger Train in horse-boxes be required to be returned by Goods Train in cattle
trucks, half the Goods Train rates must be charged.

4. Live Stock rates are " station to station " only.

5. LTnsold Live Stock transferred from one Agricultural Show to another,
in another part of the country, must be charged ordinary rates.

6. Poultry. — The Companies give notice that they are not common
carriers of poultry. They will, however, to accommodate the public, carry
such by special agreement only, and at special rates, to be obtained at the
Companies' stations.

7. Horse-boxes must not be provided for the carriage of Live Stock sent
by Goods Train and invoiced at Goods Train rates.

8. Provender conveyed to Agricultural Shows with Live Stock is to be
charged ordinary rates, except so much of the same as may be required on
the journey.

9. Men, certified by the owners to be bona fide in charge of Live Stock, to
be conveyed free in the same train as the animals ; the number not to exceed
one man to each vehicle.

i\OTE. — Ujmn both the outward, and homeward journey a separate cer-

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

63

o

tijlcate must be given, which must he retained hy the station master at the
outward or homeioard starting-])oint, as the case may he.

10. For men in charge of Live Stock forwarded by Goods Train, no
separate pass must be issued, but the form of pass must be printed on the
Live Stock Ticket, which must be delivered up on the arrival of the Live
Stock at their destination.

Agricultural Machines and Implements.

The application of the following Regulations for the conveyance of Agri-
cultural Implements should not be extended to articles other than imple-
ments of husbandry : —

11. Agricultural Machines and Implements to the Show to be charged
ordinary rates.

12. Agricultural Machines and Implements from the Show, if sold, to be
charged ordinary rates.

13. Agricultural Machines and luiplements from the Show, if unsold, to
be conveyed at half rates back to the station whence they were sent, on pro-
duction of a certificate from the Secretary of the Agricultural Show to the
effect that they are really unsold ; failing production of such certificate,
ordinarv rates must be charged. The reduction to half- rate is to be allowed
only when the articles are returned by the same route as that by which they
were conveyed to the Show.

14. Unsold goods transferred from one Agricultural Show to another, in
another part of the country, must be charged ordinary rates.

15. Agricultural Societies' Show Plant must be charged at Special Class
rates, station to station.

16. All the above to be carried at owners' risk.

17. Collection and delivery to be performed in all cases by the owners.

PREMIUMS.

In addition to the Premiums, the Judges are authorised to award three Com-
mendations in each section (excejyt Poultry, where only tico prizes are to be
awarded) if the entries are numerous, and the animals of suffix: ient merit.
These Commendations to consist of — Fery Highly Commended, Highly
Commended, and Commended.

All former prize animals are eligible to compete.

Animals competing for the family j^^i^*^!^ way be drafted from the regular
classes.

CLASS I.

CATTLE.

SHORTHORN.
Section l 1st i'ri

1. Bull calved before 1st Jon. 1882, . \ 2iul ..

( 3ra ,.

Breeder of best Bull,— The Silver Medal.

fist Trize
2 Bull calved on or after Ist Jan. 1882, \ 2nd ..

( 3nl ..

Carry forward,

Given by ' Added
Highland I by j
.Society. |Subscribers

1st Prize 20
10

5

20

10

5

£70 I

Total.

£
20
10

6

20

10

5

£70

64

GENEEAL SHOW AT EDINBUEGH IN 1S84.

SB.O'RTB.ORN—contiiuced.

Brought forward.
Section ( 1st Prize

3. Bull calved on or after 1st Jan, 1883, \ •2Dd n

3rd H

i. Cow of any age

ize

O^'

( 1st Pri

. < 2nd .
( 3rd n

( 1st Prize

5. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882, ] 2nd n

( 3rd M

( 1st Prize

6. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1883, < 2nd n

( 3rd „

7. Family, — Cow and Three or more of^

her descendants (niale or female) in the j 1st Prize
female line, oxen excluded, bred by, or J- 2nd n
the property of, the exhibitor (see Rule j 3rd n
No. 32), . . . . . j

S.^Group of one Bull above one year, one ) 1st Prize
Cow, one two year old Heifer, and one > 2nd n
Yearling (see Rule No. 32), . . ) 3rd ,.

Cup for best Male animal,*
Cup for best Female animal,*

Given by | Added
Highland i by
Society. .Subsciibers

AYRSHIRE.
Section
9. Bull calved before 1st Jan. 1882,

Breeder of best Bull,— The Silver Medal.

1st Prize
2nd .,
3rd u

10. Bull calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882, \ 2nd n

II

{ 1st Prize

(3rd

( 1st Prize
11. Bull calved on or after 1st Jan. 1883, < 2nd u

( 3rd I.

12. Cow in Milk, of any age,

1st Prize
2nd u
3rd ,,

13. Cow in Calf, of any age, or Heifer in \ J^t ^nze
Calf, calved before 1st Jan. 1882, . ) gj?^ "

Carry forward.

£

70

10

5

3

15

8
4

10
5
3

8
4
2

20

10

5

£182

20

10

5

20

10

5

10
5
3

15

8
4

15

8
4

5
3
2

5
2
1

10
5
2

7
4
3

30

20

6

50
50

£•205

Total.

£

70

15

8

5

20

10

5

20

10
5

15
8
5

20

10

5

30

20

6

50
50

£387

20

10

5

20

10

5

10
5
3

15
8
4

15
8
4

£142

£142

Given by the Shorthorn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

65

AYPtSHIRE continued.

Given by
Highland

Society.

Added
by

Subscribers

Total.

Brought forward,
Section ( 1st Prize
14. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882, < 2nd n

( 3rd „

£

142

10

5

3

£

£

142

10

5

3

( 1st Prize
15. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1883, < 2nd n

( 3rd 1,

8
4
2

...

8
4
2

16. Family, — Cow and Three or more of^
her descendants (male or female) in the 1st Prize
female line, oxen excluded, bred by, or }■ 2nd n
the property of, the exhibitor (see Rule 3rd m
No. 32), . . . J

20

10

5

20

10

5

Cups for best and second best Male ) 1st Prize
animal,* . . . \ 2nd n

. . .

20
10

20
10

Cups for best and second best ) 1st Prize
Female animal,* . . \ 2nd n

...

20
10

20
10

£209

£60

£269

POLLED ANGUS OR ABERDEEN.

Section

17. Bull calved before 1st Dec. 1881,

Breeder of best Bull, — The Silver Meda

18. Bull calved on or after 1st Dec. 1881, -

1st Prize
2nd II

' 3rd „

[.

fist Prize
2nd M
3rd 1,
4th n

1 5th M

20

10

5

20

10

5

• • •

• • •

• • •

2

20

10

5

20

10

5

3

2

■
19. Bull calved on or after 1st Dec. 1882, -

fist Prize
2nd M
3rd „
4th ,.

L5th „

10
5
3

5
3
2
3
2

15
8
5
3
2

1st Prize
2nd M
20. Cow of any age, . . . •( 3nl n

4th M
1 5th M

15
8
4

3
2

15

8

4

3
o

f 1st Prize
2iid „
21. Heifer calved on or after 1st Dec. 1881, ^ 3rd n

4th ..

I ntii „

10
5
3

2
2
2
3
2

12
7
5
3
2

Carry forward,

£133

£36

£169

• Given by tlio Ayrshire Cnttlo Herd Book Society. The
for these Cups mu.st be entereil in the Ayrbhiro Herd Book.
£10 Prizes may either take money or cup.

atiinial.s ronipeting
The wiunt'rs of the

66

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

POLLED ANGUS or ABERDEEN continued.

Given by

Highland

Society.

Added

by

Subscribers

Total.

Brought forward,
Section fist Prize

2nd 11
22. Heifer calved on or after 1st Dec. 1882, -{ 3rd u

4th ,1
,5th 1,

£
133

8
4
2

£

36
2
2
2
3
2

£
169

10
6
4
3
2

23. Familj% — Cow and Three or more of^

her descendants (male or female) in the | 1st Prize
female line, oxen excluded, bred by, or )-2ndi u
the property of, the exhibitor (see Rule 3rd n
No. 32), . . . J

20

10

5

10

10

5

30
20
10

24, Group of not less than one Bull over ) i ,|. p .•
one year old, and of not less than four ( o i
Female animals of any age (see Rule ( o°j "
No. 32), . . . J^ict „

(

30

20
10

30
20
10

Cup for best Male animal,*

. . .

26, 5s.

26, 5s.

Cup for best Female animal,*

...

26, 5s.

26, 5s.

£182

£184, 10s

£366, 10s

GALLOAVAY.

Section

25. Bull calved before 1st Jan. 1882, . <

(

Breeder of best Bull— The Silver Meda^

26. Bull calved on or after l.st Jan. 1882, <

1st Prize
2ud 1.

' 3rd „

I.

fist Prize
2nd II
3rd 1,
4th „

,5th II

20

10

5

20
10

5

3"

2

20

10

5

20

10

5

3

2

27. Bull calved on or after 1st Jan. 1883, -

fist Prize
2nd 11
3rd „

4th „
,5th II

10
5
3

5
3
2
3
2

15
8
5
3
2

28. Cow of anv age,

' 1st Prize

2nd .1

3rd ,1

4th „

L5th ,1

15
8
4

...

3"
2

15
8
4
3
2

(1st Prize
29. Cow calved on or after 1st Jan. 1881, I 2nd n

( 3rd ,.

...

10
5
3

10
5

3

Carry forward,

£115

£43

£158

Given by the Polled Cattle Society.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDIXBUEGH IN 1884.

67

GALTjO"\VAY — continued.

Oiven by j Added
Highland | by
Society, Subscribers

Total.

Brought forward,
Section fist Prize

I 2ud „

30. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882 \ 3rd i.

i 4th M
L5th „

1 st Prize
2nd .,

31. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1883 -{ 3rd n

4th „

£

145

10

6

8
4
2

L5th

32. Family, — Cow and three or more of^

her descendants (male or female) in the j 1st Prize
female line, oxen excluded, bred by, or } 2nd n
the j)roperty of, the exhibitor (see Kule j 3rd n
No. 32), . . . . j

I

33. Group of not less than one Bull over ") -i + p •
one year old, and of not less than four | ^ i ^^^^
female animals of any age (see Rule f o i "
No. 32), . . . _ j ^ra M

Cup for best Male animal,*
Cup for best Female animal,+

20

10

5

£182

HIGHLAND.
Section.
34. Bull calved before 1st Jan. 1881,

( 1st Prize
\ 2nd M
( 3rd „

Breeder of Best Bull— The Silver Medal
35. Bull calved on or

{ 1st Prize
after 1st Jan. ISSl, • 2iul „

( 3rd „

20

10

5

20

10

5

( 1st Prize)
36. Bull calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882, - 2nd ,. \

( 3ra ,. ]

10
5
3

37. Cow of any age,

38. Heifer calved on nr aft. r 1st Jnn. 1881

( 1st Prize
\ 2nd „
( 3rd „

( 1st Pri/f
•' 2nd ..
( yrd „

15
8
4

10
5
3

Cany forward, £133

* Given l)y th« Galloway Cntth* Society,
t Given by Breeders of Galloway Cattle,

43
o

Ad

2
2
3
2

2
2
2
3
2

10

10

5

30
20
10

£
158
12
7
5
3
2

10
6
4
3
2

30
20
10

30
20
10

26, 5s. 26, 5s.

I

26, 5s. I 26, 5s.

£202. 10^ £-384.108

20

10

5

20
10

10
5
3

15

8

4

10
5
8

£133

68

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

i

UIGHLAl^B— continued.

Given by

Highland

Society.

1

Added

by

Subscribers

Total.

Section Brought forward,

( 1st Prize

39. Heifer calved on or after 1st Jan. 1882 < 2nd i.

( 3rd u

£

133

8

4

2

£

£

133

8

4

2

40. Family, — Cow and Three or more of^

her descendants (male or female) in | 1st Prize
the female line, oxen excluded, }-2nd n
bred by, or the property of, the ex- 3rd m
hibitor (see Rule 'No. 32), . j

20

10

5

20

10

5

Cups for best and second best Male \ 1st Prize
animal, . . . . ( 2nd n

25
15

25
15

Cups for best and second best Female \ 1st Prize
animal, , . , . ( 2nd n

...

25
15

25
15

£182

£80

£262

FAT STOCK.

41. Highland Ox calved before 1st Jan. { 1st Prize
1881, . . . . 1 2nd „

6
3

6
3

42. Highland Ox calved on or after 1st ) 1st Prize
Jan. 1881, . . .\ 2nd ..

5
2

...

5
2

Cup for best Ox in the above sections,
value not yet fixed, ,

• • *

* * *

• . •

£16

£16

CLASS II.

HORSES.

FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

Section ( 1st Prize

1. Stallion foaled before 1st Jan. 1881, < o ^i "

' J 3rd II

( 4th ,1

Breeder of best Stallion, — The Silver ]\redal,

I'lst Prize

2 Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st Jan. J 2nd n

1881, . . . . I 3rd „

1 4th II

r^- . Added by

Given bv r^ a i i
Clvdesdale

Highland
Society.

£

30 -^
20
10
5

r

20
15
10
5 j

Carry forward, I £115
* For best Stallion, three years old and upwards.

Horse
Society.

25^

£25

Total.

140

£140

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

69

HORSES— continued.

Brought forward,
Section f 1st Prize

3. Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st Jan. J 2nd n

1882, . . . . . I 3rd „

rist Prize

4. Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st Jan. J 2nd it

1883, . . . . . 1 3rd „

Uth n

^ 1st Prize

5. Mare (with Foal at foot) foaled before I 2nd n

1st Jan. 1881, .

3rd H
4th M

r 1 st Prize

6. Mare (in Foal) foaled before 1st Jan. ' 2nd n
1881, . . . . .1 3rd M

Uth „

I' 1st Prize

7. Fillv foaled on or after 1st Jan. 1881, -( o i "

j orcl It

V4th M

1st Prize
Filly foaled on or after 1st Jan. 1882, ^ ^°f "

Uth II

/:

9. Filly foaled on or after 1st Jan. 1883.

10. Family, — Five animals, foaled in 1882

M st Prize
2nd ,1

I

3rd
4th

ize

\lst Pri
9 1
sire), not necessarily the y>roperty of | .^^ ,

one person, . . . . J

n. Do. Do., foaled in 1883, do.

In sections 10 and 11 the prizes to go to the
owiKM' of the sire.

Carry forward.

Given by

Highland

Society.

£

115

15

8

4

2

10
6
4
2

25

15

10

5

20

10

5

3

15
8
4
2

10
5
3
2

8
4
2

20
1.^
10

20
15
10

£413

Added by

Clydesdale

Horse

Society.

£
25

10^

25t

101

£70§

Total

£
140

61

147

45

20
15
10

20
15
10

£483

* For best Colt in the two year old and one year old sections.

t For best Mart', three years old and uitwanl.s.

X For best Filly in tlie two year old ami one year old sections.

§ Animals comiM'tin^ for these jininiums, which will Ik* f^jiven in Cups, must
be registered in the C'lydesdale Stud Hook, or the Kxhibitor mu.st jtroduio a
certificate from the Secretary of the Clydesdale Horse Society that the entry of
the pedigree has been accepted.

68

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

HORSES — continued.

Section Brought forward,

12. Draught Gelding foaled before 1st ) ^ ^ ^^^

j-^^-issi \ti :

I 1st Prize
} 2nd „

13. Draught Gelding foaled on or after 1st
Jan. 1881, . . . . ) o-.j

HUNTERS.
14. Thoroughbred Stallion, suitable for \ 1st Prize

getting Hunters.

15. Brood Mare, with foal at foot,

\ 2nd

( 1st Pri
\ 2nd „
( 3rd „

16. Mare or Gelding, five years and up- ( J,^^ -^^''^e
wards, up to Id stone, . • / s ■ 1

17. Mare or Gelding, five years and up- ( J^^^^^^

- °' -^ ^ -^ 2na II

wards, up to 14 stone,

( 3rd

18. Mare or Gelding, five years and up-
wards, up to 12 stone,

19. Mare or Gelding, four years, up to 14
stone, .....

20. Mare or Gelding, four years, up to 12 ) ^ ,
stone, . . r . .-^^'^

1st Prize
2nd I,
3rd I,

1st Prize
2nd I,
3rd ,1

( 1st Prize

Given by

Highland

Society.

21. Mare or Gelding, three years, likelyto \ ^^^ ^"^e

make a hunter, . . . ^ o^^i

' ( 3rd II

1st Prize

22. Stallion, Mare or Gelding for Leaping, ^ 2nd u

3rd 11

£

413

8

4

2

6
3
1

£437

15

10

20
10

25
15
10

10
5
3

£123

Added by

Clydesdale

Horse

Society.

£
70

£70

Given by
Subscribers,
JO
20

30

**

£445

Total.

£

483
8
4
2

6
3
1

£50;

40
20

25
15

10

50
25
15

50
25
15

50
25
15

30
20
10

30
20
10

25
15
10

10
5
3

£568

* Given by The Earl of Eglinton's, Renfrewshire, and Dunfriesshire Hunts,
t Given by the Edinburgh Agricultural Association.
+ Given by Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt.
§ Given by The Duke of Buccleuch's Hunt.

II Given by The Earl of Eglinton's, Renfrewshire, and Dumfriesshire Hunts.
IT Given by the Berwickshire Hunt.
** Given by Fife Hunt.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

69^

HORSES— cmtiimed.

il?ss&

Total.

ROADSTERS.
Section

23. Mare or Gelding for Carriage, foaled i J^t Prize
before 1st Jan. 1880, . . .1 ^^^^ ||

24. Mare or Gelding, Hackney or Road- ( ^^t Prize
ster, between 14 and 15 hands, . j ^ i "

25. Hackney Stallion,

£

20

10

5

8
4
2

£

< > «

10*

£

20

10

5

8
4
2

10

£49

£10

£59

POXIES.

r 1st Prize

26. Stallion, 15 hands and under, .- 2nd „

..3rd „

27. Mare or Gelding, between 13 and 14^ f J''*^,^^'^^^

hands, . . . . .1 ^"^ "

^^ orci II

28. Mare or Gelding, between 12i and 14 f ^^t Prize
hands, . . . . , 1^3^^ ^^

r 1st Prize

29. ]\rare or Gelding, under 12i hands,. -] 2nd n

1 3rd „

10
5
3

6
3
1

6
3
1

6
3
1

...

10
5
3

6
3

1

6
3
1

6
3

1

£48

£48

* Given by Members of the Hackney Stud Book Society. Animals competing
for this Prize must be entered in Volume I. of the Hackney Stud Book, or have
been accepted for Volume II.

STALLIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

Stallions to serve in the three counties connected with the Show in
Season 1884, to be divided equally amongst them, .

£100

Competition to take place in Spring.

70

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBUEGH IN 1884.

CLASS III.

SHEEP.

BLACKFACED.

Section

1. Tup above one shear

1st Prize

3nd M
3rd M
4tli „

2. Shearling Tup,

! 1st 'Prize
2 fl
O 1 "

4. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers,

( 1st Prize
\ 2nd M
( 3rd M

5. Family group of Aged Tup, Shearling "i 1st Prize
Tup, three Ewes with their Lambs at j 2nd n
foot, and three Gimmers, the property )- 3rd n
of the Exhibitor. No Exhibitor al- 4th n
lowed to make more than one entry. j 5th m

Family of 2 two Shear Tups, two Shear- "^
ling Tups, and four Tuji Lambs, all bred
by and the property of Exhibitor, the
two Shear Tups to have been used in his -
flock during season 1883. The animals
competing for this prize not t be
entered in any of the other sectioi:8, .

7. Best Tup Lamb in the yard,

CHEVIOT.

8. Tup above one shear, .

Given by

Highland

Society.

£

15

10

7

4

15

10

7

4

10
5
2

10
5
2

9. Shearling Tup,

rist Prize
J 2ud M
•1 3rd M
V4th M

£106

15
10

7
4

15

10

7

4

Added

by

Subscribers

£

\- 10*

10*t

25^
20 I

10
5)

30t

20:r

£145

Carry forward, £72

* Given by Breeders of Blackfaced Sheep.

t For best 3 Ewes with their Lambs at foot, or Gimmers.

:J: Given by West Country Breeders of Blackfaced Sheep.

Total.

82

44

25
20
15
10
5

30

20

£251

15
10

7
4

15

10

/

4

£72

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

71

Given by

Added

SHEEP — continued.

Highland

by

Total.

Society.

Subscribers

£

£

■
£

Section Brought forward,

72

...

72

r 1st Prize
TO. Three Ewes above oneshear, with their J ^^

Lambs at foot, . . . • 1 Sr 1 "

10
5
2

• ■ •

10
5
2

'1st Prize

10

10

11. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers. .- 2nd u

5

...

5

t3rd M

2

...

2

12. Family Group of aged Tup, Shear-""

ling Tup, three Ewes with their Lambs

at foot, and three Gimmers, all bred by

1st Prize

• • ■

25

25

exhibitor with the exception of the aged

- 2nd II

a ■ ■

10

10

Tup, which, if not bred by exhibitor,

3rd 1,

• ■ ■

5

5

must have been used by him in his

flrir'lj' Tr»T* r^Tifi cPHGnn

lluLiv lUl UlltJ ol^ctoUlic J

£106

£40

£146

BORDER LEICESTER.

Tweeddale Gold Medal, for best Tup,

20

r 1st Prize
13. Tup above one shear, . .J 2nd t.

(3rd It

12

12

8

8

4

4

r 1st Prize
14. Shearling Tup, . . .-'2nd ..

1 3rd „

12

12

8

8

4

4

r 1st Prize
If). Three Ewes above one shear, . \ 2nd n

(3rd „

10

10

5

5

2

2

r 1st Prize
16. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers, .-'2nd k

( 3rd M

10

10

5

5

2

...

2

17. Family of Tup above one shear, "^

three Shearling Tu]is, three Ewes al»ovo

one shear, thretj Gimmers, three Tuj»

1st Prize

• • •

50

50

Lambs, and tliree Ewe Lambs, all to be

2nd II

12

13

25

the projH-rtyof exhibitor, and all bred by

' 3rd ,.

8

4

12

him, with the exception of the ag«'d Tuj),

4th „

4

1

5

which, if not his breeding, must have

lif»f»Ti iic^il liv l»ini fnr nf Ipnoi* nno ci^nurku

uuLii u>»cu. vjj iiiiii lUl ilL Icuot Uiiu ovcioUll, J

i'l 26

l'6S

i'T.M

LONG-WOOLLED OTHER THAN

BORDER LKICESTER.

1st Prize

3

3

18. Tup above one shear, . . 2nd i>

2

...

2

\ 1st Prize

3

3

19. Shearling Tup, . . . j 2nd n

2

...

2

Carry forward,

£10

• • •

£10

70

*

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGHIN 1884.

SHEEP— co?i<wiwec?.

Given by

Highland

Society.

Added

by
Subscribei-s

Section. Brought forward,' 10

20. Three Ewes above one shear, . J 1st Prize , 3

I 2nd ,. I 2

21. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers, . j 1st Prize

( 2nd M

SHROPSHIRE.

22. Tup above one shear,

23. Shearling Tup,

24. Three Ewes above one shear,

25. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers,

26. Family Group of aged Tup, Two Shear- ^
ling Tups, three Ewts, three Gimmers,
three Tup Lambs, and three Ewe Lambs,
all bred by exhibitor, except aged Tup, -
which must have been used by him for
at least one season. This cup is con-
fined to Scotch exhibitors.

( 1st Prize
-] 2nd „

( 1st Prize
\ 2nd „
Urd M

rist Prize
\ 2nd ,.

r 1st Prize
! 2nd „
3rd II

SHORT- WOOLLED OTHER THAN
SHROPSHIRE.

27. Tup above one shear,

28. Shearling Tup,

29. Three Eavcs above one shear,

30. Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers,

r 1st Prize
A 2nd
Urd

r 1st Prize
4 2nd
(3rd

C 1st Prize l
.\ 2nd M
( 3rd „

( 1st Prize
. \ 2nd ,1
1 3rd „

£20

Total.

£

10

3

2

3

2

£20

10

10

5

• • ■

5

3

...

3

10

15

25

5

...

5

3

...

3

8

• • •

8

4

...

4

2

; 15*

2

8

1

1

23

4

1 -

4

2

j ...

2

20

20

£64

£50

£114

3

3

2

■ ■ •

2

1

...

1

3

3

2

• • •

2

1

...

1

; 3

3

2

• • •

2

1

...

1

3

3

2

...

2

1

...

1

£24

...

■ £24

* For best 3 Ewes or Gimmers.

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IX 1884.

71*

SHEEP — continued.

Given bv

Highland

Society.

Given

^y

Subscribers

Total.

Sec

31.

32.

33.

34.

OXFORD DOWN,
tion

Tup above one shear,
Shearling Tup,
Three Ewes above one shear,.
Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers, .

HALF-BRED SHEEP.*
Tup above one shear.

'1st Prize
2nd 11
^ 3rd M
4th ,.

£

3
3
3
3

£

3
3
3

3

£12

£12

35.

8
5
2
1

8
5
2

1

36.

Shearling Tup,

' 1st Prize
2nd M
" 3rd M
Jth M

...

8
5
2
1

8
5

2

1

37.

Three Ewes above one shear,

'1st Prize
2nd II
^ 3rd M
\ 4th ,1

8
5
2

1

8
5
2

1

38.

Three Shearling Ewes or Gimmers, .

a St Prize
2nd ,1
3rd „

Jth 1,

8
5
2
1

8
5
2
1

( 1st Prize

...

8

8

39.

Three Ewe Lambs, .

BLACK-FACED WETHERS.

2nd II

1 3rd ,1

V4th .1

;;;

5

2

1

5

2

1

-fSO

£80

40.

Three Wetliers above two shear.

( 1st Prize
<2nd 1,
( 3rd 1,

8
5
3

8
5
3

41.

Three Wethers two slicar and under.

Gold Medal for best three Wethers in
the above section.s, value not yet
fixed, . . . .

\ 1st Prize
j 2nd II

5
3

5
3

• • >

£24

£24

♦ a

Sanctioned at the recpiest of Breeders.

72 GENERAL SHOW AT EDIXBUEGH IN 1S84.

CLASS IV.— SWINE.

Premiums.

LARGE BREED. 1st. 2d. 3d.

Section £ £ £

1. Boar, . . . . . .531

2. Sow, . . . . . .421

3. Three Pigs, not above 8 months old, . 4 2 1

i'23

BLACK OR BERKSHIRE.

4. Boar, . . . . . .531

5. Sow, . . . . . .421

6. Three Pigs, not above 8 months old, . 4 2 1

23

SMALL BREED.

7. Boar,. . . . . .531

8. Sow, . . . . . .421

9. Three Pigs, not above 8 months old, . 4 2 1

23

i'69

EXTRA STOCK.

Animals not included in the Sections for Competition may be exhildted
as Extra Stock, and will receive Honorary Premiums when specially
commended, as follows : —

CATTLE AND HORSES.

Very highly commended, . Medium Gold Medal.

Highly commended, . . Minor Gold Medal.

Commended, . . . The Silver Medal.

SHEEP AND SWINE.

Very highly commended, . Minor Gold Medal.

Highly commended, . . The Silver Medal.

Commended, . . . Medium Silver Medal.

CLASS v.— POULTRY.

First Premium — One Sovereign ; Second Premium — Ten Shillings
— in all the Sections of Poultry.

Aged Birds must have been hatched pre\dous to, and Cockerels and Pullets
in, 1884.

Section Section

Dorking — Silver Grey, . 1. Cock 2. Hen

3. Cockerel 4. Pullet

Dorking — Coloured, . . 5. Cock 6. Hen

7. Cockerel 8. Pullet

GENERAL SHOW AT EDINBURGH IN 1884.

73

Section

Section

Cochin-Chixa,
Bramahpootra,
Spanish, . . . ,
Scotch Grey, .
Hamburg,

Any other Pure Breed,

Game — Black or Broivn
Reds, ....

Game — Amj other Pure
Breed, ....

Bantams — A ny Pure j
Breed, . . . {

Ducks — White Aylesbury,

Ducks — Rouen,

Ducks — Any other Pure

Breed, ....

Turkeys — Any Pure Breed,

Geese — Any Pure Breed,

9.

Cock

10.

Hen

11.

Cockerel

12.

PuUet

13.

Cock

14.

Hen

15.

Cockerel

16.

Pullet

17.

Cock

18.

Hen

19.

Cockerel

20.

Pullet

21.

Cock

22.

Hen

23.

Cockerel

24.

Pullet

25.

Cock

26.

Hen

27.

Cockerel

28.

Pullet

29.

Cock

30.

Hen

31.

Cockerel

32.

Pullet

33.

Cock

34.

Hen

35.

Cockerel

36.

Pullet

37.

Cock

38.

Hen

39.

Cockerel

40.

PuUet

41.

Cock

42.

Hen

43.

Cockerel

44.

Pullet

45.

Drake

46.

Duck

47.

Drake (Young)

48.

Duckling

49.

Drake

50.

Duck

51.

Drake (Young)

52.

Duckling

53.

Drake

54.

Duck

55.

Drake (Young)

56.

Duckling

57.

Cock

58.

Hen

59.

Cock (Poult)

60.

Hen (Poult)

61.

Gander

62.

Goose

63.

Gander (Young)

64.

Gosling

Amount of Poultry Premiums, ^96.

CLASS VI.— DAIRY PRODUCE.

Section

1. Cured Butter, not less than 7 lbs., .

2. Powdered Butter, not less than 7 lbs.,

3. Fresh Butter, three ^ lb. rolls,

4. Cheddar Clieese, 56 lbs. and upwards,

5. Cheddar Cheese, 14 lbs. and under,

6. Dunlop or Flat Cheese, 30 lbs. and upwards,

7. Cheese, any other variety, 30 lbs. and U})wards,

8. Cheese, any variety, 15 lbs. and under.

Premiums.

1st.

2d.

3d.

£

£

£

6

4

2

6

4

2

6

4

2

8

6

3

4

2

1

(I

4

2

6

4

2

4

o

«h4

1

£'01

WORKING DAIRY.

Arrangements will be made to have a Working Dairy open for tlie in-
spection of tlie Iiiiplcmcnts used in the scjiaralion of Butter and Cream,
and in the manul'acture of different kinds of Cheejie.

72* GENERAL SHOW AT EDIXBUEGH IN 1884.

CLASS VII.— IMPLEMENTS.

Premiums.
Section 1st. 2d.

1. Exhaust Fan for Agricultural Purposes, to be worked £ £

by hand, horse, or steam power, . . . 10 5

2. Broadcast Manure Distributor, suitable for all kinds of

Artificial Manures, . . . . 20 10

3. Machine, at a price within ordinary farmers' means of

acquisition, adapted for cleaning all sorts of grain

and other seeds from weeds, . . . 10 5

4. Cream and Milk Separator, . . . .5 —

5. Machine for working Butter, . . . .5 —

6. Travelling Steam Engine, suitable for drawing ReajDer,

Binder, and for other farm work, .

REGULATIONS FOR COMPETITIVE TRIALS.

1. Implements to be entered with the Secretary on or before 21st May
Received in the Yard on Tuesday, 15th July, and till 10 o'clock on the
morning of Tuesday, 22d July. Exhibited Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday, 22d, 23d, 24th, and 25th July.

2. The Society will provide ground near Edinburgh at a suitable season,
and make arrangements for the proper trial of the Implements.

3. The price as entered in the Catalogue must be held the same till after
the trials are over.

4. Implements must be bona fide the manufacture of the exhibitor, and
fitted together by him, but portions of the machine or other article exhibited
for competition may be purchased from other works.

5. The Premiums will not be awarded without thorough and exhaustive
open and competitive trials.

6. Implements selected for trial will be stamped, or otherwise marked for
identification by the Society's Engineer, before being removed from the
Showyard. Xo alterations will be allowed on such implements between
the time of the Show and the date fixed for the trial.

7. The Committee shall have power to withhold the Prizes where there
is not sufiicient merit, or to apportion them as they think best.

Reference is made to the General Regulations for the terms on which
other Implements and Machines may be exhibited at the Show.

CLASS VIII.— HIGHLAND INDUSTRIES AND

FISHERIES.

Premiums.
1st. 2d.
Section £ £

1. Best Keg of Eels from Scotch loch or stream, to be sup-

plied in quantity at the price quoted, and best and
simplest engine of capture, . . . .5 —

2. Best Keg of true Smelts (Osmerus), or Sand Smelts

(Atherina), and Sillocks, caught North of the Forth

and Clyde, . . . . . .5 —

10

Carry forward, . .£10

GENERAL SHOW AT EDIXBURGH IN 1884.

73

*

Section Brought forward,

3. Finest show of Mussels. Exhibitor to supply, if required,
not less than 100 tons, at a price on East Coast,

Best Barrel of White Herring, ....

Best Collection of Dried and Smoked Fish,

Best Collection of Apparatus, not a Trawl, for the capture
of Sea-fish, not including Salmon,

Best Collection of Sea-fishing Tackle,

5
5

8

8
8

£10

40

£60

CLASS IX.— BEE HUSBANDRY.

£20 and 2 Silver Medals have been granted to the Caledonian Apiarian
and Entomological Society. Inlbrmation to be obtained from, and Entries
made with, Mr R. J. Bennett, 50 Gordon Street, Glas^-ow.

ABSTRACT OP PREMIUMS—
Given by tlie Society —

X. v_attie, • . • . «

2. Horses, ....

3. Sheep, including Tweeddale Gold Medal

4. Swine, ....

5. Poultry, ....

6. Dairy Produce, .

7. Implements,

8. Highland Industries and Fisheries,

9. Bee Husbandry, .

10. Six Silver Medals to Breeders, .

11. Extra Stock, say

Given hij —

1. Shorthorn Society,

2. Breeders of Shorthorn Cattle,

3. Ayrshire Cattle Herd Book Society,

4. Polled Cattle Society,

5. Breeders of Polle<l Cattle,

6. Galloway Cattle Society, .

7. Breeders of Galloway Cattle,

8. Breeders of Highland Cattle, Cup and

9. Clydesdale Horse Society,

10. Subscription Prizes — Hunters,

11. Members of Hackney Stud Book Society,

12. Breeders of Black faced Sheep,

13. West Country Breeders of Blackfaced Sheep,

14. Breeders of Cheviot Sheep,

15. Breeders of Border Leicester Sheep,

16. Breeders of Slnf)]\«?hire Sheep,

17. Breeders of Oxford Down Sheep in Scotland,

18. Breeders of Ilalf-Bred Sheep,

19. Feeders of Blackfaced Wethers — Gold

Medal, and ....

i;953

757

446

69

96

91

100

50

21

4

80

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

8 0

4 0

0 0

£2667

12 0

£100

0

0

105

0

0

60

0

0

52

10

0

132

0

0

26

5

0

176

5

0

80

0

0

70

0

0

445

0

0

10

0

0

95

0

0

, 50

0

0

40

0

0

68

0

0

50

0

0

1, 12

0

0

80

0

0

24

0

0

1676

0 0

i'\■^v^

1-2 n

(74)

HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

GENERAL SHOW OF STOCK ABD IMPLEMENTS

At ABERDEEN, 1885.

The District connected with the Show comprises the Counties of
Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine, and Eastern Division of
Forfarshire.

Premiums will be offered for the following Glasses : —

CATTLE.

SHORTHORN.

The Tweeddale Gold ]\Iedal, value £20, will be given for the best Shorthorn Bull
in the yard. All former prize animals wQl be eligible to compete.

Bull calved before 1st January 1883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1884

Cow of any age.

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1883

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1884

AYRSHIRE.

Bull calved before 1st January 1883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1884

Cow in milk of any age.

Cow in calf of any age, or Heifer in calf calved before 1st

January , 1883

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1883

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1884

POLLED ANGUS OR ABERDEEN.

Bull calved before 1st December 1882

Bull calved on or after 1st December 1882

Bull calved on or after 1st December 1883

Cow calved before 1st December 1881

Cow calved between 1st December 1881 and 1st December 1882

Heifer calved on or after 1st December 1882

Heifer calved on or after 1st December 1883

Family, — Cow and three or more descendants (male or female) in the
female line, oxen excluded, bred by or the property of the Exhibitor.

GENEKAL SHOW AT ABERDEEN, 1885. 75

GALLOWAY.

Bull calved before 1st January 1 883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1883

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1884

Cow of any age.

Heifer calved on or after 1st January ..,1883

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1S84

HIGHLAND.

Bull calved before 1st January 1882

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1882

Bull calved on or after 1st January 1883

Cow of any age.

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1882

Heifer calved on or after 1st January 1883

HORSES

For Agricultural Purposes.

Stallion foaled before 1st January 1882

Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st January 1882

Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st January L883

Entire Colt foaled on or after 1st January 1884

Mare with foal at foot, foaled before 1st January 1882

Mare in foal, foaled before 1st January 1882

Filly foaled on or after 1st January 1882

Filly foaled on or after 1st January 1883

Filly foaled on or after 1st January 1884

DRAUQIIT GELDINGS.

Draught Gekbng foaled before 1st January 1882

Draught CTelding foaled on or after 1st January 1882

ROADSTERS.

Alare or Gelding, suitable for field, 4 years and upwards.
Mare or Gelding, suitable for carriage, 4 years old and upwards.
Mare or Gelding, suitable as Hackney or Koadster, between 14 and
15^ hands.

PONIES.

Stallion, 15 liands and under.
Mare or Gelding, between 13 and 14J liands.
Mare or Gelding, between 12^ and 14 hands.
Mare or Gelding, under 12.^ hands.

76 GENERAL SHOW AT ABERDEEX, 1885.

SHEEP.

Ewes and Gimmers to he exliihited in pens of three.

BLACKFACED.

Tup above one shear.
Shearling Tup.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or G-immers.

CHEVIOT.

Tup above one shear.
Shearling Tap.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or G-immers.

BORDER LEICESTER.

Tup above one shear.
Shearling Tup.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or G-immers.

LONG-WOOLLED OTHER THAN BORDER LEICESTER.

Tup above one shear.
Shearling Tup.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or Gimmers.

SHROPSHIRE.

Tup above one shear.
Shearling Tup.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or Gimmers.

SHORT-WOOLLED OTHER THAX SHROPSHIRE.

Tup above one shear
Shearling Tup.
Ewes above one shear.
Shearling Ewes or Gimmers.

SJieep not included in the above Classes must he entered as Extra Stock.

SWINE.

Pigs to he exhihited in 2>cus of three.

BLACK OR BERKSHIRE.

Boar.

Sow.

LAEGE BREED.

Boar.

Sow.

Pigs not above 8 months old.

Pigs not above 8 months old.

SMALL BRIED.

Boar.

Sow.

Pigs not above 8 months old.

GEXEKAL SHOW AT ABEUDEEN, 1885.

77

POULTRY.

To be shown in Pens of One Cock or Cockerel an<l One Hen or
Pullet of each of the following breeds : —

Dorking — Silver- Grey.

Dorking — coloured.

Cochin-China.

Bramahpootra.

Spanish.

Scotch Grey.

Hamburg.

Any other pure Breed.

Game — Black or Brown Eeds.
Game — Any other pure Breed.
Bantams — Any pure Breed.
Ducks — White Aylesbury.
Ducks — Rouen.
Ducks — Any other pure Breed.
Turkeys — Any pure Breed.
Geese — Any pure Breed.

IMPLEMENTS.

Special Premiums will be offered for the following machines: —

1. For the most efficient and economical implement, to be drawn by
horses, fur the autumn cultivation of stubbles, on strong turnip land,
by ploughing, digging, stirring, or in any other way thoroughly
moving the soil, and which leaves it in Spring in the most suitable
state of preparation for the ensuing turnip crop. To be judged both
at the time when the work is performed in autumn, and also iu the
following March or April, before the land is again touched.

2. For the most efficient and economical implement, or combina-
tion of implements, for the Spring cultivation of land, intended for a
green crop, and for bringing to the surface, and leaving loosely
thereon, of any root or other weeds ; special regard being also had
to the freedom of the land so cultivated from trampling by the
liorses employed in drawing the implements.

HIGHLAND INDUSTRIES AND FISHERIES.

Prizes will be given for Cured Fish and Fish Products, of which
due intimation will be given.

BEE HUSBANDRY,

Two Silver IVfedals will be granted to the Caledonian Apiarian
and Entomological Society.

(78)

MEMBEES ADMITTED SINCE THE LIST WAS
PUBLISHED m APEIL 1883.

20th June 1883.

Breadalbane, The Earl of, TajTnouth

Castle, Aberfeldy
ROLLO, The Hon. The Master of, Duncrub

Park, Dunning
Scott, Hon. J. C. Maxwell, of Abbotsford,

Melrose

Allan, Gavin, WTiiteleehill, High Hapten,
Newmilns

Anderson, David A., of St Fink and Burn-
side, Blairgowrie

Anderson, J. M., S.S.C, 9 York Place, Edin-
burgh

Anderson, Thomas A., Nonikiln, Alness

Aveling, Thomas Lake (Aveling & Porter),
Rochester

Baillie, Major-Gen. Duncan, Lochloy, Nairn
Barr, Hugh, Fearnoch, Tighnabruaich
Bartholomew, John, Duntarvie, Winchburgh
Baxter, David, Dovecot, Noblehouse
Bertram, Hugh, Estate Manager, Newbyth,

Prestonkirk
Black, James, Tullybreak, Markinch
Black, Robert, C.E., Inverness
Blackett, J. S., Factor, Raith, Kirkcaldy
Boden, William Francis, Scotsburn, Delny
Bonallo, William C, Land Steward, Dalzell,

Motherwell
Brodie, Caithness, The Druim, Nairn
Brown, Malcolm, Ugston, Haddington
Brown, P. Stuart, Dares Cottage, Inverness

Cameron, Archibald, Killen, Avoch
Campbell, George James, Solicitor, Inverness
Cheape, Captain George C, yr. of Wellfield,

Strathmiglo
Clarke, Lieut. -Col. Montague A., Achereidh,

Nairn
Cleghorn, Thomas, Craigour, Liberton
Constal)le, G. W., Glencraig, Lochgelly
Cox, William, of Snaigow, Dunkeld
Cran, John, Butcher, Keith
Cranston, Robert, Pathhead, Cockbumspath
Crawford, Thomas, Dumawhance, Crieff
Croil, Thomas, Drumwhindle Mains, Ellon
Cross, Adam P., 102 West Bow, Edinburgh
Cunningham, St Clair, 102 West Bow, Edin-
burgh
Cunningham, Thomas D., The Mount, Cupar
Fife

Darling, James, Priestlaw, Garvald

Dewar, John R, U., V.S., Kintore

Dick, W. G. (Macrae & Dick, Horse Hirers),

Inverness
Donaldson, Harry Tulloch, Banker, Nairn
Dunbar, James, Writer, 191 West George

Street, Glasgow
Duncan, John, Balkemback, Tealing, Dundee
Duncan, John, Kirkmay, Crail
Duncan, Robert, Banff

Fleming, William, Fulwood Mains, Linwood
Forbes, Donald, Essich, Inverness
Eraser, Roderick, Contractor, Inverness

Gallic, Chas. Robertson, Balifeary, Inverness
Geekie, Alexander, Downie Mill, Newbigging,

Dundee
Gemmell, William, Braidwood, Gorebridge
Gow, Andrew, Factor, Cranston-Riddel,

Dalkeith
Grant, John Macpherson, yr. of Ballin-

dalloch
Grant, R. W. E., of Kincorth, Forres
Greig, John, of Tillyrie, Milnathort
Gunn, John, The Hermitage, Golspie

Hain, James, Tontine Hotel, Cupar Fife
Hamilton, John, Little Cantray, Fort-
George Station
Hamilton, William, High Motherwell,

Motherwell
Hayward, Charles P., Beaumont Manor,

Lincohi
Hebden, Alfred Charles, Factor, Cawdor,

Nairn
Henderson, Captain J. H., Rosebank, Wick
Henderson, David Patrick, yr. of Stemster,

Thurso
Henderson, James, Culcairn, Invergorden
Honeyman, A. P., Writer, Kirkcaldy
Howe, Thomas, Parks of Indies, Inverness

Inch, Adam, South House, Liberton
Inglis, John Kennedy, Coachbuilder, Kelso
Irving, David Jardine Bell, yr. of Whitehill,
Dunnabie, Lockerbie

Jones, Richard Everard, Glenmoidart, Salen,
Loch Sunart

Kemp, James, Lime Works, Keith
Kenyon, James William, Oxly Woodhouse,
Fartown, Huddersfield

Leonard, John, Farmton, Alford
Linton, John, Mains of Aberarder, Inverness
Lumsden, James Wilson Montgomerie, 30
Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh

M'Auslan, Peter, Letrualt, Row
Macbean, W., Cradle Hall, Inverness
M'Donald, Alexander, Ballintore, Bogroy,

Inverness
M'Donald, Alexander (M'Donald Brothers),

Portsoy
M'Donald, Charles, Knocknageal, Inverness
MacDonald, Kenneth, Solicitor, Inverness
M'Donald, Wm., Castle Stewart, Inverness
M'Gillewie, R., Balnadrum, Pitlochry
MacGillivi-ay, N. J., of Dunmaglass, Inver-
ness
M'Intyre, William, Dalnavie, Alness

LIST OF MEMBERS.

79

MacEillican, Pryce, Achagour, Nairn
Mackintosh, Hugh, Ironmonger and Imple-
ment Maker, Inverness
Mackintosh, James, 3 High Street, Inverness
Maclean, Roderick, Factor, Ardross, Alness
MacLennan, Angus, Factor, Askernish, South

Uist, Lochmaddy
M'Leod, James Morrison, Implement Maker,

Harcourt Street, Newark
MacXab, John, Distiller, Glenmavis, Bath-
gate
Macpherson, Charles Edward Walker, C.A.,

28 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
Macqueen, A. Tulloch, Coulmore, Inverness
M 'Robbie, Alexander, « Sunny side, Aberdeen
Mactavish, Alexander, Ironmonger and

Implement Maker, Inverness
Marr, Alexander, Dalcross, Inverness
Marr, William S., juii,, Upper Mill, Tarves
Mavor, William, Easterton, Elgin
Merry, Archibald W., of Belladrum, Beauly
Merry, Charles J., Belladrum, Beauly
Mitchell, Alexander, Finmonth, Kinglassie
?kIoffat, William, Craick, Hawick
MoUison, James, jun.. Factor, Kirkton,

Glenelg
^Morrison, John, Carse of Trowan, Crieff
Mungle, John, West Calder
Munro, Charles, Union Bank, Aberfeldy
Murray, David, Moore Park, Cardross
Mun-ay, WUliam, BellHeld, Inverness

Nairn, Michael Barker, of Rankeillour, Cupar
Fife

Petrie, George, Pitairlie, Elgin
Pottie, Alexander, V.S., Paisley

Quibell, W. Oliver, Highfleld House, Xewark-
on-Trent

Rae, William, Newmore, Invergordon
Reid, Robert C, C.E., 72 George Street,

Edinburgh
Rhhid, John, Architect, Inverness
Roberts, William, Dell of Inches, Inverness
Roberts, William, Kingussie
Robertson, William, Potato Merchant, Perth
Ross, Thomas, Billhead, Forres
Ross, William, Bi-ecknish, Inveraess

Russell, Alexander, MjTeside, Elgin

Scott, Alexander Robert, Noss, Wick
Scott, George Ritchie, Commercial Bank,

Dunbar
Scott, William, Pitforthie, Brechin
Scrimgeour, Peter, Land Steward, Bal-

boughty, Perth
Sharp, John, South For, Crieff
Shaw, John A., Lower Slackbuie, Inverness
Shejjherd, John, Lundie, Brechin
Sheppard, Thomas, Hilltarvit, Cupar Fife
Shield, John T., East Mains of Rossie, Mont-
rose
\ Simpson, Alexander, Duff House Home Farm,
' Banff

, Simpson, John, M.D., of Springfield, Inver-
ness
Sinclair, Charles George, Linthaughlee, Jed-
burgh
Sloan, Hugh, Gillenbie, Lockerbie
Smith, Alexander, Inchcorsie, Rothiemay,
Huntly
; Smith, William, Ness Iron Works, Inverness
Stewart, James F., New Mill, Stanley
Stuart, W. G., Inverness

Thomson, David, V.S., Inverness
Thomson, S. M., Merchant, Lanark
TurubuU, James, Hyndhope, Jedburgh
Turner, Robert, Cairnton of Boyndie, Portsoy

Walker, George, Wood Merchant, Inverness
Walls, Robert, Grange, Burntisland
Wardman, Robert, Great Corby, Carlisle
Warrand, Major-Gen., Bught, Inverness
Watson, James A. M., Solicitor, Inverness
Webster, George Kennedy, of Invercreran,

Ledaig
Welsh, William, Enrick, Gatehouse
Wilson, Andrew, Estate Engineer, Dalzell,

Motherwell
Wilson, James, Dykebar, Paisley
Wilson, John, Erskine, Bishopton
Winton, Alexander, Viewhill, Ardersier,

Inverness
Wood, E. H., of Raasay, Portree
Wood, D., Blair more Fai-m, Blairmore

Young, Robert C, Netherfield, Paisley

16th January 1884.

HOPETOUN, The Earl of, Hopetoun House,

South Queensferry
Elcho, Lord, M.P., Gosford, Longniddry
Baillie, Hon. Wallace Cochrane, Lamington

House
Maiuoiubanks, Hon. Edward, M. P.,yr. of

Guisachan

Allan, David, M.R.C.V.S., Clarkston, Busby
Allison, William, Clearbaiik, Stracathro,

Brechin
Anders<»n, Charles, Royal Bank, Jedburgh
Anderson, I»avid, Woddhill, Carnnustie
Auchtcrlonic, James, Balantajicr, Ladybauk

iSalfiiur, Edward, yr. of Italiiiriiie, Markinch

Ballantyne, William, Woriniston, Eddlestun

Bodtker, Anker, Swedish Consul, 8 Com-
mercial Strt'ct, Leith

Biiyd, William, Manager, Killundine, Mor-
viTii, Oliaii

r.rydon, .Fulm, Kuristrr, llotlieH

Bullougli, John, of Mcggerniu, Mcggeniie
Castle, AltLTf^'ldy ,

Burn, C. M. 1'., rreatontteUl House, Edin-
burgh

Hyres, William, IJandsmlll, West Caldor

Cadzow, Robert, Borland, Biggar

Cairns, John, Winkston, Peebles

Campbell, Alexander Douglas, of Kilmartin,

Banchory, Aberdeen
Clark, James, M.R.C.V.S., Abbeyhill, Coupar-
» Angus

Coats, James, Carnbooth, Carmunuock
Colvin, Alexander, Crown, Inverness
Cranston, Stuart, 7(5 Argyle Street, Glasgow
Crawford, John Wils(m, 26 Hamilton Street,

Greenock
Cruickshank, George Alexander, Nether

Cortes, Loiimay
Cunningham, Kobert, Glendouglas, Jedburgh

Dickson, James, Danihead, Ixmnhead
Downie, C. (lonUtn. 1 Adt-lphi, .•Vberdeon
Drysdale, John, (Jrange of KKho, I'erth
Dulf. (Jardon AK-xander, of Hattoii, Turriff
Dun, (ieorge, Balgonie, Abernethy, New-

Iturk'li
Duncan, Peter, Kskbank, Dalktith
Durii", John, Uariu-ymains, Haddington

Elliot, Walter, Manager, ArdtomUh, Obau

Kalrl)airn, John Jjis., Grecnend, St Boswells

80

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Farmer, Robert, Kingask, St Andrews
Ferguson, Alexander, 287 Duke Street, Glas-
gow
Fletcher, James Douglas, jt. of Rosehaugh,
Avoch, Eoss-shire

Gorrie, John, Potato Merchant, Princes

Street, Perth
Grade, Charles, Easter Happrew, Stobo
Graham, Colonel J, G., of Wyseby, Eccle-

fechan
Greig, William, Ashentilly, Durris, Aberdeen

Haggart, James, Welltown of Leys, Inverness
Hunter, James, Standalane, Peebles

Inglis, David, 145 St Vincent Street, Glasgow
Inglis, H. Herbert, W.S., 8 North St David
Street, Edinburgh

Jackson, James, Carolside, Busby
Johnston, J. S., Farm Manager, Dochfour,
Inverness

Kennedy, Hugh, Upper Barr, Barr, Girvan
Kerr, Hugh, 1 Erskine Place, Edinburgh

Lamond, Robert, Malcolmstone, Currie
Lawson, Robert, Beaufort Farm, Beauly
Logan, Adam S., Ferney Castle, Reston
Logan, Charles B., W.S., 23 Queen Street,

Edinburgh
Lumsden, J. D., Pitcairnfield, Perth
Lyall, William, Caddonlee, Galashiels
Lyon, Walter, Balquharrage, Kirkintilloch

Macadam, Professor W. Ivison, New Veteri-
nary College, Edinburgh

M'Dowall, William H., Seed Merchant,
Kirkcowan, Wigtownshire

M'Farlane, John, 151 Xorth Street, Glasgow

M'lutosh, James, Butcher, 50 Market Build-
ings, Aberdeen

M'Kie, Henry B., Freeland, Erskine, Glas-
gow

Macleod, Reginald, yr. of Macleod, ISHobart
Place, London, S.W.

M'Xab, John, Glenochil House, Menstrie

Macpherson, A. H., Tarbet Hotel, Loch-
lomond

M'William, Andrew, 38 Queen Street, Glas-
gow

M'AVilliam, John, jun., Invergroin, Arrochar

Matthew, John M., yr. of Auchmague,
Perth

Methven, John, 6 Belle vue Crescent, Edin-
burgh

Middleton, Hilton, Kimmerghame Mains,
Duns

^Millar, James, Firkin, Arrochar
Mitchell, Charles, Kintrockat, Brechin
Murray, James C, of Lochcarron, Dingwall

Paterson, William, Grange Hall, Pettinain,

Thankerton
Paterson, William, Windyknowe, Galashiels
Philp, Alexander, ChapelhUl, Logiealmond

Rae, W. A., Factor, Durris

Ranken, Peter L., Oban

Reid, William, Architect, Elgin

Ritchie, William, jun., Lj-ne, Stobo

Robertson, James Alexander, C.A., 10 Xorth

St David Street, Edinburgh
Robson, Jacob, Byrness, Otterbum
Ross, John M., East Plean House, Bannock-
burn

Sanderson, James, 41 Manor Place, Edin-
burgh

Sinclair, R. S. T., Seafield Estates Office,
Elgin

Smith, T. v., of Ardtomish, Oban

Soutar, David, East Mains of Keithock,
Brechin

Soutar, John, Caimdrum, Brechin

Stephens, Henry Charles, Avenue House,

• Finchley, London

Steuart, Charles Durant, of Dalguise, Dun-
keld

Steuart, James H., Selms, Kirknewtou

Stewart, James Raphael, 10 Salisbury Road,
Edinburgh

Storry, Rev. Alexander, The Manse, Car-
munnock

Taylor, Peter, Manager, Lochend, Edinburgh
Thomson, William, Engineer, Smith Street,

Kinning Park, Glasgow
Thorburn, David, Brockhouse, Stow
Todd, Andrew, 145 St Vincent Street, Glas-
gow
Todd, John, Tinwald Shaws, Dumfries

Walker, David, Coullie, Udny, Aberdeen-
shire
Wardlaw, James L., Middlebank,^ jlnver-

keithing
Watson, Robert, Culterallers, Biggar
Wauchope, Captain A. S., of Xiddrie Maris-

chall, Liberton
Weighton, Jas. G., Priorletham, St Andrews
Weight, Robert, Eskbank, Dalkeith m. -

Wilkie, Captain William, of Ormiston, Kirk-
newtou
Wilson, A. Stephen, Xorth Kinmundy, Sum-
merhill, Aberdeen

DIPLOMA HOLDERS— ELECTED EREE LIFE MEMBERS,

20th JUNE 1883.

Bardgett, John, Sockbridge Mill, Tirrel,

Penrith
Basu, Giris Chandra, Baroogram, Calcutta
Hamilton, Herbert Wm., Boghall, Kingsbarns

]S^ umber of Members in List published in March 1883,
IS^umber of Members admitted in June 18S3,

Tiffen, John Henry, 4 Grosvenor ^Terrace,
Hull i=.-'MH

Watson, Henry Angus, United Presbyterian
Manse, Foitcs

4910
155

Knmber of Members admitted in January 1884, ....

Is'umber of Holders of Agricultural Diploma admitted Free Life

Members in June 1883, .......

Deduct estimated deaths, &c.,
Total,

107

5177
147

5030

I N I) E X.

Aber<leen Show. 1885, Proceedings in regard to,
Appendix A, 17.

Accounts. S('.e under Finance.

Agricultural Bursaries, Report of Examinations,
Appendix A, 21.

Agricultural Class in Edinburgh University,
Prizes awarded to Students, Appendix A, .54.

Agricultural Education, Report of Examinations,
Appendix A, 14.

Agricultural Statistics, 3.52.

Agriculture of the Counties of Elgin and Nairn,
by Alexander Macdonald, 1.

Agriculture of the County of Stirling, by James
Tait, 143.

Agi'iculture, The Application of ToAvn Sewage
to, by David Robie, 124 ; by James Barr,
junior, 180.

Aitken, Dr A. P. : Report on Chemical Depart-
ment for 1883, 358 ; Reports to General Meet-
ings, Appendix A, 14, 17.

Amsterdam Exhibition, Notice regarding. Appen-
dix A, 8.

Analytical Associations, Report by Dr Aitken,
305 ; Grants to, A]>pendix B, 29.

Archibald, David : Blackfaced Breed of Sheep,
228.

Argyll Naval Fund: Election of Mr A. P.
MacEwen to Fund, Appendix A, 9— Accounts
for 1882-83, Appendix A, 58.

Barr, James, junior: Application of Town
Sewage in Agriculture, and the Effect of the
Herbage on the Animal System, 180.

Blackfaced Breed of Sheep, by Alexander
Macdonald, 208 ; by Davi.l Archibald, 228.

Braxy and Louping-Ul, Report by Committee,
•300.

Ijuchan, Alexander: Meteorology of 1883, 345.

Carniichael, Thomas D. Gibson : Notes on

Ixodes (Ticks), 301.
Cattle Disease. See under Foot-and-Mouth

Disease.
Cattle — Experiment for ascertaining Weiglit of

Stock by use of different Kinds of Food, by

.lohn Mi'lno, 280.
Cereal and other Crops of Scotland for 1883, and

Meteorology of the Year relative thereto, 325.
Chemical Department: liojmrt for 1883, by Dr

A. P. Aitken, 358 ; Reports to (Jcneral Meet-
ings, A] ipendi.x A, 11, 1/.
Chemical Department, Object.*; of, Appendix B,

18.
Committees for 188i. Aj'pcmlix B, 8.

Cottage Comi)ctitions, Report to General Meet-
ing, Appendix A, 21 — Premiums awarded in

1883, Appendix A, 51 — Premiums offered in

1884, Appendix B, 50.

Directors and other Office- Bearers for 1884,
Appendix B, 5 — Nomination of, by Show-
Districts, Appendix A, 7.

District Competitions, Transference of Premiums,
Appendix A, 7— Report to General Meeting,
Appendix A, 21— Premiums awarded in 1883,
Ai)pendix, A, 42— Premiums offered in 1884,
Appendix B, 38.

Edinburgh Show, 1884, Proceedings in regard to,

Appendix A, 2, 3, 5, 7 , 13, 16— Premiums

offered at. Appendix B, 55.
Elgin and Nairn, the Agriculture of the Counties

of, by Alexander Macdonald, 1.
Ensilage, by Dr Aitken, 404.
Ensilage, Reports on Silos erected at Portmore,

Ajjpendix A, 5, 20, 24.
Essays and Rejjorts, Premiums awarded for, in

1883, Appendix A, 26— Premiums offered for,

in 1884, Appendix B, 31.
Establishment for 1884, Appendix B, 5.
Examiners in Agricultural Education, Appendix

B, 11 — Forestry Department, Appendix B,

16.
Experimental Stations, Report for 1883, by Dr

A. P. Aitken, 358— Reports to General Meet-
ings, Appendix A, 14, 17.

Finance : — State of the Funds at 30th November

1883, Appendix A, 55 — Abstract uf Account.^
for 1882-83, Appendix A, 56— Abstract of the
Accounts of Inverness Show, Appendi.x A,
58 — Abstract of the Accounts of the Argyll
Naval Fund, Appendix A, 58 — View of the
Income and Expenditure for 1882-83, Appen-
dix A, 60.

Foot-and-Mouth Di-sease, Proceedings in reganl

to, Appendix A, 3, 4, 8, 13, 21.
Forestry Dejiartmcnt, Report of Kxaminations,

Aj>pendix A, 14 — Board of Examinei-s and

Syllabus of K.vandiiatioiis, .Vj.pciidix B. 16.
Forestry E.xhibition in E»Unburgh, Pro».ecdiugs

nnent, Ai)pendix A, 4, 5.
Forestry, State of, in Britain, Resolution by

the Directors in reganl to. Ajipeiidix A, 4.

General .Meetiii;^'^ :— June !>.<>, Apjn-ndix A.
1<I; July 1^N■J, Ajijiendix A, lo ; January

1884, Appendix A, 16.

6

11

INDEX.

General Shows, Report by Committee, Appendix

A, 10.
Glasgow Show, 1882, Transference of Premiums,

Appendix A, 7.

Harelaw and Pumplierston, Experiments at, 358.

Heated Air Stove, Notice of Mr Henderson's,
Appendix A, 1.

Highland and Agricultural Society, Proceedings
at Board and General Meetings, Api)endix A,
1.

Hoose or Husk, Letter by Mr "W. U. Williams
anent, Appendix A, 8.

Hope, Sir Archibald, Death of, Appendix
A, 1.

Plorse Chestnut Trees, The Old and Remarkable,
in Scotland, by Robert Hutchison, 184.

Hutchison, Robert : The Old and Remarkable
Horse Chestnut Trees in Scotland, 184 ; The
Old and Remarkable Walnut Trees in Scot-
land, 196.

Inglis, ]Mr Harry Maxwell, Death of. Appendix
A, 5.

Inverness Show, 1883, Account of, 241 — Proceed-
ings in regard to. Appendix A, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10,
15, 16 — Premiums awarded at, Appendix A,
26 — Judges and Attending Members, Appen-
dix A, 41 — Abstract of Accounts, Aj^peudix
A, 58.

Judges, List of, at Inverness Show, 1883, Appen-
dix A, 41.

Kinch, Professor Edward, Chemical Composition
of the Natural and Ai'tificial Food of Scotch
Hill Sheep, 273.

Louping-Ill and Braxy, Report by Committee,
300.

Macdonald, Alexander : The Agriculture of the
Counties of Elgin and Nairn, 1 — Blackfaced
Breedof Sheep, 208.

M'Neill, Sir John, Death of, Appendix A, 5.

Manures, Supply to Analytical Associations, 393.

Melville, Mr John Whyte, Death of. Appendix

A, 15.

Meteorology of 1883, by Alexander Buchan, 345.

Milne, John : Experiment for ascertaining the
actual Addition of Weight to fattening Stock
by the use of different Kinds of Food, 280.

Nairn and Elgin, The Agriculture of the Counties
of, by Alexander Macdonald, 1.

Office-Bearers of the Society for 1884, Appendix

B, 5.

Plantations, Trees to be left as Standards in
cutting dovm, by John B. Webster, 290.

Ploughing Competitions, List of, held in 1 882-83,
Appendix A, 48 — Regulations for, Apiiendix
B, 49.

Portmore, Reports on Silos erected at. Appendix
A, 5, 20, 24.

i'otato Culture, Proceedings in regard to. Appen-
dix A, 1, 13, 21.

Premiums awarded in 1883, Appendix A, 26 —
Offered in 1884, Appendix B, 31.

Proceedings at Board and General Meetings,
Appendix A, 1.

Pumpherston and Harelaw, Experiments at,
358.

Robie, Luvid : Town Sewage, and its Application
to Agriculture, ,124.

Seed Cleaners, Report of Trial of, Appendix A, 3.

Sewage (Town), and its Application to Agricul-
ture, by David Robie, 124.

Sewage (Town), Application of, in Agriculture,
and the Effect of Herbage on the Animal
System, bj' James Barr, junior, 180.

Sheep, Natural and Artificial Food of Scotch
Hill, by Professor Wallace and Professor
Kinch, 250.

Sheep, Blackfaced Breed of, by Alexander
Macdonald, 208 ; by David Archibald, 228.

Soils, Practical Method of Testing, 414.

Statistics (Agricultural), 352.

Stirling, The Agriculture of the Coimty of, by
James Tait, 143.

Stock, Experiment for ascertaining Weight of,
by use of different Kinds of Food, by John
Milne, 280.

Tait, James : The Agricultiire of the County of

Stirling, 143.
Trees to be left as Standards in cutting down

Plantations, by John B. Webster, 290.
Turnips, Experiments on, by David Wilson,

junior, 304.

Veterinary Department, Medals awarded to
Students, Appendix A, 54 — Note regarding
the Institution of, Appendix B, 15.

Wallace, Professor Robert : Natural and Arti-
ficial Food of Scotch Hill Sheep, 250.

Walnut Trees, The Old and Remarkable, in
Scotland, by Robert Hutchison, 196.

Webster, John B.: Trees to be left as Standards
in cutting down Plantations, 290.

Williams, Professor : Note on Braxy, 303.

Wilson, David, junior : Experiments on Turnips,
304.

NFJLL AND COMPANY, EDINBI'IIGH.
GOVEKNMENT BOOK AND LAW PRIKTKKS FOR SCOTLANI'.

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