AND METEOUULULiY OF TlIK YKAIt KELATIN K TlIKllETO, 307 



of 1870 to the stock farmer the lowest he lias experienced for many 



years. 



Peeblesshirk. — Barley crop— 1H77, 34 hushels ; l,s7S, 40 iMithuls ; 1879, 

 i24 bushels, or in a good many cases 20 bushels. In 1877 and 1879 there 

 would be about 40 to 45 imperial stones of straw to each ([uartci' of grain ; 

 "ill 1878 about 30 iniju-rial stones of straw jier (juarter of grain. Oats — 1877, 

 38 bushels ; 1878, 47 bushels ; 1879, 32 bushels. Straw during last tliree 

 years very similar to the liarley. The harvest of 1879 commenced 20th 

 September, and was the latest on record since 18G2. There was not much 

 diiference in the hay crop. It is, however, in favour of the two j)revious 

 years in (piantity, and consitlerably so in (quality, — esjjecially so as re- 

 gards 1878. Meadow hay crops for 1877-79 very similar as regards 

 <|uantity and quality, but inferior to that of 1878 in botli these respects. 

 Turnips were about half a cro]i, — tlie average is from 15 to 24 tons ; 

 brairded very irregularly, and requiring in many cases to be twice and 

 three times sown, owing to the plints baing eaten by tly ; on wet lands a 

 complete failure. Pastures were neither as regards quantity nor <[nality 

 equal to average. Potatoes were scarcely an average crop, l)ut were almos't 

 free from disease. The turinp fly or l)eetle was very injurious. Great 

 difficulty was experienced in keeping land clear, owing to continued wet 

 weather. 



DuiiruiEssHiRE.— Oats averaged 3(5 bushels. Straw about one-third 

 above average, and both grain and straw a full average quality. Harvest 

 from four to tive weeks later. The croj) of rye grass hay about one-thiid 

 less, and the quality was not nearly an average. Meadow hay was less 

 productive than average by one-fourth. Turnips averaged 6 tons ; quality 

 inferior ; the crop brairded very well. Pastures during the season would 

 be of average growtli, but deficient in quality, owing to the wetness of the 

 season. The yield of the potato crop would be nearly a half less ; very 

 little disease. Owing to the wet season weeds became very abundant in 

 green crops, and after a certain period could not be cleaned. 



Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. — Little wheat grown. Barley consider- 

 ably under average, l)oth in quantity and quality. In a few exceptional 

 cases tlie crop was good. Oats above average in quantity, l>elow in quality, 

 the grain tlirashing out light ; a great deal much sprouted owing to un- 

 favourable harvest weather. Bulk of straw above average. Harvest from 

 three to four weeks later than usual in the higher and generally later 

 district. The harvest did not commence before 1st October ; the crop was 

 well g(jt. Hay crop above average in quantity, but very inferior in quality. 

 Clover generally very strong, and, owing to heavy rainfall, was laid in 

 many cases, spoiling the rye grass. Meadow hay full average ; quality 

 inferior. About half a crop of turnips ; (piality good ; brairded well ; no 

 second sowing. On some well-farmed lighter lauds a fair crop was got ; on 

 heavy clay lands in many instances almost a total failure. More than 

 average growth of pastures, but very inferior in quality. Potatoes much 

 under average ; <iuality generally good. Tlie early potatoes (Regents, Sec), 

 one-half diseased; later kinds (Champions, Skerry Blue.s, &c.),' very little 

 disease, — in many cases none. Disease commenced much earlier than 

 usual. No insects. Weeds (red shank, couch grass, and sping, and on the 

 lighter lands, wild mustard), very troublesome in consequence of inability 

 of getting the land cleaned owing to the excessive wet. 



"Wigtownshire.— Wheat, 18 bushels ; weiglit per bushel, 54 lbs. ; about 

 16 bushels less than average ; straw of very bad quality. Barley, 25 bushels ; 

 20 bushels less than average ; straw inferior. Oats, 30 bushels ; weight 

 about 38 lbs. per bushel ; about equal as regards <[uantity and quality. 

 Harvest about five weeks later. Hay crop about 120 stones (of 14 lbs.), 



