314 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 18/9, 



usual time. The quantity of the hay crop would be under average, more 

 es^^ecially on account of tlie extremely wet character of the weather, which 

 prevented the crop from being properly harvested, lessening the quantity, 

 and deteriorating the quality. About one-half of the turnip crop would be 

 one-third under the average, the other part about one-half below the aver- 

 age ; quality average ; in general the crop came up well, in a few cases a 

 second sowing was necessary. Pastures were considerably under average as 

 to growth and also as to quality ; .stock did not make much progress upon 

 them. The yield of the potato crop would not be over one-half as to 

 quantity, except in cases where Champions were planted, which turned out 

 a fair crop, on account of no disease affecting the stems. Towards the end of 

 July and the beginning of August the stems in most cases were attacked by 

 disease, which stopped the increase of the tubers, but did not much affect 

 them. No insects in particular, but weeds of all kinds made progress, more 

 especially amongst turnips, the wet weather preventing their destruction by 

 hoeing. An extreme qiiantity of rain fell during the summer, and the tem- 

 perature was very low up to the latter half of the month of August, when a 

 change took place for the better. The crops of grain, on good well farmed 

 land, were very heavy and much laid, so much so that they could not be cut 

 with machinery. The weather during harvest was most favourable, scarcely 

 a drop of rain during the whole time. No one ever remembered seeing a 

 whole crop harvested in such fine condition ; on that account, the quality of 

 both grain and straw was much improved. 



Nairnshire. — Little if any wheat grown. Barley 2^ quarters, grain 

 being under an average ; straw abundant and good ; weight a good 

 average ; oats 3i (juarters per acre ; crop M'ell strawed. In the lower 

 district crop is thrasliing out l)etter than the barley, but in tlie higher 

 districts there is a considerable deficiency. Harvest three weeks later 

 than usual. Aljout an average hay crop ; clover was unusually abundant, 

 but rye grass thin. Turnips lu'airded well, A'ery little second sowing 

 required ; quality good, but one-third under average. Pasture grass 

 abundant, but feeding quality poor. Little more than an average crojD of 

 potatoes ; very little disease. Neither insects nor weeds more numerous 

 or injurious than usual. Want of sunshine and heat during summer 

 believed to be the principal reason for the deficiency in crops. 



Inverness-shire. — No wheat grown. Barley about 3i quarters ; quality 

 inferior, 1)eing light and not well-colouretl ; large quantity of straw, and the 

 crop much lodged. Oats a very l)ulky crop ; much lodged, and not thrash- 

 ing as it bulks ; (piantity about 4 quarters ; quality good ; weight about an 

 average. Harvest a month later than usual. Hay crop not good, and not 

 nearly an average ; scarcity of clover ; and the rye grass badly ripened and 

 light in weight ; quantit}' about 1 ton. No meadow hay grown. Along 

 the sea shore, and inland about a mile, the turnip crop was fair, though in- 

 ferior to previous years, yellows being a better crop than Swedes ; weight 

 from 12 to 20 tons ; not much second sowing. Pastures very good, particu- 

 lai'ly on the light sandy lands. Potatoes small, and a very poor croj) ; 

 disease aj^peared about the middle of August, though there was not much 

 disease at lifting time. The above refers to the lands lying along the shore 

 of the Moray Frith, and for about two miles inland, beyond which the 

 crops were entirely dift'erent, being late and not ripened. 



Inverness-shire (Skye). — Barley one-third less. Oats equal to average. 

 Harvest about three weeks later than usual. Botli rye grass and clover 

 fully equal to average as to quantity and (juality. Meadow hay crop about 

 an average. Turnip crop same weight and (juality as average ; brairded 

 well, and did not require second sowing. Pastures quite as good, but later. 

 Potato crop fully ecjual to average ; no disease. The crops were secured in 

 i;nu8ually good condition, as the weather had improved before harvest work 



