384 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 18S0, 



comparison can be made with the crop of 1879, which was a failure. Xo 

 damage bv insects. Wire worm appeared slightly, but was not general. 

 No weeds, but those indigenous to the soil, which were less abundant in 

 1879, but observable where not kept under. Pastures were deficient, 

 arising from the dry weather. The growth of 1879 was much more 

 abundant, but the feeding properties were destroyed from continuous rain 

 and no sun, whereas in 1880 the pastures, while the quality of grass was 

 good, were stunted in growth. Stock thrived well, but suffered from 

 scarcity of water. Cattle and sheep generally free from disease. At one 

 farm in the Kilmalcolm district pleuro-pneumonia appeared, which was 

 promptly dealt with. The sheep are few in number, except on some of 

 the high grounds, where the clip was an average. 



Argyllshire (Parishes attached to the district of Oban). — Xo wheat 

 or barley grown ; and the little here that is grown was of good quality 

 both seasons ; yield about 10 returns. Oats very good, and exceeded 

 that of 1879 by 10 per cent. Quality of grain and straw excellent 

 owing to the dry season. Seed sown, 5^ bushels ; yield, about 30 bushels. 

 The harvest began a month earlier than in the previous season. Shearing 

 of oats commenced at Bonaw on 19th August. Eye-grass generally lighter 

 than crop of 1879, owing to the very dry weather in May. Quality very 

 good, and secured in beautiful order ; yield about 24 cwt. The meadow 

 hay was about equal in quantity with that of 1879, but superior in 

 quality, and saved in the best of order. In wet seasons sprits [Jimcus 

 articidatus) abound in soft Aground, but last season there were scarcely 

 any to be seen. The result was, quantity less, quality much better. 

 Potato crop was excellent, the yield being about 10 tons, which was 30 

 per cent, above the previous year's crop ; very little disease ; com- 

 menced slightly in the first week of September. In low-lying grounds 

 10 per cent, of the crop was affected, but in higher and well-aired 

 localities not more than 5 per cent, suffered, and in some farms there was 

 scarcely any at all. Skerrie Blues escaped entirely, but the yield was less 

 than in the wliite kinds. The turnip crop brairded thinly owing to the 

 dry weather, but, after coming into the rough leaf, made rapid progress. 

 The yield was about 20 tons, and was about 50 per cent, beyond the crop 

 of 1879. Xo insects, except turnip beetle to a very small extent. Fewer 

 weeds than usual. Pastures of average growth and quality. Stock did 

 remarkably well. Lambs were numerous, healthy, and strong. The return 

 to the Board of Trade will show that the increase in the number of lambs 

 was as follows : — Xumber of sheep of all kinds, one year old and above, in 

 1879, 154,359 ; in 1880, 160,597 ; increase, 6238. Lambs under one year old, 

 in 1879, 56,378; in 1880,64,006; increase, 7628. Cattle and sheep free 

 from disease. The quality of the wool was excellent, and the quantity was 

 above the average, and exceeded that of the previous year by 15 per cent. 

 This was owing to the dry summer and the very mild winter and spring 

 which preceded. 



Argyllshire (Parishes attached to district of Lochgilphead). — Xo wheat 

 grown. Scarcely any barley grown. The oat crop was generally a good 

 one ; return from 24 to 48 bushels according to land, average nearly 12 

 bushels more than last year. Straw much the same in quantity, but much 

 better in quality ; 5 to 6 bushels seed sown. Harvest began fully ten days 

 before the usual tune, and the crop was saved with very little labour. Eye- 

 grass and clover grown together, 1^ to 1^ tons ; good, and got in fine order, 

 much better than last year. The season was rather too line and dry for 

 meadows, and the hay crop was under the average in quantity, but above 

 it in quality. Potato crop, 6 to 8 tons, compared with 5 to 6. Xot much 

 disease ; appeared in August. Turnip crop — quality good ; weight much 

 the same as last year. Ko insects. Fewer weeds owing to fine season. 



