BUTE AND APtRAX. ul 



realised, and in 1880 at Lamlash Fair the highest figure reported 

 for a single foal was £14. Taking a survey of the island we find 

 that the best and most Clydesdale-looking horses are met with in 

 Shiskan, Lagg, and the south end; but taken as a whole the Arran 

 horses at present may be said to be crosses between a Clydesdale 

 stallion and Highland mares. This type of horse best meets the 

 requirements of the island. Many of the farms are steep, and the 

 roads in general hilly; the light-limbed creature goes quickly over 

 these risings, and is easily fed during winter. Xo horse suits 

 the farmer so well for certain kinds of work as the old-fashioned, 

 wise, little creature to be found in Arran and other parts of the 

 Highlands, and the breed is worth preserving, both on account of 

 the docility of the animals, their suitableness for light draught 

 purposes, their ready obedience to words, and their neat style of 

 action. 



Peats. 



Especially in the moorland districts the casting of peats forms, 

 in the early summer, the principal work of the Arran farmer and 

 cottar. Generally the peats are cut in May, and the casting of 

 them is finished by the beginning of June. On being cut they 

 are borne, on barrows made for the purpose, to a position where 

 they will be best exposed to the sun's heat, and spread singly 

 on the bare ground. After lying fiat for some time till they are 

 nearly dry, they are "footed," i.e., set up on one end, several 

 together, something after the manner of a stock of corn sheaves, 

 and in good seasons do not require any further handling till they 

 are taken home. With fine weather they should all be stacked a 

 month after they have been cast, and for bringing them home creels 

 made for the purpose are employed, which hold about a half more 

 than the ordinary farm carts. In 1879 few or no peats were got 

 home on account of the wxt weather, and coals had to be exten- 

 sively imported. Peats in a favourable season weigh heavier 

 than in a wet season, as the rain washes all the substance out of 

 them, and, when ])urned, they neither give out a proper heat nor 

 last any length of time. Short black moss is chieily cut for peats 

 in Arran. A few peats with fibrous material through them may 

 occasionally be seen, but they are not favourites. 



Wafjes and Cost of FarmuKj. 



"VVa^es have increased in Arran durinc,^ the last twentv-five 

 years in much the same ratio as in Bute. ])airymaids are receiv- 

 ing now (in 1880) from £8 to £12, 10s. per half-year with board, 

 but those engaged at the latter figure must have full charge. 

 Ploughmen's wages are from £12 to £15 per half-year with board ; 

 and workers in harvest time, — women, who can with difficulty be 

 procured, receive from I's. IhI. to ''s. a-day without food, and men 



