148 ON THE AGRICULTUEE OF THE 



" reeks" of crofters'houses. Part of tlie low-lying land was in a 

 wet, marshy, useless condition, while a portion of the high land 

 was under stunted heath and green pasture. Squaring off the 

 fields Avas the first operation ; and this, a most important point 

 in connection with land improvement, was done neatly and 

 tastefully. The whole of the farm was then thoroughly drained 

 with tiles, brought into Invergordon by sea. The draining done, 

 the land was then ploughed with a heavy implement drawn by 

 three powerful oxen. Hedging was planted around the farm 

 and between the fields, and double wooden fences erected to pro- 

 tect the plants in their tender years. These wooden fences were 

 continually breaking down, and in 1853 substantial wire fences 

 were erected in their stead ; so that, in additibn to the hedges, 

 which are now full grown, and which greatly beautify and enliven 

 the landscape, the whole farm is enclosed and subdivided by 

 double wire fences. The Fearn public road passes through the 

 farm ; and for local convenience, an excellent turnpike road was 

 constructed right down the centre, striking off at right angles 

 from the district thoroughfare. A large and very convenient 

 farm-steading, with a steam thrashing-mill, was erected at the 

 same time. The improvements lasted well-nigh four years, and 

 cost close on L.9000 — rather a large sum to be expended on 

 one farm in those days. About twelve or fourteen years ago, 

 a handsome dwelling-house was erected by the proprietor, 

 and recently a large addition was made to it by the then 

 tenant, Mr James Middleton. On the completion of the im- 

 provements, Balnagore was leased by Mr Williamson, who was 

 factor on the Balnagown estate for many years, and in the hands 

 of Mr Williamson and his son it remained till about five or six 

 years ago, when it was let to Mr James Middleton, who held it 

 for only two or three years. Mr Kelman, who was formerly 

 the tenant of an extensive farm in the parish of Mortlach, in the 

 county of Banff, entered the farm at Whitsunday 1873, and is 

 working it on the most approved principles. The ordinary five- 

 course rotation is being pursued, and in the live stock department 

 he intends giving the breeding system a thorough trial. He has 

 introduced from Banffshire several very fine black polled cows, 

 and from these and a shorthorn bull he is rearing^ calves of a 

 very superior kind. He intends breeding about fifteen, calves 

 every year ; and these, along with a lot of bought-in stirks, will 

 be fed off on turnips and cake when two and three years old. 



In close proximity to Balnagown grounds, but in the parish of 

 Logic, lies the valuable little estate of Calrossie, belonging to 

 Mr Ajidrew Hall. The j\lains of Calrossie is one of the finest 

 farms in Eosshire, and is rented by Mr John Douglas for L.676. 

 When Mr Douglas entered this farm about ten years ago, the 

 land was in very bad order, but having been twice thoroughly 



