COUNTIES OF EOSS AXD CROMARTY. 127 



on tlie higher parts of Ben Wyvis. In 1850 the rental was 

 L.2300, now it is L.4960. The valley of Strathpeffer is very 

 fertile, and is well and judiciously farmed by an intelligent and 

 thriving tentantry. There are several farms on this estate 

 varying in their extent from 120 to over 600 acres, while the 

 higher slopes are occupied by a well-to-do class of crofters. The 

 leases of all the farms, both here and at Tarbat, have been re- 

 newed within the last ten years, at rents varying from 24s. to 

 33s. per acre, and in almost every case the proprietrix has been 

 at the expense of enlarging and improving the farm-houses and 

 steadings, all of which are now in excellent order, and fitted up 

 with all the modern requirements. Many miles of wire fencing 

 have also been erected, the tenants executing the carriages for 

 these and the buildings. A well-observed rule on the estate is 

 to hand over every arable farm well and substantially fenced, 

 and with a stroncj iron c^ate for each enclosure. The rotation 

 usually observed is the live-course shift, but the tenant, as long- 

 as he does justice to the farm, is allowed ample freedom in this re- 

 spect, providing he leaves the farm in the five-shift rotation at 

 the expiry of his lease. Within the past ten years every farm 

 has been supplied with good slated houses for the farm labourers, 

 each provided with two rooms and a pantry on the groand-floor, 

 and two commodious attics. Within the period stated no fewer 

 than thirty -two of these cottages have been erected. The fine 

 farms of Fodderty and Keppoch have been drained since 1867, 

 the tenants paying interest on the outlay, and performing the 

 carriages. Much attention has been paid to planting on all the 

 Duchess' estates within the past few years, and from 100 to 200 

 acres are planted annually, chiefly with a mixture of larch and 

 Scotch fir, with a sprinkling of hard- wood trees where the soil 

 and exposure are suitable. About twenty-five years ago a consider- 

 able extent of land was reclaimed on the Strathpeffer property, 

 and now it is in eighteen holdings, varying from 7 to 10 acres in 

 extent. The land is of very fair quality, is rented at 22s. per 

 acre, and the occupiers are industrious and thriving. Several 

 miles of hedges (thorn and beech mixed) have been planted 

 within the past ten years, all of which are growing admirably, 

 and contribute much to the well-cared-for appearance that this 

 valley presents. 



New Tarbat contains about 2000 acres of arable land, 150 of 

 rough ]iasture and about 1000 of woods and young ])lantations. In 

 185U the rental was L.1800, now it is L.2750. The soil on one 

 or twoof the farms is exceedingly rich, ecpial to any in IJoss- 

 shire, but, generally, speaking the land is light loam overlying 

 gravel. Farms vary in size from 120 acres to 520 acres, and 

 crofts, which are numerous, range from 5 to 40 acres. The liome 

 farm is under the careful mana'^^oment of ]\[r Flliot,and is chieily 



