COUNTIES OF EDINBURGH AND LINLITHGOW. 53 



it is in Mid and West Lothian. The soil of most of the level 

 tracts not only admits of, but requires deep cultivation, and the 

 working of it is a serious strain upon the horses. Indeed, for 

 many of the stiff soils, light horses are of little use for ploughing; 

 this is doubtless one reason that the class of animals found on 

 most farms is heavy, and altogether of a superior order. The 

 fields in general are not badly laid off for cultivation by steam 

 ])ower, and little impediment is found in the way of boulders, 

 rock, &c. One great drawback to the general usefulness of steam 

 tackle is the large amount of capital required, as few farmers, after 

 the necessary amount has been expended in stocking, have any- 

 thing to spare to invest in steam appliances. Costly, and to a 

 certain extent cumbersome, cultivation by steam appeals to men 

 with large hearts and well-filled purses, and not to those who 

 have already enough to do. Companies are, however, do- 

 ing what individuals cannot accomplish, but, as we have 

 already stated, farmers are a little slow in taking the important 

 matter up. Still, we met with several who have employed the 

 tackle furnished by enterprising companies, and they all speak 

 highly of the efficiency of the work done by steam power. Mr 

 Watson, Norton Mains, has often had his land cultivated by 

 this agency. He finds the greatest benefit from deeply 

 cultivating moderately light soils having a stiff clay subsoil. 

 After steam culture has once been adopted, the land is much 

 more easily wrought for many years. Mr John Wilson, liic- 

 carton, also engages a Steam Company's tackle both in winter and 

 spring, and grows splendid turnips after it. The benefit to the 

 succeeding wheat crop is marvellous. This is to be accounted 

 for by the loosening of the soil to a great depth, for the roots of 

 wheat, taking a vertical direction, have more room for their 

 healthy development. Several others employ steam at certain 

 seasons, and we did not hear of one that does not acknowledfje its 

 superiority to horse power. By its aid the hardened " pan "' is 

 broken up, and the surface water is allowed to pass off to the 

 drains gradually, in place of remaining stagnant at the roots of 

 the plants. 



JVuods, Nursery Grounds, Market Gardens, and Orchards. 



The county of Mid-Lothian is very nicely and regularly wooded. 

 The extent under plantation has increased much in twenty-live 

 years, owing to the general improvement in laud ; numerous 

 clumps of trees and belts of plantation having been laid olf for 

 shelter. The total area is 1(),.S20 acres ; and in West Lotliiaii, 

 471*J acres. In both counties there are sonu» well-wooded policies, 

 which lendacharm tf)tli(;l;indscap(',and motlifythe monotonousap- 

 pearanceof thclevel portions. pAlinburgh has more land under nur- 

 sery grounds than any other county in Scotland. Indeed, it couLuius 



