156 ON THE AGEICULTUEE OF THE 



lands of Scotland for what tliey are pleased to call their " utter 

 neglect of the many hundreds of starving subjects that live among 

 their hills and glens." No doubt, more activity and considera- 

 tion might be displayed in one or two individual cases, but we 

 maintain, that over the country generally a great deal more is 

 being done at the present day for the amelioration of the popu- 

 lation of the Highlands than at any previous period of our 

 nation's history. Many influences combine to make improve- 

 ment in the Highlands a very slow process ; but, nevertheless, 

 a great stride has been taken in the march of civilisation during 

 even the last quarter of a century. And we make bold to say, 

 that no living man has done more in this good work than the 

 respected proprietor of the island of Lewis. 



Since 1845 Sir James has trenched, drained, enclosed, and 

 divided into farms and crofts about 900 acres, and drained, 

 remodelled, and fenced another 1000 acres, most of which had 

 previously been under rude cultivation. In addition, the exten- 

 sive grounds which surround the castle have been thoroughly 

 trenched, drained, and levelled ; and within the policies large 

 tracts have been laid out in pasture grass, part of which is kept 

 for meadow hay. All the farm-houses and steadings on the 

 estate have either been built anew or added to and repaired by 

 Sir James ; and substantial assistance has been, and is still 

 given, to the crofters, to enable them to improve their houses, 

 crofts, and gardens. When it is remembered that there are about 

 3500 crofters' houses on the island, and that wood, lime, and 

 slate have all to be imported, it can well be imagined what a 

 huge and expensive task the thorough improving of these hold- 

 ings really is. Eailways are as yet unknown in the Lewis, 

 though an approach has been made in a line of tramway about 

 four miles in length, laid for the conveyance of the estate peats 

 from the peat banks to the cart roads. Since 1844, about 170 

 miles of thoroughly substantial roads have either been made 

 anew or completely overhauled and repaired, supplied with firm 

 stone and lime or wooden bridges. Soon after Sir James got 

 possession, the work of building a castle was commenced ; and in 

 1870 a handsome and imposing pile was completed, at a cost of 

 L.40,000. The ground around the castle was at one time very 

 rough and uneven ; and in bringing this into harmony with the 

 castle, Sir James has expended close on L.49,000. Within these 

 policies large gardens have been laid out, and numerous walks 

 and carriage drives constructed with true artistic taste. The 

 result of all this outlay of money and labour is, that Sir James 

 possesses a castle and policies, which for beauty and extent com- 

 pare favourably with any in the kingdom. In various other 

 ways, in educating and feeding the population, in improving the 

 town of Stornoway and its harbour, in planting woods, &c., Sir 



