THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1887. 299 



THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1887, AND 

 METEOROLOGY OF THE YEAR RELATIVE THERETO. 



THE CROPS. 

 The following comparison of the cereal and other crops of 1887 

 with the previous year, has been prepared by the Secretary of 

 the Society from answers to queries sent to eminent agricul- 

 turists in different parts of the country. 



The meteorology of the year has been furnished by Mr 

 Alexander Buchan, Secretary of the Meteorological Society of 

 Scotland. 



The queries issued by the Secretary were in the following 

 terms : — 



1. What was the quantity, per imperial acre, and quality 



of grain and straw, as compared with last year, of the 

 following crops ? The quantity of each crop to be stated 

 in bushels. What quantity of seed is generally sown 

 per acre ?— (1) Wheat, (2) Barley, (3) Oats. 



2. Did the harvest begin at the usual time, or did it begin 



before or after the usual time ? and if so, how long ? 



3. What was the quantity, per imperial acre, and quality 



of the hay crop, as compared with last year, both as 

 regards ryegrass and clover respectively ? The quantity 

 to be stated in tons and cwts. 



4. Was the meadow hay crop more or less productive than 



last year. 



5. What was the yield of the potato crop, per imperial 



acre, as compared with last year ? The quantity to 

 be stated in tons and cwts. Was there any disease, 

 and if so, to what extent, and when did it commence ? 

 Were any new varieties planted, and with what result ? 



6. What was the weight of the turnip crop, per imperial 



acre, and the quality as compared with last year ? The 

 weight of the turnip crop to be stated in tons and cwts. 

 How did the crop braird ? Was more than one sowing 

 required ? and why ? 



7. Were the crops injured by insects? State the kinds of 



insects. Was the damage greater or less than usual ? 



8. Were the crops injured by weeds'? State the kinds of 



weeds. Was the damage greater or less than usual ? 



9. Were the pastures during the season of average growth 



and quality with last year ? 



10. How did stock thrive on them ? 



11. Have cattle and sheep been free from disease ? 



12. What was the quality of the clip of wool, and was it over 



or under the average ? 



