302 THE CEREAL AND OTHER CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1887, 



Peeblesshire. — No wheat grown. Barley, rather a light crop, averaging 

 about 24 bushels, but heavier per bushel than last year, and secured in fine 

 condition, Oats also were decidedly a light crop, averaging say 28 bushels ; 

 straw very short on most farms, and occasionally under an average. Harvest 

 began about three weeks before the usual time. Hay crop was considerably 

 lighter than last year, and would in very few cases exceed 1^ tons ; it was 

 also very deficient in clover. The meadow hay crop was much lighter as 

 compared with last year, but was secured in very fine condition. The 

 potato croj) was one of the finest we have had in this county for many years ; 

 it would average from 8 to 10 tons ; there was almost no di>>ease. Turnips 

 were a good crop, generally equal to last year, averaging about 20 tons ; 

 they brairded well, and required no resowing. There was little damage 

 done to crops by insects or weeds. The growth of the pastures was at no 

 time during the season very great ; they sufJ'ered very considerably from 

 drought. Stock throve fairly well, and were free from disease. The clip of 

 wool was about an average, and very much better than the previous one. 



Dumfriesshire (Upper Nithsdale). — Wheat, none grown. Barley, very 

 little grown. Oats, 25 bushels ; 5^ bushels sown ; crops grown 500 feet 

 above sea-level, fully an average ; while those on light soils in the valley 

 suffered extremely from the dry weather in June and July ; in many cases 

 the crop would not pay labour and seed. Harvest began quite a fortnight 

 earlier than usual ; it was protracted, owing to bad weather, and the crop 

 was secured in very indifferent condition. Hay, a ton ; a light crop, but 

 good quality. Meadow hay fully an average, especially in the higher dis- 

 tricts. Potatoes, 6 to 7 tons ; an exceptionally fine crop, but lifted in a green 

 condition, and not keeping welL Turnips, 25 to 30 tons ; much better 

 crop than last year ; brairded well, and no resowing necessary. Not more ' 

 than usual damage by insects, and not materially damaged by weeds. 

 Pastures on heavy cold lands were very good, while on light soils much 

 burned. Where not overstocked, cattle and sheep throve well ; sheep stock 

 good on hill pastures ; have been very free from disease, with the exception 

 of sheep on turnips. Quality of wool good ; clip above the average of the 

 last six years. 



Kirkcudbrightshire. — Wheat, last year 29 bushels, this year 32 bushels. 

 Barley, last year 30 bushels, this year 29 bushels. Oats, last year 32j bushels, 

 this year 29g ; quality excellent. Harvest about two weeks earlier than usual. 

 Hay, quantity less than last year ; quality better than last year. Meadow hay 

 about equal to last year. Potatoes, last year 4 to 5 tons, this year 8 to 12 tons ; 

 no disease ; Magnum Bonums largely grown, excellent results. Turnips, last 

 year 16 to 17 tons, this year 18 to 24 tons; quality good; good braird; no 

 resowing. No injury by insects, and less weeds than usual. Pastures under 

 average growth, but better quality. Stock throve well, and were free from 

 disease. Clip of wool, fully average quality, slightly less quantity. 



Bute. — Wheat, none grown this year. Barley a hght crop, owing to the 

 dry season ; yield about 27 bushels ; quality of grain and straw inferior, 

 particularly on light sandy soil ; seed sown, about 4 bushels. Oats, a good 

 average crop generally ; good deep land producing an extra heavy crop and 

 light land a very inferior crop ; yield about 37 bushels ; quality of grain 

 and straw good ; seed sown, from 5 to 6 bushels. Harvest commenced 

 about ten days earlier than usual, where crops lighter ; where crops heavier, 

 about usual time. The crops cut early badly harvested, as a rule, owing 

 to wet weather ; the late heavy crops secured in excellent condition. Rye- 

 grass, about If tons ; average crop. Clover good. Timothy hay, a good 

 heavy crop ; above 2 tons. Little meadow hay ; fair crop. Potatoes, above 



