88 



THE AGKICULTUKE OF THE 



soil is pure and the climate colder ; and there are a good many 

 crofts ill the inland divisions. The subjoined tables show the 

 number of agricultural holdiu2fS of various sizes in both counties: — 



In 1870 the number of holdings in the various classes were 

 as follows : — 



Morayshire ranks ninth in Scotland in the first and second, of 

 the above classes of holdings, and twenty-iifth in the third class. 

 Nairn stands nineteenth in the first class, second in the second, 

 and twenty-third in the tliird class. 



Buildings, Drains, Fences, and Roads. 



Buildings, — As we have already said, the improvements which 

 farm holdings have undergone in these counties since 1857 is 

 immense. Perhaps more new and commodious steadings have 

 been erected within the past twenty-five years than can be said 

 of any other two counties throughout the whole length and 

 breadth of Scotland. There have been improvements effected in 

 this way every year for the past thiity, and now, through the 

 generosity of the proprietors and the industry of the farmers, 

 these counties are exceptionally well supplied with farm build- 

 ings. Taking both counties into view, very few dilapidated 

 steadings or farm dwelling-houses are to be seen. The proprie- 

 tors in some cases erect the necessary farm buildings, the tenant 

 paying 5 per cent, on the outlay along with his rent. In 

 other instances the tenant builds the houses himself, and calcu- 

 lates on obtaining compensation in one form or other. The 

 tenant invariably does the cartage of building material On the 

 Duke of Eichmond and Gordon's estates the landlord afibrds 



