16 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE 



is intercepted by the river Findhorn and carried out to sea ; 

 forming a bar here, it is taken up by the inshore tidal current 

 running to the westward and carried in that direction, and 

 thrown out on the shore, where the wind forces it to the east- 

 ward, thus forming an endless circuit. Culbin sand hills rise to 

 a hei2;ht of 118 feet above low-water mark. The general height 

 of the beaches above low- water mark is from 14 to 18 feet. It 

 is well known that all the different geological formations or 

 rocks have their characteristic varieties of soil. As might 

 naturally be inferred from the fact, that the geonostic features 

 in these counties are variable in the extreme, the soil is of a 

 very changeable character. To begin with, the character of the 

 soil in Morayshire may be summarily put down in the following 

 terms : — If all the arable grounds in the county were distributed 

 into 63 parts, sandy soil would be found to cover 24 of these, 

 clay 11, loam 27, and reclaimed moss 1. In Nairnshire the soil 

 varies from light fertile loam to heavy mould, and is intersected 

 by patches of sharp gravel and moss. The plain of Morayshire 

 chiefly consists of a light porous soil, intersected with stretches 

 of stiff clay, loam, and rich alluvial deposit. Considerable 

 portions of Duffus and Drainie, two very important agricultural 

 districts, had at one time been submerged by the sea, and in all 

 probability been under it for a lengthened period. Both these 

 parishes, as well as the parish of Alves, to the south-west of them, 

 contain an admixture of rich loam, heavy clay, sand, and fine 

 free loamy soils, with ingredients which never fail to yield 

 superior crops, and which are admirably adapted for the raising 

 of wheat, barley, and potatoes. This division of the great 

 maritime plain has been appropriately named the " Granary of 

 Moray." Duffus and Drainie are low and level throughout. 

 There are other districts in Morayshire which contain fine friable 

 soil. Eich fertile loam prevails in the parish of Kinloss, which 

 is very favourable for arable farming. The northern half of the 

 parish is level, while the southern half rises with easy acclivity 

 until it reaches the heath-clad hills. The average depth of the 

 soil runs from 18 inches to 3 feet, and rests on a subsoil varying 

 from yellow or blue clay to red or white sand. It is most 

 suitable for the production of wheat and barley. 



The adjoining parish of Forres has a preponderance of rich 

 loamy soil, although there are patches of clay and gravel. The 

 subsoil is also gravelly. To the west of Forres the soil is 

 generally good, and favourable to the growth of all kinds of 

 cereals, and particularly barley, which may be called the staple 

 crop of the county. The parish of Eafford has great diversity of 

 soil, but is mostly low and fertile. Further south, into the 

 Edinkillie district, loamy soil prevails. Oats and barley are the 

 principal cereals grown. Still further inland, where the land 



