156 THE AGRICULTURE OF THE 



reason or another, a sudden halt was made, and the work has 

 never been resumed. Thus it happens that the cultivator runs 

 suddenly against a wall of peat, and for many miles the black 

 encumbrance lies heavy and solid on earth which might other- 

 wise produce good crops. The land near the moss has a 

 diminished value, owing to the moisture which cools the atmo- 

 sphere for at least half a mile all round. Doubtless the 

 proprietors have looked at the matter on all sides, but it may 

 be suggested that in these days of enterprise and joint-stock 

 companies, some way might be found to utilise the peat either 

 for ordinary fuel or for distillation purposes. If any such 

 company were formed, the proprietors might give great 

 encouragement, considering how largely they w^ould reap the 

 ultimate benefit. From Port of Menteith westward the dairy 

 system largely prevails, and the milk is sent regularly to 

 Glasgow by railway. Complaints are made that the dairy 

 farmers of the district are at a disadvantage because the morn- 

 ing train is not in time for the first delivery of milk in the city, 

 and on this account they cannot get the highest prices. In 

 Campsie parish there is dairy farming and mixed husbandry. 

 The green crop consists chiefly of potatoes, and to a smaller 

 extent of turnips. The oats sown are of the earlier sorts, 

 which are most suitable for the climate. Lime can be had at 

 various places in the parish, and, the soil being generally 

 ferruginous, it acts with great effect. The dairy system is found 

 to be suitable and profitable, and the cows are chiefly Ayrshires. 

 In Kilsyth district, oats, barley, and green crops prevail, but 

 wheat is not profitable. The dairy system is the great industry 

 of the locality, to which all else is subordinate. Potatoes are 

 grown extensively. 



In the parish of Killearn there are 15,000 acres, of which 

 5370 are under cultivation, 8860 are moor, and 1140 woodland. 

 The chief proprietors are the representatives of the late Mr 

 Peter Blackburn of Killearn, Archibald Orr Ewing, Esq. of 

 Ballikinrain, M. P., Vice- Admiral Sir William Edmonstone, Bart., 

 of Dnntreath, C.B., and Mr Wilson of Carbeth. Mr Orr Ewing 

 and Mr Wilson occupy their own lands, and both have made great 

 improvements. It is a picturesque district, with a good propor- 

 tion of arable land in the valley of the Endrick, but much of it 

 not very valuable ; on the south are the Killearn and Campsie 

 Fells ; on the north, across the valley, is the dark wall of the 

 Highland hills. Higher up the valley is the parish of Fintry, 

 the ownership of which belongs chiefly to the Duke of Montrose 

 and Sir George Home Speirs, Bart., though there are some 

 small proprietors. Eleven tenants pay more than £100 in rent, 

 of whom five are on the Duke's estate, and five are on that of 

 Sir George Home Speirs. The valuation roll shows 112 



