342 THE CEREAL AXD OTHEK CROPS OF SCOTLAND FOR 1883, 



the yield on poor land will not exceed 20 bushels. Oats, a fair crop as 

 regards bulk, but the quality very inferior on most of the best and average 

 lands ; weights disappointing ; return about 32 bushels on good land ; in 

 late districts much of the grain considerably damaged. Harvest later by 

 about two weeks than usual. Quantity of hay crop, about 1^ ton, on good 

 land, compared with 2^ tons in 1882 ; quality inferior, and much difficulty 

 experienced in securing it. Very little meadow hay. Potato crop, average 

 on good land about 7 tons — quality excellent ; some disease prevalent, but 

 the large return counterbalanced and the yield is satisfactory, but prices 

 low ; at least one-third more quantity, and one-third less price as compared 

 with last year. Tui^nip crop about one-third less on the average on best 

 soils, and one half in many instances ; the average yield will not exceed 

 15 tons, while much is considerably under that quantity, and few above it ; 

 braird was stiff, and considerable amount of re-sowing resorted to on clayey 

 soils. Not much damage by insects. Greater damage than usual by 

 charlock and ragweed. Plenty of pasture, but the moist nature of the 

 season prevented stock thrivhig so well as usual. Stock throve fairly well, 

 but not so well as in 1882, but were free from disease. Clip of wool about 



an average. 



Inverness- SHIRE (District of Beauly). — Little wheat sown, but average 

 about 36 bushels ; quality of grain not so good as last year, and straw also 

 inferior, owing to wet season ; quantity sown, 3 bushels. Quantity of barley, 

 38 bushels ; about 3 lbs. lighter than last year, say 53 lbs. ; 3j bushels sown. 

 Quantity of oats, 40bLishels; about 2 lbs. lighter than last year, say 40 

 lbs. ; quality good ; 5| bushels sown. Harvest ten days behind usual time. 

 Hay crop, 1 ton 16 cwt. ; quality good, same as last year. No meadow 

 hay. Potato crop, yield 8 tons ; disease only in earlier sorts, commenced 

 about end of August ; Magnum Bonum only new variety planted, excellent 

 crop and sound. Turnip crop, weight 20 tons ; quality about equal to last 

 year ; braird rather stiff for want of rain ; very little second sowing required. 

 Finger-and-toe disease prevalent to some extent on various farms. Little 

 injury done by insects, and little or none by weeds. Pastures of average 

 growth and quality, especially during the earlier part of the season. 

 Stock throve excellently, and were free from disease. Clip of wool about 



an average. 



Inverness-shire (Skye). — No wheat grown, and little or no barley. Oats, 

 quantity sown same as last year ; yield considerably below average years, 

 on account of late harvest. Harvest commenced about two weeks later 

 than former years, and crop not wholly secured for a month after usual 

 time. Hay crop up to average of former seasons, both in weight and 

 in quality ; and the same applies to the meadow hay. Potatoes, best crop 

 since 1846; no disease, and the island much benefited by the introduction 

 of new seed. Turnip crop, average a little below former years; crop 

 brairded well ; one sowing. No injury by insects, and weeds were much 

 about the same as in former years. Pasture same as formerly. Stock 

 rather back in condition, on account of incessant wet and high winds, 

 but were free from disease. Clip of wool, average of former years. 



Inverness-shire (Lochaber). — No wheat or barley grown. Oats, 30 

 bushels ; grain and straw better than in 1882 ; seed, 6 bushels. Harvest 

 about ten days later than usual. Hay crop, 1 ton 12 cwt. ; quality superior 

 to last year. Meadow hay crop, about the same as last year. Potato 

 crop, yield better than last year — about 5 tons; no disease; no new 

 varieties planted. Turnip crop about 20 tons; quality not so good as last 

 year ; brairded well, and no second sowing needed ; suffered from excessive 

 wet and dark weather. No damage by insects, and nothing more than 



