Mg On the Husbandry of Ayrshire. Feb, 



been created, the trade, manufactures, and general improve- 

 auent in everj art and science attained to an eminence hither- 

 to unknown. To supply the demands of capital and circula- 

 tion, banks, and brandies of banks were multiplied. Tlie 

 elrect of this upon agriculture, as well as other things, must 

 at once appear evident. — This mass of national as well as pri- 

 vate circulating capital, by depreciating the valne of money, 

 tended to enhance the value of produce. Hence farms were 

 looked upon as being of more consequence than formerly; the 

 value of landed property was doubled, and trebled ; farms 

 were eagerly sought after ; farming became the mode ; it was 

 considered as a fashionable and necessary part of genteel edu- 

 cation ; in so much that a gentleman who knew nothing of 

 farminc-, and could bear no part in conversation respecting it, 

 would have been looked upon witli contempt. Gentlemen did 

 not now, as formerly, prescribe rules and regulations, and look 

 on in silence to see them executed ; they took an active part 

 in farming themselves. They endeavoured to procure the 

 best information, and led the way in farming after the best and 

 iriost approved methods. Many worthy public characters in 

 this respect might be named, but I forbear to do it, least others 

 should be omitted who are equally meritorious. In gene- 

 ral, it mav be safely asserted, without giving offence to any, 

 that I know very few landed proprietors at present who do not 

 farm more or less, and recommend by their example, at least, 

 tlie newest and most approved methods of farming. Whe- 

 ther it be owing to their example, or to the sensible con- 

 \ ictlon of its utility, certain it is, tliat the new, or turnip hus- 

 bandry has begun to spread .vitliin the period above-mention- 

 ed. And it is to be hoped that the same benign influence which 

 }ias encouraged it, will still continue to foster and cherish it, 

 till every corner of our rich and beautiful country, shall be as 

 lully improved as the respective soils and situations of indivi- 

 dual places will admit. 



I look upon this immense national and individual floating 

 capital, within these last ten years, occasioning the great ad- 

 vance upon the value of farm prodiice ; together with the bu- 

 siness of farming becoming a genteel and fashionable study, 

 and real farmers being regarded with more respe^l than former- 

 ly, I look upon all these collectively as the prime causes 

 which have accelerated the progress of agriculture in this 

 county within the space of ten or twelve years. Farming so- 

 cieties are now set up in different places. Farmers arc led to 

 vie with one another in honour and profit, in the managcmeiit 

 of their farms. Good ploughing is encouraged and recom- 

 iriended, by premiums to the best ploughman. The, best 



aud 



