Retrospectt'ue view of Husbandry — Morayshire, 543 



carry it into execution, of making a Navigable Canal from Lossie- 

 mouth to within one mile of the market-cross of Elgin. The advan- 

 tages proposed by this undertaking are — Draining the very extensive 

 loch of bpynie, which contains a surface of J 500 acres at least, of the 

 finest clay and loamy lands, that would produce the richest crops for 

 many years ^VIthout manure j — and also a material saving in the car- 

 riage of heavy articles, by supplying the county on the line of the Ca- 

 nal, and the town of Elgin, with lime, coals, and goods, and bring- 

 ing from thence for export, at Lossiemouth, corn and buch manufac- 

 tures as the county produces. The natural advantages, which the 

 proposed line possesses, are so peculiar and so great tliat, tho' the 

 CKtreme distance be nearly six nnles, it is calculated that the work 

 would only cost 2000I. How much then is it to be wished that 

 the heritors, thro' ^vhose property it must pass, may hold forth that 

 encouragement which the enterprise and spirit of the proposers deserve 

 and require. 



While I am endeavouring to give your readers some idea of those 

 attempts at public improvement in this county, allow me to mention, 

 with much respect, the conduct of Joseph King, of Newmiln, Esq. 

 proprietor of some valuable lands in the neighbourhood of Elgin. 

 This gentleman, on coming lately to the succession of a family estate, 

 and finding part of it had been for time immemorial, subject to the 

 inroads of the river Lossie, without any attempt being made to resist 

 them, immediately built a water dyke in the most substantial ?.nd best 

 manner, and of no less extent than 2300 ells, which, tho' done at a 

 very considerable expence, has not only repaid the interest annually, 

 but will return all the money expended, iita few years. He has also 

 led the way in the embarkment and improvement of that large run- 

 ridge field called the /iuchtenpart Lands, the division of which was 

 noticed in your 9th No. He has there thrown up 1000 ells of a very- 

 broad well finished water dyke that com-pietely secures his proportion, 

 from the Lossie, and, by opening a new passage for the river and cover- 

 ing what was formerly its bed with 18 inches of rich loamy mould from 

 an adioining field, he has gained several -acres, which will amply re- 

 pay all his outlay in a short period. The pleasure, tlie security, and 

 the advantages which he derives from spirited and judicious improve- 

 ments it is hoped will stimulate others " to go and do likev\ise." 



Before quitting the subject of this communication, and as in some 

 degree connected with it, altho' I fear your patience is already ex- 

 hausted, I cannot omit noticing, with much praise and with the sin- 

 cerest wishes for its success, an attempt by the Morayshire Farmer 

 Glub to carry into eifect a scheme of very considerable extent, and. 

 surely of the most benevolent nature. — A Fund for the benefit of V/i- 

 </otus, Orphans, and decayed members, on a liberal plan. The dratt 

 of Rules, and Regulations, with calculations of the premiums and 

 annuities, is now printed and in circulation. Although the. idea ori- 

 ginated with that society, it is by no means intended to be confined, 

 to them-, respectable persons of every profession are readily admitted. 

 The annuities sure such as to make it au object worthy the attcntlorv 



of 



