l8oo. Agricultural InteU'jgence — Scotland. loi 



rity. We need hardly fay, that If fimllar information could be 

 procured, concerning the caufes which occafioned the fcanty 

 crops at the end of the 17th century, traditionally called the 

 barren years, it would be acknowledged as a particular obli- 

 gation. 



Before we conclude this article, we muft remark, that it 

 gives us fenfibie pleafure to notice the great degree of atten- 

 tion fhown to the diftrefles of the poor, not only in the capi- 

 tal and other large towns, but alfo in many country parifhes. 

 While we heartily commend thefe .philanthropical exertions, 

 and wifh them extended over the whole iiland, it cannot be 

 improper to fugged, that the moft fuccefsful method of af- 

 fifting the poor, is by felling them meal at reduced prices, 

 the reduflion to be in proportion to the fize of their fami- 

 lies, and their ability to work. If donations of coals are add- 

 ed, the poor might pafs through this calamitous feafon with- 

 out fuffering more than they undergo every Winter, provid- 

 ed meal, which is the folid national food of Scotland, is af- 

 forded them at ordinary prices. 



EXTRACTS FROM FRIFATE CORRESFONDENCE. 



SCOTLAND. 



Edinburgh, T2M November 1799. — Old Hallow Fair was nume- 

 roiifly attended this day, the greatcft part of farmers in the adjoin- 

 ing counties, from the latenefs of the harveft, being ftlU unprovided 

 with their Winter ftock. Lean cattle were inferior in numbers to 

 the demand, and of courfe fold at higher prices than they have 

 brought for fomc time pad. Few fat beafts were prefented : but a 

 new fet of purchafers appeared, who feemed, from the choices 

 made, to be little verfant in the bufinefs. Thefe were people of the 

 place, who wanted to lay in their marts ; a praClice which, though 

 anciently very common, has for feveral years been in defuetude. 

 We are very apprehenlive, from the quality of the beafts generally 

 puichafed, moil of them being only iit for the ftraw-yard, as well as 

 the ignorance which mud neceffcirily prevail refpedling the falting 

 of beef, in a fufficient way for prelervation during the Winter 

 months, that this new clafs of cuftomers at Hallow Fair will not 

 make their appearance next feafon. 



The fhew of horfes was below mediocrity; and, as ufual, the in- 

 ferior ones were quite a drug. Good horfes ilill bring a full price 5 

 but, from the wetnefs of the feafon, and bad food lately received, 

 there is caufe to believe, that thofe of the firft defcription will not be 

 fo plenty for feveral years. 



G 4 Sheep, 



