90 ORMISTOUN'S LETTERS 



Farmers run many risks from late Harvests and particularly 

 from winds the end of this and beginning of next month for 

 10 or 15 days before and as long after our Equinox when 

 winds are to be expected where we are situated upon the Globe. 

 I reckon them always lucky who get down their Wheat and 

 Oats by 20^^ of this month fojr they run a great risk every day 

 after that from Winds besides other accidents common at all 

 seasons. We sometimes escape winds tho' by the nature of 

 things we have as much reason to expect them as we have to 

 expect frost in Dec*" and Jany. and people should act by what 

 we naturally are to expect. Our having Winds at other times, 

 and none then is no reason against this. We must take . . . 

 at other seasons but we should have an eye to what we are to 

 expect and what only unexpected accidents prevents . . . Sure 

 he has the best chance who acts by reason and provides against 

 what from natural reasons we are to expect. Reason among 

 our people is seldom called upon for their direction tho"* it is 

 what God Almighty gives them for distinguishing of them 

 from their Beasts. 



I am for early sowing when weather can allow of it. I know 

 late Crops sometimes prove good but I am sure there are ten 

 chances against a late crop for one that is against an early one, 

 and a wise man will always follow the practice that there are 

 fewest against. Seasons sometimes retard a Harvest tho' the 

 Farmer has sown in good time 



Lame accounts of things occasion lame orders and con- 

 sequently things not going to my mind. Read to J. Dods all 

 that is above and indeed the whole of this Letter as it will 

 save me Writing the same thing twice over. I shall long to 

 hear of my Corn Harvest being over and the Pidgeon field 

 well ploughed over. The sooner it is the better chance I 

 shall have for getting a good crop of wheat from the grounds 

 being opened a little to the air and the getting the seed the 

 sooner into the ground after that refreshment. I know my 

 neighbours don't approve of opening of the ground so often 

 as I practice. I don't pretend to convince but as I am 

 strongly convinced that the Sun, Wind and Air nourish the 



