( 33 ) 



system I have pursued, and the nature of a process 



which has produced a marked and steady improve- Distinct improve- 

 1' ' n ^ ^^ t meiit resulting in 



ment m the condition oi the smaller tenants, in condition of smaller 

 direct proportion as the most capable among them *^^''^"^S' 

 have been selected for the enlargement of their pos- 

 sessions, and as progress has been made towards the ,, 

 establishment of a variety of large crofts and of small 1 1 

 farms, the general level of the whole population has 

 been distinctly raised. Some special circumstances Special circum- 

 affecting Tyree make it more favourable than other ^o Tyree. ij 

 districts in the Hio;hlands for small farmers. In the 

 first place, although it is much exposed to gales of 

 wind, and there is comparatively little shelter, yet the 

 climate in other respects is far better than that of the 

 mainland. There is much less rain, the rainfall 

 scarcely exceeding the average of from 35 to 40 

 inches.* There is also a great deal more sunshine 

 than on the mainland. Snow hardly ever lies. ^The 

 pastures are naturally very rich. Moreover, the island 

 is admirably suited to poultry, and there is annually 

 a very large export of eggs, amounting, I have reason 

 to believe, to not less than 50,000 dozen. This ex- 

 port represents a revenue to the small tenants from this 

 source alone of at least ^i 500. The lighter soils pro- 

 duce good barley and excellent oats — crops which are 



* I fully expect that " far on in summers wliicli I shall not see " 

 the Island of Tyree will be a great resort for health. Its strong 

 yet soft sea-air — its comparative dryness — its fragrant turf, full 01 

 wild thyme and white clover — its miles of pure white sandy bays, 

 equally pleasant for riding, driving, or walking, or for sea bathing — 

 and last, not least, its unrivalled expanses for the game of golf — all 

 combine to render it most attractive and wholesome in the summer 

 months. My own tastes would lead me to add as a special recom- 

 mendation its wealth of sky ringing with the song of skylarks, 

 which are extraordinarily abundant. 



