THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR FARM. 297 



another, but I did not dare to wait any longer, as I 

 was powerless to help. 



Second period. Having finished one pipe, I took a 

 stroll to see the children skating upon a frozen overflow 

 by the river, and then went, somewhat nervously I am 

 bound to confess, to see what effect the icebergs had 

 finally had upon my jetties. It has been undoubtedly 

 disastrous. Off two at least, a foot in height has been 

 knocked, but not out of reach, and the damage can 

 be easily repaired. From the observations I have taken 

 it is essential that, as soon as fine weather affords the 

 opportunity, the facing next the current should be built 

 with mortar, or else be protected in front by a fence of 

 stakes. At least there should be one stout post at the 

 end to act as buffer against the recurrence of such drift- 

 ing sledge-hammers. On this subject no more to be 

 said by me, and I trust little to learn. There has been 

 a glorious drift of sand and pebbles within each one of 

 them. Having finished this survey, I went to the home- 

 stead to see how the cattle tied up for fatting thrive. 

 It is the only part of the agricultural business that I 

 don't care particularly about, and with respect to which 

 consequently I am perpetually obliged to consult the 

 rules of others. The distinguished M'Combie's rules 

 have helped me most, and I commend, as a kind service 

 to my younger brethren, the following statements which 

 I have underlined in his little volume, to save trouble or 

 reference. As respects the winter treatment of fattening 

 beasts, he observes : " It is indispensable for the improve- 

 ment of the cattle that. they receive their turnips clean, 

 dry, and fresh." He then recommends the storing, if 

 possible, of the whole of the swede crop (I wish we had 

 done so this year), but not the " Aberdeenshire YeUow 



