CHAPTER LV. 



THE far:\i labourer— cottages and gardens, &c. 



The condition of the Labourer on the farm has not escaped 

 the notice of the Society. In the second volume of the 

 present series of the Society's Transactions was pubHshed 

 a valuable paper on the dietaries of Scotch agricultural 

 labourers. In the third volume, an equally interesting 

 report is given on the economic condition of the English 

 agricultural labourer in relation to his food and its mode of 

 cooking, considered in contrast to the dietary of the Scotch 

 agricultural labourer. Both papers were by Mr Robert 

 Hutchison of Carlowrie — one of the most successful com- 

 petitors for the Society's premiums for essays and reports. 



In the list of premiums for the current year (1879), the 

 Society offers a premium of ;^30 for a report on the physio- 

 logical distinctions in the condition of the Scottish peasantry 

 in different districts. The reporter is required to furnish 

 statistics of the longevity of the peasantr}^, as contrasted 

 with other classes, and also to give suggestions for the 

 amelioration of any causes which affect them injuriously. 



At the dinners on the occasions of the general shows, 

 the toast of ' The Peasantry of Scotland' is frequently given. 

 We are tempted to give some of the speeches, but space 

 forbids. 



Cottages and Gardens. 



The bearing of the Society on the cottars and farm 

 labourers has chiefly been in connection with the improve- 

 ments of cottages and gardens. The Society in 1824 first 

 offered silver medals for the cleanest kept cottages. To 

 the offer of medals, money premiums were afterwards 

 added ; and the premiums were extended in 1837 for the 

 best kept cottages and gardens. From that period, the 

 premiums have been in active operation in different parishes 



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