CH. VIII. AGRICULTURE OF SUTHERLAND. 117 



CHAPTER VIII. 



County of Sutherland ; Variety of Climate and Soil — List of 

 Birds ; of Hawks ; Owls ; of the smaller Land Birds ; of the 

 Crow Tribe ; Pigeons, &c. 



There is no county in Britain with a greater variety 

 of soil and climate than Sutherlandshire, changing 

 gradually from the rich and highly cultivated farms 

 on the Dornoch Firth to the grey rocks and moun- 

 tains of Assynt and Scowrie. The living produc- 

 tions are also as varied and numerous as can be 

 found in any district of our island. There are few 

 British birds or quadrupeds that are not to be 

 found in this county ; the vegetable productions, 

 cultivated and uncultivated, are as numerous and 

 varied. 



The first agriculturists in England would delight 

 in the fine farms near Dunrobin, and might perhaps 

 take a lesson or gain a hint from the tenants' manage- 

 ment of cattle and wheat, most of vvhich is destined 

 ultimately for the London market. Though no 

 farmer myself, I pulled in my horse for some time 

 to admire the numerous and beautifully kept cattle 

 and crops of Mr. Craig of Kirkton, one of the Duke 



