AGRICULTURE IN ABERDEENSHIRE IN OLDEN DAYS 83 
a little hot ale. A standing joke was that the nearest road to every place 
was past (bye) Raitshill. 
The twelve-oxen plough (the ‘ twal ousen ploo ’) was in common use 
on the heather land. My grandfather (Wm. Duthie’s father) doubled 
the cultivated acreage of Collynie by reclaiming on his farm. People 
who could afford it rode on horseback. Most people walked on foot. 
My grandfather thought nothing of walking into Aberdeen eighteen 
miles on business and walking back again the same day. He remem- 
bered the first gig ever seen in Tarves—a gig owned by Wm. Hay, Shethin. 
I saw the first motor car. 
The original cattle in the North-east seem to have been coloured 
horned animals in appearance somewhat like the present Highland type. 
These cattle were improved by crossing of cattle imported from Holland 
and by crossing with Roman white cattle. England, the more settled 
country with its fine climate, took the lead. The origin of the hornless 
(hummel) type of cattle appears to be unknown. In 1827 the intro- 
duction of what is now known as the Shorthorn type by Mr. Barclay of 
Ury did much to improve the cattle of the North-east. Barclay was a 
Quaker, and the Cruickshanks (of like persuasion) took up Shorthorn 
breeding at Sittyton, producing a type suitable for our northern climate 
and conditions. Associated with the name of ‘ Duthie’ the type is now 
known all over the world. In recent years a demand for milk has brought 
the Ayrshire and Friesian prominently into notice. Several herds of 
these are now in Aberdeenshire, in addition to many herds of dairy 
Shorthorns. ‘The hen has at last come to her own, and receives now 
on most farms the attention as to feed and breeding she deserves, with 
resultant profit to all. The pig just holds his own, that is about all. 
Sheep, however, have in recent years been the mainstay of the farmer. 
Pure-bred flocks of all the breeds exist, but the cross-bred is the 
commonest in Aberdeenshire. 
Aberdeenshire has never been a place for light-legged breeds of horses. 
The heavy horse has always been bred, and despite motor-trackage, a 
sound heavy lorry horse is still in demand. The mating of live stock 
is carried on with great skill in the North. Recent scientific investigations 
on feeding and nurture have added much to our previous knowledge and 
experience. ‘The treatment and cure of animal diseases has not kept 
pace with the need, but no doubt that will come in time. 
The old-fashioned cheese-press is still in existence, and sometimes 
used. [he up-to-date factory cheese has, however, largely displaced 
the home-made article. Farm tools have changed but little, except that 
the self-binder and the oil engine are now universal. ‘The oil-drawn 
tractor has made its appearance, and efforts to improve the farm cart 
are now being made. No farmer now keeps a pony. All have motor 
cars and most farm servants have motor-bicycles. Few farm houses 
lack a water supply, and most have a hot water circulation and bathroom. 
Many have electric light, both in the steading and in the house. Wages 
are high, profits are low, but comforts and conveniences are great. The 
hardships of our forefathers are forgotten and also, alas, many of their 
principles. 
