290 



Farming of East Lothian. 



solution of sulphate of copper, 1 lb. to 2 lbs. being dissolved 

 in water for the quarter of wheat. 



The farm implements differ essentially in character from 

 those in general use in England — simpleness of construction and 

 cheapness being deemed the desiderata by a Scotch farmer. 

 The plough and harrows are of iron. The form of the plough 

 and mould-board is nearly identical with those in use in the 

 English border counties. Swing ploughs are the only form in 

 use. Some experiments have been and are being made with 

 Ransome's, Busby's, and Howard's ploughs. The most con- 

 tradictory reports are given as to the success of these. 



The rollers are generally smooth, Crosskill's and Cambridge's 

 being the only exceptions. As the patents do not extend to 

 Scotland, they are furnished at a cheaper rate than they are in 

 England. The common rollers are made of stone and iron, the 

 last being more esteemed. When of cast metal, they are in two 

 lengths, and are made either for one or two horses, the weight 

 of the metal determining the weight of the roller. The diameter 

 of the roller is generally from 20 to 24 inches. The end-frames 

 are usually of cast metal ; the two longitudinal bars, as well as 

 the shafts, are of wood, and are formed nearly in the same man- 

 ner as the shafts of the common cart. When two horses are 

 yoked, the one is in shafts, the other in trace. 



The grubbers are Kirkwood's and Tennant's ; the latter, from 

 its greater efficiency and cheapness, is destined to supersede the 

 former. They are drawn by two horses, and accomplish about 

 5 acres per day. In preparing land for root-crops, the grubbers 

 are found to be invaluable implements, diminishing the amount 

 of horse-labour, and reducing the land to a finer tilth, besides 

 lessening the tendency to become foul from couch. 



The sowing machines are all simple in construction. The 

 turnip-harroio is made to sow two drills. They are somewhat 

 varied in shape, but are all upon the same principle. 



The drills are of very simple construction. The lever drill, 

 introduced about fifteen years ago by Mr. Slight, appears to be 

 considered the best. 



The drill-hoes are on the same principle as Garrett's, being 

 somewhat simpler in construction, and cheaper, but perhaps 

 equal in efficiency. A broad-cast sowing machine, used for 

 cereals and grass-seeds, is coming into general use. They are 

 constructed to sow ridges 18 feet in breadth, but capable of being 

 adjusted to sow a less breadth. They are light of draught, 

 being drawn by one horse. The saving of seed alone in one 

 season generally covers the original cost. Besides, the seed is 

 more equally distributed than it can be by hand. 



Reaping machines, introduced in 1852, were in that season 



