176 Report on some features of Scottish Agriculture. 
the average annual rainfall being 48 inches, — a condition which 
is probably one reason why such large quantities of artificial 
manures can be applied to certain crops. In connexion with 
this subject it may be remarked that, in addition to large quan- 
tities of " sea-ware " annually applied to the land, the yearly 
expenditure on artificial manures is at least 700/., the greater 
proportion of which is paid for guano, dissolved bones, and nitrate 
of soda ; and in illustration of the extent to which " sea-ware " 
is used, I may mention that the dressing which had been applied 
to one field for swedes last year Avas no less than 70 cartloads per 
Scotch acre of that natural fertiliser, besides 7 cwt. per acre of a 
mixture of dissolved bones and Peruvian guano. 
The comparison instituted between East Barns and Dowhill 
will not hold good in reference either to farm-buildings or 
labourers cottages ; but the landlord is about to erect a new 
farm-steading at Dowhill, and will doubtless complete his 
scheme of improvement by building some new cottages for 
married labourers, of which the whole district is sadly in need. 
The ordinary farm-labourers are engaged by the year ; they 
get a house and garden rent free, also carting of fuel, and 10|- 
bolls * of meal, with a money payment of from 18/. to 22/. per 
annum. If they work satisfactorily, they are given a certain 
quantity of potatoes in excess of their bargain. 
The yearly expenditure for labour is nearly 30s. per imperial 
acre, in addition to the perquisites already mentioned, of which 
it is difficult to estimate the money value. 
Oats. — The ley is not touched until about the 1st of Febru- 
ary, when it is ploughed to the depth of 5^ inches on the 
light land, but with a stronger furrow on the heavier soil. Oat- 
sowing commences about April 10th, from 4 to 5 bushels per 
acre of white oats being distributed with Sheriffs broadcast 
machine, which is followed by harrows according to the strength 
of the land. The oat-harvest generally commences with the 
month of Septemljer ; the ordinary farm-labourers working the 
reaping-machines, and extra hands doing the other work, with 
the exception of sheafing, which is done by girls at Is. per day 
Avithout food. The extra harvestmen are engaged for the whole 
harvest-time, one month's employment being guaranteed at 15s. 
per week and their board. Leading is not generally finished 
until the beginnins; of October. 
Turnips. — The stubl)le is turned over immediately after 
the oats are off", the plough going as deep as two horses can 
work it. It then remains during the winter until the spring- 
corn, beans, and potatoes are all in, which is about April 20th. 
* A Scotch boll is equal to four imperial bushels. 
