328 
Iinprovcment of Waste Lands. 
marshes, or in other parts studded with immense boulder- 
stones, many of them more than 50 tons in weig^ht. Some 
of these hill-sides are so closely clad with heather that there is 
scarcely a blade of grass to relieve the monotony of the scenery.- 
The extent of valuable plantations among which I do not 
include birch, alder, &c.,was very limited. In what was then the 
most valuable part of the plantations there are now some good 
trees, viz., ash from 4 to 10^ feet in circumference, and oak from 
7 to 9 ; one measuring 11^ feet in circumference. 
The present proprietor in taking possession of his estate had 
to make his first temporary abode in a shooting-lodge, erected 
in the most central and convenient situation for proximity to 
the grouse grounds. There were onlv one or two good farm 
homesteads, and the farmhouse connected with the largest farm 
Avas so inadequate that a new one had to be erected. 
The improvements commenced in earnest in the spring of 
1847 by planting Knocknavie plantation, comprising over 400 
acres, and as the ensuing summer approached the estate became 
alive with mechanics and labourers ; the work of building, 
draining, trenching, dykeing. and road-making was commenced 
simultaneously ; it was carried on with speed and regularity, 
rarely equalled in rural districts, for several years, and even 
lately was going on, although with abated activity. 
A castle with ail fitting accompaniments has been built on 
the site of the old shooting-lodge, on the top of the east bank of 
the river Alness, and the surrounding pleasure-grounds comprise 
between 700 and 800 acres, v/hich are well stocked with trees 
and shrubs, and traversed by about 14 miles of walks from 5 to 
6 feet wide. The river Alness runs through the pleasure-grounds, 
meeting from the east the Tolly burn and from the west the 
Lealty burn, whose deep and undulating banks embellish 
the landscape. 
At the same time commenced the erection of farm buildings, 
the most important of which were provided with a thrashing- 
machine propelled by steam, water, or horse power. Neither 
were the wants or comforts of the smaller tenantry overlooked 
or set aside for a time, for the work of cottage-building 
commenced as early as that of the castle, and has been con- 
tinued until an individual can hardly be found on the estate 
who is not provided with a comfortable residence. 
The plantations, excepting those within or adjoining the plea- 
sure-grounds, are chiefly made upon the higher grounds, at 
altitudes varying between 500 and 700 feet, and comprise over 
4000 acres, which are divided into 16 or 17 inclosures ; 4 of 
which contain between 400 and 500 acres each, 6 from 100 to 
300, and the remainder less than 100 acres each. As the trees 
