tion to cereal produce, he kept his eyes obstinately fixed on a little patch of ground which seemed to give unusual facilities for the growth of the doubtful potato. He never attempted to show that, without potatoes, and an exorbitant growth of that vegetable, high farming could pay at Auchness, even with the important elements of very low rent, and singular liberality on the part of an enthusiastic landlord. He perilled his whole case upon the probable returns of a root which every farmer views with suspicion; and-more than that his statistics, which he wished to be inferred were of universal application, were only applicable to a few remote and isolated spots in Scotland. The result is, that, with all these advantages, the experiment has failed; and that all the liquid manures, economy of dung, guano stimulants, and so forth, as practised at Auchness, cannot, at present prices of produce, force up so much grain, or feed so much stock, as will nearly pay for the required and inevitable expenses. We pass over all possible mistakes. It may have been matter of delicacy for Mr Caird to have exposed the balance-sheet of his neighbour, or he may have assumed, rather hastily, statistics for which he had meagre warrant. We can allow him a large margin. Without potatoes, and such an extent of potato as would be plainly ludicrous if adopted as a general rule, Auchness never could have paid. With potatoes, it has failed in the very year wherein Mr Caird has chosen to exhibit it as a universal model. So much for the only instance of high farming which has been adduced, as an example of its efficacy in superseding the protective system. In justice to Mr M'Culloch, whom we believe to be a most intelligent farmer, let it not be thought that we presume to call it empirical. On the contrary, we are convinced that that gentleman has acted with great judgment, suiting his management to the nature of the ground with which he had to deal; and that he has made as much of it as any man could do under similar circumstances. He was compelled to deal with a precarious crop, and few men could have dealt with it better: still, his method is no example to others differently situated, nor are his results to be taken by them either as matter of warning or of triumph. It is sufficient for us that Auchness farming, successful or not, is peculiar, and eannot be dragged in as a rule or example for the English or the Scottish farmer. We have enough of high farming statistics to lay before our readers, and, therefore, without any further apology, we dismiss the matter of Auchness, as totally inapplicable to the great question at issue. In order to arrive as nearly as possible at the true state of the case, in so far as Scottish farming is concerned, we put ourselves into communication with two gentlemen, of the highest eminence in their profession. We need scarcely tell our countrymen on this side of the Border, that it would be difficult to find better testimony on such a subject than that of Messrs Watson of Keillor, and Dudgeon of Spylaw; and we apprehend, moreover, that many English agriculturists are fully acquainted with their character and high reputation. Through their kindness we have been furnished with the statistics of farms situated in the fertile grain-growing districts of Forfar and Roxburgh; and the calculations as to the yield, prices, and expenses, were made from their own books. The rent set down is that which is usual in the district for land of the best description, and the tenant's capital is named at an amount which might enable him to develop the full capabilities of the soil. The estimates have been most carefully framed, with the view of avoiding every kind of exaggeration; and they have been gone over by Mr Stephens, who attests their general accuracy. They are as follows: No. I. RETURNS of PRODUCE from a 500 acre farm in Strathmore, county of Forfar, on a five-shift rotation of crops, with an improved stock of cattle and sheep, on an average of years previous to free trade in corn, cattle, &c.; and COMPARATIVE STATEMENT of what may be calculated upon as the returns from the same farm under the present legislative measures affecting Bri Rent of the farm, as fixed for 19 years, assuming former average tish agriculture. price of corn and cattle, &c., upon Invested capital of £6 per acre at entry, £3000. Interest Sum chargeable against the farm annually, To meet this sum there is the produce of 200 acres of corn crop, Bushels. 100 acres of oats, producing 48 bushels per acre, 4800 Off for servants, horses, seed, &c. Leaves disposable oats, 40 acres of spring wheat, producing 32 bushels 2400 2400 at 3s. £360 0 0 Leaving annually to the farmer, for his skill and industry, over Convert the above disposable produce into money, at the present prices, 2400 bushels of oats, at 2s. per bushel, 1120 bushels of wheat, at 5s. per ditto, 2020 bushels of barley, at 2s. 9d. per ditto, £240 0 0 280 0 0 277 15 0 £797 15 0 640 0 0 £106 0 0 Total loss annually incurred by difference in price occa- £518 5 0 HUGH WATSON, KEILLOR, 1st December 1849. No. II. STATEMENT of the average PRODUCE of a farm in a full state of productiveness, managed agreeably to the five-shift course, as usually adopted in the south-eastern Borders of Scotland, where the returns of form a very considerable means of remuneration, and the price of which, of course, is a material element in the calculation as to the rent to be given. Thus, then, assuming the rent of 500 acres of useful land for this purpose-upon the estimate of the price of grain and stock, as warranted by their value previous to the introduction of the new corn law and tariff-to be, This farm has been put into good productive condition by means of the tenant's capital, at a cost in draining and lime, (sunk,) of £2500. It is well known that nearly twice this amount has in many instances been thus expended; but we assume this as a fair average on a farm so rented. Interest upon which sum, to enable him to recover the same during Interest on capital invested in stock, &c., yielding an annual return of £1500, at 5 per cent, Expenses of management-wages, tradesmen's accounts, extra manures, &c., Casualties, loss on stock, &c., Public and Parish Burdens, £250 0 0 75 0 £800 0 0 550 0 0 50 0 0 To meet this sum, there is the produce of 200 acres of grain, in each year, distributed as follows:— 40 Barley, 40 1600. Off seed, servants, 180 210 Remain disposable, at the prices on which his calculations were founded and warranted by the rates, as is proved, under protection:- £2015 0 0 £245 0 0 Profit-remuneration for tenant's industry and skill, The above grain produce yields, at the highest average I feel warranted in assuming, under free trade £141 0 Thus the difference of proceeds of grain crop alone, more than absorbs all the tenant's remuneration, by JOHN DUDGEON, SPYLAW, 3d December 1849.* * Since the above statement was drawn up and submitted by us to the consideration of various farmers throughout the country, Mr Dudgeon has requested us to state, that after consultation with several of these gentlemen in his own neighbourhood, (who, he was gratified to find, entirely concurred in the essential particulars of the statement,) he is of opinion that he had deducted rather too small a quantity of oats and barley for seed, according to the average usual in the district. Any alteration which this involves would be a deduction from the tenant's original profit, and an addition to the amount of loss already brought out. Mr Dudgeon also says "I omit at present adding to this deficit the depreciation which it may be further estimated will result permanently from the open trade in live stock and cured provisions. But it may be stated that the recent depression in the value of stock from that of late seasons, amounting to at least 15 per cent, shows a farther present loss on the calculated profits of this farm to the extent of £112, 10s." We addressed the following circular letter to some of the most eminent agriculturists in Scotland, enclosing copies of the above statements :— "EDINBURGH, 8th December 1849. "SIR,-Wishing to publish in our Magazine as accurate a statement as we could obtain of the real condition and prospects of agriculture in Scotland at present, we have for some time been engaged in correspondence on the subject with various gentlemen connected with agricultural pursuits. "The enclosed statements of the working of a farm, and the quantity and value at present prices of the produce, have been drawn out by Mr Watson, Keillor, Forfarshire, and Mr Dudgeon, Spylaw, near Kelso, assisted by Mr Stephens, author of the "Book of the Farm." "At the suggestion of Mr we write to ask whether you will consent to allow us to affix your name to these statements, as attesting their accuracy, to the best of your experience, in farming. If it strikes you that in any of these statements the profits are either over or under estimated, we shall feel greatly obliged by your pointing out where you think the error lies. Any correction you may make we shall submit to the consideration of one or all of the above-mentioned gentlemen, with whose names, as competent judges of the working of a farm, you are probably acquainted. "We shall feel further obliged by your making any remarks that may occur to you, and stating any facts that have come within your own observation, our only wish being to get as near the truth as may be. The article in the Magazine, into which this attested statement will be introduced, is founded upon the facts that we have been able to gather in the course of somewhat extended inquiries by ourselves, or rather by friends on whose knowledge of agriculture we could safely rely. "Will you be so good as to send any answer you may think proper to this application, within a week from this date, or sooner if you can, as we have very little time to get everything into order for publication in the January number of our Magazine.— We are," &c. The statistics of Mid-Lothian appear in another page. They are attested by several of the first farmers in the county. men, containing remarks or suggestions about the statements :— We further subjoin extracts from the letters of several of these gentle"I was favoured with your letter and enclosure of the 8th inst. I have gone carefully over the statements of the working of a farm, and the quantity and value, at present prices, of the produce-all of which appear to me to be fairly stated. Í have drawn up a statement of the returns of produce of a 400 acre farm in MidLothian, which, if it meets your approval, you are at liberty to publish along with the others. The prices of the grain which I have assumed are in some instances higher than those of Messrs Dudgeon and Watson; but I think this can be explained, by the farm being situated in the neighbourhood of the best market."-(THOMAS SADLER, Norton Mains, Ratho.) "I am in receipt of your letter of the 8th current, inclosing statements by various eminent agriculturists, showing the difference between times past and to come for farmers. I perfectly coincide with these gentlemen; and consider their valuation of produce and price to be average and just although we are not at present realising the prices quoted, yet it is fair that an allowance should be made this year for the full crop wheat."-(Andrew Howden, Lawhead, Prestonkirk.) "On looking over the statements you handed me of the comparative value of farm produce, under protection and free-trade prices, as drawn up by Messrs Watson and Dudgeon, my first impression was, that they had fixed the protection price of grain too high; but on taking the average prices of my own sales of the different kinds of grain, as entered in my corn-book, from crop 1827 to that of 1845, I find they are not beyond what I have actually received during that period. The only points in which I differ from these gentlemen's statements are in the rents fixed by them for land yielding the crops they mention, which in my opinion should not be less than 35s. per acre, and £1000 might be taken from the sum put down as necessary for floating capital by Mr Watson; and I think, upon an average of years, that £50 should cover the loss of live stock. These alterations I have suggested would make no material change in the calculations, which, in the main particulars, I hold to be perfectly correct."-(ROBERT NISBET, Lambden, Greenlaw.) "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your agricultural statements, and have carefully examined them, especially Mr Dudgeon's, as being the one with which I am best acquainted. I have tested its various items, and have found them generally correet, and in agreement with my own practical experience. There is one, however, which I consider too low-viz., the allowance of barley for seed and servants. Mr Dudgeon, I believe, uses a drill-sowing machine, and, by that means, will save about one bushel of seed per acre; but as this mode of sowing has not come into general use, the following is what is commonly found necessary— 40 acres, at 3 bushels, 7 servants, at 18 bushels, . Bushels. 120 126 -246 From the general accuracy of the statement, I have no hesitation in consenting to the use of my name in connexion with it."-(WILLIAM BROAD, Clifton Hill, Kelso.) "Having for several years farmed land in the vicinity of Kelso, and of a description somewhat similar to that described by Mr Dudgeon, Spylaw, I beg to say that I agree essentially with the statement subscribed by him. It exhibits, in my opinion, a fair estimate of the returns of such a farm when in good condition, and of the necessary expenses attending the working and keeping it in good order. In many cases, a much larger sum has been expended in improvements, but that would probably make no great difference in the result; for while the occupier would have a larger sunk capital to draw out of the land, he would probably have a smaller rent to pay. I may remark, that even where land has been thoroughly drained, or does not require it, there is usually a large sum sunk at the commencement of a lease in liming, for I consider that almost all land in this district would require to be limed during the currency of a lease, in order to yield full crops."-(FRED. L. Roy, Nenthorn, Kelso.) "I think Mr Dudgeon makes too little allowance for stock and insurance, (£50.) Mr Watson's allows double, (£100,) which is low enough. Some of my neighbours here have lost from £200 to £300 by pleuro-pneumonia upon cattle alone, independent of other stock. I also think they are both wrong in the average quantity of grain grown. It may be done upon a farm of good land, in high condition, but—I mean taking a whole county-it is, I think, above the mark. For example, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, being six years running, with as fine appearance of wheat as I ever grew, I did not average twenty-six bushels per acre, weighing 64 lb. to 65 lb. per imperial bushel, in these six years. I considered my loss equal to 2000 bolls wheat below a fair crop, all in consequence of the fly.”—(JOHN THOMSON, Craigie, Leuchars.) |