The Diary of William McWillie.

Farmed The Backies, Deskford.

Handwritten copy of diary provided by Anne Robson.

Transcribed by David McWilliam

 

William McWillie was the nephew of George McWillie whose diary also appears on this website. William farmed The Backies at Deskford but suffered much of his life from consumption and died on 5th June 1888 at the age of 39 years. He was buried in Deskford Cemetery.

1881

Jan 1st. Have resolved from this date to keep a diary. Have had about a foot of snow for the last fortnight, but it is fresh to-day.

Jan 4th. Frost has set in to-day again. Was at Berryhillock last night and squared account with the miller, etc. Had William Currie Blacksmith at the Backies tonight and paid his account.

Jan 5th. Being Christmas Day (old style) it was generally observed as a holiday in the district. Was that the Farrier's in the afternoon about a cow.

Jan 7. Was it Keith market to-day. Owing to the slippery states of the roads there was not a large turn out, but there was a brisk sale. Mrs Barclay died this morning at 4 o'clock.

Jan 10th. Attended Mrs Barclay's funeral at 1 p.m. to-day. Have had a severe frost since the 4th.

12th. Has been drifting all day. The mill leads are completely blown up.

Jan18th. Frost is still severe, and about 6 inches of a snowfall. Turnips are got from the higher ground with little difficulty but are so hard that it is almost impossible to get them cut. Have got a pair of strong boots from Harper & Dow Berryhillock for 15 shillings.

Jan 25th. As the mill water at Backies has broken the bank of the dam, and nothing can be done in the way of repairing it until fresh weather, we got the lend of a hand-mill from John Reid of Berryhillock. We threshed over 3 quarters with it yesterday. It is rather difficult to drive but threshes pretty clean. The snow which had been gradually accumulating during the last week commenced drifting last night and has continued throughout the day.

Jan 26th. We are still thrashing with the hand-mill both at Langlanburn and Backies. The grey cow "Duchess" at Backies threw her calf ???

January 31. Have had a slow thaw since the 29th. We hope to have the threshing mill set a-going again tomorrow. Have had sheep from Blairnamarrow since the 21st.

Feb 5. Frost has set in again tonight. Was at Keith market yesterday. Owing to the state of the roads there was but a small turnout and trade very dull. I went past Clerkseat to tea and there met Mr Ettles from Elgin and Mr James Russell Established Church manse. Mr Ettles was to deliver a lecture on China that night in the Grange public school. Father sold the the roan bull bought from Mr Geddes Bogton to Mr Hay Cullen for £29 and the old cow "Fanny", for £19.

Feb 7. Was at Church yesterday. Peter Rumbles and Libby Grey were (kirkit). Has been a high wind all day; a good deal of snow fell in the afternoon.

Feb 10. Has been a terrible snowstorm to-day, the severest blowing I can remember ever having seen. We had the greatest difficulty in getting water for the horses, and turnips for the cattle although we had only a few yards to carry them.

14th. None of us were at Church yesterday; it drifted nearly all day, but is soft to-day. Had Mr Shepherd at Backies in the afternoon.

15th. Assisted Mr Shepherd's men in driving Mrs Riddoch's corn to Craibstone to be threshed out.

17th. Had Jas. Murray and Geo. McKimmie at Backies last night. They had their fiddles and played very well. We had some dancing, but owing to a scarcity of the fair sex it did not come to much. Was at Berryhillock to-day and brought up new boots for Jeannie.

Feb18th. Was at Keith show to-day. It consisted of Bulls, poultry, grain, grass-seeds, and potatoes. The prize samples of grain and potatoes were exposed for sale by annction The first prize samples of sandy oats gave £3.15, and four ??? of potatoes brought 9/6. These however were exceptions. There were only a few of the lots sold the reserves being high. The roads are still in a very bad state, in many places almost impassable for carts.

19th. The Earl of Seafield died of bronchitis last night at 10 o'clock. The weather is now quite fresh and the snow is disappearing rapidly. The turnips are terribly spoiled with so protracted a frost and I have no doubt will be very scarce before spring.

23rd. The weather is again frosty, and we have commenced driving dung. Have had

February 23rd 1881

John Barnett and an assistant draining some small patches, principally in Bregnagight. Received a very nice letter from Mr Mitchell to-day; he is working at Bognabrae.

25th. Got a drive from Mr Shepherd to Lord Seafield's funeral. It was the largest funeral I ever saw. The hearse was drawn by four horses, two of which were Arabian stallions. The volunteers of Cullen and Portsoy headed the Procession from Cullen house to the old toll bar, when the horses drawing the hearse begun to trot, and only those having conveyances followed.

28th. Have had a new fall of snow of about four inches and a keen frost. Sold two quoys to J. Hay, Cullen for £31. Beef is very cheap just now.

March 3rd.

Has been drifting to-day, and the roads are again impassable. Have been driving dung for the last few days, but are forced to give it over again owing to the accumulation of snow on the road.

Mar 5th. Has been drifting since the 3rd. It is blowing hard just. Our millwheels and leads are snowed up, and we have been at the handmill again. How I wish for better weather and the handmill safe over the knowe of Raemore again.

Mar 7th. The blowing abated last night. Was not at church yesterday. I read a good deal but was scarcely out of doors.

Mar 8th. Was at Cullen and got payment from Mr Hay for the cattle sold to him. Went from that to Bogton and bought some English ??? oats for seed. Mr Will  clothier Cullen and Mr Robertson of Cuttlebrae have granted trust deeds.

March 10th 1881. Was at Keith yesterday. The road is still impassable for any wheeled conveyance, it was as the greatest difficulty I waded through the weather on horseback. The thaw which said in on the 8th still continues and we are in the hopes of getting the plough started again soon. Mrs Wood of Mosside died yesterday and Mrs C. D. Wilson, Elgin got a daughter last week.

March 12th. Commenced ploughing yesterday for the first time since about the middle of December. We have all the lea to plough. Alexr Russell our second horseman has not been well and I have been driving his pair to-day.

Mar 17th. Have been very busy with having the pair of horses. Alec Russel is not better yet. Was at Huntly yesterday and bought a young bull for 13 1/2 guineas. I also bought a  bar-framed bee-hive, the first I ever had, from a carpenter in Huntly. It is to be delivered carriage paid at Keith station for 13/6.

Mar 21st. A. Russell has not come back yet and so I am still second horseman. There is about two inches of snow to-day, but has not stopped the plough yet.

Mar 23rd. Weather still cold and stormy. Annie was at Mosside and engaged his female servant "a woman Taylor" for the kitchen work at Langlanburn.

Mar 25th. Have got John Rumbles to drive the second pair.

Mar 26th. Was improving the ditch side on Backies opposite Clochmarrich and I and I am rather tired with digging stones.

Mar 30th. Frost still condition continues and everybody's turnips are almost completely rotten. We are giving our cattle hashed grain. I have be dressing our seed oats. From the 3 qrs. bought from Raemore last year and sowed in the field at back of Backies garden, I had 28 qrs weighing 48 lbs per bush. Had James McHattie trying to buy cattle but could not agree about the price.

April 8th. Have finished ploughing lea to-day. Was at Keith market on friday and sold two stots to Wm McConnachie for £35.6. It was a very stiff market, good fat was selling at about 65/-.

April 10th. Been busy to-day planting seed turnips on the top of Brae of Backies. Have got about 8 ac. of clean land ploughed and intend to commence sowing on Monday if it continues dry.

April 11th. Commenced sowing to-day in the field of stony-males. The brown three-year-old colt got a slight slip of the shoulder while harrowing.

April 14th. Was at Cornhill market and sold Mrs Riddoch's cow for £13.10. Keeper beasts were selling well but fat is still cheap. Went past Kirktown on my road home and had tea there. Got all our lea corn sown to-day.

April 20th. Have had a tract of cold dry weather and have about a third of the clean land sown. Sowed Mrs Riddoch's yesterday. The colt is all right and at work again. Had two men cutting turf to-day, the first we have had this season.

April 25th. Still busy sowing. The weather though still rough is a little warmer. I observed the bees carrying in wax to-day for the first time. Have been employing my spare time in preparing some hives for supers.

April 30th. Have got all the corn sown on Backies yesterday. Was at Portsoy to-day with 10 1/2 qrs oats.Received £1 for 40 lb and bought 22 cwt of bone-dust.

May 2nd. Paid mossdues to-day and did small errands at the Carpenter's, Miller's etc. Have commenced cross ploughing turnip-land.

May 7th. Was at Portsoy on Thursday with grain and brought home coals. Got good English coals at 1/4 per barrel. At Keith market yesterday it was very dull, fat was a stiff sale at 65/-. Went past Forbie on my way home and took a grass park of 15 acres for £24. Have been liming the potato land to-day, it was very windy, which made the work disagreeable.

May 10th. Planted my potatoes yesterday. Was at Upperskeith and spent the evening with Mr Wright. Have been cutting potato seed at Langlanburn to-day.

May 12th. Planted the potatoes at Langlanburn to-day. Was working rather hard and am a little wearied.

May 14. At the displenish sale at Knowiemoor. Everything sold well except the horses and two-year-old cattle. I did not buy anything.

May 17th. The rain came on yesterday and stopped the preparing of the turnip the land so we took to the dressing and driving away corn, was at Portsoy to-day and got 21/6 for 40 lb. Father was at the sale at Wester-Windyhills and bought a metal roller to me at £3.16. The old black polled cow (Bell) calved yesterday. There is now five of her calves on the farm, the oldest of which is scarcely 2 years and 9 months. Had once twins. It is good for a cow 17 years old and she has always good calves.

1886.

September 21st. It is now over five years since I have kept a diary. Many are the changes that have occurred since then. Friends have been removed and new friendships made, but the changes in the personalities of my friends have not been so many as the changes of my ideas regarding them have been. The task of sorting the principal events that have influenced my career since I last wrote in this book appears so prodigious that with the limited time at my command I will not attempt it. Five years have widened my experience, and greatly changed my ideas on many subjects but especially on agriculture. I used to think I knew a great deal about farming but have gradually been learning my own ignorance By writing my thoughts, and noting current events, I hope to have a book useful for reference, and from which I can note the changes of my opinions and circumstances.

Sept 21st. We commenced harvest to-day. There is a good crop on most of the farm. It was barley we were cutting to-day on the back of the chapel hill.

22nd. Was at Skeith to-day and removed sections from Mr Thomson's bees. Admired his bull - he girths 7ft 6in and is a nice animal. Gordon Rhind of Keith offered me £18 per head for four stots, but think more money might be made out of them. Have tied up eight cattle and giving them turnips and tares.

24th. Rained nearly all day yesterday, so that we did not get any harvest work done. Has been dry to-day but not much sunshine. The corn is ripening but slowly.

27th. Rob.t Cruickshank brought me 10 cwt Cotton cake and 3 cwt Linseed cake. Sold four stots to William Hay, Portsoy for £76.10. Three of them averaged 6ft 5in in girth and I reckon having £20 a head for them, the fourth one girthed 6 ft 1 and was well worth £16-10. Bought two of them from the miller on 25th June for £31. Have £5.10 for keeping them  three months and two days.

29th. Mr Hay, Cullen, called yesterday needing cattle to buy, and was disappointed that the stots were sold. He bought a fat pig for £3.5. Mr Thomson, Skeith, came about six o'clock and stayed until ten. We had a very sociable evening. He told me many of his experiences at sea and exchanged views on agricultural topics. We commenced leading the barley to-day, but rain came on when we had about half of it led.

Oct 1st. Was at Keith market. The turnout was small. Bought four Irish calves at £4 each and engaged a lad to bring them home. He started about 12 o'clock; it is now past eight and he has not arrived here yet. I cannot think where he could have gone. Drove Mrs Robb to Keith and Miss Robb down here. Harvest operations were going on, on nearly all the farms at the road sides. The potatoes are quite black with frost. Our's are still safe.

Oct 4. Was very busy on Saturday. The men cut the field of Bognagight, it is a good crop. Had to go to Keith in the afternoon for the doctor to Annie, who has a severe pain in her arm, and to see after the Irish calves. Got both the doctor and the calves all right. The doctor says it is inflammation that is the matter with Annie's arm, and has ordered a blister etc. She was much pained yesterday all day but is a little better to-night. Sent an order to John Milne for 13 cwt cotton cake, 3 cwt Linseed cake, 3 cwt rice meal and 3 cwt Indian meal. The Indian and rice meal is for my sisters and Barbra Gracie. His prices for linseed and cotton cake is 8/9 and 6/- at ??.

Oct 6th. James Wilson of Knowes spent the evening here last night. He is to have a trial of the chill plough. He wants to try one and form an opinion of his own about them before investing. Have just come from Newmill's market. Had the Rose mare at it, but did not sell. There were many very inferior cattle. Good keepers were well looked after, but other classes where a stiff sell. Was at Windyhills on my road home and offered Mrs Craib £31-5 for two stots. They are to be sent here tomorrow if I am to get them.

Oct 7th. Have got the crop all cut. Am well pleased with the look of it in the stook. Hope it will be got safely in. Had John Craib here with one of the stots I offered for yesterday at Windyhills. He girths 6ft 2 in and cost me £16.

8th. Miss Duncan of Kirktown call to ask Annie's arm; - It is getting better. Mrs Riddoch got her corn led to-day. The weather is very warm for this season of the year. It is as mild to-night as an evening in June.

9th. Have got the corn all cut on Langlanburn. There is not a very heavy crop there this year. Got the feeding stuffs from the station that was ordered from John Milne on the 4th.

11th. Was at church on Sunday, there was fully an average congregation. Mr McIntosh called to ask for Annie, her arm is much better now. James and Isabella Robertson spent the afternoon with us. Isabella is at Glassaugh for the harvest. Commenced leading oats to-day from clean land at back of Chapel Hill.

Oct 12. Have got all the clean land and one stack from the yavel led, am very tired.

15th. Have got the corn all in the stackyard and am well pleased with the bulk. There are 33 oat and 3 barley stacks. This is being the shortest harvest I can remember having, it is only three weeks and three days since we commenced to cut, and now it is all led. Gave all the cattle turnips for the first time. Both turnips and straw being plentiful cattle suitable for keeping are getting dear in proportion to fat. Have 33 cattle and 7 horses just now.

Oct 18th. Was at church yesterday, Mr Black, Keith preached. Spent the evening at Langlanburn. One of the masons have been here making preparations for building the byres. Got a present of £2.10 from Mrs Wright of Upperskeith to buy a suit of clothes. She would have liked to present the clothes themselves, but did not wish the tailor and others to know. It was very kind of her and I felt it very much. She said it was to show her appreciation of my doing errands fot her about the settling of her husbands affairs.

20th. Was at the first meeting of the Mutual Temperance Society for the session last night, and resigned my position as president, or rather would not be elected. James Wilson was elected in my place. The rules were overhauled, office bearers elected and a programme for next meeting made out. The most important changes that were made in the rules was the admission of honorary members and the making it optional for ordinary members not to read or speak at the meetings unless they wished. Was also at Berryhillock and had myself measured by Mitchell the tailor for Mrs Wright's clothes. Got a load of coals from Mr Thompson, Cullen, they cost £1 per cwt. Drew some feerings with the plough as much for exercise to the horses as to have the land ploughed. This is the first start since spring.

Oct 22. Just returned from Fife-Keith market where I bought 2 two-year-old stots from Mr McHattie the dealer at £25. Alex Duncan of Kirkton bought two black quoys from Cally for £23 and Mr McCombie Leitchieston bought two roan quoys from Cruickshank the dealer at £18. John Reid was up last night making a note of the nails and other iron material that would be required for new byre. He says that about 2 cwt of nails will be required and values this at 15/- per cwt.

Oct 26th. Nothing particular took place on Saturday. Was at church on Sunday and had a visit from Arthur Bidie in this afternoon. Was at Cullen house on Monday about Langlanburn. Mr Bryson and Mr Mitchie came up to-day to see it. There is some more hopes of being able to come to an agreement with them about it. It would take too long to enter upon details here. Mr Thomson of Skeith went to Tochineal with me and got Mr Kemp to grieve to show us the cattle. They have got a good shorthorn herd of about 50 animals, in whole they had 144 cattle about to place. We then went to the Barnyards and saw the polled herd there, they are very superior beasts. The best had never saw Mr Beaton, the manager thus apparently has a thorough knowledge of cattle and takes a great interest in the herd. Had my dinner with Mr Thomson in Cullen. Paid Mr Nicol for the harvest bread. Had 67 2lb loaves and 7 Biscuits for 11/-. For part of the times they cost 2d each, and the rest of the times 1 1/2p each.

Oct 29th. Commenced to lift the potatoes on Wednesday (27th) and led the remainder of the corn at Langlanburn in the afternoon. The servants celebrated harvest home by dancing etx. George McKimmie played the fiddle, and two or three  of the neighbours was in. Lifted the potatoes at Langlanburn yesterday. Had John Forbes trying to buy a stot but could not agree about the price. To-day had Alan Lamb's steam mill, and all the barley and three stacks oats. I expect there will be about 20 qrs barley. The oats turned out splendid to the quantity but the grain is soft and damp.

Oct 30th. Have been busy dressing and driving oats to Berryhillock. Delivered 19 quarters weighing 39lb. and am to get 14/4 per qr. The whole of it is from the crop of the small field of moss, 2 1/4 acres. There is from the same field 3 loads and some rakings not threshed besides second quality of grain equal to 2 qrs of oats, so that that could not have been less than 24 qrs from 2 1/4 acres, which is over 10 qrs per acre. The land has not been manured for six years and was sown with 1 1/2 quarters.

Nov 3rd. Have been lifting potatoes in the brae opposite turnpike road for the last two days and will have two more days work. They are a good crop and good quality. Had never such a large quantity of potatoes before. They are selling at 1/- per bush. Was at Cullen house on Monday about Langlanburn, but have not managed to settle for it yet. Was at the M.D. Society last night. ??? 8 new members joined.

6th. It is Saturday night and tomorrow is sacrament Sunday at Deskford. Had a fast day on Thursday; Mr Grant of Fordyce preached. Father was at church.
Have been lifting potatoes yesterday and to-day and have scarcely finished them yet. Had five hired women gathering to-day. The weather has changed the last few days from warm and mild to cold and boisterous.

Nov. 8th. Was at Cullen House with Mrs Wright of  Upperskeith to ask her rent down, and got a reduction of £15 plan from the rent due at Whitsunday last, but have no definite promise of a permanent reduction. Talked over the affairs of Langlanburn with Mr Bryson, but have not managed to make any settlement. Sold a stot to Mr Hay, Cullen at £19. Mr Smith, Nether Blairock died last night, and Mr Pirie, Watchmaker, Cullen to-day; both died very suddenly.

9th. Was at Windyhills and bought a red polled stot for £15.14.

10th. Been a very rainy Hallowfair day. Rained most of the day. Had to be at the market to engage the servants. None of them are stopping except Robert Duncan at Langlanburn for £12.12 of wages. Engaged for Backies Alex Forsyth, foreman £11.10 Wm Legg, second, £9, Forsyth, Cattleman, £9.10. For Langlanburn, James Taylor, Foreman, £11, Duncan, Second, £10.10, Joseph Mason, to assist Robt Duncan, ?? at £4.10. It was a very dull market and numbers left unengaged. Do not think we had ever had so many leaving at one time.

Nov. 22nd. It is so long since I have written my diary that I feel I will have to omit some of the incidents that ought to have been noted since the ???? went to Berryhillock on Saturday with the oats for meal and hashed corn. Delivered 3 qrs Barley weighing 53 1/2 lbs. Bought four young pigs at 9/- each. Mr Thomson of Skeith came here about 4 o'clock on Friday (13th) afternoon and stayed until nine. I enjoyed his company very much. My sister was at Keith on that days. It was market day. A very dull market and numbers left unengaged. On Thursday (17th) was at Elgin on the outlook for young pigs but did not buy any. Paid the gravestone £7 and bought 5 rose bushes for 3/-. My sister Jane drove to Keith with me and did her business there until I came from Elgin. Commenced to store turnips to-day.

25th. Have been busy storing turnips since 22nd. Have six hired hands besides the usual seven. The weather is excellent and the land in good season. The masons are getting on with the building of the byre. Have commenced to write a debate on whether Scotland should have home rule or not. I have to take the negative side.

3rd. Have got about three acre yellow turnips stored in excellent condition.

November 30th 1886

Visit from Miss Robertson, Mr and Mrs Geddes and J. Wilson. Isabella Robertson came here on Saturday and stayed until Sunday. Did not feel very well on Sunday and did not go to church. Our old servant, Maggie Duncan and her husband George Geddes was here in the afternoon. Jamie Wilson of Knowes came across to tea and stayed the evening. We discussed several not very Sunday topics. - Chill ploughs and the best mode of applying farmyard manure was two of the subjects discussed. He advised me to try this method of heading my diary, he has adopted this style and likes it very well. If it was not for his Father and Mother he is minded to go to Australia. I would feel it a great loss if he did. Have sold all the honey I have to dispose of to Mr Morrison, Cullen, viz. 3 frames 5lbs

Sales of Honey, corn and quoys at Upperskieth.
Dec 3rd 1886.

each at 6d per lb and 7 1/2lbs ??? 1lb sections at an average of 10 1/2d and am quite satisfied with the prices. Sold to Mr Hay, Cullen two quoys from Upperskeith at £14 each. I reckon to have got about 60/- per cwt.

3rd. We have had a sharp snowstorm for the last three days. So much so that we have got no corn threshed and had to take turnips from the stored ones. It is fresh to-night again. Ordered 1 ton of cotton cake and 2 cwt Indian meal from John Milne, Dyers. Sent 3 qrs oats to Robt Cruickshank. Weight was 40lbs and prices 17/6.

7. William McLean of Berryhillock, and Robt Duncan killed 4 pigs yesterday, 2 here and 2 at Lang. The pair from Lang. weighed 6 st 4 lbs each.

Sale and purchase of pigs, cow calved.
December 1886.

One of the pair here weighed 7 1/2 stones and the other 7 stones. Sent them to Turriff to-day to Mr Hutcheon the curer. Expected to have got the cotton cake when we went to the station with the pigs, but was disappointed. Got the nails from Cullen to the new byre. Mrs Clark of Midskeith got a daughter on the sixth. Duly got returns for the pigs. The pair from Langlanburn came to £3.12.3. The pair from here to £3.19.9. Am well pleased with the weight and prices. Had Willie Legge at Fordyce for 4 young ones. Got them from Mr Thomson, merchant, they cost 10/- each. They are very small. The Curris cow calved two days ago, but the calf lived only a few minutes. Do not think I will buy one in its stead, they are too dear

Alexr Brander, Jeannie ill, Tombstones.
December 17th 1886.

for the price of other cattle, and the butter is and has been selling at 1/- per lb, so we are better making butter and cheese and feeding pigs with the milk than buying up calves. The chief item of news in Deskford just now is that Alexr Brander, the shoemaker in Berryhillock has run away, left his wife, and good deal of debt. My sister at Langlanburn has had a very bad cold for the last few days, and I have been staying a good deal there. When at Elgin in summer I ordered a freestone monument from W.J. Hendry of Abby Street. It has now arrived and is in the churchyard, but is not placed yet.

17th. The Misses MacKintosh called on the 15th and paid the 10lbs honey sent to Mrs Emslie. I charged 9p per lb. Mr Clark of Midskeith was here

Midskeith Bulls. Sale of Dalgarn quoy. New Bridge.
December 23rd 1886

collecting money for church mission schemes. He tells me he has sold his old bull for £17, he thinks he has got at the rate of £2 per cwt and bought a new one from Drummuir for £20. Cattle are 3/- per cwt cheaper than a fortnight ago.

23rd. Cattle are a little dearer again. We have had a snowstorm for a week now. There is as much snow as prevents much carting being done. I have had a bad cold and been staying mostly inside for the last few days, but am getting better again. Mr J. Hay, the butcher and Mr Thomson of Skeith where here two days ago. Sold to Mr Hay, the little red quoy from the Dalgarn cow for £14. She is a year and nine months old and girths 5ft 9 1/2 ins and good fat. Arranged to get a fore leg by back at 41/2 per lb. Have had a man and horse assisting to drive banking for the new bridge at Midskeith to-day.

Christmas. Expenditure on Farm.
December 29th 1886.

Dec 25. I cannot say I have spent a merry Christmas, but I can say I've spent a pleasant Christmas Day. I am much better to-day, but feel rather weak. I do not think Christmas has been observed by anybody in this neighbourhood. New Year's Day is the great holiday here about. Sent 9qrs oats to Berryhillock they weighed 40 lbs, and got home 10 cwt linseed cake, and the fore leg of the quoy from Cullen. Have employed myself in reckoning up the expenditure on the farm from Whitsunday 85 to Whitsunday 86. It amounts to £335.0.5. Robt Duncan spent the evening of the 24th. We calculated the weight of a good many of the cattle by measurement, and I had rather a pleasant time.

29th. I am as yet not very strong and have to keep the house for most part. Miss Duncan of Kirktown

Miss Duncan Storm Staid. J. Wilson's letter. Jeannie to tea.
December 29th 1886.

came to tea on Monday (27th) and was storm staid until next day. It came on such a blinding snowdrift that it really would have been impossible for her to have got home. She is excellent company, and we enjoyed the visit very much. Had such a kind letter from Jamie Wilson inviting me to Knowes on New Year's day. Owing to my health it will be impossible for me to go, and as there are many little matters I would like to discuss with him, I wrote and asked him to come here in the first of next week. I hope we will come soon. James Robertson is to be here on New Year's Day if the roads are not very bad. Jeannie from Langlanburn was across in the afternoon and had tea with us. She is not looking strong just now.

Hogmanay. The Prospects for 1877.
December 31st 1886.

The last night of the old year. How many changes may come ere 1877 be run no one can tell. 1877 will be a year likely to mark some important turning points in my life. My health which has been the reverse of robust for some years, I feel must be either better or worse before the close of another. I shall be as careful of myself as I possibly can, and trust that God may see fit to spare me here for years to come. Another thing that will make a great difference to me in future is whether Father keeps Langlanburn after Whitsunday. If he does not keep it we are likely to have my Father and I hope Jeannie also to stay here. If Langlanburn be kept on there will be a great many improvements to carry out, and a lot of extra work to do for a few years. Surely an Almighty Hand will guide us in this important matter.

Visit from Mr Duncan and Mr McIntosh. Ball at Raemore.
Adieu To 1886.

Alec. Duncan of Kirktown came here yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock and stayed until 9. Discussed the topics of the day and agricultural matters; cattle feeding and chill ploughing in particular. Mr Shepherd spent the greater part of this afternoon with me. We rehearsed home rule. Had also a visit from Mr McKintosh yesterday afternoon. It was very kind of him to come to see me and the roads so much snowed up. He advised me to take maltina to strengthen me. The only public meeting that is in the parish to mark Hogmanay, that I am aware of, is a ball at Raemore. I do not think a ball a very appropriate affair to have on the last night of the old year. Something that would recall the events of this past year, and make us resolve to live better, and act wiser, would in my estimation be more suitable.

New Year's Day. What I have been reading.
January 1st 1887.

1st. The first day of the New-year has passed very quietly here. A fine mild thaw has set in which I hope may continue. A shooting match was held at Berryhillock but I have not heard anything of the results. Was at Upperskeith trying to sell a stot to Mr Hay but could not manage to agree about the price although there was only 5/- between us. James Smith of Blairock came to see us and spent the evening with us. Robt Duncan presented me with a partridge he had shot. I got one from him about a week ago.

Jan. 7th. We have still a few inches of snow and very unsettled weather. I have been reading a good deal lately. I have read through the well-known book, 'The Throne of David' and are now intent on Blackmore's novel 'Lorna Doone'. It contains a good deal

Rose Mare Sold. James Wilson's Visit.
January 7th 1887.

of historical truth and is very interesting. Mr Clark of Midskeith stayed this from3 o'clock until bedtime with me yesterday. Mr Thomson of Skeith, was also here in the afternoon, but did not stay to tea. Being the first Friday of the month, this is Keith market day. Mrs Wright and Mrs Riddoch who were at Keith have both brought me nice presents. I must say we dwell in the midst of very kind neighbours. Have sold the mare 'Rose' to Wm Farquhar of Todholes for £18.

7th. It is with pleasure that I record the visit I had from my friend James Wilson on Saturday afternoon. The affairs of the M.T. Society was well talked over, and the prospects for young men in Australia was discussed. Mr Wilson is thinking of emigrating.

Visits from Messrs Dey, Duncan, Gordon and Wright. My weight.
January 10th 1887.

Was at Lang. yesterday afternoon and evening. Alec Duncan of Kirktown and Mr Dey of Forkins came to tea. Mr Dey says there is 18 inches of snow on his farm in the Cabrach.

11th. Spent a capital evening on with my friend Willie Gordon. He stayed until after 12 o'clock. We discussed the tendency of man to decrease in physical and increase in mental power, the increase in vegetarianism, the errors in our present theology, politics, the land question and many kindred topics. I am sure Willie must study a great deal. James Wright of Netherton who came to see me in the evening was highly delighted with the conversation. Weighed myself and found myself to be 8 st 11 lbs, more than 3 sts lighter than I once was. Intend to weigh again soon to find if I managed to gain weight again.

Visit to Midskeith. Feeding treacle. Pleuro.
Jan 15th 1887.

15th. Was at Midskeith yesterday afternoon seeing his cattle, new houses etc, and stayed until 7 o'clock. After I came from Midskeith I went to Mrs Riddoch to meet Mr, Mrs and Miss Walker of the F.C. Manse. It is the first time I have met Mrs Walker. Have Willie Legg at Tochineal station for a cask of feeding treacle, it contains 5cwt 1 qr 14 lbs and is to cost me 6/6 per cwt in Aberdeen. Mrs Riddoch bought it for me from Jamison and Mitchell. Sandy Forsyth has not been able to work since Monday. He has had a very bad cold, but is keeping better. As the weather is still frosty and the roads covered with ice, little can be got done.

??. There has been an outbreak of Pleuro at Blackhillock belonging to George Benzies and to Main the Butcher and dairyman in Buckie. I was at Blackhillock on the 20th valuing the cattle. They are our valuators were Mr Shepherd and Mr Reid

Miss Clark & J. Longmore, Midskeith & Raemore.
Jan 22nd 1886.

of Swillend. Six of the cattle were shot, and after being opened for the V.S. to see the lungs, were buried in a hole 9 ft deep. It was painful for me to see so many useful looking animals shot and buried. Five cattle still remain on the place, being in a different byre. Miss Helen Clark was here on Monday evening about a dress to tennis. John Longmore of the Cottertown also came in during the evening. I am rather suspicious that it was not mere chance that they both came in the same evening. Was at my tea at Craibston on the 19th. Mr Clark, Midskeith and Mr Maitland, Raemore spent a few hours with me last night. Have had three fine days days now and hope to be ploughing again soon. Carted the wood for flooring to the new byre to Berryhillock yesterday. Sandy Forsyth came back on Monday last.

Turnips & Weather. Sale of Cattle. Agency from J. Milne.
January 25th 1887.

??. Fine weather again. The masons have commenced building the byre again, and we have got back the turnip pullers to store more of the turnips. Sold two quoys one year and nine months old, and one of the stots that came from Windyhills to J. Hay. Had £29 for the quoys; they averaged 5 ft 11 1/2in of girth. Bought the stot on Oct 8th for £16, and have a little more than 3/- per week for keeping. He throve really well but the beef is much cheaper than when he was bought.

25. Weather is still fine and dry and we are prosecuting the turnip storing with vigour. The steam mill is at Craibston to-day. John Milne of Dyce has agreed to give me 5/- per cwt off the price of feeding stuffs on ton lots. Ordered to-day, 1 ton cotton cake and 5 cwt linseed cake.

Oathillock Ploughing Match. Turnips. Weather.
January 29th 1887.

29th. A ploughing match was held yesterday at Oathillock in which a good deal of interest has been taken in the parish. Mr Mackay lost a horse lately and having a young one that is likely to manage the work if the lea and stubble was ploughed; the ploughmen in the place resolved to hold a ploughing match to help him. There was a keen competition. George Taylor was first for ploughing, John Morrison, second and Alexr Duncan, third. James Maitland was first for harness and George McCombie for grooming. It was the first time Geo. Taylor ploughed at a match.
Had Miss Shepherd in this afternoon, and Mr Thomson, Skeith in the evening.

Feb 27. January has been a seasonable month. Frost and snow from the new year until the 23rd. since then until last night it has been fine mild weather. We have got all the turnips lifted except about 3 1/2 acres.

Death of John Reid. Sale of Potatoes. Pleuro. Markets.
February 2nd 1887.

John Reid of Squardoch died on 29th Jan., aged 87. He was once believed to be the strongest man in Deskford. Sold 2 tons potatoes to A. Farquhar, Butcher Portsoy at 2/- per cwt to be delivered to Toch. Scarcely know what to put down first, so I will commence with the chief topic in this place viz. the pleuro. There has been 60 cow killed at Mill of Buckie; the whole stocking in Clunemill, Enzie; Buach, Fordyce and Ewing's of Summertown, besides a few calves through the place that have come from the Buckie Laiys. Was at Keith and Cornhill markets but did not buy anything. Keeping beasts are relatively dearer than fat, which is scaling only a little over 50/- per cwt. Was at Cullen and on the 9th to pay the rent.

Seed oats. Cullen house. Transactions in Cattle.
February 22nd 1887.

Was to the Clune on my road down and bought 4 qrs Sandy oats for seed at 18/8 per qr. They weigh 42 1/2 lbs. Was at Knowes in the evening of Cornhill market and at Myreton, Windyhills and the Smithy on the following afternoon. Went to Cullen house to-day and settled for Langlanburn for another year at £90. The two rents due of present lease being also reduced to £90; the houses are to be paid and some improvements made on them and a few drains put in.

22nd. Made several transactions in cattle since writing last. Sold to J. Hay a roan stot scarcely 1 year in 10 months old for £19 and another 1 year and 8 months for £18. I reckoned them to be 13 1/2 cwt. Was along the hillside yesterday afternoon and bought a quoy from Charlie Lobban for £8.5. One from Michael Flanagan for £11.5, and

New Byre. Huntly Sale. Weather.
March 2nd 1887.

two stots from Wm Farquhar, Todholes at £33.5. The masons have finished the walls of the byre. The carpenters have the roof on and are proceeding with the trevoses. Have McLean from Berryhillock and Robt Duncan putting the tiles on and cleaning the inside.

2nd. Was at sale of bulls at Huntly last week but did not buy. Most of them were inferior animals and in my estimation sold a good value. Robt Duncan went along with me. It was the day of the show as well as the sale. I enjoyed the trip. It was a fine day. We have had particularly good weather for this season of the year. It is fine and mild, the land is very dry and we are scarce of water, the dam takes four days to fill. We have the half of the clean land .

Young pigs. J. Wilson. Temperance.
March 9th 1887.

ploughed. There is about seven acres of the lea and yavel to plough, we went to the clean land when it is in such good season. We have been doing something at the gardening. The gooseberry bushes are dug, some peas sown and I hope to plant some potatoes tomorrow. Got a pair of young pigs from the miller to-day. They are three weeks and seven days old. Jamie Wilson spent Sunday afternoon here. Was to the meeting of the M.T. Society last night. There was a keen debate whether temperance or total absence was best. The T.T's gained by a majority of one.

March 9th. A Temperance meeting was held on the 4th at which it was resolved to attempt to establish a temperance society in the parish. Thirty-two persons expressed their willingness to join. I hope it will succeed.

Keith market. Drains etc at Langlanburn.
March 9th 1887.

Was at Keith market and sold some potatoes to Petrie Hay at 2/- per cwt. Sandy Forsyth is away with a load of them to-day and is to bring home 10 1/2 cwt oat manure. Saw a great many acquaintances in the market and returned very tired. Mr Mitchie was at Langlanburn on Saturday to see about the improvements that would be required there. It was arranged have 2730 yds of ??? put into the hillfolds at the farther side of Tillybreedless. 180 yds of 6 in pipes and 150 of 4 in pipes will be required for the leader. It is taken for one year only. Rent £80. The two rents are to be reduced to £80. The houses are to be paid for and repaired. The improvements on houses have not altogether fixed about.

Young bull. Threshing Oats. Cattle Sale.
March 9th 1887.

William Hay the flesher bought a bull for us at Lintmill of Boyne for £11. We are to send for him on Saturday. Geo. Imlach threshed the barley at Upperskeith on Monday, and came here and threshed out five stacks of oats on Tuesday forenoon. He charged £1. It was a fine day and the work was done very satisfactorily.
Sold two stots to John McConnachie to-day for £35. One of them was an Irish stot bought Oct 22nd for £13.10 from which I have £17 being at the rate of 3/8 per week for keep. The other was the red stot bought at Windyhills for £15.12.6. He has not done well at all. Cattle are about 7/- per cwt cheaper than when they were bought.

James Wilson Fees. Young Bull. McConnachie. Weather.
March 12th 1887.

My friend James Wilson has just left. He stayed for a few hours on his way home from being engaged as working grieve at Ballonmulloch. He has £15 of wages. I regret his leaving Deskford very much. I hope he will like his new place for he deserves a good one. Got a young bull to-day from Lintmill of Boyne. Wm Hay of Portsoy bought him for us for £11. I am well pleased with him. Had a long conversation with Mr McConnachie late of Rumbling pots about his experiences of cattle rearing and feeding in America. He called here to sell seeds and manures. Commenced snowing yesterday morning and now we have 3 or 4 inches of snow so that farm work is at a standstill. Tried to sell more cattle to J. McConnachie but did not agree about prices.

Chickens. Drains. Cattle Sales.
March 15th 1887.

15th. We have got 20 Plymouth Rock chickens a week old cribbed behind the cows to keep the frost from harming them. There should be two sittings more hatched in a few days. I have got to take more interest in the poultry now than I used to do. Mr Michie sent notices to-day that the drains at Langlanburn has been let to Wm Stephen. Mr Gardinenu called here last night to sell seeds and manure. Ordered seeds for Upperskeith and 4 lbs Becks turnip for myself.

17th. J. Hay was here last night and bought four cattle. Two at Lang. for £25.5 and two here for £32.5 One was an Irish stot bought Oct 22nd for £11.10 and for which I got £14 being only £2.10 of gain in nearly five months. The other was one of the stots bought from Mr Farquhar.

Social Meeting. Feeding Stuffs. Banker. Sow etc.
March 22nd 1887.

The social meeting of the M.I. Society which was held on the evening of the 18th is the great event I have to record at this time. Mr Wilson occupied the chair and did his part very well. The program was lengthy (rather lengthy) and fairly interesting. I read an essay on civility as my part. Mr Walker F.C. Minister gave a nice address on the benefits of mutual improvement. Mr Thomson of Skeith spent last evening with me. I like his company very well. Ordered a ton cotton cake, 2 cwt Linseed cake and 1 cwt Bean from John Milne to-day. Had Mr Dunbar the new banker from Newmill here canvassing for money. Rather a novelty a banker on the canvas. Was at Skeith and bought a pig to be a sow on 23rd. Was also at mill, mason Reid's and at

Laying Cement. Sellar's Stots. Lawyers Afe. Visit to Cullen.
March 26th 1887.

mason Jamison's. Two of the Jamisons have been here to-day and yesterday laying cement in new byre. W. Maclean, and R. Duncan mixed it for them. The drainers are now getting on at Langlanburn. I go across nearly every day to see them. Bought a pair of stots from Sellar, Marchbank for £25. Think they are 5 cwt each. Mrs Wright of Upperskeith has got afe from Mr Proctor the lawyer who has had the managing of her succession affairs. The inventry duty amounts to £7.0.6, Sheriff Clerk's fees £2.9.11 and his own account to £7.3.10; - making in whole £16.14.3. This does not include expenses of the action against Mr Wright of Inverugie.

29th. Felt tired on Sunday and not go to church. Was at Cullen House and Cullen yesterday (Monday). Mr Michie is to send his men to put up a

Cullen House. Afe's settled. Inaltrie. Inverugie.
March 29th 1887.

fence for the garden at Lang., and the Architect is coming to value the houses there and see the new byre here. Got 20 panes of glass for the roof lights. Settled accounts with Sujon, Sadler, Hay Flesher and Morrison, Draper. Mrs Riddoch and sister Jeannie met me at Inatrie and we spent the evening there. There is an excellent stock of cows and one-year-olds at Inaltrie; the other cattle and horses are fair. Information has arrived at Mr Wright, Main of Inverugie has suspended payment and a meeting of his creditors is to be held in Elgin on Friday. He says he is deficient only £155.13.6 or worth 18/- per £. Wrote Mr Michie to-day about wood to lay into the bottom of some of the drains that are very soft and wet.

Keith Market. Finished Ploughing. Garden Fences.
April 2nd 1887.

April 2. Was at Keith market yesterday. Did some business among clover seeds but did not buy any cattle on horses. Fancied a three-year-old filly from Greenbank, Enzie and tried to buy her but thought the price rather big, she was sold for £26.5. Have got all the clean land ploughed and intend to sow if it be dry in the first of next week. Saw a field sown at Auchinhove yesterday.

6th. The storm has set in again with wintry severity. There has been a good deal of snow and rain since Monday; there is about 2 inches of snow just now. Have been driving wood to the sawmill for a garden fence at Langlanburn. Expect to have 12 loads. Had John Forbes and Mr Ronald wanting to buy cattle, but did not manage to make a bargain

Cattle Sales. Visit to Inaltrie. Knowes, Church.
April 9th 1887.

Mr Ronald returned next day and bought three cattle. He paid £27.5 for of the two black ones bought from Charlie Lobban in Feb 86 for £12.14, and £15.5 for a red quoy from the Mrs Ritchie cow scarcely two years old. Had Mr Shepherd, Mr Thomson and Mr Hay this afternoon, and sold to Hay a quoy for £17 and a farrow cow for £13 at Langlanburn. He bought four stots from Mr S. at £14.10 and offered Mr T. £19.10 a head for five. Bought Mrs Riddoch's yearling for £10. He was calved about middle of Feb 86. Was at Inaltrie yesterday and bought seed oats for Lang. and Upperskeith. Then went to Knowes and had tea there. Was at the churchyard to-day arranging about having the headstones built into the wall.

Sowing Commenced. Byre Finished. Pigs Sold. Messrs Michie and Smith. Inglis Cattle Bt. Market.

12th. Commenced sowing to-day on the field of ???. Sandy Forsyth's child died last night so that I am a hand short to-day. The carpenter work of the new byre was finished yesterday and the masons are finishing the outside to-day. Sold two pigs to one Pirie a Keith dealer for £3.3. They are not very good, one of them was wrong on the legs.

13th. Mr Michie and Mr Smith the Architect were at Langlanburn to-day seeing the drains and the houses and planning the garden fence. Got the loan of the grey pony from the shooting lodge and went along the hillside to buy keeping beasts. Bought a pair from James Inglis for £23.10; the girths 5ft 8 and 5ft 9.

14th. Drove with Mr Maitland, Raemore to Cornhill market; but did not do any business. Keepers were dear in proportion to fat. Had tea at Midskeith on the way home.

Calves. Mr Merson. Churchyard. Rhubarb. Kirktown.
April 18th 1887.

16th. Drove to Keith with Mr Shepherd yesterday afternoon, and bought two calves for Lang. One cost £2.5 the other £2.3. Saw Mr Merson's greenhouse and got some slips from him. It was his father's 93rd birthday. He is still a hale and hearty old man. Was at the churchyard to-day, seeing to the building of the headstone into the wall. It is now complete. I paid the mason £11.13. Arranged with Mr McWilliam, architect about getting a rail. Wm Maclean has sown all the cleanland yesterday and to-day. The land is in fine season.

18th. Had rhubarb grown this year for dinner to-day. This is earliest I remember having tasted. It was presented by my kind neighbour, Mrs Riddoch. Annie is at Kirktown tonight. I was invited but did not go.

Mitchell. Graly. J. F. Grant. J. Wilson's Present. Jamie Johnstone.
April 26th 1887.

Mr Mitchell the tailor and and his wife were to tea yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. He is a very agreeable intelligent young man and a great advocate of temperance. Old Graly dropped and nice bull calf yesterday. Rain came on yesterday morning, and a good deal has fallen since. We have still about a third of the corn to sow.
J. F. Grant, Cullen and a Mr McFarlane from Glasgow was here canvassing for the Lancashire insurance company.

26th. Had a meeting on the 23rd to arrange about the present that was to be given to J. Wilson. It was agreed to get Chambers' Encyclopaedia if sufficient money could be raised, and failing that, a chain and lockett would be given. We have got a peculiar character to put the garden in order at Langlanburn. His name

Braco. Transactions in Cattle.
April 26th 1887.

26th. is James Johnstone. He can do gardening work quite well, but is rather apt to go on the spree. His wages is to be 1/3 per day with board. Was with Mr Thomson at Braco yesterday trying to buy a polled bull. He offered £20 for him but Mr Leslie would not sell him for less than £25. Made several calls on the way home to buy keepers. I bought a pair from the Gammis of Bracobrae for £20.15. Discussed pure bred cattle and horses most of the way. Have sold the quoys I bought at the sale at Burnhead for £7.15 and the one I bought from Tom Gray for £6.11 for £32.10 the pair. Have had then just about a year. Offered a brown polled stot at Lang. for £17.1o. Hay offered £17.5. I did not think it quite enough and have taken him to the Backies.

Weather. Drains. Sowing Finished. Displenish Sale.
May 4th.

27th. Has been raining to-day. I have been in the house a good deal reading and writing. Wrote to J. Roberts and to Mrs Philip; she has sent me several newspapers lately.

May 4th. Have been staying at Langlanburn for most of the last week. I am not able for work yet and it is a change for me. The drains at Lang. are finished now. There has been 10369 tiles carted costing £26.16.2 and 4150 yards drains cut costing £24.15 at 12/- shillings per 100yds. This brings the total cost to £51.14.2 besides a few loads of wood required for the bottoms of some of the drains and the cartage. Finished sowing on 30th. The last ten days of April being rainy kept us back. Was at the sale at Stripeside, Bogmuchals on the 2nd but did not buy anything. Everything sold very dear.

Sale at Clarkseat. Keith Market. Potato planting.
May 7th 1887.

7th. Was at the sale at Clarkseat on the 5th and bought a two-year-old colt for Lang. at £24.5. He gained first prize at Keith as a yearling. There was not many cattle but a good deal of furniture and implements. Everything sold fairly well. Miss McCulloch has got a situation as a housekeeper near Tain, and Jamie is supposed to be enroute for Queensland. Was at Keith market yesterday but did not buy any cattle. The byres are pretty well stocked just now. It was errands in the town that took me up. It was a large market and very stiff. Been having the potatoes planted in Bognagight to-day. The land is in excellent season. Will plant about 2 1/4 acres and give them 10 1/2 cwt Kynochs potato manure.

Cattle Sales. Croftgibb. J. Wilson's Presentation.
May 14th 1887.

9th. Sold the Mrs Ritchie cow to Wm Hay for £12.10 and a stot bought from the Wm Farquhar for £19. This makes £5 profit on the two stots bought from him, or 10/- per week. Also sold him 3 stots from Upperskeith at £18 a head and an old cow at £9. Planted Mrs Riddoch's potatoes to-day.

14th. Was at the sale at Croftgibb on the 10th. Everything sold fair. Daisy calved on the 11th. Jamie Wilson spent yesterday afternoon with me on his way from Aberlour market where he was engaging the servants for Ballymulloch. He is to be presented tonight with Chambers' Encyclopaedia in token of the general appreciation of his services as librarian and secretary to the horticultural society; as well as the assistances he has given to other matters of public benefit in the parish.

Sale at Greenbog. Colts. Turnip and Grain Sowing. Cattle Sales.
May 18th 1887.

17th. Was at the sale at Greenbog on Saturday (15th) and bought a turnip slicer for £1, a stack of straw for 11/- and a few smaller items. It was a fine day and the sale got on well. Lorimer the farrier castrated the colts to-day. Craibstone brought across his one also. Have had the men driving dung for the Swedish turnips to-day and hope to get about 3 acres sown by tomorrow night.

18th. Got the turnips sown as expected. Sold to Mr Hay three stots and a quoy, for £61. Two of the stots were bought from J. Sellar and the quoy from Michael Flanagan, and the other stot from Langlanburn. Have a profit of £8 or 5/- per head per week. Have been looking over the grain crops to-day and am very much displeased with the sowing of a deal of it. The most of it was a sown by Mr Leask, Berryhillock.

Cullen Market. Snow. Potatoes sold.
May 21st 1887.

21st. Was at Cullen market yesterday. It was a small market and wages tending downwards. The men here and at Lang are staying so I had only some boys to engage and had no difficulty in getting them. Saw a great many acquaintances and spent a very pleasant day. This has been a rather remarkable day to be the 21st of May. It has snowed nearly all day. The ground was white most of the afternoon. Most peoples turnips are done so that cattle are having a hard time of it. We have still a few loads, and are giving some potatoes. Sold two or more tons potatoes to Mr Gordon, Clashterim at £2 per ton to be deliver at Tochineal station. That is considered a good price just now. Potatoes were a heavy crop last year and are plentiful just now. Have been reading and immensely enjoying a lot

Reading. Mr McIntyre. Knowes. Markets.
May 25th 1887.

of back numbers of Chambers Journal bought for a few pence at the sale at Clarkseat.

25th. Got a sermon from Mr McIntyre of Portnockie on Sunday. I liked his ideas and remember more of the sermon than I generally do. Went with Jamie Wilson to Knowes from church and spent a pleasant afternoon there. It is the last time I expect to see him before he leaves. I am to take over six of his hives and attend to them when he is away. All the feeing markets are reported dull and stiff. Wages from 10/- to 20/- down. Cattle of all sorts continue about same values. Fat cattle quoted at 53/-. There is a little more demand for grain. The miller is giving 13/- for 40 lbs oats.

Weather and turnips. Valuation of Craibstone. Mrs Riddoch's Calf.
June 4th 1887.

27th. We have now had a spell of dull rainy weather. Do not expect to get any more Swedes laid down. Was at Craibstone yesterday. He told me his farm had been valued at 19/6 per acre (£110). He is to try to get it for less as he considers that more than it is worth.

June 4. It is so long since I wrote that I will now have quite a history to record. Sowed about an acre swedes and two acres yellow turnips on May 30th. The briard of the early sowings is not looking well, but have heard of no resowing as yet. Sowed Mrs Riddoch's to-day. Am sorry to have to record the death of her calf. He died after an hour's illness of inflammation. It was an excellent calf of four months old.

Kitchen Servant. Inverugie. Pigs Bought. Cattle Sold.
June 4th 1887.

4th. Was at Keith on the 2nd in search of a servant for the kitchen as Helen Taylor is leaving, but did not get one. Annie engaged a girl Johnstone to-day. Made various little business transactions in Keith. Mrs Wright went along and the bill signed by her late husband for his brother Mr Wright of Inverugie. £180 is the amount of the bill. Saw a statement of Inverugie's showing a dividend of 5/3 per £. Mr Hay of Cullin bought us three young pigs yesterday. He to charge 13/- each for them.
He bought two quoys for £30. Also sold John McIllvoy of Keith two quoys for £31 and one from Langlanburn at £13.10.

Turnips. Mare. Cullen House
June 14th 1887.

11th. The weather continues dry so we are getting on with the laying down the turnips. Had John Currie the last two days assisting at the dung. Went to Upperskeith last night to see the black mare that has been ailing for five days. She is dangerously ill. Anderson the V.S. stayed with her until after 12 p.m.

14th. Was at Cullen House yesterday about getting the houses at Lang. repaired. They are to be agreeable to repair them and are coming so to settle details. Annie and Miss Duncan came with me to see the gardens and hothouses at Cullen House. A great many people are having to resow their early turnips. Ours are still holding on but are not very healthy looking.

F. Church. Turnips finished. Keith market.
June 18th 1887.

14th. Had tea at Mrs Clarks of Gateside on Sunday afternoon and then went to the Free Church. It was a fine evening and I enjoyed both the walk and the sermon.

18th. Finished turnip sowing yesterday, and have the men assisting to finish at Langlan. to-day. They have mostly been got in in good season, and the braird is doing fairly well now. Was at Keith market on Wednesday and bought a stirk to Mrs Riddoch for £5.17. It was a large market and very stiff. Assisted Jeannie and Jessie to buy providing for Jessie's marriage. Spent the evening of the 16th at Midskeith. Mr Reid, Swillend and Mr Anderson V.S. was there. Mr Reid was collecting for the jubilee pic-nic and presentations. I gave 2/6.

Jubilee. Mrs Philips.
June 22nd 1887.

June 22. There has been nothing but jubilee, jubilee, jubilee spoken about of late until one almost gets tired of hearing the word. Rejoicings of every conceivable description have been held everywhere during the last three days. Bonfires have been ablaze on most of the hills at night, cannons have been firing in every direction; from peer to people there are few who have not participated in the general merrymaking. In Deskford there was a pic-nic to which all the children below school age got free, and the poor in the parish received 2/- each. Mrs Phillips and her mother have been staying with us since the 15th, and are going away tomorrow. I will drive them to Keith and get home some of Jessie's things. Her wedding is to be on Saturday the 25th at 4 p.m. (Mrs Geddes).

Bees Swarming. Hoeing. Crops. Jessie's Wedding.
June 22nd 1887.

An unfortunate mishap occurred yesterday. The men having closed the doors of the beehives while cutting grass in the garden neglected to open two of them again. The neglect was not observed until night and by that time the combs and bees were completely destroyed. Have commenced hoeing the potatoes. They are growing splendidly in this fine dry weather. Grass is plentiful and grain crops are very promising.

June 25. Commenced hoeing the Swedish turnips to-day, they are growing fine now. Got the first swarm of bees at Lang. to-day. Have just returned from Jessie's wedding. It passed off very quietly. About 20 persons witnessed the ceremony.

Presents. Visitors. Visit to F.C. Manse.
June 23rd 1887.

Among the presents she received was a teapot from Mrs Riddoch, half a dozen forks and knives from Miss Shepherd, a tea caddy and tea from Robt Duncan, a lamp from Hughina, spoons from Annie, half a dozen towels from Mrs Phillips and I contributed a timepiece and picture as my item

July 5th. Got the first swarm of bees at Backies on the 27th and have now 2 dozen sections filled. Was at Keith market on Friday but had no transactions of any consequence. Have had visits from Mr Thomson, Skeith, the misses Robertson, Myerton, Brodie, Taylor and Jessie spent Sunday afternoon with us. Mr, Mrs and Miss Walker, F.C. Manse called and invited Annie and I along with Miss Riddoch to spend Monday evening with them. We arrived

Pony Bought. Cattle at Skeith. Weather. etc.
July 5th 1887.

about six o'clock and spent a very pleasant evening. Have purchased a little brown pony from the man who travels with Rettie's stallion for £2. It is behaving very well and is a favourite with everybody.

July 7th 1887. Since 16 cattle the grass at Skeith yesterday, and spent two hours with Mr Thomson in inspecting his cattle and horses. He has got a superior stock and a very good crop on his farm. Spent the evening at Myreton and saw his stock and also Mrs ??? of Windyhills. It has rained most of the day. We have not had rain since the 13th of June; the ground was very dry, and the crops in dry districts much in want of rain.

Bees. Crops. Farm Work.
July 9th 1887.

Had an order some days ago from Mr Mitchell, Crannoch for two swarms of bees, one for himself and one for Miss McCulloch, Fortrie. Went to Crannoch with them to-day and had the horses shoes removed at Curries. In most fields you can now see the ears of corn beginning to peep out and barley is pretty well shot. Grass is plentiful, the turnips coming fine, crops of everything is looking extra well.

July 15th. Have been kept busy with the bees. They are working splendid. Have taken off upwards of 80lbs honey. Have been doing a little at assisting in managing the bees at Craibston, Skeith, Knowes and Upperskeith. Lead the early cut hay yesterday and finished thinning the turnips to-day.

Cornhill Market. Mrs Matheson. Rev D. F. ?? Michie. Hay cut.

Bought a cow in Cornhill market for Mrs Wright for £13, and a white two-year-old quoy from John Clark, Hoggie for £10. Annie is driving Mrs Mathieson and Fanny to the station. They have been staying with us for some time.

July 18. Was at church yesterday and at a meeting in the evening held by the Rev David Forrester who is on a visit to Craibston. Mr and Mrs Michie and one of their little daughters were here and at Langlanburn on Saturday afternoon. Mr Michie gave me tiles to fill the ditch that takes the water to the mill dam, and one of the ditches through the moss of Bognagight. I am also to get £4 to assist with the work, and expect that will about do the will job. - Have the men cutting the hay left for seed.

Land Meeting. Sow pigged. Rathven Market.
July 19th 1887.

Mr Clark, Midskeith and Mr Wright, Netherton called last night to discuss the meeting that is to be in the school to-night about the present agricultural depression. Expect a good attendance. Fully intend to be there.

July 23rd. Only twenty attended meeting of 19th. It was a most unanimous meeting for all were agreed to sign a petition to have the land revalued etc. The young sow pigged on 21st. She has got eleven nice thriving pigs. A good litter for the first. Was at Rathven market yesterday and engaged a lad Matthew Ogston for the harvest for £1.15 and also bought a stirk for Mrs Wright for £6. It was the biggest Rathven market ever I was in. There was a great many sweetie stands, shows and other catchpennies. There was also a good turn out of horses.

Aberdeen. Rabbits. Mr Gordon. Hay Stacked.
July 30th 1887.

The railway Co having offered a trip to Aberdeen and back for 3/- I took advantage of it and went to Aberdeen. Was busy most of the day in forming connections for the sale of poultry, honey etc. Inspected Benj. Reid's stock of reapers with a view to purchasing and bought several items from him. Also bought a set of china for 28/-. - 6d per pound was my best offer for 1 lb sections of honey. Have to-day sent a box of the rabbits and hens to Mr Brown of the new market. Willie Gordon of Broadrashes and Mr Chubb a divinity student spent Wednesday evening with us. I enjoyed their company very much. Got the hay stacked on the 28th.

August 3. Was at Cullen House on Monday about the houses at Langlanburn, and the rent of Upperskeith.

Rent. Rabbits. Weather and Crops. Cattle housed.
August 11th 1887.

Have not good of full settlement about either. Lady Seafield is giving 10% off the rents of past year. There was a meeting in the school to convey thanks to her. Only eleven attended. Have got liberty to destroy rabbits in the wood, and have trapped a good many and sent 23 to Aberdeen but have not got returns yet.

August 11th 1887. The weather has been colder this last few days, with a slight shower now and again. We were in need of a change; the crop on dry land was beginning to whiten without filling. Harvest was commenced on Tochineal on the Stn. Have commenced to take all the cattle and horses inside at night and am giving them a little hay.

Keith Show. Cattle Sales.
August 11th 1887.

Was at Keith cattle show yesterday. The turnout was not so good as on some former occasions. The horses on a whole were a poor show, but there were some very superior cattle. The animals that drew my attention most in the horse section was a two-year-old filly from Midthird a mare in foal from Aberlour Mains and a black horse in harness from Blairmore. There were so many excellent cattle that it would be difficult to mention any of particular merit. In the class of one-year-old stots, three animals girthed 6 ft 5 1/2 inches. Sold on Thursday last to J. Hay, three of the cattle I had from Langlanburn in the spring and the quoy that came from James Inglis. £59.10 was the price of the lot, they have all paid me fairly well.

F. Church. Hays Girls. Harvest commenced.
August 15th 1887.

Was at the Free Church yesterday and got a sermon from Mr McLean, Fordyce. Was at the Architect's and Ground officer's about wood and cement for Langlanburn and Upperskeith. Have had Mr Hay's three girls staying for the last ten days. They will leave sometime this week.

Aug 30th. Have been particularly busy for the last few weeks so that this diary has not got the attention it ought. We commenced harvest yesterday on the field of clean land with the riggs lying in the direction of Clochmacruich. We have a fair crop all over and I expect will turn out well as it has not as yet been damaged by wind or rain. We have having fine mild weather.

Flower Show. Servant Ill. Harvest.
Aug 30th 1887.

The chief topic just now is the flower show, which came off on the 24th. It was quite a success, - 240 more entries than last year; but not so many visitors. Annie had 5/- prize money, and I had 3/9. J. Lorrimer, shoemaker got the medal for being most successful competitor. Miss Reid, Squardoch, got a medal for most successful young lady. Our servant Elsie Sanderson left on the 28th in bad health, and we have not got another yet.

September 9. Elsie Sandieson returned on the 4th Sept. Have not had good harvest weather. There has only been two days we have not been broken since commencing, otherwise everything has got on remarkably well.

Mrs Forsyth's death. Cattle sales and keep.
Sept 9th 1887.

We have a week's work at cutting. Each one lifts and binds for himself, and they find they can do the work easier than when going in pairs. Sandy Forsyth's wife died last night at 3 o'clock and is to be buried on Monday (12th) at 12 o'clock. She has been ill for a long time and got gradually weaker. Sold two black polled quoys to J. Hay on the 1st for £13 each. Bought one of them from Charlie Lobban on 22nd Feb for £8.5 and the other from mason Reid about sixteen months ago for £4.15. Am very bare of pastures. The tares are nearly all used up, and am thinking of commencing to give turnips to four two-year-olds that are scarcely as fat as I would wish.

Bees and Honey.
Sept 9th 1887.

Was at Skeith on the 6th when Mr Hay bought the quoys and a stot at an average of £14.7.6. Was employed most of that afternoon in fixing up Mr Thompson's bees for the winter. Have got the bees at Langlanburn and Craibston driven and otherwise prepared for winter. Cleaned off all the sections this week. Had 40 well sealed 1 lb heather sections, 40 half sealed and about the same number unsealed; besides 14 fairly well finished 2 lb ones. Have driven 3 hives and intend to drive another whenever I can find time. I consider this to be a fairly good honey year. Will have 13 hives for stock, eight of which I consider good, the others only middling. Was unfortunate in losing several in spring and sold some swarms that has reduced the stock this year.

Mr Michie's Bees. Mrs Forsyth's death. Leading. Honey Sale.
Sept 12th 1887.

Was at Mr Michie's on the 10th to drive and prepare his bees for winter. Was very successful in the operations and had a very pleasant day. And was a Mrs Forsyth's funeral to-day and had tea with her Father and Mother etc before coming home. Called at Sandy Murray's and Skeith.

Sept 20th. Have been leading since yesterday morning; and I may say everybody has been doing the same. The weather has been so wet that there has been no leading for the last fortnight, and the grain is a good deal discoloured. Janet Calder and a fish woman came here and bought 30 lbs drained honey at 6d.

Trying to Buy Irish Calves.
Sept 20th 1887.

Went to Keith market on the 14th intending to buy Irish calves but was not pleased with the quality of any in the market. Sandy Taylor of Little Skeith bought eight (over a dram) and as he did not happen to have sufficient money along with him I paid some of them for him and in doing so gave an Irishman a £20 note instead of a £5, and at Auchinhove on my way home before I discovered the mistake. However, I got it back without any trouble. Went with Mr Hay, Cullen to Aberdeen on Friday to see a lot of 330 Irish calves that came to Aberdeen on Wednesday but there was 220 of them sold before we went and as it was the worst of them that were left I did not buy there either. Was introduced to John Milne, Dyce.

Corn in. Irish Calves Bought.
October 3rd 1887.

Have got all the corn into the stackyard to-day. It has bulked better than I could have expected; forty-two stacks and although most of them are rather small,. it is very good considering the dryness of the season and the crop in general. It has been got in in fair condition without much difficulty and is to all appearances keeping well.

Went to Aberdeen on the 26th to buy Irish calves and returned by the 3.35 mail train next morning. Mr Forbes, of Auchmore was along with me and between us we bought forty calves from Hugh McDavitt at £5.5 per head. I am pleased with the quality of the calves but grudged the prices a little. He had 24 and I had 16.

Visitors. Mrs McWillie's Funeral.
October 3rd 1887.

Two of mine are for Langlanburn and two for Upperskeith. Have 4 quoys and 8 stots. Was very hospitably entertained by Mr McDavitt. Got supper, bed, breakfast and a bottle of pure Irish whisky from him. We have many a joke over the whisky. The bottle is named McDavitt after the donor. Have had visits from James Smith of Upper Blairock and Mr Thomson of Skeith. They both think a deal of the calves.

Was at the funeral of Mrs McWillie of Coldhome on the 28th. Drove to Botriphnie with Grant the horsedealer, spent two hours with my aunt and returned to Keith per rail. Saw a good many relations at the funeral.

M.I. Society. Cattle Sales. Visitors.
October 7th 1887.

Was at the first meeting of the M.I. Society on Tuesday night. There were not many present but we had a pleasant meeting. 'Is novel reading beneficial' is to be the first debate. George Taylor is to take the affirmative, and I am to have the negative side. Sold four cattle to Gordon Rhind of Keith on the 5th at £16.5 each. Bought one of them from James Ingils on 13th April for £12. Two from Gammie, Bracobrae  on 26 April for £20.10 and one from Langlanburn on June 11th for £13.15, which leaves a profit of £18.10 for keep. Have had Mr Clark, Midskeith, Sandy Taylor and James Spence seeing the Irish calves. They all think them good.

October 10th. Had Mr Robertson, Myreton seeing the Irish calves

Visitors. Weather. Newmill Market.
October 12th 1887.

and Peter Gordon buying honey on the 8th. Had also a visit from Isa. Robertson and the nurse from the shooting lodge yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. We have had three days of almost continuous rain, and is still very wet to-day. Have the cattle all inside and am requiring about three loads of turnips per day.

Oct 12th. Just returned from Newmill market where I sold the old grey cow to Mr Hay, Paithwick for £13. I did no other business. The market consisted chiefly of Highland and west country cattle with a sprinkling of home bred stirks. It has been a very wet day. My coat and trousers were quite soaked. Was very hospitably entertained by Jamie Robertson of Sunnybrae. Commenced ploughing stubble yesterday.

Steam Mill. Calves Ill.
October 20th 1887.

And Alexr Lamb's steam mill on the 15th and threshed two stacks barley and six of oats. There was a good yield of grain. Sold 12 qrs of barley to Mr Roberts, brewer 53 lbs at 16/- and have about 2 qrs of light barley. There must have been about 5 qrs per acre. Have not measured the oats yet. Got a capital day for threshing and everything nicely tidied up. Had four people from Craibston, four from Langlanburn, three from Upperskeith, one from Midskeith, Sandy Taylor, John Bennett, John Currie, our own hands and the steam mill men keeping everything going.
One of the Irish calves had a severe attack of inflammation on the 17th. Had Mr Anderson to treat it. He examined the others and found that some of the others were rising in temperature and would soon have been ill. He treated five of them. They are all recovering.

Stone Dykes. Cullen House. Barclay Sold. Aunt's visit.
October 20th 1887.

The stone dykers have been working at Langlanburn for the last week. Bennet the mason is to be to put in a lintel for turnip shed and make a cement water trough.
Was at Cullen House on Monday and the valuation of the houses at Langlanburn etc. The Architect has fixed the value at £200. Was at Cullen and Glenglassaugh on 19th selling barley. Mr Roberts the brewer is to give me 16/6 for 54 lbs. A very small price indeed but it is all I can make of it. Annie was at Earlsmill station to-day to meet my aunt from Botriphnie, who has come on a visit. Thomas Duncan, Kirktown's brother came down with them. He is a very lively, talkative old man of 79 years of age, and does not fear a six mile walk.

Potato lifting. Stubble dunging. Lectures. W. Gordon Patents.
October 26th 1887.

Commenced to lift the potatoes at Langlanburn. Have three hired hands and expect two or three more to-morrow. They are an excellent crop. Put all the summer made dung on the field at the back of mill. It got at the rate of three loads to two drills. Was at a committee meeting of the M.I. Society last night. The principal business was to arrange about a course of lectures that are to be got. Both the ministers of the parish are to assist in procuring lecturers. William Gordon of Broadrashes is to be asked to give a lecture, and I am asked to be chairman. I have not consented to it. It is not a job I at all relish. Mr Gordon has taken out patents for printing type setting machine and land tilling machine. I examined the model of the land tilling

Blairock. Potatoes. Knowes.
October 20th 1887.

 machine. It is ingeniously constructed and looks like a workable affair. I hope it may be of value to him. I had a visit from him on Sunday evening. We discussed Ministers and religion. Annie paid a visit to Blairock yesterday afternoon.

November 4th. This is the sixth day we have been lifting potatoes. Was three at Langlanburn, and this is now the third one here. Will have 55 loads of about 14 bushels each off 2 1/4 acres. They are all champions except 2 1/2 loads. Spent the evening of the 25th very pleasantly at Knowes. Mr and Mrs Wilson want Jamie to come home again. They feel the want of him very much. I have written and told him so.

Keith market. Stove and sections. Windyhills Stot. Aunt.
November 5th 1887.

Was at Keith market yesterday, but did not buy any cattle. Beasts of every kind were selling well. Am in a position to buy a few good keepers, but am afraid cattle will not maintain the present value through the winter. Bought a parafin stove for 3/-. Got £1 from G. Kynoch & son for 18 1lb sections of honey, and did various items of business in town. Had a visit from Mr Wilson, Knowes this afternoon.

Nov 10th. Went out on Monday to buy keeping beasts and bought a stot from Mr Craib, Windyhills for £14.10 and sold him to-day to Wm Hay for £16. Annie was at Keith on Tuesday with my aunt who is returning home again after staying two weeks and four days. She's in good health and spirits and appears to have enjoyed her visit. She is eighty years old.

Architect. Hallow Fair. Broadrashes.
November 10th 1887.

Had Mr Smith, Architect, and Mr Bennett, mason seeing the houses at Langlanburn and the new byre here. They arranged about getting the ??? taken into the dwelling house at Langlanburn.

Was at Hallow Fair yesterday and engaged the servants for the winter. Wages are much lower and a great many are unengaged. I was sorry for many of the married men that did not get a chance of feeing. It was a nice day and I rather enjoyed the market seeing so many acquaintances. I stabled the pony at Cultain and saw his stock. His cattle are good the calves specially so. Spent a few hours and had tea at Broadrashes on my way home. Our principal topics was the lecture on home rule Mr Gordon is to give and the conservatives meeting that was in Keith on Saturday.

Cornhill market. Library. Turnip storing. Corn.
November 10th 1887.

Bought two Irish stirks in Cornhill to-day for £21 from Addison the dealer. Keepers were in demand at good prices. George Smith of Blairock was my constant companion. He bought one stot at £11. We had a great to do as we managed the transactions. Left the stots and had tea at Knowes on my way home.

Nov 12th. The annual meeting of the library committee was held last night. We discussed matters until 10 o'clock There was a great deal of skirlin' for a' the woo'.. It was resolved to invest £3 that is on hand in new books, and Graham McBain was elected a member of committee in the room of James Wilson. Commenced to store turnips to-day. Am driving them to the back of new byre.

Houses Paid. Horses neck broke. Quoy sold. Visiting and Visitors. Keith Market.
November 19th 1887.

Was at Cullen House on Monday and got paid for the houses at Langlanburn. Mr Smith valued them at £200 and we accepted that valuation. While I was in Cullen a horse belonging to Mr Urquhart, baker,  ran away and broke its neck by dashing against the corner of the Post Office. Mr Hay, Cullen was here on Tuesday and bought the white quoy I purchased from John Clark, Hoggie in the July Cornhill market. I have £6.5 for keeping her since then. On Wednesday I was at Broadrashes and Littleskeith in the forenoon and had David Smith of Upperblairwick on a  visit in the afternoon. Annie and Mrs Riddoch were at Keith doing messages. Friday was Keith feeing market. It was extremely dull and many were not engaged. Was not there.

George Peterkin. Garden of Langlanburn.
November 19th 1887.

Was at Cullen to-day to meet my cousin George Peterkin. Have got 50 loads of turnips stored.

Nov 22nd. A good deal of my time since Saturday has been spent with my cousin G. Peterkin. Annie drove him most of the way to the station to-day. He is not very strong in the meantime. There has been two of the Cullen House men putting the garden in order at Langlanburn. They are erecting the fence to the burnside and planting a beech hedge inside it. They are to plant a number of ornamental trees etc. The worst fault I can see to it is that it is too large. There will be too much work to keep it. Jeannie was anxious that the bise should be included for the sake of the bees and strawberries for ???.

Visits to Midskeith and Craibstone. Temperance Lecture.
November 25th 1887.

Went to Midskeith on the evening of the 23rd to ask the school for an entertainment that has been arranged for by the library committee. Mr Clark refused it. It would take too long to state his reasons and they are so paltry as not to be worth, just mere excuses for showing a little authority. However I hope to obtain it through the other members. Spent the evening of yesterday with Mr Shepherd. Mr Lorimer the farrier was there attending a mare that was ailing. The land laws, the feeding of cattle, etc was discussed. Midskeith got a severe handling about his refusing the school etc, etc. Annie and Mrs Riddoch were hearing at temperance lecture by a Mr Blackwood. They say he spoke well and they enjoyed it very much.

Cloth presented. Calves. Visits and Visitors.
November 25th 1887.

Have got a present of cloth for a pair of trousers from Mrs Wright of Upperskeith. It is good hand-made tweed, cost her 1/10 1/2 per yd for weaving. Am going across there just now to assist Alexr to get up a reading for the M.I. Society. The Daisy cow that was bought from their S. Wright threw a pair of twin calves at four months. I blame too many turnip tops for being the cause.

Nov 29th. Annie and Mrs Riddoch were at Langlanburn on Saturday evening and Robt Duncan was here. Feeding of stock and the garden at Langlanburn were the chief topics of conversation. Was at church yesterday and had Wm Gordon in the evening. He is always in good humour and spirits. We were discussing the books that would be suitable for the library.

Honey Sale. Journey. President of Temperance Society.
November 29th 1887.

It is frosty to-day and the ground is slightly covered with snow. Have packed a box of 2 lb sections for Gordon & Smith, Aberdeen. I am to get 7d per lb. Mr Shepherd is to take it to the station for me.

December 1st. Went to see David Wood who is a member of the school board about having the school for the entertainment. He has got no objections. Thence to Wm Brander's and let turnips to store to his son Alec at 5/- per acre. Then to Berryhillock and did several small items of business there. Was at a meeting about the entertainment in the evening and was honoured by an invitation to become president of the temperance society in room of Mr Walker F.C. Minister who is leaving.

Keith Market. Drains. Weather. J. Wilson.
December 3rd 1887.

Was at Keith market yesterday and bought two Irish stots from McHattie for £18.10. Robert Duncan bought one for £8.10. He is to try to sell it at a profit. He refused £9 on the way home. Cattle of every kind were selling well. Beef top 60/-. Hay the Flesher and Mr Shepherd were here to-day. Hay bought two stots from Mr Shepherd for £37. I was over the ground that is to be drained at Langlanburn showing to Stephen the contractor. Expect the drains to be commenced next week. The last few days have been particularly mild and warm for the season of the year. We have been persevering at the turnip storing and have now 110 loads of yellows stored. I had a visit from my friend Jamie Wilson last night. He came about 4 and stayed until 11 o'clock. It would be too tedious to mention the subjects we discussed. Suffice to say we spent a pleasant evening. He is now engaged at Georgetown Aberlour.

Backies Valuation 1888.

Backies Deskford 9 July 1888.

I have this day carefully examined the following subjects on this farm which belonged to the late John McWillie and find my awards as from the first of June last ??.

Live Stock.
Horses.

one Chesnut horse        £40
one Chesnut mare        £26
one Brown mare            £16
one Gray mare aged with foal at foot    £15
two two year old colts        £40                                    £137

Cattle

four ???        £55.10
five two year olds??
???

Implements

Threshing mill £14 two barn ??? £2.15??        £16.15
Corn baggs 26/- two sieves 8d two forks 2/-        £1.8.8
Rake 1/6d three grapes scraper 3/4 ??? spades 3/-        7/7
Three box harrows 39/- turnip cutter 5/-        £2.4
sowing basket 2/- bushel basket 4/6d        6/6
potato shovel 1/6d feeding troughs 2/3d        3/9
shim harrow 18/- chill plough 15/-        £1.13
two single ploughs £2 one drill plough £2.10    £4.10
two pairs harrows 35/- Grubber 30/-        £3.5
??? four swingtrees 9/- metal roller £3.5        £3.14
meal chest 15/- washing stool 9d two tubs 2/6d        18/3
cheese presser 2/- cattel bindings 17/6d        19/6
Three box carts two taps £10.10        £10.10
old pheaton £1 two ladders 3/-        £1.3
                                                    -----------------
                                                         £47.18.3   £476.19

Brought forward  £47.18.3     £47.6.19

The whole of horse harness including stal collars bindings combs brushes £5.14        £5.14     £53.12.3

Farm produce

New grass suposed 16 acres    £36
Second grass suposed 16 acres    £20.16
Third grass suposed 16 acres        £17.12
Labour done on fallow do 14 acres        £14.7
Dung for turnips suposed 25.2 cubic yds        £47.13.4
Grass clover seds sowing                        £6.8
Peats 25/- wire fencing in whole £18.14.1        £19.19.1     £162.15.5
                                                                                          ------------
                                                                                           £698.6.8

??? extra measurement of Grass        £19.9
                                 B?? ??            £1                              £20.9
                                                                                          ----------
Amounting to                                                                      £672.17.8

 

 

Crop        £188.19.8
                ------------
                 £861.17.4

Accounts, Rent, etc        £272.13.3

                             2| 589.4.1

                            £294.12.0 1/2