By the Rev. Mr William McKenzie, and the Rev. Mr Hugh Ross
Advantage of long Leases:
Nothing, indeed, now is wanting to make them as industrious as the Lowlanders, but the introduction of commerce, manufactures, and long leases to the farmers. By the want of long leases, they are discouraged from improving their farms, and building comfortable houses on them. The dread of being removed, when an avaricious neighbour offers an augmentation, and an unfeeling master accepts the bribe of iniquity, ties down the hand of industry, and prevents its operation from extending any further than to labour the antient fields, and patch up the old cottage. There are two respectable farmers in this parish who have obtained tolerable long leases some years ago; in consequence of which they have built very commodious houses, inclosed considerable parts of their farms, and are employing every possible method to meliorate every pendicle belonging to them; from which it is evident, that it contributes to the interest of the proprietor to give long leases, as well as to the happiness of the tenant; for, at the expiration of such leases, a double rent an be afforded to be given.
Miscellaneous Observations:
The sea weeds, commonly used as manure, are the tang and kelp ware, which are got in abundance. But besides these, there is another kind of ware, resembling kelp ware, of an unctuous appearance, so very rich, that it must be cut into small pieces, and spread thin, otherwise the crop would be too luxuriant. It is called in Gaelic, semman nan portan, (crab ware) from the number of crabs found amongst it. Notwithstanding the great quantity of ware, there is but little kelp made in this parish. - There are numbers of small stones, found in the Rabbit Islands, of a ruddy colour, which here and there emit broken rays of light, and are supposed to be garnet. Mr M'Kay of Bighouse has got a specimen of them. - Thunder and lightning are frequent; but seldom followed by any pernicious consequences. About 60 years ago, there were two men killed by lightning near Torrisdale. As this is not a corn country, there is not one ale-house in the parish. There is only one inn, near the church, where good entertainment can be got. This paucity of public houses has most salutary effects on the morals of the people. It is now a rare thing to see a man drunk among them; whereas, in living memory of many, when the smuggling trade prevailed, and foreign liquor abounded in every district, outrages of different kinds were most daringly committed. During the course of the year 1790, no person has been committed to any jail from this parish; nor has any criminal prosecution been commenced against any in it, from time immemorial, one instance excepted.
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