The following article appeared in the TRANSACTIONS OF THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND, published in 1875. Although it is not directly related to the Parish of Buittle, it is a very valuable description of the state of agriculture in Galloway in the second half of the 19th Century, as well as accounting many historical explanations and observations. As the Parish is generally of an agricultural nature, it must describe the farming and rural history of our area.
As it's quite a lengthy article, it has been broken into 3 sections - links have been provided for ease of navigation.
ON THE AGRICULTURE OF THE STEWARTRY OF KIRKCUDBRIGHT AND WIGTOWNSHIRE.
By THOMAS MACLELLAND, North Balfern, Kirkinner, Wigtownshire.
[Premium�Thirty Sovereigns.]
It is proposed in the following report to give; �
1. A General and Statistical Account of the two Counties.
2. The Nature and Condition of the different Soils.
3. Some details of the Peculiarities of the Climate.
4. Some of the Reclamations and Improvements effected during the last twenty-five years.
5. A Sketch of the Early State of Agriculture in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.
6. Some of the Causes which led to its Advancement.
7. A Sketch of the present System of Farming.
8. Details of the Modes of the Cultivation of the Corn Crops and their Produce.
9. An Account of the Harvesting, Thrashing, and Marketing.
10. Details of the Cultivation and Manuring of the Green Crops.
11. A Description of the Galloway Cattle and Manner of Rearing.
12. The Details of the Rearing, Wintering, and Grazing of other Cattle.
13. The System of Cattle Feeding.
14. The System of Sheep Breeding.
15. The System of Sheep Feeding.
16. A Description of the Moorland and the Management of the Mountain Sheep.
17. A Sketch of the Dairy System and Details of Dairy Management.
18. The Management of the Permanent Pasture and Meadow Land.
19. A Sketch of the Present and Past Condition of the Farm Labourers and the Cottage Accommodation.
20. Remarks on the Farm Buildings.