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It was by a similar plan, that potatoes were first introduced in*to the Hebrides . The inhabitants were as ignorant of the use ofthis plant, and as much averse to the cultivation of it, as theynow are of the value of turnip. But the Laird of Clanronald,in the year 1743, first introduced potatoes from Ireland . Withall the solicitude of a parent, he assembled his tenants together,as soon as he arrived with his cargo. He pointed out and ex-plained to them the mode of cultivating such a crop. But, withone consent, they refused'to accept of, or to plant this valuableroot. By an exertion of that authority, which the chief of aclan could exercise, he compelled them to make the attempt.But after the crop was raised in autumn, some of the tenantsbrought it to their landlord’s gate, saying, that he might indeedcompel them to plant such foolish roots, but they should notbe forced to eat them. In a short lime, however, they sawtheir error; and the potatoe was found to be, and is still called,the Poor man’s boll, as a proof of the high estimation in whichit is held.
It is by similar exertions, and such an example, that turnips andother green crops can be introduced or cultivated with success inthe Highlands and Hebrides .
By cultivating it, much sandy land might be reclaimed—mostof their infield land would be cleaned and enriched—green foodmight be provided in winter for their stock—the breed, both ofblack cattle and sheep, might be greatly improved in size and va-lue—more dung would be raised—more cattle reared—and theland would become more productive of grain—while many thou-sands of cattle might be saved from disease and want, and abso-lute starvation in winter.
There are many other species of green crops, of equal value,and some even better adapted for the soil and climate of theHebrides and Highlands, than common turnip. The Swedishturnip, (ruta baga), is in particular to be recommended, asone of the hardiest roots that is known. It subsists during theseverity of winter, and serves as green food, after the turnip de-cays in spring. Even after it springs afresh, its root remains firmand fit for use, which is not the case with turnip. Of course,both the young shoots, and the old root, serve as food during thecritical months of April and May, when winter fodder is gene-rally gone, and when the grass in the fields has scarcely sprung.
In short, if the tenant were properly instructed, and encour-aged by his landlord, to extend the culture of every species olgreen crop, and introduce them in a proper course of rotation,the soil of the Hebrides and Highlands would by this means berendered far move prolific of food for man and beast.
But cattle, not corn, are the staple commodity, and the chiefproduction of these districts. To improve the breed, and in-crease the stock of cattle, is also in the power of the tenant, es.ps-
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