Scottish agricultural implement makers

The world of potato harvesting was changed in 1855 with the development of Mr John Hanson’s potato digger. In essence, this was the forerunner of the potato spinner that became the most widely used machine for digging the potato harvest until after the Second World War. Mr Hanson’s machine was the subject of a number of trials in that year and in the following ones. While it was seen to have both advantages and disadvantages over the potato plough, in following years it started to become more widely adopted and seen as an important machine for the raising of the crop.

The following newspaper articles set out the different phases of the introduction of this important machine, from the early trials, through to its early adoption and more widespread used and acceptance by farmers:

The first exhibition in Ireland (from Elgin courier, 26 October 1855)

“Hanson’s potato-digging machine

The first exhibition of this important invention was at the late Belfast Meeting of Agriculturists, in connection with the Irish North-East Agricultural Society. It is thus described:-the potato-digging machine is drawn by two horses, and supported by four wheels, from the onward progress of which the mechanism which performs the digging derives the required motion, the necessary power to scatter the tubers, break up the soil, and root up the wheels; and it is in every and all these respects alike useful and ingenious, on account of the combination of important results which arise from its digging and revolving operations. It is not only capable of digging the potato from every description of soil, without exposing the tubers to any risk of being injured, but, while it performs its work most efficiently and economically in these respects, it is also calculated to break up and pulverise tough and adhesive soils; and, by the revolving operation of the fork spades, forming the machinery which cleanly scatter out the roots, it effects at the same time the most complete mixing of the manure with the earth, and roots up and shakes out the weeds, and brings them to the surface.

Trial near Glasgow (from Glasgow examiner, 3 November 1855)

“Hanson’s potato digging machine

A most useful and ingenious machine, invented by Mr Hanson of Ballycalket Doagh, Belfast, for the purpose of superseding land labour in raising potatoes, and lately used with great success, in Ireland, was tried, the other day, on the farm of Mr Renwick, Garbraid, near Glasgow, in the presence of a large gathering of agriculturists. The implement, which is simple enough to recommend itself at once to the potato grower, consists of an open timber frame, bearing some resemblance to a hand-cart. The back part of the frame is supported upon a pair of large running wheels, set upon a transverse rotating axle, on the central portion of which is a bevil wheel driving a bevil, fast on the forward end of a longitudinal shaft, carried in bearings in the centre of the frame. The rear end of this shaft projects beyond the frame, and carries a wheel or ring of radial digging forks, disposed like the paddle arms of a steamer and revolving at a right angle to the line of the implement’s path. Immediately beneath the digging wheel, there is a broad horizontal ploughing-share, carried by the frame, the share surface being just clear of the tips of the digging forks as they revolve in working. This plough piece, which is adjustable vertically to suit the depth of action required, passes along beneath the drill of potatoes, deep enough to lift up both the manure and the potatoes. In this way, as the manure and the potatoes are elevated upon the share, the rotatory action of the forks scatters out the potatoes, which can then be easily removed. The front portion of the digger is supported upon a pair of small adjustable running wheels, so contrived that the attendant can set the front end of the frame up or down by merely shifting a vertical lever. The machine is drawn by a pair of horses attached to this end of the frame, and, as the share passes along and brings up the earth, manure, and potatoes, it lifts the entire mass within range of the revolving forks, and every potatoe is this thrown out of the drill ready for hand gathering. The trial which we witnessed on the Gairbraid farm was completely successful. Each drill was disembowelled with surprising rapidity, and we remarked that not one of the potatoes seemed to be marked by the forks.-Practical Mechanic’s Journal.”

A trial in East Lothian (from Edinburgh advertiser, 16 November 1855)

“Potato digging machine

A trial of a potato digging machine took place on the farm of Athelstaneford, New Mans (Mr Douglas’s), a few days since. The machine is invented and patented by Mr John Hanson of Doiagh, Belfast. There were a number of the agriculturists of the neighbourhood present, among whom were Mr George Hope, Fentonbarns; Mr Rbert Scot Skirving, Camptoun; Mr Reid, Drem; Mr Oliver, West Fourtoun; Mr Scott, Beanston; Messrs Tod, Castle Mains; and Mr Binnie, Seaton Mains. The day was good, and the machine, under the superintendence of the inventor, progressed steadily-digging one drill at a time, and scattering thoroughly out the tubers. The work was very satisfactorily done, few, if any, of the potatoes being injured or left unexposed by the process. The machine is of a very simple although of ingenious construction, and is worked easily by a pair of horses. It has a broad sock or elevator for penetrating the drill and raising the dung and tubers, which are scattered out regularly to the right by the revolving plate at the end of the machine, to which are attached forks. The motion of the sock is got by the draught; the other by two bevel wheels on the axle of the wheels of the carriage, which give motion to the revolving plate; it has also attached a screen or guard for confining the scattering of the tubers to a space of three or four feet, which allows of their being gathered with greater facility. In digging with this machine it is not necessary to cut or pull the tops of the potatoes, which forms such a formidable item of expense when taken up to prepare for the plough. Considering that a very efficient job can be made of 2 ½ Scotch acres of crop per day by a pair of horses with ease, Mr Hanson’s potato digger cannot be but regarded as a great auxiliary in potato lifting.-North British Agriculturist.”

A trial in Perthshire (from Inverness courier, 14 August 1856)

“Trial of Hanson’s potato-digger at Earnside

A trail of this newly-invented implement for lifting potatoes, was made on Mr Kay’s farm, at Earnside, on Saturday last, The machine is drawn by a pair of horses, with a draught about equal to the common plough. The wheels, about three feet high, run one on each side of the drill that is to be dug up. An iron plate fixed like the sock of the common drill harrow passes under the drill when the machine is set in motion, and a prolonged wheel with twelve spokes strikes the loosened frill cross-wise and throws the potatoes and earth to the right side, leaving the potatoes exposed on the land. The experiment was completely successful, and a number of the agriuclturists who were present expressed their satisfaction with the result, and orders were given to the patentee for several of the diggers. The machine will dig about three acres per day, and when in full operation will require twelve hands to glean after it.-Forres Gazette.”

A trial against other machines (from Glasgow courier, 26 September 1857)

“Trial of potato digging machines

The trial of the potato-digging machines, entered for competition at the late highland Society’s Show, took place on Thursday, on Mr Drew’s farm at Carmyle, in presence of a large number of agriculturists, and of several of our own citizens. Mr Hall maxwell was unable to attend, but Mr McCowan, the local secretary, was present. The judges were Mr Arthur Mather factor on Eaglesham estate; Mr Peter Drew, Carmyle; Mr Andrew Renwick, Gairbraid; and Mr Alexander Murdock, Hilton. Five machines had been entered for competition, but only four came forward. They belonged to the following gentlemen, viz:-

Messrs Smith Brothers & Co., Kingston Engine Works, Glasgow

– Kemp, Murray & Nicholson, Haddington

– Robert Scott, Revoch, Eaglesham.

After a trial, which lasted upwards of two hours, the judges unanimously awarded the premium to the machine exhibited by Messrs Smith Brothers, which is a Hanson’s patent, made by the exhibitors, with improvements in raising and lowering the coulter and front wheels. This machine performed the work in a very efficient manner, completely lifting the drills from the bottoms with the incline sock, whilst the revolving forks thoroughly separated the potatoes from the earth by throwing them up in the air, when they are caught by a netted screen, and deposited compactly on the surface for the gatherers. The other machines also dis their work very satisfactorily, showing that by this new intervention labour and expense are much economised. In fact, the drills were opened up, and the potatoes thrown out as quick as the horses could walk. It was considered by some of the gentlemen that the draught was rather severe, but this is a fault which, it is hoped, it will not be difficult to remedy. Mr Hanson was present, and was highly and deservedly complimented. At the close of the competition, Mr Drew very courteously, entertained the judges and a number of the other gentlemen present to lunch.”

The Ayr Show of the Ayrshire Agricultural Association was one of the most important agricultural shows for implements and machines in Scotland. The most important one was the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

The Ayr Show as important not only for local makers but also those coming from further afield, especially in Glasgow and Edinburgh. It was also attended by some of the major English makers such as John Fowler & Co., Leeds.

The west of Scotland newspapers, including the Ayrshire newspapers and the Glasgow herald published extensive accounts on what was exhibited at the show. The agricultural newspapers such as the North British agriculturist also published accounts.

The following accounts reveal a lot of information on the show and what implements were available to Ayrshire agriculturists in 1888. This includes

A context to the display, including trends in the development of implement and machine making, as well as who was exhibiting and what they were exhibiting.

Ayrshire Agricultural Association show (from the Ayrshire Advertiser, 24 April 1888)

“The implements

Notwithstanding the long depression of trade, and the too well known want of money among farmers, the exhibition of implements and machines is fully up to that of any previous year. We were afraid at one time that the attraction of the International Exhibition at Glasgow would have taken away many who have hitherto attended at Ayr, but no such falling off is visible. It is true there is nothing specially new, but before hearing the judges’ report we are inclined to think that improvements of considerable value are generally to be found in many of the stalls, and the walk round the sheds containing the machines and implements is quite as attractive this year as in any one previous. Among the first in number, and, we may add, in importance, we find as usual the great stand of Jack & Sons, Maybole, with the genial Mr Marshall in attendance, and nearly 100 entries. Mowers and reapers in endless variety, carts and barrows, chaff cutters, turnip slicers and pulpers, all of the newest make, and too numerous to particularize. Indeed, Mr Marshall makes a first-rate show of his own. Next to this stand we have Thomas Bradford’s exhibition of churns and washing machines, which is specially attractive this year. Ladies especially would do well to visit this stand, for it may well be called the domestic stand of the show-yard, and many of the articles must be seen-a description only can give a very imperfect idea of the exhibits. Passing over several stands of more or less importance, but all deserving of some attention, we come to another Maybole exhibitor, Thomas Hunter, whose display is certainly as attractive this year as formerly, new ploughs, rollers, grubbers, scarifiers, turnip cleaners and cutters, make up 70 exhibits, many of them deserving careful attention Ayr Show seems to be also improving in its turn out of carriages, gigs and dogcarts. Mr Robertson and Mr Bryden, Ayr; Messrs Smith and Duncan, Kilmarnock; Mr Holmes, Irvine; Wm Goudie, Whithoen; Sloan & Lonard, Penman & Son. Dumfries, have all stands,a nd exhibits very neat machines of various kinds. They certainly are elegant, seemingly strong, and considering the high finish are much cheaper than formerly. Mr J. P. Cathcart’s stand as usual deserves a special notice of Wood’s improved Binder, and various other agriculture implements which Mr Cathcart has always kept well to the front.

Cumnock is represented with stands occupied by John Andrew, chemist, and George McCartney & Co., and John Drummond & Son, millwrights. Kilmarnock by W. G. Highet, with a good lot of dairy utensils, and D. Proctor & Co., engineers. Among local exhibitors we notice Mr Thomas Brown, cooper, with an excellent lot of butts and chissets. Mr James Mackie, millwright, has churns and cheese presses of improved quality, and other articles, which makes up an attractive stand. Daniel Wyllie & Co. as usual exhibits samples of their manures. Mr T. L. B. Robertson shows some famed bee keeping appliances. Mr Walsh, brassfounder, has some very fine specimens of his workmanship.

Whitletts, near Ayr, is well represented by Mr Robert Cook and Mr Robert Wallace. The former has carts, and the latter a splendid selection of agricultural implements. Other well-known firms deserving of special mention are Mr John Young, Jun, New Cumnock, with reapers and mowers, potato diggers, and land rollers. And Mr Andrew Pollock, Mauchline, has a first-rate thrashing machine and other useful implements. It is matter of much regret to us to miss the appearance of Messrs J. & J. Young, so long one of the best of our exhibitors, but we hope soon to see their works started again. We leave the judges’ report a fuller notice of what, taking together, is an excellent implement show.”

What was on display at the Highland Show in 1890?

In 1890 the Highland Show was held at Dundee, in the Perth Show District. This was one of the more important districts for the display of agricultural implements and machines. However, in 1890 there was an agricultural depression which was to continue into the start of the next decade. This had an impact on the farming systems used (including area under crop), the amount of money farmers had to spend, the types of new implements and machines being developed and on sale, and interest in what was being exhibited. These factors helped to shape the character of implements and machines at the Highland Show in that year.

“In such a busy commercial centre, it was only to be expected that there would be a good general display of farm implements. Not only have the local manufacturers and agents turned out in full strength, but there are many exhibitors from both north and south of the Tay; while a good few of the leading makers from the south side of the Tweed are, as usual, well represented.

There is, however, very little of a really new or novel character on exhibition. Various kinds of the implements such as potato diggers, harvesting machinery, &c, have been improved and perfected where this was possible since last season; but, as a general rule, there is little or nothing that will strike the visitor as radically new or much in advance of anything that has been seen for the past few years. All the exhibitors, however, have striven to make their collections as comprehensive and complete as possible; and the probability is that visitors will find this important department as well stocked, and as interesting at the Dundee Show as at most of the previous meetings of the Society. The competitive trials are this year confined to grist mills, for which prizes of £15 and £10 are offered. The price of the machine is not to exceed £25, and to be limited to eight horse power, and the mill is to be able to knibble or grind all kinds of grain. There are seventeen machines entered by the following exhibitors:-Blackstone & Co., Stamford; W. N. Nicholson & Sons, Newark; Woodroffe & Co., Rugeley; Wm Balfour, Pittenweem; Barford & Perkins, Peterborough; and R. G. Morton, Errol. The judges in this competition will conduct their operations simultaneously with those in the stock departments; and it is expected that the awards will be announced in the course of the second day of the show. Appended are a few notes of the various stands picked up in the course of a hurried walk through the implement yard on Monday-

Messrs J. D. Allan & Sons, Dunkeld, occupy as usual stand no. 1 with a large selection of their well known farm implements. Quite a new one is a turnip cutting cart for sheep, which Messrs Allan have recently introduced to meet a growing demand. It is specially suited for the requirements of those who purchased blackfaced cast ewes for fattening on the ow ground. The turnips are loaded into the cart and are cut as they are distributed by a Gardener’s revolving turnip cutter fitted underneath the cart, the power being supplied from the motion of the wheels. The turnips are cut into finger pieces and distributed with regularity all over the field. The operation is performed much more easily and expeditiously than by being cut first, then loaded and shovelled out, as by the old method.

Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, of Keith, occupy the next place with neat collection of very serviceable implements. Besides a turnip and mangold sower, ridging plough, and broadcast sower, this firm show their steel tined keyed harrows in several sizes. These harrows have from their efficiency obtained a good reputation for their strength and firmness, while it claimed for them that they will wear about twice the time of the ordinary harrow.

Messrs Bisset & Sons, Blairgowrie, have the largest stand in the showyard in the implement shedding, and here we find the “Speedwell” reaper, which for efficient back delivery and light working enjoys a good name, and also the “Bisset” mower, a new pattern machine which has done excellent service in the hay harvest this year, Two binders are also shown, but it is at Messrs Bisset’s other stand, in the machinery in motion section, that these now famous machines are to be seen to advantage.

Mr Thomas Hunter, of Maybole, amongst a very large selection of cultivating implements, shows the “Hunter” hoe-a remarkably serviceable little implement, which can be adapted to a great many purposes. It can be used for cleaning turnip drills previous to thinning, for ridging and grubbing potato drills, or it can be adapted to serve as an expanding drill harrow, or as a five tined drill grubber. The side frames being angle steel, are very rigid; and although the general appearance of the implement is light, it is nevertheless strong enough for the stiffest soils. Although this is one of the handiest little instruments we have seen for the requirements of green crop growers.

Stand No. 8 is occupied by Mr William Elder, of Tweedside Implement Works, Berwickshire on Tweed. Prominent among his exhibits is the Brantford steel binder, made by Messrs Harris, Sons & Co, of Brantford, Ont., Canada, who claim to be the largest manufacturers of self-binding harvesters in Her Majesty’s Dominions. This machine is strongly built of steel and malleable iron, and is fitted with all the most recent improvements. Mr John Clay, of Kerchesters, Kelso, is also agent for these machines, and has for several seasons cut his entire crop with them, and speaks very highly of their efficiency. This, by the way, is the binder which did such remarkable work in cutting laid crops in Northumberland last season, of which notice was taken at the time in our columns. Now that the harvest is approaching, the labour difficulty has again to be faced. Those who find difficulty in obtaining hands should make a point of inspecting this labour saving implement. Me Elder also exhibits several beautifully finished broadcast sowing machines, fitted with adjustable swivel for going through gateways. Horse rakes, turnip sowers, reapers, and mowers complete this display.

Messrs Kemp & Nicholson, the old-established implement makers, of Scottish Central Works, Stirling, show their “Stirling Castle” self-acting back-delivery reaper, their new “Waverley” reaper and mower, and also their new “North British” reaper and mower, into which steel parts have been introduced in place of iron where strength is required. Amongst their large and varied collection we select for mention their iron sheep fodder rack, which has not been shown at a Highland Show for many years, but which is an invaluable piece of apparatus for flockmasters. The chief novelty, however, on this stand is a cart turnip cutting machine, which is fitted with a revolving slicer for distributing turnips to sheep being fed on grass land. Another very prominent exhibit of this firm’s is a varnished tipping cart of superior finished, with double self-acting lock and elevator.

Messrs Ben Reid & Co., of Aberdeen, have their usual large and important collection. One of the first things to attract attention on this stand is their “Bon Accord” back delivery reaper and rake, which has won for itself a good name all over the north-east of Scotland. Next we observe their patent broadcast sowers, with folding apparatus, and then their patent manure distributor; but the name of “Ben Reid” attached to such implements is sufficient guarantee of their serviceableness, so that further description is needless. Grubbers, pumps, draining rods, garden seats, and hay gatherers are amongst the various specialities of this firm; but a hay baling press, of a new pattern, is a decided novelty.

Messrs Geo. Sellar & Son, Huntly, have, as usual, a very striking collection of ploughs, with long mould boards, adapted for working stiff land. They also show their Anglo-American plough, which is adapted for working on lighter land; while harrows, made of steel, and driven tines, are also a prominent part of this old established firm’s display. It is shown this year with jointed finger bar and a new in-and-out of gear arrangement, for which an additional patent has been applied for. Altogether, this is one of the most efficient and approved harvesters in the market. Chaff cutters, oilcake mills, pulpers, and other food preparing machinery compete this firm’s exhibit.

Messrs Jack & Sons, of Maybole, have a prominent stand, which are to be found specimens of their Caledonian “Buckeye” mower and reaper, which we have often described at former meetings of the Highland Society. Messrs Jack are also strong in cultivating implements as well as food-preparing machinery; while their spring carts and vans, as regards quality of material and workmanship, leave little to be desired.

Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., Banff. This old-established Scotch implement firm was represented at stand No. 20. Amongst their numerous exhibits are to be found their “Victory” back delivery reaper, as designed by the late Mr Murray, who was the first to bring out a back delivery reaper of the light pattern; and it must be gratifying to his successors to see other makers adopting the same principle. Messrs Murray show also their hand lever shearing machine, which can cut a bar of iron an inch thick, owing to the powerful way the leavers are arranged.

Mr Robert Kyd, of Coupar Angus, shows his potato diggers and planters, which we have often fully described.

Messrs Newlands & Son, of Linlithgow, show several very useful general purpose and drill ploughs.

Messrs D. Paterson & Sons, Alloa, show a self-acting horse rake and set of wrought iron whipple trees.

Messrs Thomas Sheriff & Co., Dunbar, are a firm we always expect to find in full at a “Highland”. Their display this year will well sustain the credit of this firm for broadcast sowers, for which they are experiencing a very good demand. Amongst these machines, we observe their broadcast sower which took the Highland Society’s premium at Dumfries, about twenty years ago, and also their machine of more recent type, which came out victorious at the Perth trials of 1888. Their fourteen row lever corn drill, with single wheel steerage and land measuring index, is a very useful machine, so that we are not surprised to learn that Messrs Sherriff find that it has become what we may call a “general favourite”.

Mr William Ford, of Fentonbarns, Drem, shows the “Toronto” binder, which, since its introduction several seasons ago, has attained quite an unprecedented popularity amongst the class who require binders. It is the same as last season, except in one of two minor details.

Mr A. Pollock, of Mauchline, showed his improved hay and straw press and trusser, which has a very ingenious transport arrangement; also his new patent rick shifter, which is now largely used in the west of Scotland. No other of Mr Pollock’s exhibits call for special comment.

Mr John Scoular, of Stirling, shows his patent horse rake, with triple active leverage, in nine different sizes.

Mr Alexander Grant, Rothes, shows a steel single plough, and a steel drill plough of approved pattern.

Mr Wm. Davidson, Mintlaw, is again forward at the “Highland” after a few years’ absence. His artificial manure distributor, and natural manure distributor, are first class machines of their kind, and a large number of visitors to the show were highly pleased with an inspection of these machines.

Mr John Doe, of Errol, who acts as an agent for a great number of important implement makers, has a large stand replete with farm implements of all descriptions.

Messrs Flear & Thomson, of Dunfermline, show Wardlaw’s patent turnip thinner, which is the only implement of this description made on the hortizontal principle, and which, we believe, has done excellent work. In a damp season like the present, when the young plants grow so rapidly, a machine like this is a very valuable acquisition on any farm where there is a large acreage of turnips. On this stand there is also shown a potato dresser, made by Mr Mollison, of Balwearie, Kirkcaldy, which separates the tubers in various sizes by means of a revolving screen with graduated apertures.

Messrs John Wallace & Sons, Graham Square, Glasgow, exhibit at stand 31 a large and interesting collection of reaper and mowers, food preparing machinery, horse rakes, cultivators, &c. Prominent amongst their harvesting implements are their well-known the “City of Glasgow” and “Thistle” reapers, both of which have acquired a wide reputation, and have been largely used for several seasons in both England and Scotland. There also exhibit a combination mower and reaper which is so constructed that it can be either used for back or manual delivery. The famous “Oliver” chilled plough is also seen to great advantage on this stand, the firm having the sole agency in Britain for the sale of this valuable implement.

Messrs John Turnbull & Son, Carnock, Larbert, exhibit at the adjoining stand (30) two specimens of the portable hay or straw trusser with which they won the Society’s prize at the Melrose Show last year. This is a most useful implement on all farms, and it is not only light and simple in working, but exceedingly cheap.

Mr David Williamson, Carron Bridge, Thornhill, has brought all the way from Dumfriesshire, and exhibits at stand 32, several samples of his manufactures, such as farm carts, gardeners’ barrows, navvy’s barrow, and a Laide barrow. These useful articles appear to be substantially made, and are admirably finished.

Messrs Alex Wood & sons, Stockwell Street, Glasgow, make a speciality of farm and other weighing machines, several samples of which they exhibit at stand 53. These machines are made in great variety, and are fitted with all the latest improvements. This firm have recently invented and patented a process which completely removes the difficulty that has often been experienced in registering the exact weight of an article, owing to the vibration of the needle of the dial. By a simple process, the needle is made fast the moment the full weight is attained.”

In the mid 1930s a number of the local newspapers, especially in the north-east, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.

The erection of this plant was a significant occasion. It marked the introduction of new technology, a substantial investment into the farm and its activities as well as a change in the management of the processing of the grain crop. Farms generally marked this occasion with a social event in which neighbours and others were invited to partake in food and drink, and a congenial evening of activities. They also got to see the new mill at work. The feeding of the first sheaf into the mill was at some farms seen to be an important event. That task was sometimes given to a special member on the farm; it could be a long-standing farm servant or a past tenant.

The accounts in the newspapers provide varying amounts of information about the new mills. Sometimes they record the names of the maker of the mill and the mode of power for the mill (water, engine or tractor).

The following are short accounts from newspapers that record the introduction of new threshing mills onto farms in the east of Scotland:

“Arbroath farm new plant

Mr Gordon Glennie, Mains of Letham Arbroath, has had installed by Messrs Craig, Idvies, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, and chaff blast.

The first sheaf was put into the new mill by Mrs Glennie in presence of a number of friends. The new plant is driven by oil engine.” (from Dundee courier, 11 November 1935)

“Knock installation

Messrs Wright Bros., millwrights, Boyne Mills, Portsoy, have installed at the farm of Mains of Raemore, Knock, Rothiemay, occupied by Mr William Adam, farmer, a new threshing mill, with semi high speed drum, driven by a six-horse power Lister Diesel engine. This mill was on view and seen working at the Highland and Agricultural Show at Aberdeen in June.” (from Aberdeen press and journal, 8 November 1935)

“Opening ceremony

Mr John Cunningham, Powguild Farm, has had installed by Messrs R. G. Garvie & Sons, Aberdeen, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, straw and grain conveyors. The plant is electrically driven, and in presence of a number of friends. Mr David Fair, who was tenant of the farm 50 years ago, put through the first load. After this “ceremony” had been duly performed, the party were entertained in the farm house by Mr and Mrs Cunningham, and a few pleasant hours were spent in reminiscent mood. Mr Fair was duly thanked for the part he had taken, and the health and prosperity of Mr and Mrs Cunningham was ably toasted.

(from Fife free press, 23 November 1935)

“Monquhidder installation

Mr Alexander Walker, farmer, Wellside, Balthangie, Monquhitter, has just installed a new threshing mill, twenty seven inch drum, and fitted with the latest improvements in grain-dressing machinery, and driven by a Petter Junior oil engine of 5hp. The mill is designed to deliver the grain in the loft at right angles to the mill. The mill is the work of Mr W. Wilson, millwright, Maud.”

(Aberdeen press and journal, 2 June 1936)

“Mr Wm Winter, Tigerton, Menmuir, has installed a new threshing mill. The machine which was started on Tuesday afternoon, is of the latest pattern, and made an excellent job of dressing the grain.”

(Brechin advertiser, 19 October 1937)

Adverts for displenishing sales are a useful source of evidence to see what implements and machines were used on particular farms at a specific point in time. They may include implements and machines that had been used for decades as well as newer ones and the latest technologies. They can show the preference of particular farmers for certain makers and makes of machinery as well. They can also be used to show how widespread some implements and machines were, especially if they were more specialised.

The following selection of adverts from a number of newspapers across Scotland shows the implements and machines on a small number of farms in 1935. They show widespread mechanisation with up-to-date implements and machines to undertake a wide variety of tasks from ploughing, sowing, cultivation, management, harvesting and processing of crops.

Implements and machines from key makers were noted. They included names such as Thomas Sherriff of West Barns, Thomas Hunter of Maybole and Bisset of Blairgowrie. English and north-American names were also represented for some of the implements and machines. They included well-known names associated with particular products such as Massey Harris for corn drills and binders, and Martin for cultivators.

The farms were using a range of motive power. Some had both tractor and horse implements and machines, with the former focusing largely on ploughing and cultivating implements and machines.

Abbeymill, Haddington (The Scotsman, 6 November 1935)

“Farm implements &c

4 short carts on wheels, 3 long carts on wheels, long cart body, van, 2 “Ransome” ploughs, double moulded plough, 2 sets English harrows, set chain harrows, set spring-toothed harrows, 2 drill grubbers, “Finlayson” grubber, barley brake, “Hunter” hoe, metal roller, Cambridge drill roller, swing roller, “Sheriff” grain drill, “Sherriff” manure distributor, turnip seed sowing machine, “Massey Harris” binder, mower, potato dresser, horse fork, horse rake, 2 hay collectors, 2 hay bogies, swathe turner, hand hay baler, set barn weights, cattle turnip slicer, vice, troughs, stack stances, ladders, 2 henhouses, 2 brooders, “Tamlin” incubator, milk separator, graips, forks, shovels, spades, hoes, scythes, swingletrees, and other small barn and stable utensils. Also 4 sets cart and plough harness. Quantity of surplus household furniture.”

Thomasean, near Milnathort (The Scotsman, 6 November 1935)

“Implements

4 coup carts, 3 flat corn carts (with wings on wheels), 2 corn cart bodies, 1 turnip cutting cart, 2 binders (McCormack and Standard), McCormack mower, 1 Hosier driller, 1 double driller and manure distributor, 1 grass seed sowing machine, 2 rollers, Martin cultivator, 2 horse rakes, 2 tumbling rakes, potato digger, potato planter, potato screen, 3 senior Dux ploughs, 3 110A ploughs, 4 drill ploughs, 1 rigg marker, drill grubber, 3 Hunter hoes, circular harrows, Permiter harrows, chain harrows, 3 sets diamond harrows, 3 drill harrows, scarifier, turnip barrow, manure distributor (Bisset), power turnip cutter, hand turnip cutter, hand and power hay cutter, 30 sheep feeding troughs, 30 sheep turnip troughs, 2 cattle troughs, feeding bin, 6 fireclay troughs, 3 20-gallon boilers, 6 small cattle troughs, 2 metal pig troughs, 2 galvanised troughs, sheep netting and stakes, 4 sheep haikes, steelyard and weights, 4 wheelbarrows, sack barrow, slipe, cart ropes, 3 sack covers, hose, 6 sets iron swing trees, 4 sets wood trees, 3 iron master trees, harness for 3 pairs horses, 5 sets clear haimes, 2 sets clear chains, horse clippers, 6 ladders-14ft to 22ft, scrap, all the byre, barn and stable utensils, bothy furnishings &c. Also a number of hen houses, 2 foster mothers, 1 incubator, chicken runs, &c.

Note-the implements are all in first-class order, the bulk being equal to new.”

Cuiltburn, Muthill (Strathearn herald, 16 November 1935)

“Implements

Coup cart, 2 F.B. carts, corn cart, 3 cart frames, water cart, “Massey-Harris” binder, “Wood” mower, horse rake, potato planter, turnip barrow, 2 rollers, potato digger, 2 hay collectors, cultivator, 3-horse grubber, 2 Dux ploughs, Oliver plough, 2 drill ploughs, 3 sets iron harrows, set circular harrows, set chain harrows, turnip pulper, 2 turnip slicers, sheep troughs, set fanners, cake breaker, weighing machine, wheelbarrow, potato screen, sheep netting, 3 ladders, sack barrow, end-over-end churn, and the usual barn, byre and stable utensils, including 3 sets cart and plough harness.”

Drumness, Auchterarder (Strathearn herald, 16 November 1935)

“Implements

2 coup carts, 1 coup cart, “International” disc driller, broadcast sowing machine, potato digger, “Bisset” binder, “Bisset” mower, turnip barrow, shafted roller, horse rake, hay collector, water barrel, 2 swing ploughs, Dux plough, 110 Oliver plough, 2 drill ploughs, furring-up plough, drill harrow, long harrow, Hunter hoe, iron harrows, chain harrows, saddle harrows, scarifier, S.T. harrows, 3-horse grubber, cake breaker, turnip slicer, potato barrow and riddles, steelyard and weights, ladders, sack barrow, and the whole of the barn, byre and stable utensils, including cart and plough harness for 2 pair, also 2 henhouses, hen coops, dairy utensils, Hathaway churn, and quality of household furniture.”

East Crieffvechter, Crieff (Strathearn herald, 16 November 1935)

“Implements

2 coup carts, 2 coup cart bodies, corn cart, corn cart body, “Massey-Harris” binder, “Bamford” mower, “Jack” potato digger, potato planter, 110A Oliver plough, 10a Oliver plough, Dux plough, 2 drill ploughs, D.F. plough, tractor plough, grass seed machine, turnip barrow, horse rake, hay collector, grain driller, roller, Martin cultivator, drill cultivator, grubber, manure distributor, brake harrows, set harrows, set chain harrows, 2 drill harrows, set circular harrows, turnip pulper, 2 turnip slicers, potato screens, riddles and baskets, steelyard, sack barrow, 2 ladders, set fanners, hay cutter, and the usual barn, byre, and stable utensils, including cart and plough harness for 2 pairs, also sectional hen house (12ft by 8ft), 2 brooders, 50-gallon paraffin drum, and surplus kitchen furniture and dairy utensils.”

Local and county agricultural shows used to – and some still do – play an important role for the exhibition of agricultural implements and machines. These include the shows at Ayr, Glasgow and Perth. They were forums for the exhibition of what was new and desirable for the farm that could be purchased locally.

Some newspapers provided lengthy and detailed accounts of the implements and machines exhibited at these shows. They include the Dundee Courier. It provided such an account of the Perth Show in 1925. It provides an account of what framers in the county (and surrounding areas) were purchasing or looking to have as new implements and machines. It also shows what was new (and could be desirable) as well as who was exhibiting and what they were exhibiting.

The following article appeared in the pages of the Dundee Courier on 1 August 1925:

“The implement Yard at Perth Show

Excellent displays by well-known firms

The implement yard at the Perth County Show on the South Inch to-day will provide an interesting feature of the great exhibition.

Messrs H. W. Mathers & Son, Perth, are showing a collection of up-to-date agricultural implements and machinery, including their well-known self-propelled turnip-cutter. Bentall’s food preparing machinery, Fordson tractor, Masset Harris binder, Amanco pumping set and portable truck, and a mower lifted with roller bearings throughout recently introduced. The last-mentioned has been adapted specially for flax cutting as well as for harvesting work. The flax-cutting machine is fitted with a special cross-cutting-knife bar and self-delivery gear. The mower is eminently suited for ensilage crops. Messrs Mathers have been favoured with an order from Messrs A. Proctor & Co. Blairgowrie, for twelve of these mowers.

Messrs Ferguson & Walker, saddlers and harness makers, 19 Princes Street, Perth, have an attractive stand on which there is a large and varied collection of harness, leather goods, motor rugs &c. The quality of the exhibits us very high-class. The firm has a very large clientele among agriculturists, and extend a cordial invitation to visitors to call and inspect their exhibits.

John Doe, Limited, Errol, have a grand display of seasonable implements of leading makers. The exhibits include Albion and Massey Harris binders and mowers; Ransomes horse rake, cultivator for drills, and potato digger; Listers cream separator, churn, and butter worker; Ballach’s patent scarifier and horse hoes; Ogle hay forks; Dickies hay bogey; pig troughs, cake bins, stack covers &c.

At this stand will also be seen the 12.20 Case tractor.

Sectional huts

Mr Charles Brand, building contractor and wood, iron, machinery, and meal merchant, Dundee and Lochee, is exhibiting sectional huts as garages, bothies, houses &c. Any sizes can be made to order. In addition there are at this stand new and second-hand timber for building purposes, wash-hand basins, fireclay troughs; all classes of stoves, portable boilers, ranges, navvy and garden barrows, ladders, rooflights, felts, and general requisites for farm and estate use.

Messrs Lindsay & Fenwick, Perth, are showing the “New Lister” cream separator, the price of which with table base is from £7. There are also Primus stoves and Hestia ovens, petrol lamps, stoves andirons, unbreakable “Thermos” flasks, binder twine, stack rope, stack covers, potato sculls, &c. the numerous articles on exhibition are very well arranged in a most attractive stand.

The old established firm of Messrs A. Johnston & Sons, St Catherine’s Road, Perth, are represented in the implement yard, where they have a display of carts, extra wheels and axles &c.

The firm are well-known cartwrights, motor body builders, and general blacksmiths, and do an extensive business in repair work in the city.”

The 1860s and 1870s were two important decades for the mechanisation of Scottish and British farming. New implements and machines were being rapidly developed and used on farms. There were revolutions in the way crops, especially the most labour intensive ones, such as grain and potatoes were being sown, grown, harvested and stored. Important innovations included the development of the reaper, the steam plough, the potato spinner.

A number of agricultural commentators wrote about the rise of agricultural implement and machine making at this time. The Scottish Farmer newspaper (not the one we know by that name today) provided a lengthy account on these changes while commenting on the implements and machines at the Ayr Show in May 1863. It is worth quoting at length for the insights it brings. It makes an interesting comment about beliefs on the introduction of implements and machines. There are comments about the increase in the number of implements and machines sold as well as reaping machines made by local makers in Ayrshire.

“In no department of British industry has there been such marked progress of late years as in that of agricultural implement-making, and in none has there been brought to bear more energy, perseverance, skill, and ingenuity on the part of those engaged. Manufacturers of agricultural machines have had a hard up-hill battle to fight. They have had to war against prejudices strengthened by the precedents of thousands of years-prejudices consecrated like heirlooms, which it would be shame and dishonour in the sons not to transmit to posterity intact, as they had received them at the hands of their fathers. Surely it was too much in these mechanics to ask that the sickle, which had come down to the present generation almost unchanged from the days in which it was used to lay low the golden crops of Boaz, should be cast aside for the clipping or sawing apparatus of a Presbyterian clergyman, or that the picturesque and time-hallowed wooden plough, drawn by its slow oxen, or lazy sleek-sided horses, should be superseded by the savage grubber, fierce digger, or many furrowed plough, impelled by the quick impatient steam engine? In the good old days the cattle browsed the natural grasses of the thousand hills over which they roamed; why should they now be confined in courts, or chained up in stalls, to feed upon artificial meats? Even after green crop husbandry, which was certainly an unwarrantable departure from our fathers’ customs, came into practice, the beasts munched their whole turnips, and chewed their uncut straw with gusto-should we not, therefore, be wanting in respect to the memory of those who have gone before to employ pulpers and chaff-cutters to tear the turnip to pieces, and chop the straw into almost imperceptible particles, especially when the beasts themselves can accomplish this with the natural griinders? And, again, why should farmers employ the draining plough to ensure dryness where wetness is the normal condition; and is good likely to result from a violation of nature? Our fathers knew better, and let the marshes alone to produce their rank growth of valueless vegetation, and their noiseome malaria. From the first the husbandman scattered the grains over the earth with his own capacious hands, and the crops yielded, we are told, their thirty, forty, fifty, and hundred fold; we shall adopt no new-fangled and complicated arrangement of tin-cups to deposit the seed at regular intervals in the soil. And is it not a tempting of Providence to make use of wind raised by mechanical contrivance for the separation of the grain from the chaff, instead of taking advantage of such blasts from heaven as can be secured by the opening of two opposite doors and the flapping of a couple of sheep skin wechts? Fanners are the devil’s own invention, an outrage on Christianity, as well as an offence against ancestral practice.

Against such and such many other prejudices, “uttered or unexpressed” on the part of farmers-as well as against the greater mechanical difficulties involved in the construction of locomotive (which most agricultural machines are) as compared with stationary machines-the agricultural implement makers had to contend, and it is in the highest degree creditable to them that they have almost entirely overcome them. And the victory may be said to have been gained within the last dozen years-since the Exhibition of 1851. That international display gave an impetus to what has been called mechanical agriculture, but more properly the mechanics of agriculture, which has never been lost, but which in the interval has been greatly increased. At every show of the national agricultural societies since held, the implements have been assuming a more important position in the yard, until in Battersea, in 1862, they numbered no less than 5064 articles, all more or less connected with the science and practice of agriculture, and designed to effect saving as well as greater efficiency in the labour of the farm.

An indication of the immense number of implements and machines now manufactured for farm use us afforded in the table published in the introduction to the report on English Agricultural Machinery by the Jurors of the late International Exhibition, and given in the Scottish Farmer of last week. The table indeed is very defective, giving only returns of certain kinds of machinery manufactured by some half-dozen of the principal firms; but still it will serve to illustrate the already vast extent and rapidly increasing importance of the agricultural implement trade. Beginning with steam-engines, we find that six firms which in 1852 turned out only 270, in 1861 manufactured 898, an increase of more than 330 per cent. Two firms, which were not in existence in 1852, or whose attention at all events had not then been directed to plough making, in 1861, sent out 9309 of these implements. Cultivators are of more recent introduction, and four firms, which commenced their manufacture in 1858, made in 1199 in 1861. Corn drills made by three houses have risen from 338 in 1852 to 703 in 1861; and the same number of firms sold in the latter year 383 corn horse-hoes-a number, however, smaller than sent out in previous years. The figures as to reaping machines do not afford even a hint of the real number now in use, but they sufficiently indicate the great and growing feeling in favour of reapers. The four makers who have sent in returns, in 1858 made only 32 reapers, in 1861 they sent out 1715. Hay tedders made by two firms have increased from 50 in 1852 to 721 in 1861; and the horse-rakes of five firms have risen from 611 in 1852 to 1739 in 1861. Six firms in 1852 made 327 thrashing machines, in 1861 the number they manufactured was 1084. The chaff cutters made by three firms in 1855 numbered 1004, in 1861, 4905; and corn-bruisers, by five firms, which in 1852 were but 64, in 1861 were 2680. In the report nothing is said about turnip cutters, of which we know one firm alone, the Messrs Samuelson, of Banbury, makes annually about 4000, and grain bruisers, cake breakers, turnip pulpers, sowing machines, manure drills, corn screens &c, are made in numbers equally large. And what, perhaps, is even as noticeable as the increase, is the improvement in the manufacture of implements since the first Great International Exhibition.

And it is not alone at national and international exhibitions that agricultural implements are displayed; they now form a most interesting and instructive feature at almost all country and district shows. At the exhibition at Ayr last week, for instance, there were no fewer that 254 entries in the implement department of the catalogue. In these entries were included twenty reaping and mowing machines, three of which were sent by the Messrs Samuelson, of Banbury, through their Scottish agent, Mr Pringle-a self-delivering four-armed reaper, calculated to lay the sheaves about twelve feet apart, a very good medium distance; the “Eclipse”, a one horse reaper, of remarkable cheapness, only sixteen guineas; and a combined reaper and mower. Of the simplicity in construction and lightness of these reapers we have before had occasion to speak (see Scottish Farmer for December 31, 1862), and during last harvest we had many opportunities to report, and always favourably, upon the work done by the patent self-acting machine, which has since undergone improvements calculated to lessen the draught and obviate the chances of the gearing getting clagged up.

The Messrs Jack, of Maybole, had six different reapers and mowers on the field, all of excellent and substantial workmanship. Two were designed to affect mechanical delivery-one by merely introducing a reel to throw off the sheaves at intervals. This arrangement we do not believe will ever come into general use; the other plan we think a great deal of. By this latter method, which is the invention of Mr Alexander Jack, the tilting board is divided into two unequal parts, united together by hinges, the portion nearest the cutter or fore end of the machine being the narrowest. The back part of the platform has an angular hinged division made in it to aid in throwing off the sheaves. The tilting board is actuated by many jointed iron arms, which derive their motion from a friction plate in connection with the driving-years, and which, at intervals varying from nine to fourteen feet, according to the nature of the crop, lift up the board and deposit the sheaf. The front part of the platform rises with double the speed with which the hind portion is depressed, an arrangement which would seem to ensure that the sheaf will be well and squarely thrown off. To prevent a short straw crop falling between the platform and the knife, a bar of wood has been placed across underneath. The machine was not completed when we saw it; it wanted a reel to bring down the crop to the cutters, and a better method for communicating the power to the automation arms than by friction will no doubt be adopted; with that addition and improvement, we have hopes that this machine will take a place among practical self-acting reapers. Another improvement we noticed on one of the Messrs Jack’s machines was a hollow cylindrical knife bar, which would appear to secure the advantages of strength and lightness at the same time.

Mr Wallace, of Fenwick, exhibited three reapers of excellent construction, and whose draught, as tested at several trials last years, is very light. One of them has a self-acting arrangement for adjusting the knife bar to the inequalities of the ground-a very useful improvement. Some knife bars are divided in the middle for the same object, but they would not overcome the difficulty of the furrow so well as Mr Wallace’s. A very curious looking reaper was exhibited by the Messrs Wallace, of Dreghorn, mounted on wheels than those of ordinary carts, the driving gear being affixed upon the axle. The fingers were large enough to admit almost half a sheaf at a time. We can say nothing in favour of this reaper, its curiosity being its only attraction. Mr Bamlett, of Ripon, whose agent in Scotland is Mr Begbie, of Haddington, showed a combined reaper and mower-an excellent machine with a tilting platform adapted to various heights; Messrs Brigham & Bickerton showed a Buckeye-a machine which is capable of good work with little expenditure of power; Messrs Brown & Young, of Stirling, showed one of their reapers “with flexible universal jointed platform”; and Messrs Young, of Young, showed a manual delivery reaper. One of Wood’s mowers, with an adaptation to turn it into a reaper, was shown by Mr McCutcheon, of Carlisle; and one or two local makers also showed reapers. On the whole, the Scotch reapers looked very substantial, but perhaps they might be made a little lighter without impairing their strength and durability. They looked rather heavy beside the English ones.

Excellent turnip and mangold sowing machines were shown by the Messrs Young of Ayr, and the Messrs Jack, of Maybole-the merits of which were considered so equal by the judges that they agreed to divide the prize. Both do their work capitally, perhaps as well as it is possible for such machines to work. Messrs jack also exhibited some capital grubbers; as likewise did Mr hunter, of Maybole, who showed a large and varied collection of ploughs, harrows, and horse-hoes with side paring coulters, which were greatly admired. The judges’ report, which we give in another column, will indicate the best of the other agricultural articles shown at this very successful county show.”

The Royal Show, or the annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, was a key event in the agricultural calendar, especially for English agriculturists and implement and machine makers. Scottish makers did attend, though their attendance varied according to the location of the show and whether they had new manufactures to show to the public.

The number of Scottish exhibitors was generally small. They usually included some of the key ones. They brought with them their major manufactures to introduce them to an English and wider audience. These included ones that they were renowned for as well as improved ones. They also included ones that they considered filled a niche within the market for implements and machines.

The Scotsman included a lengthy account of the Scottish exhibitors to the Royal Show at Nottingham in 1928. It is worth quoting at length as it says a lot about what was innovative and important about Scottish agricultural implement and machines and who were some of the most important makers. It states:

“The Royal Show

Features at Nottingham

Labour-saving devices

The Royal Agricultural Society of England are meeting for their annual show at Nottingham under happier auspices than they did at the same place thirteen years ago, when the shadow of the Great War cast a gloom over everyone, but the later war period was marked by a time of exceptional prosperity for agriculture. The swing of the pendulum has been as significant in the opposite direction. The agricultural interests have been passing through difficult and trying times in these latter years, but confidence is gaining in its revival. As a productive national industry the Royal Show at Nottingham indicates the vitality there is in agriculture. It is no effete industry. It supports hundreds of large engineering and other firms catering for its requirements, and indirectly find employment for thousands of men in the industrial districts. One had only to walk through the implement section of the showyard to-day for abundant evidence of this.

Scottish exhibits

As evidence of the place which Scottish implement manufacturers occupy in providing machinery that will effect the utmost economy in agricultural labour, it is interesting to note that, while only four Scottish firms were represented at the first show at Nottingham forty years ago, there are to-day over three times as many stands by Scottish makers illustrating the latest improvements in farm husbandry. Mr George Henderson, Forth Street, Edinburgh, exhibits two manure distributors, including the Waverly pattern, which has a patent enclosed and self-lubricating mechanism, as well as a new thistle cutter, a wide range of fencing material, and a variety of troughs and corn bins. The Glasgow firm, John Wallace & Son (Ltd), have a big display of Scottish implements. The make a feature of their well-known potato diggers with adjustable graips, and they have a large variety of implements and machinery for the farm. From Aberdeen, Barclay, Ross & Hutchison (Ltd) have forward two of their noted threshing machines, as well as manure distributors and cultivators. Messrs Marshall & Philip, Aberdeen, show lime washing machines. The Ayrshire firm of Alexander Jack & Son (Ltd), Maybole, never fail to be represented at a Royal Show, and they exhibit a number of their specialities, including a new potato digger which has provision for altering the set or angle of the digging forks.

In the Dairy Congress section a Galloway firm, J. & R. Wallace, Castle-Douglas, exhibit one of the new Wallace milking machines, which have gained a high reputation among dairy farmers in the south-west of Scotland, and the automatic water bowl. The Glasgow firm, G. & J. Weir (Ltd), Cathcart, have on view various dairy equipment manufactured from pure nickel. The hard smooth surface of pure nickel permits of rapid cleaning and thorough sterilisation with the minimum of labour. Messrs John S. Millar & Son, who specialise in windmills, have also on view cream separators and churns.”

During the summer months there were plenty of jobs to do on the farm to keep it looking trim. This included keeping down weeds, including thistles. While hand tools were available to take out thistles in pasture, mechanical means were much more efficient.

From the late nineteenth century onwards there were a number of attempts to develop thistle cutters. An especially noted one in the first decade of the twentieth century was the Sutherland thistle and fern cutter, developed by William Sutherland, Peel Farm, Tibbermuir, Perthshire. It was made locally by George Barker, Tay Iron Works, Perth, a maker that also acted as an agent for a number of key makers. In 1903 the Sutherland thistle cutter was noted to be “in great demand”. Barker continued to exhibit it at agricultural shows for a number of years, until at least 1907.

The Sutherland thistle cutter was also sold in Ireland. In 1903 it was advertised in the Irish homestead magazine by the Irish Agricultural Society, 151 Thomas Street, Dublin, as one of the implements it was exhibiting at the Royal Dublin Society’s Spring Show.

How did the thistle-cutter operate? The Dundee courier published an extensive account of the cutter in its pages of 6 June 1902. It is worth quoting at length:

“The Sutherland thistle-cutter

The thistle has always been regarded as a cumberer of the ground, and in past days the scythe has usually been the implement of destruction. A new “destroyer” has been brought out in the Sutherland thistle and fern cutter, built to designs by Mr William Sutherland, Peel Farm, Tibbermuir. This implements, since it was first introduced, has been greatly improved upon, and in its present working order should deal most effectively with not only thistles, but other objectionable hard-stemmed plants so common on many farms. The machine is intended to be drawn by a single horse, going at about the customary ploughing pace, and this forward movement causes the thistles to be cut against a horizontal hanging bar. The knives, moving between this bar and the ground, do their work completely, and the bar being adjustable, there is no danger of the grass being injured. There is also a lever attached to the frame for raising or lowering the knives, which are protected by a steel cover, the driver having complete control of the height of cut. The cutters have a chain drive on each end of the reel, which makes the draught easy, whilst the width of cut is about six feet and the breadth of the machine over all is under nine and a half feet. This is a machine which has proved to be a success, as was proved at a recent trial. The driver of the machine struck a course on the occasion so as to take every hollow and height at right angles, as in the hollows there was one mass of strong thistles. He went through them sending them hither and thither in clouds, admist the hurrahs of those present. The work was splendidly done. Mr George Barker, Tay Iron Works, Perth, is the sole maker of this latest aid to the farmer.”

The Royal Show, or the annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, was a key event in the agricultural calendar, especially for English agriculturists. Scottish ones did attend, though their attendance varied according to the location of the show. The same was true for the Scottish implement and machine makers, though some did specially attend when they had new manufactures to show to the public, or when there were key trials for which they wanted to enter.

The number of Scottish exhibitors was generally small. They usually included some of the key ones. They brought with them their major manufactures to introduce them to an English and wider audience. These included ones that they were renowned for as well as improved ones. They also included ones that they considered filled a niche within the market for implements and machines.

The Scotsman included a lengthy account of the Scottish exhibitors to the Royal Show at Newcastle in July 1923. It is worth quoting at length as it says a lot about what was innovative and important about Scottish agricultural implement and machines and who were some of the most important makers. It states:

“Royal Agricultural Show

Scottish implements at Newcastle

Highland Show winners forward

Everything promises well for the successful opening to-day of the great Show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England at Newcastle. This is the 94th which has been held in the history of the Society, and the sixth at Newcastle, the only blanks during the period having been in the cattle plague year of 1866 and in the two years of the Great Warm 1917 and 1918.

Imposing implement display

Some idea of the extent of the showyard may be gathered from the fact that nearly six miles of shedding has had to be provided for the accommodation of the stock and implements. There are 356 stands in the implement department, and these cover 8711 feet of space, exclusive of exhibits on open ground. The ordinary stands occupy 1760 feet, machinery 3880 feet, and special stands for seeds and fertilisers 3071 feet. At the first show of the Society at Oxford in 1839 there were only 54 implements forward, but at Newcastle in 1846 the number had increased to 735. During the intervening years great progress was made in the development of farming machinery and implements for the cultivation of the soil. Though there is a falling off in the number of implements this year as compared with the number at the Newcastle Show of 1923, this department of the Show is most interesting and attractive.

Scottish implement trade

The Scottish implement trade is well represented being about twenty firms exhibiting typical specimens of the agricultural appliances which are manufactured in the northern part of the kingdom, and in the production of which the makers show a considerable amount of skill and ability. Most of them are regularly seen at the Royal Agricultural Society’s shows, no matter how remote the district may be in which the tents are pitched, and they never fail to bring with them an interesting display.

Mr George Henderson, Forth Street, Edinburgh, and Kelso Foundry, who exhibited the “Waverley” manure distributor at last Newcastle Show as an implement, has again on view a specimen of the same type with patent self-lubricating mechanism. They also exhibit a one-horse mower, ploughs, thistle-cutters, and hay collectors. Mr Thomas Nimmo, Fauldhouse, West Lothian, exhibits a New Zealand model of wire-strainers and a barbed wire winding machine.

The Border firm of Wm Elder & Sons (Ltd), Berwick-on-Tweed, have a large display of agricultural implements, as well as carts and hay bogies fitted with pneumatic land wheels and high sides for conveying hay or straw.

At the stand of the Allied Ironfounders (Ltd), Falkirk, will be found their fascinating Thermecon cookers, which were a great attraction at the Aberdeen Highland Show, as well as oil-fired ranges and boilers, and cattle bowls and feeding troughs. Cruickshank & Co. (Ltd), Denny Ironworks, Stirlingshire, show the Denny ploughs, a spring shock absorber for horse-drawn implements, disc coulters, and troughs for pigs.

An exhibition of horseshoes made in all parts of Great Britain is a feature of the stand of Messrs Wm Martin, Sons & Co., Dundyvan Iron Works, Coatbridge.

A Denny firm, George Paul & Co. (Ltd), Duncarron Ironworks, made a speciality of drinking-bowls, and show three varieties, two for cattle or horses and one for cattle or pigs. The “Meddo Automatic” water bowl, suitable for cattle, pigs, and horses, is on the stand of Messrs Thomas Cochran & Co., Glasgow. The Galloway firm, Messrs J. & R. Wallace, Castle-Douglas, also shown an automatic water bowl, as well as their milking machine and manure distributors.

The India Tyre and Rubber Co., Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, have on view various types of pneumatic tyres for horse-drawn vehicles and also tyres fitted to wheelbarrows.

The Aberdeen firm of Barclay, Ross & Hutchison (Ltd) have an attractive stand in which they display their well-known threshing machines, two being semi-portable and a third a high-speed portable, fitted with Dunlop pneumatic equipment. They also show a spraying machine, chemical dressers, and a variety of engines. Another Aberdeen firm, Messrs R. G. Garvie & Sons, show a threshing and finishing machine and a threshing and dressing machine.

An attractively displayed assortment of agricultural implement and machinery is presented at the stand of John Wallace & Sons (Ltd), Dennistoun, Glasgow. They include agricultural tractors, tractor ploughs, horse ploughs and cultivators.

Scottish bracken cutter

The Collins bracken cutter is shown by Messrs Wm Henderson & Sons, Mauchline, and other Ayrshire exhibitors are well to the front. Alexander Jack & Sons (Ltd), Maybole, have a great variety of farm carts and manure distributors on view.

A & G. Paterson (Ltd), St Rollox Sawmills and Boxworks, Glasgow, have an excellent display of fencing material of all kinds, together with field gates, boxes, crates, sheep troughs, &c.

Farm harness, hunting saddles and stable requisites are shown by Mr Edward Henderson, Lockerbie.”