The newspapers carried extensive and descriptive accounts of the implements and machines that could be seen at the Highland Show. In 1924 the Scotsman newspaper carried the following account. It pointed out the trends in implements and machines and what was notable among the stands.
“The display of farm implements is arresting in its scope and variety of interest. All phases of agriculture are represented, and many firms noted for the character of their products have stands. Particular interest naturally attaches to the new contrivances designed to aid the farmer in his operations, while noteworthy improvements in detail are to be noted on familiar implements. The casual visitor, as well as the agriculturist, will find a round of the stands an instructive experience.
A wide range of implements and appliances is shown by Messrs Gillies & Henderson, Bread Street, Edinburgh, at stand 172. Useful types of binders and mowers are shown, as well as a manure distributor, a horse rake, hay collectors, and a hay bogie, a rick stand, a potato digger, and other implements.
At Stand 127 of Messrs A. Newlands & Son (Ltd), St Magdalene Engineering Works, Linlithgow, there is a fine display. The Newlands tractor and horse cultivators and grubbers, horse hoes, and horse rakes are all marked by superior workmanship. They have also on view a wide selection of well-known implements by other firms, including the McCormick rake and grain drill, and the “International” tractor.
A notable feature of Stand 149, Messrs J. L. & J. Ballach, Gorgie Implement Works, Edinburgh, are the patent scarifiers produced by this firm. The No. 3 patent disc drill scarifier is fitted with compensating spring levers and sidelands arrangement, and the No. 4 patent combined scarifier has hoeing attachments. Turnip sowers, a combined turnip and manure sower, grinders, a potato sorter, a vertical steam boiler, complete with steaming pans, suitable for dairies and piggeries, and an artificial manure distributor are also among the exhibits, which embrace different aspects of agricultural activities.
Besides having two new implements on view, Messrs Thomas Sheriff & Co., West Barns, Dunbar, have some of their familiar and well-made implements at Stand 155. Their drills, seeders, and sowers have a well-established reputation for good workmanship, and there are typical examples to be seen at their stand.
A large variety of iron goods, chains, and blacksmiths’ supplies are on view at Stand No. 222, occupied by Neilson & Cleland (Ltd), Coatbridge.
Among the other exhibitors of implements are such well-known firms as Messrs Robert Begg & Son, Dalry, Ayrshire; Messrs J. D. Allan & Sons, Murthly; Messrs Jas Gray & Co., Stirling; Messrs William Wilson & Son (Crosshouse), Ltd, Stirling; Messrs Wm Elder & Sons (Ltd), Berwick on Tweed; Messrs David Irons & Sons, Forfar; Messrs Alexander Jack & Sons (Ltd)., Maybole; Messrs Geo. Sellar & Son (Ltd), Huntly; Messrs John Doe (Ltd), Errol; Messrs J. Bisset & Sons (Ltd), Blairgowrie; and Messrs A. & W. Pollock, Mauchline, Ayrshire.
With such a representative list of makers and agents the implements section of the yard has many points of interest and lessons of practical value.”
The Highland Show has always been an important event for looking at – and purchasing – implements and machines. The Scottish newspaper press usually provided extensive accounts of the key ones that were exhibited by the different exhibitors.
When the show moved around Scotland in the different show districts (until 1960) Glasgow was an important show district. It included an extensive population; it was a large industrial and manufacturing district; and it included some of the most prominent makers in Scotland.
What was at the Glasgow Show of 1897? The Scotsman newspaper provided an extensive account of the implement department of the Show. One of the things you will note is how it provides a comprehensive overview of the stands and indicates the most important manufactures that were being exhibited. Some of the names of makers were well known into the twentieth century.
“The space set apart for the implement yard exceeds 5,000 feet, and there are 2,227 implements shown on 183 stands. Although not the largest show of implements that has been seen at Glasgow, it is all over a good exhibition, and embraces everything that embraces everything that enters into farm husbandry. At Perth last year the number of implements shown was 1,945, and at Dumfries in 1895 they reached the large number of 2,265. This year’s entry has been exceeded at only seven of the seventy shows held by the Society; and it is larger by 600 than that at last Glasgow show in 1888, but is 400 less than at the show of 1882. Although there are no absolute novelties in the implement section, there is no end of variety, and all the productions of the agricultural engineer are shown with their most recent improvements. The Society do not this year offer prizes for implements, but in connection with the show a competitive test of milking machines took place a month or two ago, when the prize of £50 was awarded to Mr William Murchland, Kilmarnock. His machine will be shown in working operation daily, and will be one of the chief attractions of the show. It was seen by the judges at work on three farms, and on each occasion samples of the milk drawn from the cows by the machine, and from the same cows by hand, were taken and set, in order to test the keeping qualities of the milk. On two of the farms the machine had been at work since 1891, and on the third for two months, and the judges stated that in each case it was found to perform the operation of milking efficiently and speedily. The time occupied for each cow was generally from four to six minutes, sometimes rather less. It seemed to cause no discomfort to the cows, and no injury to the teats or udder. It drew the milk by continuous suction, without any apparent pulsating movement. The apparatus was simple in its construction, equally simple in its working, and not difficult to clean or keep clean. The power required to work the machine was not great, At the first farm a half-horsepower oil engine milked ten cows at a time quite easily. Until this engine was put in recently, the machine was worked by one man, with an ordinary force pump. In every instance, the samples of milk drawn by the machine were found to keep satisfactorily. After a lapse of forty-eight hours they were perfectly sweet and in no respect inferior to the milk drawn by hand. The judges state that they regard this machine as a practical success, and are of opinion that in large dairies, where milkers are scarce, it may be introduced with advantage.
The exhibition of implements is the largest that has been seen at the Highland Show for the last twelve years, and in every respect the department is most complete. Every class of machine used in husbandry is on exhibition, and no more striking example of the great progress that has taken place in the economy of the farm could be afforded than the present display of machinery for facilitating the farm work of today. One of the first stands to command attention is that of Messrs George Gray & Co., Uddingston Plough Works, where a very fine assortment of ploughs of all kinds is on view. Next to this stand is that of Messrs John Drummond & Son, engineers, Cumnock, who exhibit two kinds of superior thrashing machines. A large and complete stand is that of Messrs A. Newlands & Sons, Linlithgow, where all kinds of farm machinery are on view. One of the features of this stand is the display of drill ploughs, which baulk up the drills in such a fashion as to leave no green potatoes. A particularly good implement is the potato-lifter, which so works as to lift up the tubers without injuring them. The action of the machine is the same as that of a man lifting potatoes. Its action is very natural. In most machines of this kind the action is rotary, but here the machine only describes a half-circle, with the result that the potatoes are delved out as if by manual labour. The invention, which is patented by Mr Newlands and Mr Burns, a potato merchant, has been in use this year digging out the green potatoes at Girvan. Another exhibit at this stand worthy of mention is a self-acting horse-rake of very simple mechanism. Passing on, the next stand to call for notice is that of Mr William Elder, Berwick upon Tweed, who shows a varied and interesting group of machines. A feature is the improved mower and reaper, worked from the hinge bar instead of from the pole, thus dispensing entirely with side draught. The broadcast sowers of this firm are known all over the country, and are great favourites on many leading farms. Some improvements have been introduced into them this year, and seed box having been made larger, to mention only one improvement. The steel-board ridging ploughs are so constructed that the draught weight is reduced to a minimum. Great labour-saving implements are the drill rollers and grubbers, which are so notched as to break the clods, and can be adjusted to any size or width of the drill. Mr A. Pollock, Mauchline, shows a very good collection of labour-saving applicances, and it may be mentioned that many of the products of this firm have already been booked, so great is the demand for the machiens of this prominent Ayrshire maker. A very good substantial combined reaper and mower of a new style, with a tilting board for hay and corn, is one of the features of this stand; while a hay and straw press, which is on show, is so arranged that one person can lift it by its own lever on to its wheels in one minute after the men stop baling, making it easy for transport. Practical agriculturists should make a pause at this exhibit. The distinction of having won the gold medal at Haddington belongs to this press. A very handy rick lifter is case-hardened in the centre of the wheel as well as in the axle, thus adding to its durability. This machine only weighs 6cwt gross. A patent hay collector is also on view, as well as an improved potato digger; while there is an example of Nicholson’s patent switchback hay turner, which Mr Pollock was the first to introduce into Ayrshire. There are also shown a double cheese press and a patent curd mill, similar to those used in the Dairy School at Kilmarnock. The features of the curd mill are the round teeth and the open grating in the centre, enabling it to break up more effectively, and without getting twisted round the breaker.
Messrs George Sellar & Son, Huntly, have a goodly show of ploughs, harrows, grubbers, and binders. Messrs P. & R. Fleming & Co., Glasgow, have one of the largest stands in the implement yard. A prominent feature is the corrugate d steel shed fitted with the horse fork. Beneath the shed is a large assortment of dairy and laundry utensils, while a large Bradford windmill is one of the features of the landscape. It is claimed for this windmill that the highest wind will not overcome it, and certainly it has plenty of opportunity of distinguishing its capabilities yesterday. The firm also show many of the machines for which they are the agents. Messrs John Gray & Co., Uddingtson, have on show a large display of ploughs and other agricultural implements; while Mr Charles Weir, Strathaven, exhibits rick lifters and churns. Mr Thomas Turnbull, Castle Bank, Dumfries, has a stand on which he shows an improved Dumfries broadcast sower for grain and grass seeds, along with chaff cutters and grinding and churning mills. Weighing machines have of late been coming to the front in farm work, and the stand of Messrs Ward & Avery, Glasgow, devoted to these exhibits, is therefore all the more interesting. Messrs Henry Pooley & Son, Glasgow, also show in this department a number of weighbridges of various capacities. Mr John Scoular, Stirling, makes a large display of agricultural appliances; and the stand of Mr J. P. Cathcart, Glasgow, is also a most complete one. The machines of Walter A. Wood are exhibited at the stands of Messrs P. & R. Fleming, Glasgow, and George Sellar & Sons, Huntly. Messrs Kemp & Nicholson, Stirling, have a large stand on which they show horse rakes, reapers, mowers, hay collectors, spring carts, farm carts, vans and lorries. The Morgan hay baler at this stand is a machine which can load 50cwt of hay on an ordinary railway wagon, pressing hay to double the density of the old-fashioned press. An improved cart turnip cutting machine is worthy of notice here. Messrs James Grey & Co, Stirling, have also a goodly collection of implements. One of the largest stands in the show is that of Messrs A. & J. Main & Co., Edinburgh and Glasgow. The chief exhibits at this stand are the Deering binders, an American make of machine which has been pushing its way to the front in Scotland. The Deering pony binder is fitted with roller and ball bearings while the Deering ideal mowers and combined mowers and reapers are also fitted in a similar fashion. The Deering Harvester Company introduced ball bearings into their machines five years ago, and since that time many other firms have adopted this contrivance. One of their pony binders is fitted with slot conveyors instead of canvasses. Their McDonald turnip topping and tailing machine won a silver medal at the Dumfries Highland Show. Shown for the first time was the one horse back-delivery reaper and mower, which is specially adapted for small farms and crofts, and which is used as a supplementary machine to the binder for opening up fields. With Brown’s Cammo cart turnip cutting machine, also exhibited at this stand, a cartful of turnips can be cut in seven minutes. Messrs Thomas Hunter & Sons, Maybole, show a very nice collection of implements of general utility in the cultivation of the soil, chiefly applicable to the root crops. Mr Wm McNaughton, Stirling, shows hand presses. Messrs J. D. Allan & Sons, Dunkeld; Mr William Dickie, East Kilbride; Mr Matthew Dunlop, Glasgow, and Messrs John Turnbull & Sons, Dunmore, Larbert, have all good collections of various kinds of agricultural implements. Messrs G. McCartney & Co., Old Cumnock, exhibit a couple of thrashing mills- one of them a high speed machine fitted with riddle and fanners. An attractive display is made by Messrs Thomas Sherriff & Co., Westbarns, Dunbar. A feature of their exhibition is an improved broadcast sowing machine for grain and grass seeds, which at Haddington Show on Saturday was awarded a silver medal. This comprehensive stand also includes a collapsible sheep fodder rack of novel design. Messrs john Wallace & Sons, Glasgow, like many other local firms, have a large display, comprising the City of Glasgow and the Thistle binders, the popular Massey-Harris cultivators, and the Champion potato-digger, with two and three horse trees. The hay “tedders’ exhibited by the firm are worth the attention of visitors. Driven by one horse, they are every day coming into greater demand. Naturally a prominent machine on the stand of Messrs J. Bisset & Sons, Blairgowrie, is the firm’s open back binder, which was shown at the trials in connection with the show at Edinburgh in 893, and obtained a favourable notice from the judges then. Among the firm’s other exhibits is the safety potato digger. Messrs Alexander Jack & Sons, Maybole, have a large stand, on which are specimens of the strong and compact Empire binder and the well-known Caledonia potato digger, which, being fitted with enclosed gearing, is capable of standing a great deal of wear and tear. The digger, which was first at the trials of the Leicester Royal Show a year ago, holds a prominent position in the market as a perfectly arranged machine. A moderately priced horse hoe and specimens of the Dux Canadian ploughs are among the other exhibits by which the firm is represented.
The motion yard is not very extensive, but it is extremely interesting, and embraces an excellent collection of machinery of the farm. Mr H. B. Fleming, Kirkliston, shows the “Bisset” reaper and binder. Messrs Carrick & Ritchie, Edinburgh, show a large collection of their improved turbines, pelton wheels, jet water motors, and other appliances for the utilisation of water for power for mills, farm machinery &c. the application of water power to country house lighting by electricity is illustrated by a combined turbine and dynamo. Another novelty is a combined jet water motor and dynamo suitable for lighting a small house containing thirty lamps. Another application of water power for the ventilation of buildings is shown. This is a very compact combination of a jet motor and ventilating fan, by which the town water supply entering a cistern may be made to yield up its power in driving the ventilating fan, and then pass into the cistern for domestic use. Messrs Ben Reid & Co., Aberdeen, have an attractive stand, at which the show in notion five thrashing machines of the newest and most improved type, fitted with double blast and barley awner. They have also at work one of the Massey Harris Brantford binders, fitted with the original patent slat conveyer. They likewise show their well-known broadcast sowing machines and manure distributers, together with a varied assortment of useful articles for farm work. Thrashing machines and engines are the leading features of the stand occupied by Mr R. G. Morton, Errol, and these are of an excellent description, neatly designed, and well finished. Windmills are conspicuous objects on the stands of Messrs P. & W. Maclellan, Glasgow, and Messrs John S. Millar & Son, Annan. As in former years, Messrs Thos Gibson & Son, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, have one of the largest individual spaces in the yard allotted to their exhibits. Their name is so well known for ornamental iron work that little need be said on their behalf. Mr William Sinton, Jedburgh, shows an interesting assortment of churns; and Mr John Gray, Stranraer, has on view cheese vats, presses, refrigerators, and other dairy utensils. The Dairy Supply Company, Edinburgh, exhibit a large collection of separators and other appliances of a useful character. The Sorn Dairy Supply, Glasgow, have a working dairy, which should prove a source of much attraction, the process of buttermaking being carried on daily. Messrs Watson, Laidlaw, & Co., Glasgow, show a number of cream separators in this section of the implement yard.”
What was being exhibited at the Highland Show in 1914?
In the week of the Highland Show newspapers in Scotland published extensive accounts of what was being exhibited in the implement department as well as the awards to the livestock classes. They provide an invaluable account of what was being exhibited, as well as developments in implements and machines and what the activities of the key makers. They also note key trends, as well as innovations that were being made.
The Scotsman of 14 July 1914 provided a detailed description of what was at the show. It is worth quoting at length:
“The Highland Show
A promising prospect
Exhibition of implements
Progress in agricultural engineering
There is nothing in the implement section of the show on this occasion that could be described is strikingly novel, and manufacturers having learned the lessons of previous failures, there is in the same time an absence of anything of a freakish order. The whole display suggests solidity, progress having been continued along well-established lines rather than new avenues, but a steady all-round advance has nevertheless been made. A broad view of the implement yard illustrates the extent to which engineering achievement in other fields, perhaps most notably in regard to the internal combustion engine, is gradually being applied in the domain of agriculture. The future of the self-propelled agricultural vehicle is by no means certain. Its construction offers many difficulties in the way of high power combined with light weight and small initial and working costs, but already some very practical machines have been put forward. In the “motor yard” of the show, which is situated at the entrance gate, and is divided off from the general implement section and the showyard proper by the river Teviot, there is only one example of the motor cultivator, but it is of a fairly representative. At the “Royal” Show at Shrewsbury there were nine exhibits of this nature. The “agrimotor” in question is the “Garrett-Crawley”, shown by Richard Garrett & Sons, Leiston Works, Suffolk, and it is the first implement of the kind yet staged at a “Highland” Show. It is shown fitted with three drills, but it is so adapted that the ploughing fittings can be easily discarded for others suitable for general cultivation work. It is a tractor as well as a plough. Two men are required to work it, a man being still necessary to guide the plough, although it seems possible that in the course of time this extra hand may be dispensed with. That would appreciably enhance the economical qualities the machine already possesses. The engine is a 45hp four cylinder one, and the working costs are reckoned at something like 1s 6d per acre. The cost of the machine is £250. Superheated steam tractors are another feature of the motion yard, and side by side with the agricultural motor Messrs Garrett show three excellent types of varying power. A “three tonner” is fitted with solid rubber tyres, single in front, and a guarantee of 10,000 miles is given with these tyres, a general use of which on big commercial vehicles would add greatly to the peace of the town dweller.
Messrs John S. Millar & Son, engineers, Annan, have as their principal exhibit the automatic cream separator with which, as a new implement, they gained a silver medal at the Royal Show at Shrewsbury. In no department of the farm has the application of mechanical power been greater within the last year or two than in the dairy, and. This exhibit of Messrs Millar’s represents a line in which there has been keen competition among manufacturers. This separator is driven by 1/3 hp engine. It is crankless and gearless, and the speed is very even. It is adaptable for small and large farms-small enough for five cows, and large enough to separate 170 gallons an hour. The weight of the machine is 150lb, and the working costs are as low as 1 1/2d an hour running under full load. The engine may also be used to operate a churn, washing machine &c. the separator is of the disc bowl type, with a patent device by which the milk supply may be shut off while the bowl is at full speed. In addition, several windmills are to be seen on this stand, together with three types of pumps.
Mr R. G. Garvie, Aberdeen, has his usual display of thrashing and other types of agricultural machinery. The principal implement is a 3-feet wide threshing and finishing machine, which works at high speed and with double blast, and is fitted with a screen for small seeds. “Top finish grass ready for the market without further dressing” is its purpose. A 12hp oil engine for driving purposes is shown in conjunction with it. Two smaller types of thrashers are shown driven by petrol engines, and a hand and foot thrashing machine and two types of sowing machines also find places on the stand.
Messrs Alley & MacLellan, Polmadie Works, Glasgow, confine their exhibit to only one feature, and that a peculiarly British product, and one in which home manufacturers at the present time lead the world. They stage a large steam motor waggon of their own design and construction, suitable for a variety of purposes, and giving economical returns.
Mr Daniel Douglas, Perth, also has only one exhibit-a 4 feet fixed double blast thrashing machine, of improved type, for finishing corn for the market.
The Bon-Accord Engineering Company, Aberdeen, stage a 9hp oil engine, adaptable to various forms of farm work, and also two thrashing machines, one 21 inches wide and the other 30 inches wide. Their comprehensive collection includes an artificial manure distributor, a wire strainer, a liquid manure or water-pump, and a hay collector of handy type.
Two sizes of the “Annan” oil engine are shown by Messrs D. H. & F. Reid, engineers, Ayr, the smaller size being combined with a. pump for the supply of water to farms and estates, and the smaller giving 5 1/2b.h.p. at low speed. An interesting feature of their stand is the “Arno” milking outfit, suitable for a dairy of fifty cows.
Messrs Barclay, Ross & Tough, Aberdeen, have a nice collection of thrashing, dressing and finishing machines of standard type, as well as hand-thrashers, winnowers, and cultivators. Typical examples of some of their agencies are also shown.
Messrs P. & R. Fleming, Glasgow, one of the most prominent stands on the grounds by reason of its size, as well as by its varied nature, show a Hornsby oil engine driving a Richmond & Chandler grist mill, and a small “Associated” petrol engine driving a “Phoenix” potato dresser, an implement which has found considerable favour in the North. A new implement shown for the first time at the “Highland” is the Norfolk farmyard manure spreader, a machine which can be attached to the back of an ordinary farm cart, or can be loaded and driven to the field. A specimen of the Ransome potato digger is shown in motion, and demonstrates the easy working of the modern digger over the old fixed pattern. Rick lifters, potato sprayers, hay collectors, and numerous other implements combine to make a capital exhibition.
Messrs John Wallace & Sons (Limited), Glasgow, show a varied selection of farm implements and machinery. Among the items on their stand are several mowers and reapers of handsome appearance and the “Reliance” manure distributor, which is one of the most up-to-date machines for the distribution of artificial manures. It is only offered to the public this year for the first time. Potato diggers, potato planters, combined drill ploughs, and manure sowers, ploughs &c, complete a very representative display.
Windmills and towers, rick lifters, hay collectors, &c are shown by Messrs William Dickie & Sons, East Kilbride, the display including a new patent rick-lifter for either horse or hand power.
A stand of local interest is that of Messrs D. M. Wallace & Sons, Bowmont Engine Works, Kelso. It is small, but contains two useful specimens, one a massive threshing machine, with a 48 in by 22 in drum, and the other a 19-21b.h.p. oil engine made by Allan Brothers.
Another leading Scottish firm, Messrs john Wallace & Sons (Limited), Dennistoun, Glasgow, include in their exhibit mowers and reapers of improved type, while their cultivators are representative of their most popular designs. Sargeant’s patent manure distributors occupy a prominent place on the stand, together with samples of the Wallace binder, combined drill plough and manure sowers &c and various types of ordinary ploughs.
Messrs Allan Brothers, Aberdeen show five oil engines of different horse-power, but all of the improved lampless type, specially designed for agricultural purposes, and to work with any brand of oil.
Among other Scottish firms in the ordinary farm implement section, a prominent place is taken by Messrs J. & R. Wallace, Castle Douglas, who have enjoyed a reputation for some time past on account of their patent milking machine, which is shown replete with vacuum pump, tanks, can, and set of motors with connecting tubes. They also exhibit three forms of manure distributors.
Messrs john McBain & Sons, Chirnside, have a good display of windmills and pumps, root cutters, sheep hacks, carts, &c.
Stationary oil engines, horizontal and vertical, suitable for all classes of power work, and operating equally well on petrol and paraffin, are the only products shown by Messrs Alexander Shanks & Son, Dens Iron Works, Arbroath.
Messrs Telfords (Limited), Glasgow, have an interesting and thoroughly comprehensive display of dairying appliances, including pasteurizers, rotary pumps, separators &c.
Mr Charles Weir, Strathaven and Glasgow, has a comprehensive thrashing mills, petrol engines, churns, rick lifters, hoes, curd mills &c.
Messrs A. & J. Main & Co., Edinburgh, occupy a prominent place with a large collection of Deering harvesting machinery, comprising the now famous ball and roller bearing “Ideal” binders. It is claimed for the Deering “Ideal” binder that it is the lightest running grain harvester on the market. Much of the light draft is due to the ball and roller bearings. They are made of special quality of steel, and they take up the wear of the moving parts without perceptibly wearing themselves. They are also shown the “Ideal” two-horse and one-horse mowers, the latter being well adapted for the use of hill farmers and dairymen, and hay rakes and tedders. There is also displayed here rick lifters, rick stands, manure distributors, potato diggers, potato sorters; and further variety id given to the display by an assortment of sheep turnip cutters, sheep corn bin, sheep wire netting, and petrol engines.
Messrs Alexander Balloch & Sons, Manderston Street, Leith, have an attractive stand of well-finished examples of their leading specialities. Their famous patent disc drill scarifiers occupy a prominent position. The machine is suitable for turnips, mangolds, carrots, beans, &c and can be adjusted to suit the various stages of the crops. There are also exhibits of drill scarifier with side-lands arrangement and hoeing attachment.
Messrs J. Bisset & Sons (Limited), Blairgowrie, have on view three of their patent Bisset binders, which it is claimed are light in draught, easy to handle in working and durable. One of the principle features of this type. Of binders is that the binder attachment has been lengthened, and has a greater transverse than ordinary. This is an advantage in tying long crop. The Bisset straw trusser, with simple and effective knotters, and with simple adjustable hoppers, is also a notable exhibit.
Messrs Alexander Jack & Sons (Limited), Agricultural Implement Works, Maybole, Ayrshire, have a large stand on which prominence is given to several “Imperial” artificial manure distributors to sow in different widths up to 9ft 4 in. These implements distribute all kinds of artificial manures, and each manure is supplied with five change speed pinions of wide range. The firm also make a speciality of potato raisers, carrying six forks. The forks, though centrally driven, do not move in a circle, but give a good hand-fork action.
Messrs J. D. Allan & Sons, Murthly, have on view a variety of appliances of their well-known manufacture, including their patent dung spreader, potato diggers, and a number of coup and other carts.
In addition to a number of drill ploughs, grubbers, and scarifiers, Messrs Thomas Hunter & Sons, Maybole, show an “Excelsior” manure distributor, features of which are that it is worked by an endless chain, and will distribute very wet manure.
Messrs Robert Begg & Sons, Dalry, Ayrshire, have among their exhibits six chill ploughs, two with sett irons, as well as a special double-furrow plough, and an improved drill plough, with marker.
Messrs Kemp & Nicholson, Stirling, display a number of specimens if their drill grubbers, horse hay or stibble rakes, harrows, carts and lorries. Three double-action leverage hay and straw balers with steel framing, on this stand, should receive close attention.
Messrs A. Newlands & Sons, St Magdelene Engineering Works, Linlithgow, make a feature of drill grubbers, with renewable plates, which go into the hardest ground. A side lever on the wheels regulates the depth. Besides a number of ploughs and cultivators, the firm also display a self-acting rake and a “Parmeter” flexible harrow for taking fog out of pasture.
On the stand set apart for Messrs Thomas Brown & Sons, Duns, are to be seen the “Cammo” combined reaper and mower, turnip cutters and slicers, an improved potato sorter with elevator, corn drills and cultivators, including a thirteen double-tined cultivator with front swivel wheel.
The outstanding feature of the stand occupied by Mr David Wilson, Bridgeside Implement Works, East Linton, Prestonkirk, is a potato digger, which, it is claimed, will raise the whole crop undamaged, and leave it in narrow rows. The outer exhibits include a potato cleaning and sizing machine, a washing machine, and potato sprouting boxes.
A large assortment of farm and horticultural implements are exhibited by Messrs Thomas Gibson & Son, Bainfield Iron Works, Edinburgh, who occupy one of the largest stands in the yard. They have on view about 150 different iron and steel articles of their own manufacture. Among the outstanding exhibits are two iron corn rick stands, one 14 feet diameter and the other 10 feet, with improved air bossings, the purpose of which is to enable farmers to take in corn in wet weather. There are exhibited carriage, and field gates of every description, ornamental wire archways, and a variety of shelter tents, ornamental hurdle and garden fencing, and a large assortment of horticultural requisites.
Among a variety of lawn mowers on this stand allotted to Messrs Alexander Shanks & Son (Limited) Dens Iron Works, Arbroath, the outstanding article on view is a 30 inch motor lawn mower, complete with grass box.
A wind engine and water wheel are exhibited by Mr D. T. Paterson, Duns.
A number of the “Sherriff” corn drills, a market gardener seeder, with adjustable coulters, for all kinds of market gardens, seeds and grains, fitted with patent tempered steel delivery brushes and markets, and a variety of steel frame sowers are among the more prominent exhibits displayed by Messrs Thomas Sheriff & Co., West barns, Dunbar. Of special interest is the “Small Holdings” combined drill and broadcast sower, with adjustable coulter. This is a handy machine, which sows all kinds of small seeds and grain and grass seeds.
Various types of binders, including a “Milwaukee” special light draft binder, combined reapers and mowers, general purpose ploughs, improved potato diggers, and turnip and mangold sowers are among the principal exhibits on the stand occupied by Mr George Henderson, Kelso Foundry, Kelso. A number of cattle and pig troughs are also shown.
Messrs Wm Wilson & Son, Crosshouse, Ayrshire, exhibit a patent horse fork and crane; and a blowing, winnowing, and screening machine for cleaning grain and grass seed, with a special riddle for taking runches out of oats.”
A well-known Banffshire implement and machine maker was Auchinachie & Simpson, Mid Street, Keith. It was already undertaking its business at that address by 1868; it continued to be associated with that address until at least the First World War. After 1920 the company, as Auchinachie & Simpson Ltd, was located in Keith, Morayshire.
The company undertook a number of trades. From the mid 1870s it was an agricultural implement maker, general implement dealer, machinery broker and dealer, mechanical engineer, smith, and smith and farrier. Its manufactures included ploughs, harrows, seed sowing machines, grubbers and manure sowers. It was also an agent for a number of key Scottish and English makers, which allowed it to sell a wider range of manufactures, including mowers, reapers and binders, which had a huge impact on north-eastern farming. Its agencies included those for W. N. Nicholson & Son, Newark on Trent, Walter A. Wood, London, Macdonald Brothers, Portsoy, Harrison, McGregor, Leigh, Lancashire. D. M. Osborne & Co., London.
The company was a forward-looking one, advertising and promoting its manufactures at the Highland Show from 1876 onwards until 1923. It was awarded a silver medal for its collection by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland in 1876. It entered its manufactures at a number of the Society’s high profile trials, including the trial for three tined-grubbers in 1885, grass seed sowing machines in 1887 and manure distributors in 1899. It was an advertiser in the North British Agriculturist from March 1870 until July 1911.
In 1910 the business was acquired by Mr James Auchinachie, and was undertaken under the old name of the business: Auchinachie & Simpson. According to the Banffshire herald of 5 February 1910, he was joined in business “with one of his sons, who has had experience of almost every branch of engineering in London, Glasgow, and elsewhere, including electrical engineering. The repairing of motor cars, motor cycles, steam, oil and gas engines will be undertaken at moderate prices.”
In February that year the business was advertising its spring implements:
The business of Auchinachie & Simpson, implement makers, Keith, has now been acquired by Mr James Auchinachie, and is being carried on under the old firm name.
Special attention is invited to the above implements, which have a reputation not only in England, Scotland, and Ireland, but in many foreign countries, and are able to hold their own in the face of all competition.
Our celebrated steel tined harrows and manure distributors have been imitated by many but equalled by none. The latter machine has been much improved for 1910-all the gearing in box is now malleable, which reduces the weight by one-half.
Our broadcast corn sower has been in the market for over 40 years, and has been highly manufactured by every user for its work.
Our far-famed turnip and mangold sower is without a rival. We have now one of a lighter pattern for light lands. Once set, a boy can work it.
Our harrow frames are complete in themselves, and not held together by the tines. The tines are made of the best Sheffield steel. None are genuine except those that bear our name. These harrows have been supplied to the Royal Farms at Windsor.
All implements required for the farm are either manufactured by ourselves or sold on commission. (Banffshire herald, 5 February 1910)
In the following month it noted that it was “makers of patent jubilee manure sower, improved for 1910, new steel-tined keyed harrows as supplied to the Royal Farms, Windsor, the celebrated broadcast sowing machine, turnip and mangold sowing machines, drill ploughs, drill harrows, grubbers &c” (Banffshire journal, 8 March 1910)
The business provided further details of its jubilee manure distributor and its other manufactures in the following March:
“The celebrated jubilee manure distributor patented and advertised by Auchinachie & Simpson, Keith.
Of all the labour-saving machines this is the greatest boon to the farmer. Light and easy draught. Recognised by leading agriculturists as the best, simplest and easiest operated on the market. Beware of imitations.
Makers of broadcast sowers, turnip sowers, steel tined keyed harrows, etc. All of the best manufacture.” (Aberdeen press and journal, 8 March 1911)
At the Highland Show in that year The Scotsman noted that the business exhibited “corn and grass seed sowing machines, turnip and mangold seed sowing machines, and improved manure distributors. (The Scotsman, 25 July 1911) The Dundee courier of 26 July 1911 provided more detail:
“Auchinachie & Simpson, Keith
The sole partner of this old established firm is now Mr James Auchinachie, and he has for the work on the farm effected considerable improvements on the implements made by the firm. The greatest has been in the feed box of the “Jubilee” manure distributor, and it is now impossible for the “barking” or “clogging” in the distributing of the manure to occur. All the working parts in the box are in sections, and should repairs ever be necessary they can be done without the aid of a mechanic and at a trifling cost. The working parts within the box, as well as the bottom of the box, are made of aluminium, which will give a much large life to the distributor. Agriculturists would do well to pay this stand a visit. Mr Auchinachie is one of the oldest exhibitors at the “Highland” having first exhibited in 1877.”
The business had a good trade in 1911. These were recorded at the end of the year in a trade report:
“Messrs Auchinachie and Simpson, implement makers, report that their trade for 1911 has been fully maintained, and that they have established a record in the output of spring implements. During the year they effected improvements on their manure distributor, and their latest type of machine has attracted the attention of agriculturists everywhere. One of these, we understand, has been supplied to his Majesty. It is fully expected that the same of their improved machines will be much increased in the coming season. The firm has recently established an export trade with the colonies in harrows and manure distributors, and have expectations that this enterprise will develop considerably in the near future.” (Banffshire herald, 30 December 1911)
Displenishing sales provide an insight into the implements and machines that were being used on a farm when the tenant was leaving a particular farm. They reflected the type of activities that were being undertaken, including chicken rearing, potato growing, or cheese making. They can also show whether the farm was using new and innovative ones or were relying on older ones. Some of the items that are listed were old, though others, as notices sometimes point out were new. They would also have included implements that might have been allocated to the “hedge back” that were put out for sale to realize some money.
In May 1924 a number of displenishing sales took place in north-east Scotland. It is worth looking at these to see what implements and machines were being used a century ago. There is a great emphasis on ones for ploughing, cultivation, carting, crop processing, and animal husbandry.
Green of Savoch, Auchnagatt (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 May 1924)
Implements-5 box carts (with tops), water cart, dog cart, 5 sets and set pony harness, sledge, 3 box harrows, turnip sower, 3 single, 2 D.B. and 2 shim ploughs; 2 sets iron, 2 sets wooden, chain, and grass seed harrows, 2 grubbers, broadcast sowing machine, turnip slicer, turnip plumper, 2 Massey-Harris binders, mower, 2 metal rollers, horse rake, snow plough, rick props and centres, quantity of firewood, 2 metal troughs, 2 metal pots, barn furniture, including 2 fans in splendid order, weighing machine and weights, sack barrow, forks, bushel measure etc, and all the tools necessary for the farm.
Hill of Park, Park (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 May 1924)
Implements-2 box carts with tops, Massey-Harris binder (in grand order), Ransome cultivator (almost new), 3-horse cultivator, Sellar grubber, drag harrow, 2 stone rollers, single and double ploughs, set iron, set link, and set potato harrows, shim, horse rake, hay gatherer, turnip sower, plough hurley, 2 water troughs, feeding boxes, and all smaller implements. Barn furniture-weighing machine and weights, corn scoop, sack barrow, turnip hasher, stone cheese press, and usual barn furnishings. Harness- 2 sets cart and plough harness, in good order, and the usual stable furnishings.
Rashinlochie, Drumoak (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 May 1924)
Implements etc-2 box carts with tops, long cart with hakes, long cart with sides, spring card, binder (by Wood), mower, 2 single, B.M.P., and rill ploughs, iron, wood, chain and spring-toothed harrows, grubber, shim, turnip sowing machine, turnip cutter, manure distributor, broadcast sowing machine, metal and stone rollers, hay cutter, hay knife, horse and drag rakes, 2 box barrows, grindstone, work bench, saws, stone and wooden troughs, iron and wooden barrels, 2 portable boilers. Barn furniture and harness-barn fan, 2 rick covers, binder cover, weighing machine and weights, sack barrow, riddles, rick yarn, and barn furnishings, 2 sets cart and plough harness, gig harness, and stable furnishings. Furniture and dairy utensils.
Harthills, Kintore (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 May 1924)
Implements-3 boxcarts with tops, 2 long carts, water cart (as new), dogcart, 2 single, 1 double plough, shim, 2 drag. Iron, wooden and chain harrows; grubber, turnip sower, wooden roller, Wallace binder, Albion reaper with mowing gear, water barrels, hen coops, 2 hand barrows, all minor tools; barn fan and barn furnishings; 3 sets cart and plough harness, gig harness, and stable furnishing; hay cutter, sledge, mangle; 100 Larch fencing posts, fencing wire. Quantity of household furniture and all the kitchen and dairy utensils.
Danestone, Woodside (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 May 1924)
Implements-3ft portable threshing mill (by Crighton), Case Tractor, 10-18 H.P., with extending axles; Cockshutt double-furrow tractor plough, tractor double disc harrows, 7 box carts with tops and double shelvings, 2 long carts, rally car, 2 binders (McCormick), 2 mowers (Albion), broadcast sowing machine, 2 metal rollers, drill scarifier, 3 grubbers, 4 sets iron, spring-tined, potato and chain harrows; 5 M.P. and 2 D.B. ploughs, 3 shims, potato digger, horse and drag rakes, potato dresser, barrows, barn fan, steelyard and weights, turnip pulper, turnip hasher, paraffin drum and barrels, feeding troughs, grindstone, chicken coops, cart ropes, and yarn, turnip sower, power horse clipper, portable forge, 15ft boat, and all minor farm implements, also a quantity of fencing posts and wire and rick posts, 8 sets cart and plough harness and all the usual stable requisites.
Note-the threshing mill, tractor and tractor implements are of recent purchase, and are in splendid working condition.
