Ricklifting was an art. By the time the ricks were to be moved in a field they had started to become adhered to the ground on which they stood. They couldn’t always be easily moved. Then there was trying to get the rick moved onto a low lying rick-lifter – without it disintegrating. Some ricklifters tried to make it easier to pull the ruck onto the lifter by attaching a strap to be attached around the rick to help keep it from falling apart. This did help, but it could still be irksome to get the rick to be pulled onto the cart.
In 1921 Alex. Jack & Sons’ Ltd of Maybole exhibited for the first time its combined self-loading hay rick lifter with new patent loader and unloader. In essence, this allowed the ricks to be more easily and quickly pulled onto the lifter. On 14 June 1921 the North British Agriculturist provided a lengthy description of it and how it worked:
“Maybole haymaking invention
Messrs Jacks’ ricklifter
We give as one of our illustrations this week a photograph of Messrs Alex. Jack & Sons’ Ltd (Maybole) new patent combined self-loading hay rick lifter with new patent loader and unloader. This new labour-saving device was exhibited for the first time at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Show, held at Belfast on 24th and 25th May, where it had a great reception among Irish farmers, and was awarded the Society’s silver medal.
Construction of machine
The combined machine consists of two distinct parts-(1) a loader and unloader which can be used in conjunction with any rick lifter of the platform type; (2) a chain drive from the rear travelling wheel of rick lifter to a counter-shaft in front, which is geared to the winding roller or tube. The loader and unloader is constructed with a. wooden beam about 4 feet long, fitted with three T-iron prongs 4 feet long. Small wheels are fitted on the under side of the beam, and small double wheels or rollers near the front of prongs. On top of the beam is fitted a tripper, consisting of two small wheels with axle, two cranked arms, and a wooden cross-bar. The whole apparatus is attached to the rick-lifter platform by means of a chain. Two small wheels are fitted to the rear ends of the main beams, and a prop is fitted to the front of the rick lifter, this keeping the lifter tilted up. The action of the loader is extremely simple. With the lever tilted and the prop in position, the rick lifter is backed smartly towards the rick. The three prongs penetrate under the rick, which automatically forces up the tripper, thereby raising the loader and rick on to the platform. The most difficult part of loading the rick is thereby easily accomplished by the simple backing of the horse, and it is an easy matter to complete the loading, as it has to be drawn a much shorter distance, and the wheels on the bottom of the loader make it more easily adjusted.
A one-man, one-horse design
The feature of the new lifter is that the completion of the operation of loading the rick is performed by the horse yoked to the rick lifter instead of by hand. When the loader with the rick on it has been raised on to the platform, the ropes are put round the rick in the usual way, the clutch is engaged, and as the horse walks forward the rick is drawn on to the platform. When the rick reaches the front of the platform, its weight, depressing the front of the platform, locks the tipping arrangement, and automatically throws the clutch out of gear. It is therefore apparent that this combined machine does not necessitate having an extra man or an extra horse in the field when loading ricks, as the entire operation of loading and unloading can be quite easily accomplished by the driver.”
The hay harvest was always hard work. There was the endless turning of the drying grass on the ground to ensure that it dried evenly and was dry enough to store. There were numerous attempts to try to mechanise the work of the hay harvest, including machines that were more effective and efficient at turning over and aerating the drying grass. There were also attempts to make reduce the amount of crop that was to be forked and moved.
In 1918 Mr G. Paterson, Wester Frew, Kippen, near Stirling, has patented a hay coiling machine with loading attachment. It was described at length in The Scottish Farmer on 14 December 1918. It stated:
“A new hay collector
Mr G. Paterson, Wester Frew, Kippen, near Stirling, has patented a hay coiling machine with loading attachment. The machine is very cleverly designed, and the full-sized models which have already been made have worked with commendable precision and satisfaction. The apparatus consists of a pivoted mould with releasing doors and an endless band for loading. As the machine is drawn forward the elevator or conveyor automatically operates by chain gears from the axle of one of the wheels and lifts up and discharges the hay over the top of the mould. This mould is shaped like a coil, and when travelling to be filled the taper end is towards the ground. When it is in that position a man or boy tramps the hay into it as it falls from the elevator. When the mould is filled, the man in charge of the horses releases the catch lever, with the effect that the mould, with the hay therein, automatically tilts over to the inverted position, the man in the interior at the same time jumping out on to the ground. After this a cross bar is released, and the mould opened on either side so that it travels forward, leaving the rick standing in its proper position. As the mould is freed from the rick the gates are again closed and it is turned to its original position. The forward movement is continued, and the process is thus complete. This hay coiling machine is considered to be a valuable implement for securing the hay at harvest time, and manufacturers have an opportunity of taking it up.”
The article noted that Mr Paterson was looking for manufacturers to take up his design. By 1921 Robertson & Mclaren, Craigmill, Stirling, were making and advertising their “Victory” hay ricker. It was described as “a new implement for collecting and ricking hay”. It was exhibited at the Highland Show in 1921 and won a silver medal from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. It also received a good deal of attention in the agricultural press.
The hay ricker changed the shape and appearance of the hay fields in areas where it was used. It was a favourite in the Carse of Stirling where large acreages of timothy were grown and the fields were flat.
The hay was made into windrows. The ricker was then drawn over the rows. It caught the hay with its revolving rakes, carrying it up an elevator and dropping it into a cage behind where a man (or two) tramped it down. When the cage was well-filled the cage was turned right over, two doors at the back of the cage opened and a rick produced.
Hay rickers were used in some parts of Scotland and throughout Britain until well after the Second World War. In 1952 you could obtain a “Mallard-Adams” from A. Adams, Langabeare Barton, Fatherly, Devon, or Rickerby Ltd, 33 Botchergate, Carlisle.
The newspapers carried extensive and descriptive accounts of the implements and machines that could be seen at the Highland Show. On 23 June 1931 the Scotsman newspaper carried the following account of the “Machinery in Motion” section of the implement display. It pointed out the key stands and some of the most notable implements and machines that were being exhibited. The key makers included James H. Steele, Edinburgh, A. M. Russell, Edinburgh, P. & R. Fleming & Co., Glasgow, and J. & J. Ballach, Gorgie Implement Works, Edinburgh.
“Features of the Highland Show
Machinery in Motion
Large collection
There is no more attractive department in the entire display of implements than that devoted to machinery in motion. Here, at the stands of some seventy firms, all of whom are well known throughout the agricultural world, visitors will find much of general interest, whether or not they are associated with pursuits of the soil. The mere fact that the great assortment of machines can be seen in motion is undoubtedly an appealing factor in itself. To townspeople as well as to farmers, a machine shown in motion is always a much more human interest than an inert exhibit, and, after all, few men have lost that boyish interest in the turning of wheels. A tour of the motion yard is an education, revealing the wonderful ingenuity of the agricultural implement producers in evolving new methods in farming operations. Most of the up-to-date machines are already well known to farmers, but new devices and improvements are always being brought forth, and therein lies the value of an inspection.
Farmers’ emporium
Mr James H. Steele, Harrison Road, Edinburgh, presents at stand no. 48 his customary varied collection of agricultural implements, appliances, and requisites. The assortment is of such a nature as to justify his motto, “Everything for the Farm”. Here indeed it is a case of “inquire within upon everything” for the farm, from a fencing staple or nail to a tractor, from a scythe blade to a binder and a reaper. The articles on view are too numerous to detail, but special attention is directed to the display of tractors of the very latest type, each with power take-off. Alongside are several binders with direct tractor drive. In addition there are numerous engines, mowers, and binders of Ruston-Hornsby make, and a full range of Messrs Ransomes’ tractor and horse ploughs, horse rakes, potato diggers, &c. the proximity of the hay harvest makes opportune the exhibition of a collection of modern machines, including new patent crane-pattern hay elevators, triangle rick-lifters, hay bogies, Bamletts’ “Rolls-Royce” mower, swath turners, hay collectors, &c. There can also be inspected here an improved potato sorting machine for power drive, manure distributors, turnip-cutting attachments for carts, cattle troughs, corn bins, &c. The Wilder new patent “pitch-pole Minor” grass harrow is a mew implement, being shown at the “Highland” for the first time. A combination of a flexible tine harrow with a square-link chain harrow attached, the unique and vital feature of the “Minor” is the patent offset times, which are self-cleaning. Consequently, tufts and rubbish present no difficulty. At Stand no. 120, a special display is made of all the latest dairy equipment. Of outstanding interest here is the complete dairy and wash-house plant, comprising steam boiler, steam sterilising chest, washing trough, bottle washing turbine, and rinser. There are also an improved bottle filling and discing machine, cream separators, refrigerators, churns, butter-workers, milk bottles and boxes, milk filters, and all the latest Grade A milk appliances. Poultry enthusiasts are likewise well catered for, the stand containing a special range of the well-known Ven Carr automatic dry-wash hoppers, together with various sizes of poultry houses, incubators, and all the accessories for the hen run.
Engines and implements
Two specimens of their noted oil engines are shown at stand no. 44 by Alexander Shanks & Son (Ltd), Dens Iron Works, Arbroath. One is an engine of the cold starting crude oil type, and the other is a horizontal hot bulb engine, also for crude oil. They are to be seen in motion, complete with all accessories. A 36-inch cut water-cooled motor mower is also on view. The firm are also to be found at stand no. 324, where they are showing a number of their famous lawn mowers of the Eagle, Britisher, and Hawk types, together with motor mowers in varying sizes.
A comprehensive assortment of implements and general requirements for the farm, dairy, garden, and poultry establishments, is made by Mr A. M. Russell, 108-112 West Bow. Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Cultivators, rototillers, tractors, and oil engines figure prominently on the stand, but there are also binders and mowers, potato diggers and turnip cutters, field and stable bins, troughs, extension ladders, whitewashing and spraying machines. Dairy and poultry appliances, garden tools and requisites. Samples of Mr Russell’s popular hand-made wire netting for sheep and the A.M.R. brand of pig netting are featured.
John Wallace & Sons (Ltd), 34 Paton Street, Glasgow, are to be found at stand no. 74, where they have their customary varied display of implements and machinery. A feature is made of their extensive range of barn machinery, including a chaff-cutters, corn-bruisers, oilcake breaker, combined grinder and bruiser, &c. examples are also shown of the firm’s famous potato-diggers, mowers and reapers, manure distributors, together with a selection of Oliver ploughs, food coolers, oil engines &c. Messrs Wallace have long been renowned for their implements, a reputation built entirely upon quality and reliability.
Gillies & Henderson, 59 Bread Street, Edinburgh, are at stand no. 55 in the motion yard, where they have a most comprehensive display of machines likely to meet the requirements of every farmer. Here we have a Case tractor of the newest model, as well as binders, mowers, hay rakes, swath turners, and potato diggers. Among other features special mention can be made of the fact that there is the newest telescopic poultry house, a new grid which obviates the necessity for gates on main farm roads, and an exhibition of the weaving of hand-made sheep wire netting for which the firm are known throughout the country.
P. & R. Fleming & Co., Graham Square and Argyle Street, Glasgow, are located at stand no. 75, where they present an attractive display of agricultural implements and dairy utensils, &c. Prominent on the stand is the Waugh patent sheep dipping outfit, comprising a circular catching pen, sheep dipper, and circular dipper. Other exhibits include potato and charlock sprayers, horse forks, engines, mowers, pumping sets, horse rakes, dairy sterilising plant, bins, troughs, poultry appliances, and a collection of wire fencing gates, &c.
Sowers and cultivators
Sowing and cultivating machinery is to be seen in variety at stand no. 80, occupied by J. & J. Ballach, Gorgie Implement Works, Edinburgh. Included in the assortment is the new patent universal expanding disc drill scarifier, adaptable for drills from 18 to 30 inches wide. This machine gained the H. & A. S. silver medal at the 1927 Show in Edinburgh. Manure distributors, combined seed and manure sowers, drill scarifiers, and other implements are to be found in profusion, as well as hay mowers, potato diggers, swath turners, engines, and a selection of galvanised ware.
A general survey
Apart from these particular stands and exhibits, there are many firms represented in the motion yard, all displaying their respective productions and wares. Threshing machines constitutes another feature in the general display. Many firms have such plant in motion in conjunction with oil engines, amongst those specialising in this department being George McCartney & Co., Cumnock; Barclay, Ross, & Hutchison (Ltd), Aberdeen; Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies (Ltd), Ipswich; Marshall, Sons & Co. (ltd), Gainsborough; R. G. Garvie & Sons, Aberdeen; James Ferries & Co., Inverness; Garvie, Innes & Scott, Aberdeen; Allan Brothers, Aberdeen.
There is each year at the Highland Show an increase in the number of motor manufacturers and agents who are exhibiting. Visitors can inspect at stands no. 26 and 109 a full range of the Fordson agricultural tractors and Ford cars and commercial vehicles displayed by Scottish Ford Dealers, 60-64 North Street, Glasgow. The tractors are to be seen at various prices, while there are saloon passenger cars of different grades and a number of commercial vans and trucks.”
The Highland Show was the great stock and implement show of Scotland. It was – as it is today -much looked forward to. It’s proceedings, including its stands, their contents, stock entries and their winners were widely reported in the press. This included not only the agricultural press, the national press but also the regional and local press. Journalists were sent to report what was important for the local farmers to see and know about.
In 1921 the Aberdeen daily journal sent a reporter to the show. They provided a lively account of it – it was a huge show. Its main focus was on who and what from Aberdeen and the north east was at the show. It was a kind of home from home. If you are interested in an account of the contribution of north-east makers to the implement department then this is a really good one.
This is what the Aberdeen daily journal wrote about the Highland Show of 1921 in its issue of 26 July 1921
“This year’s display of farm and garden implements, machinery, and dairy utensils probably forms one of the largest exhibition of the kind seen in Scotland. Everything required by the agriculturist, no matter what branch he may specialize in, can be seen. Fly papers for the dairy, patent penny collar studs, and traction engines and threshing mills are all on view, and the collection is one of the most comprehensive seen at the Highland Show. All the leading manufacturers in Aberdeen and the north are represented by stands, and, given good weather, they look forward to doing good business. The venue of the show this year is within reasonable distance of the large industrial and implement centres in Scotland, and perhaps this explains the large display of machinery. As an engineering proposition, the exhibits are most interesting, but it is their utilitarian and labour-saving value that will appeal most to those who inspect them. The north firms have shown commendable enterprise in adopting the very last class of machinery and implements, and all the very latest improvements.
One of the features of the motion yard was the display of tractors and threshing machines and light oil-driven engines suitable for nearly all kinds of farm work, including the manufacture of electricity for lighting and power purposes.
Mechanical farming
It is evident, without doubt, that the mechanical element in farming is having a greater influence on the industry than ever before. It would seem that in course of time, if the present trend of development is continued, there will be little manual labour required on the farm. In addition, new methods are being adopted in the treatment of seed and manures, all with the one object of increasing the yield of the crops and improving the quality. The same applies to animal feeds. Even the farmer himself is not neglected, for he is notified at several of the stands what style and quality of clothes and boots he should wear.
The new implements and machinery include a 2hp mower called the Viking, a 3hp oil engine by Armstrong, Whitworth, and Co. All the necessity for external lubrication has been eliminated; and a special design of bearings introduced which double the life of the same. There is a sheep drain-cleaning machine invented by Mr James Parker Smith, Auchterarder. It is made to clean sheep drains measuring up to 22 in wide on surface by 14 in deep and drain bottom 9 in wide. There is also a new type of manure distributor, a patent sheaf-binding harvester, a revolt drain excavator, a new type of threshing machine from Holland, a self-propelled engine-driven turnip cutter, a nine-tined universal cultivator with self-lift gear and expanding axle, a new implement for collecting and ricking hay, a new patent turnip thinner, a stationary air-cooled single sleeve-valve engine with two speed drives and the high speed of 1000 revolutions per minute. It consumes paraffin, and has a slow speed of 500 revolutions per minute. There is also among the new implements an expanding horse how and a new patent traction coupling.
Aberdeen to the front
Aberdeen is well represented within the yard. The erection itself has been put up under the supervision of Mr John Reid, the contractor, who hails from Aberdeen. A large staff of joiners from Bon Accord have been in Stirling for weeks putting up the enclosure and erecting the stands.
Without doubt, the motion yard is the largest ever seen at a “Highland”. Aberdeen and north firms are represented by Messrs Allan Bros., Ashgrove Engineering Works; the Association of Fish Meal, Fish Guano, and Fish Oil Manufacturers, 75 Union Street, Aberdeen; Messrs Auchinachie and Simpson, Keith; Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Aberdeen; the Bon Accord Engineering Company Ltd, Aberdeen; John M. Brown, 420 George Street, Aberdeen; Mr James Crichton, Engineering Works, Strichen; Messrs R. G. Garvie and Sons, 2 Canal Road, Aberdeen; Messrs Marshall and Philp, 179 Union Street, Aberdeen; Messrs A Muller and Company, 184 West North Street, Aberdeen; Messrs James Scott and Son (Aberdeen), Ltd, 483 Union Street; Messrs G. Sellar and Son, Ltd, Agricultural Engineers, Huntly; the Warden Insurance Company (Ltd), 218 Union Street, Aberdeen, etc.
Principal stands
The following are among the principal stands-Stand no. 53-Messrs Wallace (Glasgow), Limited, on stand no. 53 display a very representative collection of farm implements and machinery. The two outstanding features of their exhibit are the “Glasgow” tractor and the “Glasgow” single sleeve valve farm engine. Of the former much has already been written both from an engineering and a farmer’s point of view, so that it does not call for extensive comment. The recently published list of testimonials bears evidence of the great satisfaction which users are deriving from the “Glasgow” tractor.
The outstanding difference between the “Glasgow” and other tractors is that the formerly having three-wheel drive transmits its power to the drawbar in such measure that the manufacturers claim its greatest success is exactly where others fail-under heavy conditions and on hilly land. A signed guarantee is given with every tractor, covering a period of twelve months. A rather novel method of showing the drawbar merits of the “Glasgow” tractor is on view in the form of a large clock-like face showing the drawbar pull necessary for a two furrow and likewise for a three-furrow plough, and further round the dial the hand points to drawbar pull of the “Glasgow” showing a big reserve over what is necessary for a three-furrow plough.
The single sleeve valve engines are on view fir the first time at the Highland Show. They are air-cooled, and are models of neatness. Their principal feature is simplicity, having 70 per cent fewer parts than the usual type of small farm engine. The samples shown are 2 ½-3bhp according to the list, but dynamometer tests have recorded 4.25bhp so that there is a considerable margin of power. Considerable orders, it is understood, were placed at the Royal Show for supplies of these engines, and arrangements are well forward in the factory for large output. Messrs Wallace (Glasgow) Ltd, have at the exhibition their usual varied collection of their well-known specialities.
Mr J G Fraser, Springhilll, Douglas
Stands nos 33 and 34-Mr J G Fraser, Springhill, Douglas, has an attractive implement and machinery stand. All the latest in oil engines can be seen here. They have been tested and tried for a variety of purposes, and have performed all that was required of them. The workmanship and finish are of the very best. Oil engines cab be had at prices from £120 to £250 each; saw benches, saws, &c for £50; corn bruisers, £60; combined crushing and grinding mills, £55 each; small combined grinding and sawing machines, £40 each; a d roller mills made by the DSA Engine and Machine Co., £50 each.
Messrs Barclay, Ross and Hutchison
Stand no 58-Messrs Barclay, Ross and Hutchison, Ltd, agricultural implement makers, Green, Aberdeen, occupy Stand no 58, which has a frontage of 30 feet. They show two portable threshers and one semi-portable driven by Austin tractors. They are high-speed threshing machines, built of the best selected pitchpine. They are suitable for threshing oats, wheat and barley and presenting them fit for the market. There is also on view a Ruston and Hornsby petrol and paraffin oil engine for driving any of the threshers. A feature of this stand is the firm’s wave-disc manure distributor, which has been so long on the market as a favourite that so far there is nothing to beat it. The prices of the threshers and manure distributors have been greatly reduced, and it would certainly pay farmers to call here and see for themselves what the firm can offer them. The firm also show their famous Balmoral cultivator, besides a large selection of other implements.
Strichen Engineering Works
Stand no. 30-Mr James Crichton, Engineering Works, Strichen, has a 40-feet covered in stand. Farmers visiting this stand will find much to interest them. There are a variety of threshers of the best possible workmanship and material. A 3ft 6 in stationary finishing thresher makes a first-rate job, and the price is only £400. For a similar figure a 3ft portable finishing thresher can be obtained. There is also a 24in high speed thresher at £180, a 24 in medium speed at £160, and another similar one at £125.
Messrs A. Muller, Aberdeen
Stand no. 83- Messrss A Muller and Co., Aberdeen, have on view at Stand no. 83 a splendid display of high-class engineering tools, including a range of “Mulco” boring, punching, and shearing machines. The “Mulco” boring machine is supplied in six different types, one of which will meet the requirement of any trade. The boring capacity is up to three inches, and the larger machines are fitted with many improvements, including automatic feed and stopping arrangement. The “Mulcho” punching and shearing machines are shown in many types either for hand or for power. A novelty is the “Mulco” reducing sleeve and nut. This ingenious article does away with the necessity for hammers and file0ends to release sleeves, and thus preserves spindles, drills and chucks. Another feature is the self-centring chucks, as well as many other minor articles interesting and necessary to the engineering trade. A speciality is made of seamless milk-cans, which, for hygiene and economy, are meeting a long-felt necessity.”
Lots of big names from the north-east at the Highland of 1921.
The name of Neil Ross was known in Elgin from at least 1942 when it appears to be first recorded in the Scottish agricultural press. The business was an engineering business, a motor engineer, as well as tractor and implement dealers and distributors.
In 1947 the business was re-arranging its activities to provide a better service to customers. It acquired premises in Greyfriars Street, Elgin, which had formerly been Souter’s Garage. By 1955 it was trading out of Commercial Road Ellon. It was to open other premises. In 1955 it was also recorded at Station Road, Laurencekirk. In 1969 it was at Don Street, Forfar.
The business saw the opening of its premises in Greyfriars Street as an important development in providing a better service to its customers. Let’s see how it announced the opening of these premises in an advert that it placed in the Aberdeen press and journal of 19 November 1947
“Announcement
Of special interest to farmers & contractors throughout Banff, Moray and Nairn
Neil Ross, Nor’-East Tractor and Implement Works, Ellon, takes this opportunity to thank his many customers in the Banff, Moray and Nairn area for their valued support, and begs to announce that, with a view to offering a more convenient and better repairs and spares service, he has now completed alterations and plant installations at the recently acquired premises in Greyfriars Street, Elgin (previously known at Souter’s Garage).
A specially skilled staff of tractor and implement mechanics have been employed which, under the guidance of a conscientious foreman, will give the work entrusted to them their earnest and skilled attention.
All makes of tractors repaired
The accommodation for stocking spares and supplies is extensive and these are now being stored and recorded on the latest card index system.
Workshop van and lorry transport available at shortest notice
Every farmer is connected to this efficient repairs and spares service by Telephone Elgin no. 7314.
Old and new customers alike are cordially invited to utilise this service.
No demand too big-none too small
Our customer is to us the most important person.
Official opening date, 1st December, 1947.
Main agent for the North-East: David Brown, Allis Chalmers, Oliver, John Deere, Caterpillar, Cletrac, Bristol and Anzani tractors. Also agent for most other makes.
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 Glasgow herald published an extensive account of the show on 25 April in its pages of the following day. It provides an interesting account of how the display of implements and machines was undertaken at that time, including proposals for a central location for an exhibition. It provided a long list of exhibitors (showing the importance of the show). It listed all the key stands and their exhibits including horse rakes and mowing and reaping machines, new patent implements as well as the usual exhibitors with their routine exhibits. Awards (silver medals) were made for collections and specific implements.
“ Ayrshire Agricultural Association
The forty-first annual spring show of this association was opened yesterday in the Cattle Market Park, Ayr. As on former occasions, the first day was devoted entirely to the exhibition of implements, and owing to the success which has attended the efforts of the committee of the society in this direction, the show at Ayr has come to be looked upon as second only to that of the Highland Society. So much is this the case that all the leading implement makers in the country make it a point to have some of their goods exposed in the yard of the Ayr Show, and in this way the framers have a more extended choice than they could have in any merely local show. We heard yesterday, however, of a proposal which will doubtless please the leading implement makers, though it may not meet with the approval of the farmers. It is well-known that a considerable amount of expense is occurred in transporting implements of various kinds from one place to another, and the amount of money this spent must be in one way or another drawn from the pockets of the purchasers. The proposal is to form an association of all the agricultural implement makers in the country, with a committee of directors, whose duty it would be to look out for a piece of ground in a central locality, where shedding of a permanent character could be erected, and where for two or three weeks a year a general exhibition could be held. It is said that that would be more convenient to all concerned, save the makers a considerable amount of expenditure in the transport of their goods, and enable them to sell the machines at perhaps 10 per cent less than at present. It is also considered that it would be of great advantage to farmers, as in this central exhibition they would have specimens of all the different kinds of utensils that are required in husbandry, and would thus have an opportunity of selecting the best articles at a lower price than it can be obtained in the market at present. The suggestion is worthy of consideration, but how far it would meet the approval of the farmers or the various agricultural associations in the country is questionable. There is no doubt that the present system us a great convenience to framers, as it brings many good implements to their own doors; but some of the members are beginning to think that the time has now arrived when the farmers might without disadvantage to themselves come to them. This proposal will, however, require ventilation, and some years must necessarily elapse before it can be carried out, even supposing that all the preliminary arrangements had been concluded. In the meantime farmers will continue to use the opportunities placed at their disposal, and nowhere in this district do they possess a better chance than at Ayr. The number of implements in the yard has this year reached 1,024, being 100 more than last year and just about the same as that of the two or three years proceeding. For the sake of comparison we give the entries for the past ten years:-
The weather yesterday was of a very uncertain character. The morning was rather showery, and as black clouds passed over the yard and deposited their contents on the visitors, a rush was made to the shedding, under which shelter was obtained till the shower passed over. In the afternoon, however, the aspect of affairs changed, and the visitors to the yard had every comfort for examining the specimens laid out for view, Messrs Haughton & Thompson, of Carlisle, had a number of their adjustable horse rakes and mowing and reaping machines forward, one of them being called a “royal clipper”, which was fitted with a front cutting apparatus. Reaping and mowing machines were also exhibited by Wm Ferguson of Boghall, while the Dunstan Engine Works Company, Gateshead, had a bone crusher and a small stone breaker on the ground. A very interesting collection was to be found in the fourth stand, occupied by Thomas Hunter, Maybole. Besides all the implements for which this maker is famed, Mr hunter showed a new patent excelsior double drill turnip topping and tailing machine. The maker, in speaking of this new implement, states that thirty of them have been tried during the past season in different parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and from all the farmers to whom the new implement has been entrusted the reports are exceedingly favourable as to the work done by it. “This implement”, says the maker, “is practically constructed for cutting or sawing off the leaves or shaws, also for cutting up the turnips from their roots, placing them in regular rows ready to be carted away for storage, or put into heaps for cutting up and consuming on the land on which they were grown. There are two saws (one on each side of the frame), about 3 feet long, placed on an acute angle with the drills. The shaws are lifted in front before the saws pass along, which enables them to be all neatly cut off. It is also fitted with a very simple powerful leverage, so that the saws can be instantly raised or lowered while passing over large or small turnips. There is also a cast-steel share on each side, which passes underneath the roots, and adjusted by two wheels, which can also be raised or lowered by means of a lever, and the wheels keep the implement or shares to their proper depth. It is also exceedingly simple in construction, easy to manage, and a light draught for one horse.” It is stated that it can take up eight acres per day, thus effecting a great saving of time and labour. We understand that sheep frequently die from eating too greedily of the green leaves of the growing turnips, but when these are cut off and partially withered they do not have an injurious effect on the stomach; and by using this implement the shaws can all be taken off before sheep are folded with the turnips. Mr Hunter has also in his stand the new patent turnip thinning machine by Hanson & Hunter. The implement thins two drills at a time, and the hoes can be regulated by spring levers to the greatest accuracy to any depth or height, while the machine is in motion, so as to enable the hoes to pass over any blanks or obstacle that might be in the way. By its use one man is said to be able to thin from eight to nine acres a day. John Wallace & Sons, of Glasgow, show specimens of their potato diggers and mowers and reapers, for which they have been famed for many years. Messrs Shearer & Williamson, of Garliestown, have a turnip topping and tailing machine and drill grubber combined. It is so constructed that when not required as topping and tailing machine, the apparatus can be easily removed and grubber teeth inserted. It then becomes an efficient grubber, and in that way saves the expense of another machine. A. & J. Main, Glasgow, and Thomas Turnbull, Dumfries, are among the implement exhibitors, and after a look through these we come to the stand of Fowler & Co., of Leeds. The “Baby” engine, which this firm introduced last year for ploughing and traction purposes, has had a new system of coiling gear attached to it, and the traction steerage has been adopted in place of the more cumbrous system in use among the heavier engines. John Dickie, Girvan, has in his lot a new horse hoe or scuffler. It is intended to work between the rows of machine sown grain, pulverising the ground, and rooting out the annuals growing between the rows, and is so constructed that it can be easily guided without injuring the plants. Wm. Young, Ardrossan, has set up and put in motion two vertical combined engines and boilers, which are simple in construction. All the parts are easy of access and work with great economy. They occupy little space, and no brickwork is required for foundations. The two-horse reaper and mower exhibited by Andrew Pollock, Mauchline, has two speeds, either of which can be used to suit the crop, has two tilt hecks, one for seed hay and one for grain, and it has a swather for meadow hay. His potato digger is also a useful machine. T. Pirie & Co., Kinmundy, have as usual a large quantity of their double furrow ploughs and other implements on the ground, one of the principal being the 5-tine grubber, which is so constructed as to prevent it from choking in the roughest land, and at the same time so thoroughly raising the land that it is said to be superior to ploughing. Alex. Jack & Sons, Maybole, occupy their usual stance, and among the many useful articles for which the firm is now so famous is a new pattern of horse rake, which is made with strong wrought-iron wheels, and the load is delivered by the combined action of arm and foot by a very simple arrangement and easy leverage. There is also a harvesting rake, by the use of which a labourer can tie three acres of corn per day, averaging 800 sheaves to the acre. Picksley, Sims & Co., Leigh, are represented by a number of their famous turnip cutters and reapers. James P. Cathcart, Ayr, has a specimen of Wood’s new iron frame mower, which has been specially constructed for Haddingtonshire, and is stronger than the other machines of the same maker. John Richardson, Carlisle, has several of how well-known prize winnowing machines on the ground. He has also an improved winnower which is made with double shaker and screen, and is adapted for separating the grain more efficiently from wild mustard seed, or wild oats. The Improved patent combined clipper, reaper, and mower of D. Gordon & Co., Ayr, is fitted with a patent wing wheel for crossing deep furrows, is possessed of two feeds, and there is a large front wheel which takes the weight off the necks of the horses. There are also a large variety of other implements, consisting of corn drills, broadcast sowing machines, self-delivery reapers, corn-dressing machines, carts, cheese pressers, churners, &c &c; besides a number of articles which have not the slightest bearing on practical agriculture. Among the exhibitors, besides those we have already mentioned, are-Hugh Wyllie, Ayr; John Hutchison, Maybole; David Proctor, Mauchline; Robert Begg, Dalry; John Drummond, Cumnock; George McCartney & Co., Cumnock; James A. Davidson, Irvine; Robert Wallace, Ayr; J. & R. Wallace, Castle-Douglas; Robert Kerr, Kilwinning; David Paton, Glasgow; James Wyllie, Kilmarnock; James McDowall, Glasgow; Head, Wrightson & Co., Stockton-on-Tees; Thomas Howie & Co., Kilwinning; Alfred Field, Liverpool; James Harvey, Carlisle; Wm Anson Wood, London; Thos. Sheriff, Dunbar; D. M. Osborne & Co., Liverpool; J. W. Robinson & Co., Liverpool; James Cuthill, Ayr; Corbett & Piell, Shrewsbury; Harrison, McGregor & Co., Leigh; J. & T. Young, Ayr; W. N. Nicholson & Son, Newark; W. McFarlane, Glasgow; Ware & Lewis, London; Holmes & Young, Irvine; M. & J. Craig, Stewarton; David Noble, Stranraer; A. Morton & Son, Kilmarnock; Ed. Bowden, Old Cumnock; McFarlane & Findlay, Glasgow; H. Pooley & Son, Glasgow; Robey & Co., Lincoln; and H. R. Marsden, Leeds.
The judges for the implements and machines were Messrs James Wilson, Wester Cowden, Dalkeith; John Taylor, of J. & A. Taylor, engineers, Townhead Works, Ayr; David Scott, Boghead, Girvan; and Robert Wallace, Braehead, Ayr. The following are their awards:-
Silver medals-Thomas Hunter, Maybole, for patent excelsior double-drill turnip topping and tailing machine; John Wallace & Co., Graham Square, Glasgow, for improved potato digger; John Fowler & Co., Leeds, for six-horse power traction engine; John Drummond, millwright, Cumnock, for collection; Geo. McCartney & Co., Cumnock, for collection; Wm Young, Ardrossan, for engines and boilers; T. Pirie & Co., Kinmundy, for collection; Robert Wallace, Whitletts, for collection; Alex. Jack & Sons, Maybole, for chaff-cutters, and another for collection; Picksley, Sims & Co., Leigh, for collection; Richmond Hornsby & Sons, Grantham, for collection; Thos. Howie & Co., Kilwinning, for collection; Corbett & Peele, Shrewsbury, for collection; Harrison. McGregor & Co., Leigh, for mowers and reapers; J. & T. Young, Ayr, for collection; W. N. Nicholson & Son, Newark, for rakes; Wm McFarlane, Glasgow, for collection; Wren & Lewis, London, for collection; Robey & Co., Lincoln, for patent Robey traction engine, and another for double-blast thrashing and finishing machine, with patent angle iron frame; and H. R. Marsden, Leeds, for stonebreaker.
Bronze medals-Haughton & Thompson, Carlisle, for collection; A. & J. Main & Co., Glasgow, for collection; Robert Begg, Dalry, for collection; John Dickie, Girvan, for collection; Robert Kerr, Kilwinning, for collection; Alex. Jack & Sons, Maybole, for carts and lorries; James P. Cathcart, Ayr, for collection; Alfred Field & Co., Liverpool, for collection; D. M. Osborne & Co., Liverpool, for collection; J. & T. Young, Ayr, for improved division stop churn and horse-gear to work it; Holmes & Young, Irvine, for collection; R. Tinkler & Co., Penrith, for collection; H. Pooley & Son, Glasgow, for collection; Robey & Co., Lincoln, for improved portable steam engine; Smith & Wellstood, Glasgow, for boilers; and Kimball & Morton, Glasgow, for collection.
The following firms had their collections highly commended:- John Hutchison, Maybole; Andrew Pollock, Mauchline; James A. Davidson, Irvine; J. & R. Wallace, Castle Douglas; James Wyllie, Kilmarnock; John Richardson, Carlisle; Edward Kerr, Dublin; W. A. Wood, London; Thomas Sheriff, Dunbar; James Cuthill, Ayr; Ord & Maddison, Darlington; Edward Bowden, Old Cumnock; Joseph Davis & Co., London; Macfarlane & Findlay, Glasgow; and William Culton, Whithorn.
Peter Winton, Thorn, by Falkirk, had his potato-digger recommended for trial at the end of July. The judges also agreed to try Aspinwall’s American potato-planter, exhibited by J. W. Robinson & Co., Liverpool, in a field about half-a-mile from Ayr this morning.”
This is the headline from an article that was printed in the North British Agriculturist of 22 April 1920. At that time there were significant changes being made in the development of tractors for the Scottish farmers. The Glasgow Tractor – which was designed and manufactured in Scotland – had come onto the market a year earlier. Steps had been taken by its maker to set up a works for its manufacture. This was described at length by the North British Agriculturist. It is worth quoting at length as there are few accounts of implement and machine works.
“The Glasgow Tractor Works: a colossal undertaking
All schools of economists agree that in these transition days from war to peace there is no sounder policy than the conversion of big war supply establishments into hives of industrial production. These times of world food-shortage are demanding implements of improved type to quicken and increase food production, and amongst machines of this class the agricultural tractor is bound to play a leading part. There are those who argue, with good reason, that if wages continue to rise and prices fall, as they are bound to do some day, then the man who has invested his capital in a tractor will be bound to score. To what extent that will be the case depends very much on the trend of events during the next few years. Thoroughly alive to this position, The Wallace Farm Implement Co. Ltd, who have the proud distinction of evolving the first Scottish built tractor, seized a rare opportunity by purchasing the extensive shell factory at Cardonald, on the outskirts of Glasgow, for the development and manufacture of the Glasgow tractor. It was brough out last year at the leading shows and the Lincoln trials, and was favourably commented on for its originality in design. As we have previously noted, the point which differentiates the Glasgow from all other tractors is that all the three wheels on which it is balanced are directly driven. The grip of the ground thereby obtained is what specially fits it for working on the hilly lands of Scotland, and that under moist and adverse conditions. Along with these notes we give an illustration of the perfected type of the Glasgow tractor as it is now being turned out.
Extent of the factory
To give some idea of the scale of the enterprise it may be stated that the ground site at Cardonald extends to about 25 acres, and. Of these nearly 13 consist of covered buildings of modern solid construction, with concrete floor throughout used as the Government factory for 8-inch shells. To this there is to be added a model foundry, covering an additional five acres where the castings will be made. Already embraced in the plan of the works is a line of rails (entering at both ends) of the Joint Caledonian and South-Western railway, the lines radiating to five collecting and distributing centres. On the occasion of a recent visit, we had a walk round the establishment. The machine shop, in the main building, is a sight to be remembered and almost bewildering to any but a practical engineer. The whole place is designed on the latest production principle-the tractor being standardised throughout -with the raw material brought in at one end and the finished tractors discharged at the other. Electricity is the power used throughout, the factory having its own substation supplied from the Clyde Valley Electric Power Co. On the occasion of our call the pattern-making shop was in full swing working on the frame and new engine. A portion of the floor in the main building, with its lofty glass roof, 800 ft by 160 ft, has been set aside for storing finished tractors, and is situated adjoining the railway siding, where there is ample dispatching facilities. The handsome set of drawing offices are situated inside, at one end of the building, and have separate rooms for the chief draughtsman and designers. Although the number of hands employed in the present developing stage is about 400, it is reckoned that when fully equipped work will be provided for upwards of 3000 men. A very useful “leaving” by the Government when the building was taken over is the admirable set of canteen rooms. They, too, are on the modern principle, with spacious cloakrooms, ample washing accommodation, and a set of kitchens with up-to-date machinery, while the dining hall into which the employees flock at the dinner hour is large, airy, and well appointed.
Machinery installation
Available space is insufficient to describe all the various sections found under the rood of this mammoth engineering shop, where the whole process of tractor manufacture is being organised on a scale hitherto unattempted in any Scottish agricultural engineering establishment. Suffice to say that the machinery installed for making, shaping, and finishing the various parts is of the newest and of the most up-to-date type, both of British and American make. A novel point is the organisation of the work through departments-such as the “experimental”, the “progress”, and the “production” department, so that by co-operation the out-turn of orders may be guaranteed within a specified time. This is most important in view of the great demand, not only from countries within the British Empire, but also from foreign countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, where the three-wheel drive principle has caught on. By a service of special outside inspectors the makers have arranged to keep in touch with the working record of each tractor turned out, and to retain for reference a tabulated statement showing construction details, so that the tractor user, if any defects are discovered, may have them rectified free of cost. Besides the making of the tractor, arrangements are being made to turn out, on a large scale, stationary and portable farm engines of the single sleeve valve pattern, for paraffin or petrol. This is in view of the great development of this type of engine for all agricultural work, and we believe these are to be listed at prices to compete favourably with the numerous imported engines of this class now on the market. We understand that with a view to develop their extensive undertaking and provide the requisite capital for its expansion it is the intention of the company to float the concern under the style of “Wallace (Glasgow) Ltd” at no very distant date, when an opportunity will be afforded to the public and all interested in tractor cultivation to acquire an interest in this Scottish undertaking which seeks to provide an efficient tractor not only for home use, but for countries all over the world.”
In 1916 the death of John Marshall of Alexander Jack & Sons Ltd, Maybole, Ayrshire, marked the end of an era in the Scottish agricultural implement trade. John Marshall, or Provost Marshall, was one of the “giants” in the trade. His death came at a time when a number of the other major makers were also passing.
The North British Agriculturist carried an extensive obituary of the late John Marshall in its columns on 16 March 1916. It describes the development of Alexander Jack & Sons Ltd and his role in the development of the business – a well known and highly reputed one that was known world-wide, his reputation and role within the wider implement making trade in Scotland. It is worth quoting at length:
“The late ex-Provost Marshall
During the last few years death has been taking a heavy toll of the Scottish agricultural engineers. This week, it is with deep regret we have to chronicle the passing away of Mr John Marshall, JP, ex-Provost of Maybole, known throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom as head of the eminent firm of Messrs Alex. Jack & Sons, Ltd, agricultural engineers, Maybole. Mr Marshall had been in slightly failing health for some time, but always looked well-preserved for his years. Those, however, who met him lately have noticed the creeping on of age. He passed away at his residence, Laurel Bank, Maybole, on Sunday last, at the ripe old age of seventy-six.
The firm of Messrs Jack & Sons was founded by Mr Marshall’s father-in-law-the late Mr Jack, who began business in 1835 as a small cartwright and implement maker at Auchendraine on the banks of the Doon, near Maybole. From this latter place he removed to Maybole in 1852, and built the firm’s present works from his own plans. After the removal he was very successful in developing a trade for reapers and mowers, following on the impetus given to the manufacture of these machines through the invention of the Rev Patrick Bell who, some year previously, had evolved the first practical reaper. Mr Marshall was born in Fife, and was trained in his early years for the drapery trade. He went to Maybole in 1870, and in 1876 was assumed by Mr Jack as a partner, and, on the latter’s death, became the sole proprietor of the concern. Under his skillful and energetic management, the business continued to flourish in a marked degree until the works at Maybole became one of the most extensive of the kind, not only in Scotland, but in the United Kingdom, and were reputed for the high quality of the implements turned out from them. Messrs Jack & Sons have always been noted for the efficiency of their mowers and reapers, and also potato diggers, in which they specialise, and of which they make several types. They were particularly successful in making this class of machine, and in 1896, with their “Caledonian” pattern, won the first prize of the R.A.S.E. at Leicester in open competition, an honour which brought with it to Maybole a great volume of both home and foreign business. Of later years, Mr Marshall devoted his energies to labour-saving devices, and especially to the inventing and perfecting of manure distributors. In this line he brought out the “Empire” combination double drill plough and manure distributor, as well as the “Imperial” distributor with finger wheel delivery, which latter machine proved a great success, and brought many large orders to keep the firm’s works steadily going. In addition to implements, Mr Marshall’s firm also did an extensive business in farm carts, and had a large timber trade with sawmills both at headquarters and also in the north of Ireland. Several years ago, Mr Marshall travelled round the world, spending a considerable time in New Zealand, where he made many friends and opened up business connections. Before leaving for that journey, he was entertained to a complimentary dinner in Glasgow (in 19080 by the whole of the Scottish implement trade, which was in itself a good indication of the high esteem in which he was held.
Mr Marshall was one of the best known figures at the shows of the “Highland”, the “Royal”, and the “Smithfield”. He was a very genial gentleman, exceedingly sociable, an adept in telling a good story, and stood high in the esteem of his fellow exhibitors. For some years he held the honourable position of President of the Scottish Agricultural Engineers’ Association, while he was also a director of the Ayrshire Agricultural Association, and of the Glasgow Agricultural Society. He had a many-sided life, for in addition to his municipal work and what he did for the town of Maybole, he also rendered good service as a county councillor. Mr Marshall was one of the last of the old brigade of Scottish implement makers, and since Mr William Elder of Berwick passed away, was regarded in Scotland as the father of the trade. He has had had a long, busy, and well-ordered life, which will ever be an outstanding example of the success which comes from those who are diligent in business. He was predeceased by his wife some years ago, and leaves one daughter, Miss Marshall, the faithful companion of his later years, and to her we tender our respectful sympathy in her great loss.”
The Glasgow Agricultural Society was a major agricultural association in Scotland from the mid nineteenth century onwards. Its show – an early one in the agricultural calendar – was a key part of the farming year and attracted considerable attention. It included an implement department which was seen as an important one rivalling those of Ayr and Dublin. It also held the usual displays of cattle and other livestock.
Because of the importance of the show it was widely reported in the press. Accounts were usually set out in some detail, and list the names of the key stand holders and the major features of their stands. They also provide some additional commentary on what was new and innovative (if anything).
Accounts from different newspapers provide a range of persoectives on the show. These are interesting for their different perspectives, but also on the points pf accordance where they highlight the same businesses and exhibits. These can be seen in accounts from the forty-fourth show of the Glasgow Agricultural Show in 1900:
“Glasgow Agricultural Society’s summer show (from Glasgow herald, 19 April 1900)
The annual show of stock promoted by the Glasgow Agricultural Society, which opens to-day on the new ground at Scotstoun, possesses features of peculiar interest. It is the first of the summer exhibitions which the society has held on their own property, and it is satisfactory that, so far as can be anticipated, the show promises to be one of the best held under the auspices of the society for a number of years. Since the opening of the Scotstoun ground in October much has been done to improve it, but more requires to be done before the scheme is completed.
Although not very large, the implement department is nevertheless interesting. For the accommodation of the machinery the eastern part of the grounds (to the right of the main entrance) has been set apart. Here there is on view, compactly arranged, a varied collection of the more practical kinds of machinery for the farm as well as the dairy. Of the 45 stands, the largest are in the hands of the two well-known Glasgow firms, Messrs John Wallace & Sons (Limited) and Messrs P. & R. Fleming & Co., both of Graham Square. The Messrs Wallace, as usual, have forward the most extensive collection on the ground. Their “City of Glasgow” and “Thistle” mowers and reapers are prominent exhibits. One of the latest productions of the firm is the “Universal” cultivator, which can be used for several purposes. It works effectively in hard land where a spring booth cultivator will not go deep enough. It is made of high-class carbon steel, which gives it great strength and stiffness, and all the wearing parts can be easily replaced. It can be employed as a cultivator only, and is arranged for grubbing three drills at once or for drilling up three drills at a time. The implement, it is claimed can grub or cultivate 10 to 11 acres or ridge up the same area in drills per day. The collection also includes many other labour-saving appliances. Messrs P. & R. Fleming likewise exhibit several novelties, such as a turnip slicer driven by a windmill, in addition to specimens which have been long popular in the market. The Dairy Supply Company have forward a collection of dairy appliances, including the “Alpha” separators, which were awarded first prize at the Maidstone show of the Royal Agricultural Society. Similar exhibits are shown by Mr John Gray, Stranraer, and Messrs Bamber & Co., Preston. The only Ayrshire exhibitors are Messrs Alexander Jack & Sons, Maybole, who have on view a selection of their specialities. General collections are also shown by Mr M. Dunlop, Glasgow; Wm W. Dickie, East Kilbride; and Messrs Ben Reid & Co., Aberdeen. The Uddingston plough makers – Mr George Gray and Mr Archibald Forrest – are well represented; while Messrs A. & J. Main, Edinburgh, show their “Ideal” binders and combined mowers and reapers. Lorries, vans, and other vehicles are displayed by Mr James Wales, Mr J. H. Kelly, Messrs John Hill & Sons, and Messrs Robert Mitchell & Son, all of Glasgow; and by Mr Joseph Atkinson, Leeds, and Mr Thomas Smith, Kilmarnock. Gas and oil engines are shown by the Campbell Company, Glasgow; Messrs George Davies & Co., Abergavenny; Messrs Crossley Brothers, Manchester; and Tangyes, Birmingham.”
“Glasgow Cattle Show (from The Scotsman, 19 April 1900)
The forty-fourth annual summer show, under the auspices of the Agricultural Society, opens to-day in the Society’s new grounds at Scotstoun. The grounds were used in October last for the stallion show, but only a limited number of the public then visited them, and the inauguration, so fat as the public are concerned, may be considered as taking place to-day. The Scotstoun showfield is in convenient communication with the city, both by rail and car, and the highly suitable formation of the grounds, as well as the way in which they have been equipped with permanent structures, should have a considerable effect in popularising the show.
The implements will be found in the east side of the showfield, and the collection is one of very considerable interest. Mr John Wallace & Sons (Limited), have again a large stand of improved implements, which include their well-known “City of Glasgow” mower and reaper, the new “Universal” cultivator, which grubs three drills at once; “Thistle” mowers and reapers, “Massey-Harris” two-horse light steel binders, and other machinery. Messrs A. & J. Main & Co. (Limited), Edinburgh, show new “Ideal” binders and combined mowers and reapers of the same make. Messrs P. & R. Fleming & Co., Glasgow, have on view a large selection of minor utensils, with a specially interesting exhibit in the form of a turnip slicer, driven by a windmill attached. Their selection also includes a hay swath turner of new construction. The Dairy Supply Company (Limited) send from their Edinburgh branch a large collection of improved dairy utensils, amongst which special attention will be attracted by their “Alpha” pony steam turbine and hand power separators, with sight feed arrangement, which gained first prizes at the Royal Show at Maidstone last year, and which are quite a recent invention. Messrs Jack & Sons, Maybole, show “Milwaukee” harvesters and binders, “Caledonian” potato raisers, and numerous other exhibits. Mr Matthew Dunlop, Glasgow, is represented with a large display of patent self-acting horse rakes &c. Mr Robertson, Glasgow, usually an exhibitor in the implement section, does not show this year in view of his extension in his coach-building premises at 412 St Vincent Street. Various English firms of implement makers are represented.”
“Glasgow Agricultural Society (from North British daily mail, 19 April 1900)
Opening of show to-day
Although the new permanent grounds of the Glasgow Agricultural Society have already once been the venue of a public exhibition, this year’s “summer show”, which commences to-day, will mark the inauguration of Scotstoun grounds so far as the bulk of agriculturists and the general public are concerned.
The agricultural implements displayed do not look so numerous as in past years when exhibited on the slopes of Queen’s Park. Among the exhibitors there is some grumbling on two grounds. They complain that the Glasgow, Dublin, and Ayr shows run too closely together to give makers and exhibitors from a distance opportunity to show as they would like, and Glasgow firms say that it is more expensive training their goods to Scotstoun and then carting on to the field than carting all the way as in years past. Messrs John Wallace & Sons, Graham Square, although now exhibiting at Dublin, and busy dispatching implements for the Ayr Show on Tuesday, hold the largest stance on the field. Again this firm have in the forefront their famed “Thistle” mower and reapers, also the “City” reapers, of which they have sold hundreds of late years. They are capital for hilly lands. They show also a couple of Massey-Harris two-horse steel binders. Their combined drill and broadcast manure sower, with double wheels, will prove attractive; and Messrs Wallace make a speciality of the “Universal” cultivator, which is invaluable in the case of hard land where the spring tooth cultivator fails to go sufficiently deep. The machine for grubbing three drills at once is guaranteed to ridge up about eleven acres in drills per day. The stand is altogether of an interesting character, including as it does a large variety of implements and useful for large and small firms. Messrs P. & R. Fleming & Co., at stand 14 have on view varieties of the reliable Ransome ploughs, horse rakes, potato diggers, and so forth; also a Wood harvester and binder, to which has been applied several improvements. A feature of the firm is the turnip slicer driven by windmill. They also exhibit useful and handy grinding mills by “Bamford” land rollers, and a chaff cutter, with hinged flywheel and feeding web. A. & J. Main & Co., Edinburgh, now well-known exhibitors in the West show a handsome Deering “Ideal” binder fitted with roller and ball bearings in main gear, crank shaft, and elevator intermediate bearings, grain divider, wheel fitted with roller bearings, and also with steel balls at both sides of hub, and their other exhibits include an “Ideal” combined mower and reaper, a steel tooth cultivator, and cream separators of various sizes. Mr Matthew Dunlop, of Graham Square, has on view a large selection of implements of their own make, besides samples of machines and implements for which he is agent. An exceptionally large display of ploughs, corn crushers, and binders is made by the well-known Ayrshire makers, Messrs Alexander Jack & Son, Maybole. The Dairy Supply Company Ltd, have come from Edinburgh, with an interesting assortment of coolers, churns, and dairy requisites. They also show the “Alpha” pony steam turbine separator to work at the rate of about 150 gallons per hour. This valuable separator has of late been greatly improved. The company secured first prize at the Royal Show at Maidstone for those admirable requisites. George Gray & Co., Uddingston, show a variety of ploughs with steel mouldboards. The leading coachmakers in the city are not this year, as had been the case for some time, represented at the show, being apparently contented to get up private views of their own at headquarters.”
One of the prominent names in the making of potato planters (and potato diggers) was Robert Kyd of Coupar Angus, Perthshire.
He first brought attention to his manufactures in the North British Agriculturist on 28 July 1875. He attended local shows including Angus Agricultural Association and Perth Agricultural Show as well as the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland where he was a regular exhibitor from 1879 until 1900 as well as a keen competitor of his implements and machines. He entered the Highland Society’s trial of potato diggers in 1881 and the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s trials of potato raising machines in 1887. He also entered the Highland Society’s trial of combined reapers and binders, or lifting and binding machines in 1882.
Kyd quickly gained a reputation for his implements and machines. In 1887 his two row potato planter was “now so well and favourably known as to require no description or comment”. By 1896 the Dundee Advertiser could state that “he has been getting quite a name far afield”. By that time he was well noted for his potato diggers as well as ploughs and drill ploughs. All of his implements showed “good workmanship”.
His potato planters and diggers were favourably commented on in key trials. These include those of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The following accounts provide a flavour of that esteem:
Interesting trial of potato planters (from Huntly express, 26 April 1884)
The potato planters selected at the Inverness show last year were tried on Tuesday, in a field at the farm if Dunain near Inverness, granted by Mr Bailie of Dochfour, who also gave the use of his horses and furnished seed for the trials. The machines entered were no. 98, 99, and 100 in the catalogue of the Inverness Show, and exhibited by Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., Banff, and no. 555, exhibited by Mr R. Kyd, Coupar-Angus. Another machine entered for competition by Mr Dewar, Strathmartin, Dundee, was withdrawn. As the machines had been kept in possession of the Society since the date of the show in July last, the exhibitors were allowed a short preliminary trial, so as to get them into proper working order, after which the judges proceeded to test their merits. The judges were Mr Harris, Earnhill, Forres; Mr James Mollison, Dochgarroch; Mr D. Paterson, Balrobert; and Mr Anderson of Lochdhu. After very careful trials, the judges agreed to report to the directors as follows:-That they should award the first prize of £15 to Mr Robert Kyd, Coupar-Angus, for his double drill machine; the second prize of £10 to Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., Banff, for their two-row patent potato planter; third prize of £5 to Messrs Murray & Co., for their one row potato planter. The draught of the machines was very light for one horse. The machine to plant three rows with two horses was also tried, and although the judges considered its construction displayed considerable ingenuity, they did not think it so useful an implement as the others.
The “Royal” potato digging trials (from Farmer’s gazette and journal of practical horticulture, 8 October 1887)
The trial of potato diggers, under the auspices of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, commenced on Tuesday, 4th inst, on Mr Fairbairn’s farm. Gosforth, near Newcastle. In the first class, for implements the price of which exceeded £5, the following manufacturers competed:-
1 J. D. Allan & Sons, Culthill Implement Works, Dunkeld; price £12 10s
2. Wm Elder, Berwick-on-Tweed, £13
3. Alex Jack & Son, Maybole, Ayrshire, £13
4. Robert Kyd, Coupar Angus, Perthshire, £13
5. Penney & Co., Limited, Lincoln, £16
6. Powell, Brothers & Whitaker, Wrexham, 313 13s
7. Moorhouse A. Thompson, Berwick-on-Tweed, £14.
The trial was conducted on a level field of rather light land, and resulted in the first prize of £20 being awarded to Messrs Powell, Brothers & Whitaker, of Wrexham; the machine entered by R. Kyd being reserved, and those entered by Mr Thompson and Messrs Allan being highly commended respectively. In the other competition, for implements costing less than £5, the first prize of £20 was awarded to a plough made by Mr Gregory, Westoe, South Shields; a second being awarded to Mr Elder, Berwick-on-Tweed, for a similar implement.”
In March 1904 Robert Kyd advertised that he was retiring from business. An advert in the Dundee courier 15 March 1904 noted “for sale, as a going concern, the old-established business of agricultural implement maker and blacksmith, carried on in Coupar Angus for the past 30 years by Robert Kydd, who is retiring.
The opening us an excellent one, and the connection valuable. Applications to L. R. Falconer, agent, Bank of Scotland, Coupar Angus, from whom full particulars.”
The sale of his business was slow, taking a number of years to undertake. An advert in the Dundee Courier in January 1907 noted that his business had been sold: “12 new two-row planters for sale. First prize, with all latest improvements. Reduced price, £10 each. Business sold.”
Robert Kyd died at Marris Cottage, George Street, Coupar Angus, on 29 November 1910.
