Category: Out and about

One of the most successful potato planters of the early twentieth century was the Richmond potato planter, developed by Mr T. G. Richmond of Dron, Fife. It came to be manufactured by John Wallace & Sons, Paton Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, one of the major implement and machine makers in Scotland. It was seen as an advance in design on existing potato planters. It was also very efficient: it did not plant “blanks” or doubles (ie more than one tuber in a space).

The Richmond potato planter was first demonstrated at Brickhall, Bridge of Earn in July 1905. Another trial was made on that farm in March 1906. It was well attended by many well known farmers. An account of it was published in the Dundee courier of 24 March 1906:

“Improvements in potato planter

Great improvements (writes a correspondent) have been made on the old potato planter by Mr T. G. Richmond of Dron. These improvements have been on the shape of the cup, the tipping of which gets rid of extra potatoes, while retaining a good hold of the potato therein. These along with the alteration of the formation of the hopper tends to the work of the new Richmond patent approaching, it is said, almost to a perfect potato planter. With it there is little danger of doubles, and blanks are unknown, while the potatoes are never smashed. A trial was made on Thursday afternoon on Brickhall Farm, and in 180 yards there was only one blank. The test was made with four different kinds of seeds-(1) Up-to-Dates dressed between 1 ¼ inch and 15/8 inch riddle, (2) the same kind dressed between 1 ½ inch and 2 inch riddle, (3) Langworthys dressed between 1 1/4 inch and 1 5/8 inch riddle. (4) mixture of cut and uncut Dates-and in all cases it made satisfactory work. Its planting was far superior to that by hand for regularity. The trial took place in the presence of many well-known agriculturists, among those being the Hon Alastair Murray, Scones, Lethendy; Roy, Kirkton; Law, Windyedge; Strang, Moneydie; Smith, Eastfield; Taylor, Broombarns; Stevens, Kilgraston; McNaughton, lochelbank; Allan, Dalcrue; Philip, Dunning; Leitch, factor, Mincreiffe; Dr Govan, Taylor and Cameron, Bridge of Earn; Wilson, of Messrs Watt. Seedsmen, Perth; Drummond, Fordell; &c.”

There were further trials of it Another one took place in November 1906 at Dairsie Mains. It too was well-attended. An account of the trial was published in the St Andrews citizen of 17 November 1906:

“Another labour-saving implement

The inventor’s brain is never idle, and one of his latest products is another labour-saving implement to benefit the farmer. The potato-digger has revolutionised the old method of lifting the potato crop; and now we have a potato-planter that is evidently designed to effect a similar revolution in putting the seed into the ground. Such an implement is not altogether new; but practical men, who had an opportunity of seeing “Richmond’s Potato Planter” at work on Mr F. W. Christie’s farm of Dairsie Mains on Saturday, frankly acknowledged its superiority over anything yet devised. The inventor is well-known to Fife people as a daring rider at the Point-to-Point races at Bruntshiels, and comes of an inventive race, his father, Mr Richmond of Dron, being the inventor of the Richmond drier. The high-lying part of a field to the east of Dairsie Church (and in remarkably dry condition considering the previous rains), was prepared by Mr Christie for the exhibition trials, and among those taking a warm interest in the test were Mr Richmond himself, Mr Christie; Mr R. W. R. Mackenzie of Earlshall; Mr Orchison of Denbrae; Mr Millar and Mr Wm Millar, Nydie; Mr Bogie, Balass; Mr Fleming, Prestonhall; Mr McKerracher, Mayfield; Mr Dryburgh, Orkie, &c. Th eplanter, which is constructed to cover two rows at a time, consists of two hoppers into which the seed is placed. Passing up through these hoppers are revolving chains with cups attached. As the chains go round, the cups take away the seed and deposit them on the bottom of the drill wonderfully steady, at an average interval of 10 to 12 inches. A feature of the implement which gained general approval is the manner in which it rectifies doubles. Owing to the elevation of the track along which the chain travels, and the shape of the cups themselves, any excess over the required seed are constantly thrown back into the hopper; and only a very small percentage of doubles ever find their way through. The planter was first tested with whole Up-to-Dates, then with whole Langworthys (which owing to their shape occasioned the severest test), and finally with cut potatoes; and the machine came through each test with gratifying success. It is claimed for it that with a lad and a horse it can plant from 7 to 8 acres a day-the work of 7 to 8 people; and by means of a tilting lever, it can be readily adjusted to plant uphill or downhill. Representatives of Mr John Wallace & Sons (Ltd), Glasgow, who are intrusted with the sale of the implement were also on the ground giving information about its working.”

The planter quickly became recognised for its efficiency. On 8 April 1908 the Perthshire advertiser noted that “another implement which is much wanted at present is the Richmond potato planter. So great is the demand for this very efficient article that the makers cannot turn it out fast enough, and are refusing orders for this season. It also has come to stay, for planting potatoes by hand is both slow and expensive.”

The planter continued to be widely used over the following decades. It continued to be found at displenishing sales into the 1940s and 1950s. In 1946 (13 November) The Scotsman noted them at Cauldcoats, Portobello (Mrs Gilchrist). In 1948 (23 October) it also noted one for sale at Lanark Auction Mart. The Aberdeen press and journal recorded one on 28 February 1948 at the Central Mart, Aberdeen. In 1950 (16 November) the Dundee courier reported one at Lumbennie, Newburgh (Mr Geo. Low).

An award-winning planter from G. W. Murray and Co – in the early 1880s

The late 1870s an important development in potato planters from G. W. Murray and Co., Banff Foundry. Over a number of years it worked on the design of a potato planter that had been invented by Mr Thomas Ferguson, Kinnochtry, Coupar Angus, Perthshire, and then constructed by Robert Kidd, blacksmith. In 1875 the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland selected Mr Ferguson’s potato planter for a trial of potato planters that had been exhibited at its summer show. However, it did not make the exhibition. Mr Ferguson sold the right of his invention to G. W. Murray and Co., which then, over a period of five or more years, perfected the design. In essence, it appears to have been the first chain driven potato planter (one row or two row) that uses a design that is still evident on some more modern designs. It continued to be improved. Even in 1885 when there were other makers making potato planters, Murray’s machine has “several new improvements which no other machine has got”.

Murray’s planter was extensively demonstrated throughout Scotland. In 1879 and the early 1880s newspaper accounts of it report trials of it in Perthshire, Banffshire Ayrshire, and Dumfries-shire. It was also entered for trial by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland in 1879. By March 1881 Murray was advertising “the patent potato planter” as having “beaten every known planter in the World, taking the highest award at every competition, including the Royal Agricultural society of England’s first silver medal.” In February 1885 it listed further awards in an advert in the North British Agriculturist. These were: The Highland and Agricultural Society’s gold medal; The Royal Agricultural Society’s silver medal, the highland and Agricultural Society’s £10 prize; The Highland and Agricultural Society’s £5 prize.

A number of newspaper reports provide details of the development of Murray’s award winning potato planter. These include the following ones:

“Highland and Agricultural Society (from Aberdeen press and journal, 5 April 1879)

Potato planters

The following report of a trial of potato planters invented and made by Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., Banff, which took place on the farm of Niddrie Mains, Liberton, on the 28th March, was read:-“The two-drill machine was tried both with whole seed (seconds) and cut seed (potatoes). It did not work in a manner so as to enable the committee to recommend it. The seed was not dropped equally, and a good many blanks were left. A cup chain gave way, which put a stop to one of the sides working during the most of the trial. The one-drill machine was then thoroughly tested with both kinds of sets, and performed its work very well-so much so, that in counting over a hundred sets dropped only two blanks were found. This machine had the advantage of the drop-spot being much nearer the ground than in the other, which enabled it to deposit the seed more regularly; and the work was upon the whole satisfactorily done. The committee think that the machine might be further improved, especially by altering the construction of the wheels in such a manner as to enable them to keep steadily on the top of the drills when at work. The price is £7 7s, being moderate, and the mechanism strong and simple, and not likely to go out of order; and the committee feel justified in commending it, and recommend the directors to award a medium gold medal.”

“Trial of potato planter (from North British Agriculturist, 4 March 1880)

After five years if experimenting and improving on Mr Ferguson’s patent, the Messrs Murray of Banff have at last succeeded in bringing before the public a potato planting machine that meets the approval and requirements of potato growers. At a public trial on Saturday, on the farm of Ardgaith, Perthshire, this machine worked so satisfactorily that it may now be said that potato planting by machinery is an accomplished fact, and that the inventors and makers will be rapidly rewarded for their efforts in bringing this machine in a comparatively perfect state before the public. Of the utility of this machine no better recommendation can be given than the fact that on Saturday a number of practical farmers gave their orders after seeing the work done. The machine is simple, durable, and had no complicated machinery to go out of order or clag with dirt. And the general impression on Saturday was, that this machine will rapidly find its way into the hands of all potato growers.”

“Coupar Angus (Dundee evening telegraph, 25 March 1880)

Trial of potato planters

A test of potato-planting machines took place on Isla-Bank farm on Tuesday. The machines, three in number (two double and one single), were constructed by Mr G. W. Murray & Co., Banff, the patentees. A good number of experienced farmers belonging to the neighbourhood and from a distance attended to witness the operations, and there was considerable diversity of opinion as to the merits of the machines. Occasionally two or more seeds were dropped together, and now and again a blank occurred, but, upon the whole, there can be little doubt that the work was admirably executed. All of the machines were one horse draught, and with the pair-drill kind eight acres per day of planting can be executed. These machines were originally invented by Mr Thomas Ferguson, Kinnochtry, and the first machine of the kind was constructed in Coupar Angus by Mr Robert Kidd, blacksmith. Mr Ferguson afterwards sold the right of his invention to Mr Murray & Co., the present patentees of this machine. A grubber and digger for stubble land &c, by Mr Murray & Co., were also exhibited at work on Isla-bank farm on this occasion.”

“G. W. Murray & Co’s potato planter (Blairgowrie advertiser, 20 march 1880)

From the many honours Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., of Banff Foundry, Scotland, have been awarded this year for the patent Potato Planters which we have briefly noticed from time to time, we trust we may at length infer that a good potato planting machine is now an established fact. It started off early in the season with the United Banffshire Agricultural Society’s silver medal, following that with the Highland Society of Scotland’s gold medal after a careful and searching field trial. They came in for royal patronage, the trial of which upon the royal farm we noticed in April last. During the autumn months several important trials have been held of potato planters and lifters. The largest we believe that was ever held cane off at Wrizen, near berlin, in Germany, lasting four days, where there were eleven planters and twenty-nine diggers entered, the competition then was held to be the most practical, scientific, and searching test of planters which was ever held, when the highest honours were carried off by G. W. Murray & Co’s planters, as described by a well-known contemporary: “This machine, we understand, has been in hand for several years, and cost a great deal of time and money to bring it to its present complete state. The well-known perseverance and energy of the Banff firm will now be fully rewarded in thus being able to beat the world, and that, too, in an article which during the last ten or twelve years has exhausted the patience and purse of a good few in trying to bring out a good working potato planter.”

The Peterborough Agricultural Society held a great trial of planters and diggers on 24th and 25th September, when large money prizes and silver medal were offered; there, too, Messrs Murray & Co’s planter carried the first prize and silver medal, At the Long Sutton Agricultural Society’s Show, on 8th and 9th October, a large silver medal was awarded to the same machine, and now we have to record the diploma of honour awarded at the latest trial held on 23rd October at Greifswald, near Stettin. We very much regret to learn that owing to an accidental omission to enter it in time the planter will not be at the forthcoming Club Show-Chamber of Agriculture Journal.”

“Agricultural implements at Muir of Ord (from Inverness advertiser and Ross-shire chronicle, 23 March 1880)

Messrs G. W. Murray & Company, Banff Foundry, exhibited among other implements at the Muir of Ord market last week, their recently invented and now perfected potato planter, an implement that is certain to be extensively employed when its invaluable services became generally known to growers. In England and the South of Scotland, as also on the Continent, where hand labour is scarce and expensive, this implement is, we believe, already a recognised necessity on potato growing farms. The highest honours have been awarded to Mr Murray’s planter wherever on trial or in competition with others. The one exhibited on Thursday last is, we understand, to be set to work on the farm of Drummond this week. Mr Miller, Ballintore, is Messrs Murray’s agent.

“Trial of potato planter (Galloway news and Kirkcudbrightshire advertiser, 16 April 1880)

On Tuesday last a trial of Messrs G. W. Murray and Co’s patent potato planter took place on the farm of Mouswald Grange, Grange, occupied by Mr Todd. The implement is very ingenious in construction, but is worked with the greatest simplicity and ease. The hopper containing the roots is formed with two pockets, and the front is made with open bars to allow of dirt and dust falling through. Through the bottom of each pocket passes an endless chain made up of a series of cups. These chains pass up the front of the hopper, over two wheels at the top, and then descend outside the hopper through two trunks, and over two wheels at the bottom. The upper face of the cups is circular and recessed, the size and form being arranged so as to hold only one root. From this face the cup falls away until it terminates with a flat tail, and on the other side is a hook. At the upper end are cast two lugs, with a pin between them, and the chain is made up of a series of these cups hooked together. The pitched wheel, around which they turn, is driven by gearing from the driving wheels of the implement and the speed can be regulated by means of chain wheels. As the chain travels up the inclined face of the hopper, each cup carries with it a root, which is tipped over in the trunk as the chain passes over the wheel, and is carried down with the chain to the bottom of the trunk, where it is discharged into the furrow. The clogging up of the cups by dirt is effectually prevented by the tail forming part of each link, because, as the chain passes around the wheel, the tail of one link is thrown through the slot in the face of the adjacent one, and dislodges anything that may have been deposited there. The carrying wheels of this machines are formed of two wrought-iron bands placed about 6 inches apart, and connected at intervals by slightly concave bars. The patentees have been working on the implement for the last six years, and they are to be congratulated on having at last produced an article as near perfection as can possibly be conceived. The one we saw at work on Tuesday is the first in this district, and it speaks highly for Mr Todd that he has had the enterprise, in these dull times, to introduce the novelty. That the machine will very soon do more than pay itself cannot be doubted, judging from the immense saving of time and labour which it effects. It is beyond all question the best and most complete potato planter in the world, having been awarded the highest honours at every trial, not only in this country, but in Germany when in competition with the greatest number of planters ever shown at a time. During the short period that it has been offered to the public no fewer than fifty-five have been sold in Perthshire alone, and the brief trial which we witnessed was sufficient to convince any one of its practical utility. The machines can plant eight acres a day; they are made to suit different sizes of drills, and the one at work was a two-row one, and can plant twelve, ten, or eight inches apart. The work done was of the most satisfactory character, the seed being planted with a degree of regularity that could not have been surpassed by hand planting. The implement was tried with both whole and cut potatoes, and it exceeded the most sanguine anticipations-indeed, so much was Mr Todd pleased with it that he at once became its proprietor, and we have no doubt its popularity will soon increase in this district. Mr Murray, along with his agent in Dumfriesshire, Mr James Payne, Thornhill, personally superintended the trial. – Dumfries herald”

In Scotland ploughing matches started to be held in the late eighteenth century. By the first decade of the nineteenth century matches were held in a number of locations across Scotland and became more frequent in the following decades, with some becoming well-established at a relatively early date.

Because of their local importance accounts of them were published in local newspapers. They included information on the location of the matches, the number of ploughs that started, the award winners and the judges. They usually noted the soil conditions and the quality of the work. Sometimes they made comments on the number of attendees, the weather on the day, as well as the ploughing technologies. Some accounts also record the social activities after the matches.

The following accounts give a flavour of local ploughing matches in the Lothians in the 1840s:

“Ploughing match (from Caledonian mercury, 25 January 1840)

On Friday the 17th inst., thirty three ploughs stated in two fields of lea at Ravelrig, in the parish of Currie, the property of Robert Davidson, Esq, who had very handsomely given to the tenant, Mr Robert Proudfoot, Gorgie Mains, a sum to be awarded as prizes.

The ploughmen in Currie parish have long been held as excelling in their art, and in the present instance their character was well maintained by the remarkable straightness of the furrows, and the close observance to the depth and breadth of the furrow slices, as specified by the Judges.

The Judges, Messrs Stevenson, Penman, and Proudfoot, after a very careful inspection of the work, awarded the prizes as follows, viz-

North Field – 1st prize, John Glendinning, Currie; 2d J. Gardner, Cockburn; 3d William Sommerville, Shothead; 4th James Allan, Harley; 5th Edward Fleming, Riccarton Mains

South Field – 1st prize Andrew Anderson, Harley; 2d John Binnie, Cocklaw; 4th James Dunn, Malleny; 5th Thomas Cunningham, Kenleith.

The Judges, and a few of Mr Proudfoot’s other friends, afterwards dined at Gorgie Mains, and the party sent a most agreeable evening in discussing various important points connected with the agricultural improvements of the day.”

“Ploughing match (from Caledonian mercury, 17 January 1848)

The annual ploughing match of the Society of Farmers, in the parish of Temple, took place last the 14th curt on a field belonging to Mr Inglis, Roseberry-when thirty-five ploughs started in competition. The judges on the occasion were Messrs Dickson, Shewington; Ford, Craigmillar; and Gardner, Broutchrig, who, after a careful examination, and not without considerable difficulty, awarded the following prizes-

1st prize, Thomas Kerr, servant to Mr Wilson, Moorfoot

2nd James Murray, servant to Mr Scoon, Castleton

3rd Geo. Myles, servant to Mr Tait, Maudlie

4th Wm Graham, servant to Mr Inglis, Rosebery

5th A. Cowan, servant to Mr Scoon, Castleton

6th Archd. Girvan, servant to Mr Watson, Esperston

7. Geo. Shiell, sen. Servant to Mr Watson, Esperston

8th Alex. Hill, servant to Mr Inglis, Roseberry

During the competition, a sum was collected for distribution among the ploughmen who turned out the best groomed horses, and the best kept horses. As this was not previously known, it was quite astonishing to observe what a fine appearance the “prads” made, and reflects great credit on the men. The judges appointed for this were Messrs Stevenson, Redside-Fletcher, Carrington, and Burton, New Byres, who, after a minute inspection, awarded eight prizes. This is really an excellent mode of rewarding the men, and must eventually be of essential service to the masters, as it creates a spirit of emulation among the men to have their “teems” always in first rate condition. As this is the first time such prizes have been awarded in the parish of Temple, it is to be hoped a much larger sum will be collected for distribution next year. The day was all that could be desired, and the ploughing did great credit to all concerned.

In the evening the society, with a number of their friends, sat down to a most substantial dinner, prepared by Mr Wilson, Temple, in the parish school room. The chair was admirably filled by Francis Anderson, Esq, the commissioner on the Arniston estates, supported by the Rev. Mr Smith and Mr Inglis, Rosebery, and that of croupier most creditably by John Caldwell, Esq. Stobswell. The evening was spent in a most harmonious and social manner, and it was near the “witching hour of midnight” ere the farmers and their friends departed for their respective “ingles”, highly gratified with the whole proceedings.”

Penicuik Ploughing Match (from the Caledonian mercury, 20 November 1848)

The annual competition ploughing match betwixt the ploughmen on the estates of Penicuik and Lassward, belonging to the Right Hon Sir George Clerk, Bart, took place on the 7th inst on the farm of Cresswell, not far from Penicuik House. The arrangements judiciously made by Mr Manson, land factor on the estates, being completed, forty-three ploughs started in anxious competition at half-past seven o’clock morning, and accomplished the tasks allotted to them by four o’clock afternoon, when the judges, Mr Thomas Aitken, Hercus, Mr Steedman, Boghall, and Mr Ainslie, Ploverhall, who had witnessed and carefully inspected the workmanship during its progress, awarded the prizes by Sir George Clerk as follows:-

1. To James Burns, servant to Mr Stevenson, Mount Lothian.

2. To Andrew Laing, servant to Sir G. Clerk, Bart

3. To James Taylor, servant to do.

4. To James Borthwick, servant to Mr Stevenson, Mount Lothian

5. To John Watson, servant to Mr Inch, Bruntstane

6. To John Tod, servant to Mr McLean, Braidwood

7. To James Ballantine, servant to Mr Kilpatrick, Coats

8. To Walter Pagan, servant to Mr Stevenson, Mount Lothian

9. To Cosmo Ritchie, servant to John Trotter, Esq

10. To Wm. Gray, servant to Mr Jamieson, Edgefield

The recent improvements effected on this field afford very ample illustration of what Sir George Clerk, under the able management of his land factor, Mr Manson, has accomplished in every species of rural improvement on the extensive estate of Penicuik.”

In October 1922 the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland conducted trials of farm tractors and tractor implements at Fordel, Dalkeith. These were important, following on from earlier trials in 1917. These trials were widely reported in the newspaper press and in the Society’s own Transactions.

The following are two accounts of these important trials. The first is from the Aberdeen press and journal of 19 October 1922:

“Tractor trials

Satisfactory work at Dalkeith

(from our own correspondent)

Yesterday the Highland and Agricultural Society continued their demonstration at Fordel, Dalkeith of tractors and tractor implements. The numbers forward surpassed those at the opening proceedings.

Two Fordson tractors operated lots no. 1 and 9 respectively. To both were affixed two furrow Oliver no. 7 ploughs, specially constructed at the instigation of Mr Henry Ford to suit the Fordson tractor. The same shares were used on the previous day on the stubble break, and with disc coulters the work accomplished was deemed highly satisfactory. The furrows were ploughed to a depth of 6 ¾ ins by 10 in wide, clearly taken out, and the green well turned down. Three Case tractors were prominent. The new design. No. 3, with a three-furrow Ransome plough, did admirable work, the feature being the uniformity of the furrows and the compactness in turning. Lot no. 18 was operated on by their 10-18 bhp Modeae, in conjunction with a two-furrow Massey-Harris plough. Here the furrows were turned to a depth of 7 in by 10 in wide, compactly laid over, well taken out, and the work was recognised as being in the front rank. Their heavy tractor A, 15 to 27 bhp, was working a three-furrow Cockshut plough, and the work was fairly good.

Two 25 hp Glasgow tractors stood their tests remarkably. To one was attached a three-furrow Oliver plough with specially-designed Morton mould boards, lea socks, and disc coulters. Furrows 10 in wide by 7 in deep were beautifully turned and well taken out.

The New Morton two-furrow was one of the best in the field, and the work accomplished evinced entire satisfaction. The furrows, 10 inches by 7 inches deep, were turned with commendable precision. Three Hart-Parr tractors were in operation. To one was attached a three-furrow Martin, the work of which did not meet with approval. To counteract this, on lot no. 4 their design with a Sellar two-furrow no. 27 attached, the deficiency was more than made good. A self-lift Begg plough did good work. An Austin with a two-furrow Ransome plough turned a regular, well-set-up furrow. The plough known as R.S.L.D. and is fitted with the new R.N.D. mould board. The International Junior was represented on three lots, their best ploughing been done by a two furrow Sellar attachment.

The British Wallis, with a Ruston-Hornsby three-furrow plough, scarcely maintained its high reputation of the previous day. The furrows were 7 inches deep by 8 ½ inches wide, but were not too closely packed. Two Cletrac tractors, with two-furrow Ransome plough, did fairly satisfactory work, while a 20-hp Blackstone tractor, with three-furrow Howard attachment, was deemed unsatisfactory. Two Simar rotary tillers again operated on the stubble field. The heavy weight, a 28 cwt or 25 bhp machine, had a large following, while their lighter-weight, a 7 cwt design of 8 bhp. Is most suitable for market gardeners.”

The second account was published in The Scotsman of 3 February 1923. In essence it is a summary of the account published by the Highland Society in its Transactions:

“Farm tractors and implements

Midlothian demonstration

Highland Society’s report

The directors of the Highland and Agricultural Society issued yesterday a volume on the demonstration of farm tractors and tractor implements, which was held, under their auspices, at Fordel, Dalkeith, in October. It contains a description of the tractors and the implements by Professor R. Stanfield, consulting engineer, and reports by the Committee.

Tractors

The Committee, in their general observations, record their appreciation of the marked advance which has taken place in tractor construction since the Society’s last demonstration in 1917. They note with satisfaction that many of the suggestions embodied in the report on that demonstration have now been given effect to. This is probably nowhere more noticeable than in regard to weight, the limit of 40 cwt set by the Society being found to exclude very few of the tractors at present in use in this country.

With regard to horse-power, and considering the work which a tractor is required to do on the farm, the Committee are of opinion that a minimum of 25 bhp is desirable. In arriving at this decision, the Committee have in view the fact that the tractor must have sufficient power, not only to draw a three furrow plough under ordinary conditions, but also to pull a cultivator to a proper depth, and taking a width at least equal to the full over-all width of the tractor.

The Committee’s former recommendation regarding the use of spuds, rectangular in section and about 3 ins to 4 ins in width, and from 4 ins to 5 ins in length, is now very generally adopted. There is a marked improvement in the accessibility oof the working parts, and, in most cases, in their protection from the effects of exposure to weather and the entrance of grit.

There is no advance to record in the adoption of spring connections and release devices between the tractor and plough. The use of a wooden peg, which shears through under excessive strain, appears to be the most popular method of release.

The use of an adjustable hitch, fitted either to the tractor or the implements, is now widely adopted with advantage.

It was noticeable that the tractors demonstrated were provided with. A variety of speeds suitable for the different operations which they are called upon to perform.

Practically all the tractors were easily manipulated and turned at the headlands, a 24 feet headland being found sufficient. Some of them could be turned in considerably less. Those tractors having a driving wheel in the furrow are more easily steered, and appear to obtain a better grip.

All the tractors appeared capable of being used with any implement as a one-man outfit.

Ploughs

In regard to ploughs, a distinct advantage since the last trial has also to be noted. Much good work was performed. All ploughs are now fitted with a self-lift arrangement. Many of them are also provided with an efficient means of adjustment to different widths and depths. In view of the varying conditions of soil in Scotland and the variety of work to be undertaken, a plough that is not adjustable must be regarded as being unsuitable. There is still room for improvement in this respect, not only in providing means of adjustment, but in the ease and rapidity with which adjustment may be effected. In this connection it may be noted that a tractor plough, taking 2 or 3 furrows, requires more adjustment than a horse plough.

The ploughs were mostly fitted with revolving discs and skim coulters. It was noticeable, however, that not one of these was capable of effectively paring the turf from the edge of the furrow slice and laying it in the furrow bottom in such a way as not to interfere with the proper packing of the ploughing. In most cases the skimmed portion was merely folded over, and left in such a position that the furrows could not be compactly put together.

Sub soiling ploughs

The committee were impressed with the work done by the ploughs with subsoil attachments, and consider that this is a type of implement which farmers might adopt more extensively with advantage, especially where land has been continuously ploughed for a long period with plain bottomed ploughs.

This method of sub-soiling, where the subsoil is broken up but left in position, can have no disadvantage, and should be highly beneficial in improving the drainage and in mitigating the evil effects of excessive drought.

Grubbers and cultivators

The grubbers and cultivators were demonstrated on a field of unbroken stubble. It was originally intended to show them cultivating across the ploughed land, but this was abandoned in deference to the wishes of the framer, who thought it would be a mistake to cultivate a field so well ploughed at this season of the year.

The work done on the stubble field was creditable to the various implements. For deep work on unbroken or hard land the demonstration showed that a grubber is more suitable than a cultivator. The cultivators shown, however, should be extremely useful for medium or lighter soils.

In selecting a cultivator, it is desirable to see that there is ample clearance not only between the tines, but also between the frame and the surface of the cultivated land. It would be an advantage if grubbers and cultivators were of sufficient width to cover the track of the tractor.

As grubbers and cultivators are mostly required for spring cultivation, a demonstration in autumn does not provide a satisfactory test of their capabilities.

Harrows

The harrows also were demonstrated under unsuitable conditions, these being, of course, mainly implements for spring cultivation. The capabilities of the disc and spring tooth harrows are well known, and used with tractors they can perform much useful work. Various ingenious self-lift harrows were shown, and doubtless the self-cleaning devices embodied in these will prove to be serviceable when operating on dirty land. “

In the early 1920s a number of the local newspapers, especially in the north-east and north, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.

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

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

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

New threshing plant at Carron (from Aberdeen press and journal, 14 February 1920)

Mr J. McConachie, Tombreck, Carron, has had been installed a new threshing mill made by Mr George Wright, millwright and engineer, Blacksboat. The mill, which is a credit to its maker, is fitted with the newest improvements, including a grain elevator to the loft above, thus saving. Time and labour. A demonstration took place on Thursday afternoon in the presence of a few neighbours, and the thresher gave every satisfaction. It is driven by a Lister oil engine of from 9 to 11 horse power, and can thresh about eight quarters an hour. The company were afterwards hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs McConachie.

New threshing mill for Loanhead (from Forfar herald, 27 February 1920)

A thirteen horse-power threshing mill has been installed at Loanhead farm by Mr John Allardyce, the tenant, and the opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Allardyce in presence of a gathering of neighbouring farmers, including a deputation from Forfar Town Council, to whom the farm buildings, and who congratulated Mr Allardyce on his enterprise. The company was afterwards entertained to tea by Mrs Allardyce.

Mr Adam McNicol, Kinnettles, in the course of an interesting speech regarding the Allardyce family, said he had known four generations of the family and all had been industrious, hard-working people.

A progressive farmer (from Arbroath herald, 13 August 1920)

Mr George Robb, who has purchased East Hills, Carmyllie, of which his father has been tenant for over 20 years, has introduced a 12 1/2hp oil engine, by Messrs Shanks, Arbroath, and a new threshing mill by Messrs Craig, Idvies. The plant was set in motion in presence of a large company of neighbours and friends, and everything went off most satisfactorily, threshing being done at the rate of about 14 quarters per hour.

New threshing mill for Fordyce (from Aberdeen press and journal, 8 February 1921)

Mr Wilson, Stripeside, Fordyce, who recently installed a new high-speed threshing mill driven by a 6hp oil engine, had a trial of the plant on Friday afternoon in presence of a large number of neighbours and other friends in the district. The thresher, which is furnished with up-to-date equipment for the speedy handling of the grain as it uses from the mill, gave entire satisfaction to all the agriculturists present. The company thereafter were entertained by Mr and Mrs Wilson, when several of those present gave songs and recitations.

Before the company separated, Mr Wilson was congratulated on his enterprise in having such a complete and compact machine installed on his farm.

(from Dundee courier, 2 April 1921)

Extensive structural alterations have just been completed at Pressock Farm, Guthrie, at present in the hands of Mr J. S. Callender Brodie. A new threshing mill with a four-foot drum, by Messrs J. & D. Craig, of Idvies Mill, Letham, has been installed, and this is driven by a 21 hp Shanks oil engine. This plant was formally started yesterday afternoon, on which occasion a number of the adjoining farmers and tradesmen were invited to be present. Both engine and mill worked without a hitch.

New threshing mill at Newton of Barras (from Aberdeen press and journal, 4 November 1922)

A representative company from the district gathered at Newton of Barras to see the inauguration of a threshing mill there for Mr James Begg, Muirton of Barras. The mill, 2 feet 6 inches wide, with high speed drum, double dressing and humler, chaff blast, equipped with elevators, and driven by a converted Crossley engine is the third that Messrs Hadden and Sons, Newtonmill, have installed in that part ofKincardineshire. The start could not have been bettered. Everything worked smoothly, and about 9 quarters per hour were threshed. The company were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Begg, and owner and builders congratulated.

New threshing mill- demonstration at Tipperty, Alvah (Aberdeen press and journal, 24 November 1922)

A large company of neighbours and friends assembled at Tipperty, Alvah, on Wednesday, on the invitation of Mr Duff, farmer, to witness the inauguration of a new and improved threshing mill. The mill is fitted with a 3ft 6in high speed drum. A Fordson tractor supplies the motive power. The straw, as it leaves the mill, is carried by a mechanical “forker” to a shed some distance away.

Mr Duff, who specialises in black oats, finds it difficult at times to execute his orders. He has, therefore, had his mill set on wheels, so that it can be run out to the cornyard and the grain put through it direct from the stack, thereby saving time and labour,

At the trial on Wednesday the mill was severely tested, but it came through the ordeal well, putting through 10 quarters per hour easily.

Another labour saving device was witnessed at work in an adjoining shed, this being a turnip-cutter driven by a 2 11/4 horse power oil engine. Its usefulness was favourably commented upon. Mr Duff was amongst the first of the farmers of the district to have his dwelling-house and steading lit with electric light.

After the demonstration the company were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Duff, and a happy evening was spent.

New threshing machine at Guthrie farm (Dundee courier, 13 November 1923)

Extensive structural alterations have just been made at Heughhead Farm, on the Guthrie estate. The farm is newly occupied by Mr Alexander Martin, who has been installed a new threshing mill by Messrs J. & D. Craig, Idvies Mill, Letham, and is driven by an oil engine supplied by Messrs Shanks, Arbroath.

At the starting of the new machinery a number of the neighbouring farmers and tradesmen were present by invitation, and in one hour fourteen quarters of oats were threshed, both engine and mill giving the utmost satisfaction.

A granddaughter of Mr Martin’s had the honour of passing through the first sheaf, and Mr and Mrs Martin hospitably entertained the company.

An enterprising farmer (from Arbroath herald and advertiser for the Montrose burghs, 16 November 1923)

Extensive structural alterations have just been made at Heughhead Farm, Friockheim, on the Guthrie estate. This farm has just been occupied by Mr Alexander Martin, who on Saturday last started a new threshing mill. At the starting-off of the new machinery a number of the neighbouring farmers and tradesmen were present by invitation, and in one hour 14 quarters of oats were threshed, both engine and mill giving the utmost satisfaction. A grand-daughter of Mr Martin had the honour of putting the first sheaf. Mr and Mrs Martin hospitably entertained the company.

Rothiemay threshing mill (from Aberdeen press and journal, 21 November 1923)

A new threshing mill has been installed at his farm steading by Mr Dawson, Turtory, Rothiemay. It is a three-feet full finishing mill, with chaff blower and straw carrier. Water power drives the mill through a wheel with galvanised steel buckets.

A well-known thrashing mill maker in north-east Scotland was Shearer Brothers, Maybank Works, Railway Station, Turriff, later of Balmellie Street, Turriff. It undertook business from at least 1876 until 1972; on 18 July 1972 the company passed a special resolution to voluntarily wind up the company. The final winding up meeting was held on 29 August 1972.

The company undertook a number of trades and was an agricultural engineer, an agricultural implement maker, a machinery maker, a mechanical engineer, millwright and later a motor engineer. It was active in promoting its manufactures: exhibiting at the Highland Show from 1876 until 1939. It was awarded a medium silver medal for foot power thrashing machine in 1876. It also entered into the trial of machines for cleaning all sorts of grain and other seeds from weeds in 1884. It was also regular advertiser in the North British Agriculturist from 1884 onwards.

The company manufactured a range of threshing mills. In 1876 it manufactured a foot power thrashing machine which it described as a new invention. By 1881 it manufactured its “Advance” thresher for foot and hand power and the “Simplex” rotary fanner. By the following year it was also manufacturing a small hand thresher with adjustable feeder. These continued to be its main manufactures for following years. To these were added the new “Paragon” dressing and screening machine in 1887. It became a well-known business, also exporting its mills across the world.

A key figure in the business was Eric Shearer who died in 1933. His obituary was published in the Banffshire journal on 22 August 1933. It includes information on the development of the Shearer Brothers, their business and its activities as well as the role of Eric Shearer in the business. It is worth quoting at length:

“Late Mr Eric Shearer

Much regret is felt in Turriff and district at the death of Mr Eric James Shearer, proprietor of the extensive business of Messrs Shearer Brothers, motor agents and engineers and millwrights, Turriff, which took place suddenly from heart failure at his residence, Canisbay, Turriff, on Sunday morning. Mr Shearer, who was 60 years of age, had been laid aside by ill-health for the past few years but his death was unexpected and is deplored by his many friends.

The only son of the late Mr John Shearer, millwright, who, with a brother, founded the now well-known business, Mr Shearer trained as an engineer and took up his father’s work, succeeding him in the business on his death. At that time the works were situated near Turriff railway station and had a wide reputation for the production of excellent, small hand-mills, in which the firm did a large export trade to India, Australia, New Zealand and South America, and a large trade also in this country and in Ireland, the industry employing a considerable number of hands.

At the beginning of this century the old works at the station were destroyed by fire and Mr Shearer acquired the present fine site on Balmellie Street and erected large modern workshops there. The motor industry was then in its infancy and Mr Shearer was among the first in these parts to develop it, and in addition to his millwright and general engineering work he built up a considerable business in motor cars, catering largely for the needs of the farming community. He was appointed agent in the district for the Ford Motor Company and erected a fine showroom frontage at his premises for the display of new cars &c. A true engineer, and possessed of high business acumen, Mr Shearer was also quick to foresee the more extensive use of mechanical power on the farm and developed an extensive business in motor tractors as well as in oil engines, power-driven threshing mills and other machinery on the farm. He took a keen interest in the development if wireless broadcasting during the past decade and was the first in Turriff to instal a wireless receiver in his house. Although mostly confined to bed by ill-health for the past three or four years, Mr Shearer nevertheless continued to supervise his extensive business in a keen and enterprising way. Of a quiet disposition, and interested chiefly in engineering and mechanical affairs, Mr Shearer took no part in public activities.

He is survived by his widow and sister, to whom warm sympathy is extended in their bereavement.”

During the early days of the introduction of tractors (motor tractors) in Scotland, there were a number of ways in which farmers and other agriculturists could see them at work. During the First World War (1914-18), some could be had from the County War Committees that directed and looked after agricultural production. They bid for and looked after tractors in their county areas, hiring them out for use. Farmers also purchased tractors and held demonstrations to show them to their neighbours and others in the local district. So too did some of the tractor dealers. The Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland also held important trials in 1917 and 1922.

Ploughing societies played an important role in demonstrating tractors and their capabilities in ploughing. Some tractor dealers held a demonstration as part of a local ploughing match, usually holding it in an adjacent field. When there was a sufficient number of tractors in a district, ploughing match societies opened a tractor class. This usually only had a small number of entries. It provided a good opportunity to show tractor ploughing alongside horse ploughing.

One of the early societies that introduced a tractor ploughing class in their ploughing match was the Central Banffshire Farmers’ Club. In 1921 the Club held an important ploughing match at Keith in February 1921. Because of its importance it was widely reported at length in the local newspaper press. The accounts are worth quoting at length for all their insights into this important ploughing match.

One account was published in the Aberdeen press and journal on 24 February 1921:

“Banffshire farmers’ tractors

Competition at Keith

Finest ploughing show in the north

Tractor ploughing is making great headway in the northern counties, and in this progressive branch of the agricultural industry the farmers of Central Banffshire have demonstrated their up-to-date methods and enterprise. The tractor competition held under the auspices of the Central Banffshire Farmers’ Club at Tarmore, Keith, yesterday was the biggest event of the kind that has been witnessed north of Perth, and attracted a large gathering of farmers from a wide district, who manifested much interest in the modern method of turning over the soil. There have been several horse-ploughing matches in the county which were supplemented by two or three tractors, but on this occasion the competition was confined solely to tractors pulling two or three-furrow ploughs. In this respect it was the first and finest competition that has been held in the northern counties, and much credit is due to the Farmers’ Club in promoting such an educative exhibition. An excellent day’s work was accomplished, and one farmer gave expression to the general admiration by the remark-“It fairly puts the death-knell on the horses”. In the district the tractor is well-established. There are thirty to forty in Central Banffshire.

The competition took place on a 12 acres field placed at the disposal of the Framers’ Club for the occasion by Mr James Weir, the enterprising farmer of Tarmore, and the weather was ideal for the event. It was a strong, clay soil, rather dry for the work, and the hollows severely tested the qualities of the tractors, and tried the skill of the most expert ploughman. The tractors were 13 in number-six Fordsons, four International Juniors, one Glasgow, one Titan and one Case, the latter giving a demonstration under the agency of Auchinachie and Simpson, Keith, and making a very successful exhibition of power against the hill. It pulled a Ruston-Hornsby plough. The majority of the ploughs were the renowned make of Sellars, Huntly, and Auchinachie and Simpson, Keith.

The winning tractors

The prize-winners were:-

Three-furrow ploughs-1. Mr McCallum, Auchenhove, Keith, with Titan tractor and Sellar plough; 2. Mr McKay, Mains of Tannachy, Portgordon, Glasgow tractor and Oliver plough.

Two-furrow ploughs-1 and cup, Mr Wilson, Muckleton, Lessendrum, Huntly, with International tractor and Sellar plough; 2. Robert Allan, Bush, Keith Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 3. K. H. Gambles, Arnhall, Huntly, International tractor and Sellar plough; 4. Robt. Cameron, Bogbain, Keith, International and Sellar plough; 5. S. Simpson, Berryleys, Keith, International tractor and Auchinachie and Simpson plough; 6. Alex Dey, Midthird, Botriphnie, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 7. Thomas Gordon Duff, Drummuir Home Farm, Fordson tractor and Auchinachie and Simpson plough; 8. John Cameron, Braehead, Keith, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 9. Jas Robertson, Keithmore, Dufftown, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 10. A. McLean, Heads of Auchinderran, Fordson and Sellar plough.

Straightest furrows-Robert Allan, Bush.

Neatest ends-K. H. Gambles, Arnhall Huntly.

Best manipulated tractor-Robert Cameron, Bogbain.

Not a bad ploughed rig

Each of the tractors had to plough about an acre, and first-class and expeditious work was done with any kind of plough. Indeed, there was not a bad-ploughed rig in the field, and a veteran judge declared that he had been at six or seven horse ploughing matches this year, and the first prize tractor ploughing compared very favourably with any of the first prize work at the horse competitions.

Mr Wilson of Muckleton’s first prize and cup two-furrow plough tractor was a 10 to 12 hp International, run with paraffin and starting on petrol. It was a very neat and easily-managed one-man machine, with plenty of power for a two or three-furrow plough, working with a small consumption of oil. The engine was all incased in, a protection from the frost, with mudguard and platform for the driver. The machine is capitally adapted for the soil of Banffshire, and requires about a gallon of paraffin an hour. The second was a Fordson tractor belonging to Mr Allan, Bush. Indeed, the type of tractor which was predominant in the competition was the Fordson, which is evidently a popular machine with the farmers on account of its handiness and cheapness. The Internationals, again, took the third, fourth, and fifth places, followed by the Fordson. The first three furrow Sellar plough was drawn by a Titan, and the second was an Oliver pulled by a Glasgow tractor.

The judge of the ploughing was Mr William Newlands, Knockans, Boharm, who gave complete satisfaction by his decisions, while Mr William Simpson, Stripside, was equally successful in his selection of the neatest ends, straightest furrows, and best manipulated tractors. The committee of the Farmers’ Club who carried out the arrangements, and to whom much of the success of the competition was due, were Messrs S. McCallum, Auchinhove (convener); John Shand, Muiryfold; Laing, manager, Drummuir Home Farm; R. Cameron, Bogbain, Keith; S. Simpson Barryleys; James Weir, Tarmore; R. Guthrie, auctioneer, Keith. Mr Charles H. Weir and Mr George Smith lent admirable services as joint-secretaries.

The prizes were presented by Mr William Simpson, Stripside, who proposed a vote of thanks to the competitors. He hoped to see them all back again next year and give them a fairer plough and not put them into these banks and braes. (Laughter). He also proposed hearty thanks to Mr Weir for giving the field. And wished him a good crop. (Applause)

After the prizes had been awarded the members of the committee and other friends were hospitably entertained at Tarmore by Mr and Mrs Weir, who were heartily thanked for their kindness.”

Another account was published in the Banffshire journal on 1 March 1921:

“Tractor competition

Display at Tarmore, Keith

The north-west of Scotland can boast of a number of large and flourishing agricultural societies, each strong and influential, in the district which it serves, and of them all there is, unquestionably, none more progressive and enterprising than the Central Banffshire Farmers’ Club. The show held annually by the Club is always an outstanding event in these parts at a time when meetings of the kind are almost the sole interest of the great farming community. Its large membership covers the whole of Banffshire and not inconsiderable sections of Aberdeenshire and of Moray, and in its immediate district, that of the central part of Banffshire, is a race of farmers who have always shown themselves to be imbued with a. spirit of advancement and enterprise, and this is reflected in the go-ahead policy of the Club. Their latest enterprise was the holding of a farm-tractor ploughing competition which took place under the Club’s auspices on Wednesday and was attended with unqualified success. It was the outcome of a decision made at the annual meeting of the Club a few weeks ago, when the suggestion of several members that such a competition should be held was brought forward by the chairman and adopted, a committee being appointed to carry the matter through. To the Club now belongs the honour of having instituted, as far as is generally known, the first event of the kind in the northern counties, and certainly the first in Banffshire. North and south there have been many tractor trials and competitions where ploughing was done to test the endurance, power, economy, &c of the many makers of motor tractors now on the market. At quite a number also of ordinary ploughing matches in various parts there has lately been introduced a section for tractors, but yesterday’s event was probably the largest held since those which took place in the south under the auspices of the Highland Society [in 1917], and the first in the north, confined to tractors, in which farmers owning these implements were the competitors, and the standard of judging was the quality of the work done.

The match took place at Tarmore, on a breezy height about a mile northwards of Keith, kindly offered for the purpose by the tenant and proprietor, Mr James Weir. Mr Weir, as is well known, believes in progress, and has ever sought to encourage the introduction of useful modern methods in the farming industry. His enterprise is evident in all parts of his fine farm, not only in its excellent state of cultivation, but in the steading and dwelling-house, where only very recently a private electric lighting system was introduced. His offering of a field for Wednesday’s competition immediately he heard of the suggestion, is but another instance of Mr Weir’s progressive and generous disposition. The field was in lea and extended to some 12 or 14 acres and fairly deep hollows in it made it a trial hard test for the tractors. There were thirteen tractors working during the day, twelve of which were comping while one was present for demonstration purposes. This by no means represented the number of entrants who voluntarily came forward for the match, however. They had to be confined to that number because of the limitations of the recommendation of the field. This reflects the fact that the tractor is well established among the farming community of central Banffshire, in which district it is estimated that there are at least 30 or 40 machines of the kind in use on farms. The tractors competing comprised six Fordsons, four International Juniors, one Titan, and one Glasgow, and the majority if the ploughs were of the famous Sellars, of Huntly, make, with a. few new ploughs made by Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, Keith. It will be seen that half of the entries were tractors of the Fordson make, a circumstance which points to the popularity of this type. Manufactured as it is by the Ford car people, it is the cheapest and undoubtedly one of the most generally useful tractors on the market. The tractor which was not competing was of the Case make, and it was being demonstrated under the agency of Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson.

The match started at eleven o’clock and continued till late in the afternoon, and an excellent day’s work was done, the field ere the finish being completely transformed from green to black. The weather was ideal for ploughing, if a little chilly at the altitude of Tarmore for the spectator. There was a large gathering of farmers, farm servants, and others interested, and in the afternoon nota. Few of the townspeople of Keith came to watch the progress of the event. The judge of the ploughing, whose task was no light one, was Mr William Newlands, Knockans, Boharm, a veteran judge of ploughing matches, and himself a champion ploughman in his younger days. He gave complete satisfaction om his awards. Mr William Simpson, Stripeside, Grange, was judge for prizes given for the straightest furrows, neatest ends and best manipulated tractor. There were two classes in the match, the first for three furrow ploughs and the second for two-furrow ploughs. It was stipulated that ploughing must not exceed 6 ½ inches in depth. There were two entries in the first class and ten in the second. The field has a stiff, strong clay soil, rather dry for the best of ploughing, owing to the exceptionally fine weather, and with the deep hollow running almost from side to side it offered a good test for the tractors and tried the skill of the most expert ploughman. Each of the tractors had to plough about an acre, but in view of the unevenness of the field allowances were made to contestants who happened to have specially difficult parts, whereby each was placed in approximately the same position as his neighbour. While ploughing was in progress the field presented a busy aspect, much livelier than an ordinary ploughing match, the noise of the striving, spluttering engines rising above all, and the general impression of the whole thing was that it was distinctly modern. The work being done by the various competitors was closely followed and inspected by the farmers, and the general feeling was of admiration and unqualified approval. Many doubters of the advantages of the tractor must have been completely converted, and it was manifest on the field that the event will have done much to stimulate interest in this comparatively young, versatile and handy machine, which is undoubtedly destined to become part of the equipment of most farms and holdings.

It is a notable fact that although there were, of course, numerous stoppages until ploughs were adjusted to the nature of the ground they were on, there was not a single mechanical breakdown throughout the day. The quality of the work was of a high standard all over, and it drew unstinted praise from a highly critical spectorate. Not one badly ploughed rig could be picked out on the field, and it was first-class work with any kind of plough. The judge remarked that he had judged at six or seven ploughing matches this year and the first prize tractor work that day compared very favourably with the best work with horses at any of those matches. This is a highly satisfactory result and it becomes the more significant when it is pointed out that the average work of any tractor when ploughing is anything from three to six acres per day, while a man with a horse plough will seldom cover one acres per day.

When the last tractor had left the field, the judge, after a final look round, intimated his decisions. In the first class, for three-furrow ploughs, the first prize went to Mr McCallum, Auchinhove, with a Titan tractor and a Sellar plough. The Titan is one of the best known machines of the heavier and more powerful type, and its merit has been proved at many of the tractor trials throughout the country. The second prize went to the only other entrant, Mr Mackay, Mains of Tannachy, Portgordon, with a Glasgow tractor, and an Oliver plough. The Glasgow is a three-wheeled machine and is well known for the substantial lines on which it is constructed. It was singular at this competition in that it was the only tractor on the field which is manufactured in the British Isles. The others all being of American manufacture. The Oliver plough which it pulled, however, was of American make.

In the class for two -furrow ploughs, the list was headed by the champion of the match, since he won the silver cup presented for the best work. This was Mr Wilson, Muckleton, Lesendrum, whose tractor was an International Junior, drawing a Sellar plough, and he is to be congratulated on having gained the honour at the first competition of the kind. The International Junior tractor, with which Mr Wilson won, is a 10 to 12 horse plough machine of a very popular type. It is an easily manipulated one-man outfit and is sturdily built. Running on paraffin, after being started with petrol, it gives plenty of power for a two-furrow plough, and can easily pull a three-furrow plough on level ground. Its consumption of fuel is small. The motor and other mechanical parts are cased in as a protection from the weather elements, and it has a platform and mudguards for the comfort of the driver. Provided with three speeds it is a very adaptable machine. The plough which it drew was one of Messrs Sellars’ renowned double-self lift ploughs with which matches have been won all over the country.

The second prize was won by Mr Robert Allan, The Bush, Keith, with a Fordson tractor and a Sellar plough. The Fordson is one of the best known makes of tractor while it is also the cheapest on the market. The simple but strong lines on which it is built male it an attractive machine and its light-ness-it weighs 23cwt-is an advantage. It draws a two-furrow plough at an average speed of about 2 ¾ miles per hour, working on a low consumption of paraffin fuel, and its nimbleness of action is a special feature.

Mr K. H. Gambles, Arnhall, Huntly, was third with an International Junior tractor and a Sellar plough; Mr Robert Cameron, Bogbain, Keith, was fourth with a. similar outfit; Mr S. Simpson, Berryleys, Keith, was fifth with a similar tractor but with a plough made by Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, Keith, which was on the ground for the first time; Mr Alex Dey, Midthird, Botriphnie, was sixth with a Fordson tractor and a Sellar plough; an outfit comprising a Fordson tractor and a new Auchinachie & Simpson plough from Drummuir Home Farm, was seventh; and Messrs John Cameron, Braehead, Keith; James Robertson, Keithmore, Dufftown, and A. McLean, Heads of Auchinderran, were eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectfully, each using a Fordson tractor and a Sellar plough.

The prize for the straightest furrows went to Mr Allan, The Bush: that for the neatest ends to Mr K. H. Gambles; and Mr Cameron’s, Bogbain, International Junior was the best manipulated tractor.

The Case tractor sent for demonstration purposes by the Case Threshing Machine Company, London, is a compact, powerful machine, and pulling a two-furrow Ruston-Hornsby plough, it have a very successful display of its utility.

Mr William Simpson, Stripside, presented the prizes to the successful competitors, and thanked them for having come forward so well for the new venture. He hoped they would all come back for the next competition, when they might have a fairer plough on more level land and not on these banks and braes. (laughter) He thanked the spectators for having supported the venture, and proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Weir for kindly granting the field, wishing him a good crop in the coming season. (cheers)

The arrangements for the meeting could not have been better though the match had been an old-established event, and they were carried out with a smoothness that reflected credit on the committee and officials who were reasonable for them. The secretaries of the Club, Messrs Charles H. Weir and George Smith, were early on the field arranging the competitors, and in their duties during the day they were ably assisted by the energetic committee, which consisted of Messrs S. McCallum, Auchinhove, convener; John Shand, Muiryfold; A. Laing, manager, Drummuir Home Farm; R. Cameron, Bogbain; S. Simpson, Berryleys; J. Weir, Tarmore; R. Guthrie, auctioneer. Keith, and Leith, Glengerrack.

After the finish of the proceedings a company of friends, including the committee and judges, were entertained with characteristic hospitality by Mr and Mrs Weir, who were warmly thanked for their kindness.

The event probably marks the beginning of a new annual interest for the agricultural community, and not only the enterprise shown but the successful manner in which it was carried through by the Central Banffshire Club calls for the heartiest congratulations.

Fordson tractors started to be advertised in the Scottish press in June 1918. By the end of that month there were dealers in most counties of the country. Some of them were to become associated with the Fordson and Ford names fro many decades.

The following is an advert placed in The Scotsman on 29 June 1918 which lists all the names of the dealers at that time:

“The great food problem.

To farmers.

Fordson farm tractors.

Designed by Mr Henry Ford.

And manufactured by Henry Ford & Son, Ltd.

The following firms have been appointed selling representatives of Fordson tractors for the counties herein set forth.

Farmers, the motor trade, and agricultural machinery dealers, who have been waiting upon the

Coming of the Fordson tractor upon the market

Should immediately get into communication with the Fordson dealers for their respective districts, and obtain therefrom full information and dates for early delivery-

Alexander & Co., Edinburgh-The Lothians (Linlithgow, Edinburgh, and Haddington Shires)

Alexander & Co., Glasgow – Lanarkshire

Croall & Croall Hawick – Roxburghshire

Dunlop Motor Co Ltd, Kilmarnock – northern half of Ayrshire

Ducat & McRobb. Aberdeen – Aberdeen and Banffshire

Henderson Bros, Stirling – Stirlingshire

John Munro Ltd, Oban – Argyllshire

R. Mathieson, Peebles – Peeblesshire

G. H. Mill, Gordon – Western half of Berwickshire

Macrae & Dick, Inverness – Nairn and Inverness shires, and the islands of Harris, and North and South Uist

E. McGeoch & Co., Paisley – Renfrewshire

J. McHarrie, Stranraer – Wigtownshire

Normand & Thomson Dunfermline – Kinross-shire and the western half of Fifeshire

Alex Paterson, Elgin – Elginshire

A. C. Penman, Dumfries – Southern half of Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire

Payne & Co., Castle Douglas – Kirkcudbrightshire

Robertson & Porter, Dingwall – Ross and Cromarty shire, and the islands of Lewis

Simpson & Son, Brechin – Kincardineshire, and the northern half of Forfarshire

Thos. Shaw Ltd, Dundee – Southern half of Forfarshire and Perthshire

Thurso Engineering Co., Thurso – Caithness and Sutherland Shires

J. B. Whyte, Alloa – Clackmannanshire

E. Watkinson, Dumbarton – Dumbartonshire

Wholesale distributors for Scotland.

Alexander & Wilson Ltd, Registered Office, 111 Lothian Road, Edinburgh.

Alexander & Co., Edinburgh, was one of the dealers that was well-known for the Fordson and Ford name for many decades. It was one of the dealers that exhibited at the Highland Society of Scotland’s exhibition of farm tractors and tractor implements in 1922. It exhibited the Fordson tractor: “a four wheeled tractor, with unit construction as regards the assembly of engine, transmission of gear box, and rear-axle casing.” The judges reported: “Two Fordson tractors were shown, drawing Oliver ploughs, one single-furrow and one 2 furrows, on stubble, and both with e furrows on lea. This is a good light tractor, weighing only 21 1/2 cwt. It dis its work in a satisfactory manner. It is easily driven and readily turned at the headlands. On account of its comparatively low weight the Committee regard this tractor as well suited for lighter spring tillage operations, and for pulling a binder. At the price £120, this tractor appears to be extraordinarily good value. It has to be noted, however, that the engine is not governed, and, unless fitted with a governor, it is unsuitable for driving stationary machinery such as a threshing-mill.” While the company was an early exhibitor at the tractor demonstration, it did not exhibit regularly at the Highland Show. Indeed, it only exhibited in 1927 at Edinburgh and in 1932 at Inverness.

By 1940 the business had become incorporated as Alexanders of Edinburgh Ltd. In 1949 its agricultural department was located at 64 Fountainbridge; by 1954 its Rosemount Works were at Gardners Crescent. In 1962 its agricultural department had moved to the Hayfield Tractor Works, 536 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh. Gorgie Road was close to the Gorgie Markets and to other agricultural businesses including Ballachs, and George Henderson.

We sometimes come across reflective accounts of threshing which have been published in old newspapers. Some of them provide personal accounts of being at the work and what it was like. Some provide accounts from a specific perspective, whether a farmer, a woman or a ploughmen.

One such account was published in the Aberdeen press and journal on 13 November 1933. It was contributed by “a correspondent”, presumably a male who was well experienced with working with the mill and was aware of the different threshing practices across the country and from past times. It is worth quoting at length for its insights into threshing from older to modern technologies:

“Threshing at the farm

Primitive flails to modern mills

Great progress in devices

(By a correspondent)

The hum of the threshing mill is breaking the silence of the rural countryside, for many farms have been putting in some hours at the threshing. Already fair quantities of the better conditioned grain of this year’s harvest have gone through the mill.

Threshing is one of the jobs on the farm to which all lend a hand, for very frequently the work is undertaken on those places where inside mills are installed, during wet spells when other outdoor work is at a standstill.

No one about the holding is exempted from the threshing. Horsemen, cattlemen, and halfins all take their turns at forking, feeding, carrying away the sacks of grain to the loft or building, and tramping the “strae”. The women folks, too, when they have some time to spare in the afternoons from their domestic duties, may be numbered among the threshers.

Perhaps no other branch of the agricultural industry has undergone such progressive revolution as has the work of threshing and the devices used.

Era of flails

We are not just so very far removed from the era when the flails were the sole means of extracting the grains from the ears. In fact, there are cases to-day in the Highlands and Islands where flail threshing still survives. Such primitive survivals are, however, rare, for the mechanical thresher has come into universal use, even the smallest farms and crofts having their own equipment.

Previous to the advent of “home” threshing, travelling mills were called in to do the work. The sight of these upon the roads on their way to farms is common to all, as also is the knowledge that in their heyday these travelling threshing outfits did “a roaring trade.” Their day is on the wane, however, for are fewer travelling mills in evidence to-day?

When such were at the height of their activity in days past one never failed to be aware of their presence in any part, for they arranged days with each farm in turn, so that for weeks on end the puffing and grating of the traction driven mill could be heard.

This itinerary from farm to farm is still in practice, but how few are the mills called upon to “go the round” at the present time as compared with even a few years ago.

The demand for the travelling mill began to wane when small, compact and powerful mills, capable to doing heavy work, were put on the market, The installation of these at farms and crofts rapidly took place on a big scale, horse power being used for driving them.

Horse driven mills

Most of us are familiar with the type of threshing mill that is driven from outside by means of along, wooden shaft attached to cog wheels sunk in the ground and revolved by one or more horses according to the size of the mill.

But horse driven mills, too, are vanishing from the countryside. True, there are still some in existence in the more remote parts, but the small, competent motor engine has become so popular as a source of power for mill-driving that yearly fewer and fewer horses are being put to the work.

Now mill and driving engine are housed in the same or adjacent buildings, and farmers can proceed with the work of threshing as their convenience and according to their needs, instead of having to wait for the arrival of a travelling mill, the coming of which was often delayed owing to bad weather holding up the work at other farms.

A study of the past annals of threshing work is absorbing, for the more one ponders over the past and compares it with the present, the more it is realised that the evolution of the threshing machine, from primitive and heavy labour incurring flails to the modern threshing and winnowing devices combined, is one of the most complete and successful that has been brought to bear on agriculture.”

The First World War (1914-18) brought significant challenges to Scottish agriculture. The requisition of horses and man-power to work on farms posed significant issues in the face of the need to encourage home food production. While implement making businesses were involved in munitions work – thus diverting their usual work and activities – there was a push to try to introduce and adopt some labour-saving implements and machines.

At the start of the war there was a recognition that motor power could help with ploughing and assist with some other key tasks such as threshing. While there was generally little development in Britain, there had been much more in the United States.

Getting farmers and other agriculturists to start to adopt motor tractors – regardless of their form and whether or not they were available – was a challenge. To move from horse to motor power was a significant cultural and social change. It was one that had been experienced with the introduction of the steam ploughs from the mid nineteenth century onwards.

An important way to persuade them of the merits (and otherwise) of motor tractors was to hold working demonstrations. At first these were of ploughing; others included threshing, working with the binder. They allowed them to see these motors at work and their capabilities.

The first demonstration of motors for ploughing in Scotland was reported to have taken place at Bettyfield, between Kelso and St Boswells, in the Scottish Borders. It was organised by Newton St Boswells and District Farmers’ Club. It was widely reported in the Scottish press. Some accounts of it included reflective pieces on the current state of agriculture and ploughing and ploughing technologies. One such account appeared in The Scotsman on 18 February 1915. It is worth quoting at length for its insights and observations:

“Agriculture

Future of ploughing

The old idea and the new in Scotland

The advent of the motor

Agriculture, it is no exaggeration to say, has been revolutionised by the mechanical developments of the last half-century. Many an old order has changed, or given place to a new. The harvest field has lost much of its former charm, and the bulk of its population, owing to the advent of the self-binder; most implements of tillage have assumed new form, and both in the fields and on the steading-nowhere more so than in the Lothians to-day – the mechanical, labour-saving spirit is abroad. Contrary to his conservative reputation, the farmer has in recent times shown a disposition to give every fresh invention a fair trial, and a readiness to adopt it if the idea is practicable. Amidst the manifold changes that have taken place, however, the most ancient of all our agricultural implements, and the one dearest to the heart of the farming community, the plough has preserved to a remarkable degree the form which has come down through the centuries. It survived, and in this country little felt, the influence of the introduction of the steam plough, but its place to-day is being threatened by the new and stronger force which has in other fields of activity displaced the horse to so great an extent. The motor plough is the new feature in agriculture. Already in the Lothians, within a radius of twenty-five miles of Edinburgh, four motor ploughs have been introduced, all within the last few months. The direct cause of the introduction at least two of them is the shortage of men and horses which the country’s call and the impressment agents’ activities has brought about. But, of course, these reasons would not have been sufficient in themselves to account for the departure had the mechanical plough not been a practical proposition. Its practicability has been recognised by the governing bodies in agriculture, and important trials in both England and Scotland had been arranged; but owing to the war the Highland and Agricultural Society, it appears, deemed it advisable to postpone their event until happier times, when, to use an appropriate metaphor, the swords now clashing will have been beaten into ploughshares, and the ancient prophecy fulfilled. Then, too, the old wish of “Speed the plough!” will have taken on a new and literal significance in the light of modern tendencies, for whatever happened, whether or not the motor gains a strong footing in agriculture, it seems certain that the same time is not to be spent on ploughing in the future as in the past.

The call on the Borderland

The first public demonstration of motor ploughing in Scotland took place in the Borders yesterday, in a field on the farm of Bettyfield, midway between Kelso and St Boswells. Almost directly, the war was the reason for the demonstration, which took place under the auspices of the Newton St Boswells and District Farmers’ Club. In former years the Club has been in the habit of organising ploughing matches on a large scale, which have been highly popular, but this year an event of the kind was deemed impossible owing to the number of ploughs which are standing idle at the present time, owing either to the shortage of men or the shortage of horses. The call to arms has found a strong response among the agricultural community of the Border county, and the drain on the horse population has been even stronger, and has been more rapidly felt. There was also another shortage which the Club complained of, and which is also no doubt traceable to the present disjointed condition of things-the shortage of subscriptions. In all the circumstances, therefore, a demonstration of mechanical ploughing was a happy idea, and it attracted a large gathering of farmers and farm workers, mainly from the Border district, but also from as far as Stirlingshire and the extreme eastern portion of Berwickshire. One or two figures in khaki were among the crowd, and a recruiting sergeant, the requisite material being present, sought to “improve the shining hour.” Mr Logan, president of the Club; Mr Monteath, CA, the hon. Secretary; and Mr W. R. Murray, Charterhouse, the tenant of Bettyfield, were responsible for the successful organisation of the event. The field was of rather light land, under young grass, and was in every respect an ideal choice for such a trial. Only one unfavourable circumstance was encountered-namely, the weather, which was wet during the night and well on into the forenoon; but after midday it cleared up beautifully, warm sunshine prevailing and lighting with a picturesque touch the snow-clad peaks of the Cheviots, of which one had a prospect. Perhaps the more conservative of the spectators, regarding with hostility the entrance of the mechanical plough into a domain which had been so long sacred to the horse, did not look upon the weather as quite unfavourable, because it served to bring out weaknesses in both the mechanical implements on view, in a greater degree in the case of a large direct-traction steam plough, in a lesser degree in the case of a small, self-contained motor plough. On the soft going the mechanical productions were at a distinct disadvantage, mainly because of their weight, and at the end of the day it might fairly be said that the honours for all that counts in the mind of the ploughing expert – the debatable points of straightness of furrow, artistry of cresting, and neatness of finish – lay with the old-fashioned horse plough in the new forms in which it was shown in opposition to the mechanical production. That, however, was not surprising. The cardinal virtue of the mechanical plough is its capacity for work. Old ideas regarding ploughing neatness are changing, and the point which the mechanical plough raises is whether the more rapid pulverisation of the land and its preparation for sowing are as effective as the old method. That point can only be settled after an extended trial.

The economy of the motor

The economic aspect is naturally a first consideration, but it may be said that if results justify anticipations the future field of the motor plough is extensive. Up to this time the high cost of most of the productions has been a barrier, but in the case of the type on view yesterday (the Wyles) something practicable is at least foreshadowed. The “all in” cost is £140, and the working costs, exclusive of labour, but including an allowance for depreciation, is 3s to 3s 6d per acre. Except for the defect already mentioned, the failure of the driving wheels to grip properly on the soft surface, which was only noticeable during the first hour or so, the machine behaved very well. When in motion, and viewed from the front it presents the appearance of the forepart of a small motor chassis. The mechanical part is very compact, as indeed is the whole production, for it measures only 12ft 6in in length and 2ft 6in in width, with a maximum height of 4ft. Its weight is 18cwt. The designer has followed the lines of the horse plough very closely. The motor, with the driving wheels (fitted with detachable spikes and “spuds” for gripping on tough land), is at the front, and the plough is a natural continuation behind. It is a two-furrow arrangement, and the stated capacity on ordinary land is three acres per day. One acre per day is good average work for the ordinary two-horse plough. The man walks behind the motor plough in the usual way, guiding the direction, although the direction is easier kept with the new mode than with the old, as one or two stated who tried it. A seat for the ploughman, together with a special steering arrangement, is obtainable only on order; thus the “weary way” may be lighted. The motor (9hp) is first “cranked” or “wound” up in the ordinary way, and the clutches are controlled in a simple manner from the handles of the machine. Two-speed gears are fitted, the lower speed being practically the equivalent of the speed of the ordinary ploughing horse. The Wyles plough displaces four horses and one man, and the mechanical arrangements, regarding which some scepticism (based presumably on the motor engine of the past) was expressed, are such as may be easily mastered by the ordinary ploughman. The motor is stated to be also adaptable to other tillage operations, such as grubbing and harrowing, and can also be used as a stationary engine for driving chaff-cutters and other forms of farm machinery, but yesterday’s demonstration was confined to its ploughing capabilities.

Steam plough and ordinary ploughs

Less note may be taken of the steam plough, for the reason that it remained inactive for the greater part of the day. It was of the type fitted with the McLaren direct traction tackle-a four-ton traction engine, which hauled a four-furrow plough, with the moulds set in echelon fashion. Ordinarily eight furrows are undertaken, but the state of the ground was against its full operation. There was considerable doubt as to whether it would be possible to demonstrate it at all, and perhaps it would have been advisable, under the circumstances, had it not been tried, for the results were not successful, and were apt to give a false impression. The engine got over the ground quickly enough – with the eight furrows, two acres an hour is the ploughing speed claimed – but it was rough work, and the engine and plough proved cumbrous at the headlands, where the ground was softer. It may be noted, however, that the makers themselves do not recommend the direct traction system for soft, wet, or very hilly country, but prescribe for land which is dry and fairly level, and where the weather is not so variable – such a country as Hungry, on whose plains it has been a distinct success. Two men are required to work it, one for the engine and one for the plough, and in the case also the engine is adaptable for “general purpose work”, either traction or driving. The capital cost is £800, and the working expenses are about 2s 6d an acre, including the labour.

There were about a dozen horse ploughs also on demonstration. The original single-furrow plough was shown in its most renowned forms, but the greatest interest centred round the two types of double-furrow ploughs (Ransome and Oliver) which were shown. They were eminently successful, and won high praise. Three horses are necessary in each case, but this marks a saving of one horse and one man, as the one plough now does the work of two teams. They made a strong appeal to the farming community. Incidentally, mention might be made of the high quality of the ploughing, particularly of the three-horse implements, in which the spectators found much to admire and little to criticise. The demonstrations are being continued to-day if the weather is suitable.