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In the early 1900s a number of the local newspapers, especially in Aberdeenshire, 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 north east Scotland:

“New threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 7 October 1901)

An interesting event tool place on Saturday at Meikle Tallo, when Mr Adam Gordon Gowans, the tenant there, who succeeded his father in the occupancy of the farm, invited a few friends to the opening of his threshing mill. The engine was supplied by Mr Campbell, Gas Engine Company, Halifax, through his engineer Mr Robert Gray, and the mill by Mr J. & B. Craig, engineers, Lathermuir, Laurencekirk. Starting at 2.45pm and stopping at 3pm, it was found that the average was 10qrs per hour, which, according to experts present, was considered very satisfactory.”

“Alford, New threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 13 December 1901)

There has just been erected at the farm of Carnaveron, Alford (Mr Smith’s), a splendid specimen of the modern threshing mill, the motive power of which is a new model oil engine by Allan Brothers, Aberdeen. The other evening, on the kind invitation of Mr Smith, a number of neighbouring farmers visited Carnaveron to witness the start of the new machinery, including Messrs Leys, Asloun; Beattie, Mill of Fowlis; Dunn, Eninteer; Berry, Guise, Tough; C. McCombie, Tillychetly; Reid, Cairnballoch; Smith, Bridgend, Leochel; Bain, Cairnfield; James Smith, Alford; Thomson, engine proprietor, Alford, &c. The mill was fed by Mr Thomson, and both it and the engine were submitted to severe tests, but both proved most satisfactory in every way. The mill was made by Mr Charles Murray, millwright, Mill of Fowlis, and does great credit to his workmanship. The castings for the mill were made by Mr John Paul, manager in the pattern department of Messrs Barry, Henry & Co’s engineering works, Aberdeen. After the trials, the company were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Smith.”

“(Dundee evening telegraph, 29 September 1903)

Mr Adam, on becoming a tenant of Mains of Murthell, has introduced a new threshing mill and an engine. It was necessary to make large structural alterations to make the steading suitable. The mill was built by the Messrs Craig, Idvies, and is equipped with the most modern appliances. The mill was started last week, when about half an acre was threshed. Everything went very smoothly, and the work was performed in a very efficient manner. Mr Innes, Forfar, supplied the engine, which performed its work equally as successfully. Every one present was highly satisfied with the exhibition. All were liberally supplied with refreshments by Mrs Adam.”

“Northern Scot, 12 March 1904

This season Mr William Allan, the enterprising tenant of the Level, Birnie, has got a new steading, and has recently installed a threshing plant of a most complete kind. On Wednesday last a number of neighbours and friends assembled to witness the plant in operation, and all were delighted with its efficient working, The new threshing mill has been erected by Messrs Shearer Brothers, millwrights, Turriff. It is a splendid machine, with all modern improvements, and threshes usually at the rate of eight quarters an hour, The dressed corn is carried away and deposited in an apartment at right angles to the mill by means of a revolving belt. The threshed straw is taken away from the mill by carriers, by means of which it can be dropped in the straw barn at three different points, thus saving great labour in packing the straw. On the other side of the mill is a chaff blast, by means of which the chaff is blown through a long tube, which goes through the wall, and is deposited in a small department erected outside, Close at hand there is also a corn bruiser supplied by Messrs Shearer, and the whole installation does great credit to that firm. The motive power is supplied by a large 12-brake horse power oil engine, constructed and fitted up by Messrs G. & J. S. Souter, Greyfriars Foundry, Elgin. This engine has two flywheels, and is a powerful, strong-looking machine. Messrs Souter are making a speciality of this type of engine, which has various improvements. It has very sensitive governors, which make it suitable for electric lighting as well as other purposes, and has a special vapouriser, which ensures economy in oil. The engine can be worked with common “Rock Light” oil, which, being cheaper than the higher grades, means a considerable saving. Messrs Souter have recently installed a similar engine at Arndilly. Altogether, Mr Allan is to be congratulated in having such a complete threshing plant and such a commodious and comfortable steading, Mr Allan has proved himself to be an excellent farmer, and his enterprise is worthy of commendation.”

“New threshing mill at Milton of Guthrie (Montrose, Arbroath and Brechin review, 23 December 1904)

A new threshing mill was opened on Wednesday at Milton of Guthrie, Friockheim, tenanted by Mr Andrew Guild. The mill was made by Messrs Fitchett, Gighty Burn, and is capable of threshing 10 quarters an hour. It is driven by a 9 ½ horse power oil engine. After a couple of stacks of grain had been threshed and the work minutely examined by those present, it was considered highly satisfactory. The company afterwards partook of refreshments.”

There were a number of important developments in potato planters in the second half of the nineteenth century. By 1883 the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland recognised the need to further encourage their development. In that year it ran a trial of them. One of the competitors was Robert Kyd, Coupar Angus with a two row potato planter. He was to be awarded £15 for his planter.

By that time Robert Kydd, Trades Lane, Coupar Angus, was already a well-known agricultural implement maker, recorded from the mid-1870s. He brought attention to his manufactures in the North British Agriculturist on 28 July 1875. He was a regular exhibitor at the Highland Show from 1879 until 1900. He was also a keen competitor of his implements and machines. He entered the Highland Society’s trial of potato diggers in 1883 and the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s trials of potato raising machines in 1888. He also entered the Highland Society’s trial of combined reapers and binders, or lifting and binding machines in 1882.

Kydd 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”. On 5 July 1899 the Dundee courier noted that Kydd exhibited his “first prize potato planter” at the Highland Show. It noted that “this well-known machine still maintains its position, and is very popular. It is highly commended by all those who have used it. He also shows his celebrated digger.”

He was recorded in trades directories as an implement maker until at least 1900 and as a smith until 1913. His premises were empty by 1927 when they were advertised to let (Dundee courier, 7 June 1927).

A two row Robert Kydd potato planter was exhibited at the Fife Vintage Agricultural Machinery Club Farming Heritage Show and Annual Rally, June 2016.

What implements and machines were Scottish farmers using in 1933?

Displenishing sale notices provide evidence of what implements and machines were present (and used) on specific farms at a point in time. While the reflect the individual circumstances of the farm, in terms of size, animal and plant husbandry, they also reflect the preferences of the farmer in terms of innovation and makers.

They are useful for looking across a number of different types of technologies as well as farming activities. This includes spring cultivation work, whether for sowing grain crops, grass, turnip and other crops and potatoes.

By 1933 the emphasis of spring work was to use a range of implements to break down the clods and lumps in the soil to make a fine tilth for a seed bed and to ensure that the seed was covered. In essence, the soil continued to be worked over and over and moved around.

The following displenishing sale notices record the implements used to work the land for spring crops. Note the multiple numbers on some farms as well as their range. This also includes a range of sowing implements including drills and barrows.

The Scotsman, 4 November 1933

Monteith Houses, Gorebridge (J. Rodger)

Corn drill, broadcast barrow, manure barrow, D.D. manure distributor, turnip barrow, scarifier, 2 D grubbers, 3 single grubbers, brake harrow, 5 sets harrows, 3 rollers.

The Scotsman, 4 November 1933

Woodcote Mains, Blackshiels

Manure barrow, corn drill, broadcast barrow, turnip barrow, 5 ploughs, 2 D grubbers, 3 sets grubbers, 3 sets harrows, 3 rollers.

The Scotsman, 11 November 1933

Dalhousie Mains Farm, Bonnyrigg (J & J Marshall Ltd)

2 drill ploughs, Hunter hoe, 5 drill grubbers, disc scarifier, saddle harrows, 3 sets iron harrows, 2 land rollers, 2 stone rollers, Cambridge roller, double manure drill, turnip barrow, grass-seed barrow, Hoosier corn drill, Newlands cultivator.

The Scotsman, 11 November 1933

Malcolmstone Home Farm, Currie

Double drill and manure sower, grass seed sowing machine, corn drill, cultivator, Norwegian harrow, Cambridge roller, 2 land rollers, potato planter, Parimeter harrows, chain harrows, 4 sets iron harrows, set grass-seed harrows, 3-horse grubber, 3 sets single horse drill grubbers, 4 swing ploughs, 2 DF ploughs, scarifier, 3 sets single horse drill grubbers, drill harrows.

The Scotsman, 11 November 1933

Harlaw, Balerno (James Sloan)

Double drill and manure sower, broadcast manure barrow, 3 Dux ploughs, double furrow Dux plough, drill plough with marker, three horse grubber, 2 drill grubbers, 4 sets harrows, set grass seed harrows, set circle harrows, potato harrow, set chain harrows, drill scarifier, 3 rollers, turnip sowing machine.

The Scotsman, 11 November 1933

Mavishall, Humbie (W. Barr)

Corn drill, broadcast sowing machine, turnip seed sowing machine, manure distributor, 3 swing ploughs, 3 drill ploughs, 3 sets English harrows, set chain harrows, set saddle harrows, “Martin” cultivator, spring-toothed cultivator, scarifier, heavy grubber, 4 drill grubbers, 2 metal rollers, drill roller, rig marker.

The Scotsman, 22 November 1933

Kippielaw (Dalkeith) (Mrs Dods) Hosier corn drill, manure barrow, turnip barrow, tractor disc harrows, grass seed barrow, rollers, 3 cultivators, 5 grubbers, 7 sets harrows.

The Scotsman, 22 November 1933

Pressmennan, Dunbar

“Sherriff” grain drill, “Sherriff” broadcast seed sowing machine, turnip seed sowing machine, double driller and manure sower, combined beet machine, manure distributor, 2 drill ploughs, rig marker, 4 sets diamond harrows, 2 sets grass seed harrows, set Parmitter harrows, scarifier, clod rubber, harrow slipe, 2 barley grubbers, 2 “Finlayson” grubbers, 6 drill grubbers, 2 metal rollers, 2 drill rollers, Cambridge rollers, 2000 potato sprouting boxes.

The Scotsman, 22 November 1933

Haughhead Farm, Balerno (Thomas Wardlaw)

Land roller, manure barrow (new), turnip barrow, drill plough, 5 sets harrows, grubber.

The Scotsman, 22 November 1933

Ayton Mains, Ayton (M. L. Kirkwood)

Double drill and manure sower, potato and drill ploughs, Martin’s cultivators, ribber, broadcast, manure barrow.

What implements and machines were Scottish farmers using in 1923?

Farmers and agriculturists were using a wide range of implements to prepare seed beds and sow crops in 1923. The emphasis in seed bed preparation was to break down the clods and lumps in the soil and produce a fine tilth. A range of implements were available including cultivators, grubbers, harrows (including heavy, zig-zag, chain, Scotch, English) and scarifiers. Each farm had their preferred ones to suit the type of land as well as the preference of the farmer. Especially on the larger farms where there was a large amount of land to be worked, there were a number of sets of harrows, rollers etc to be able to work the land within the relatively short time available.

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Bloom Farm, Livingston, Mid Calder (Mrs Hamilton)

Manure distributor (almost new); 2 land rollers; 2 horse grubber; 4 sets heavy harrows; set grass seed harrows; set saddle harrows; double drill manure sower; 2 horse cultivator; 4 horse cultivator; turnip barrow; grass seed barrow; land marker

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Boghall, Milton Bridge (W. J. Wakelin)

Broadcast barrow, drill barrow, 2 pole cultivators, 2 drill grubbers, 3 Paxton ploughs, 3 sets English harrows, drill harrows, turnip barrow, drill roller, drill barrows, manure barrow, 2 rollers

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Papple, Prestonkirk (James Crichton)

Double drill, manure sower, manure broadcast sower, corn drill, disc sowing machine (practically new), turnip disc scarifier, broadcast sowing machine, turnip barrow, large iron roller (very heavy), 2 iron train rollers, Cambridge roller, drill roller, potato plough, 2 double moulded ploughs, dumb Tam plough, 3 pair English harrows, 3 pair Scotch harrows, spring tooth harrows, grass seed iron do., 7 drill grubbers, Hunter hoe, 2 three-horse grubbers, 2 two-horse grubbers, 2 Norwegian harrows, drug.

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Humbie, near Kirkliston (A. Dudgeon)

5 drill ploughs, 2 double-horse drill grubbers, 5 single-horse grubbers, 8 sets harrows, 2 sets grass seed harrows, 3 three horse grubbers, 5 rollers, 5 drill rollers, Cambridge roller, stone roller, 3 turnip cutters, 2 turnip sowers, scarifier, 3 manure distributors, drill opener, 1 set drill harrows, 1 set Norwegian harrows, 2 cultivators, 2 set double harrows, 2 set chain harrows, Hosier drill grain sower, 1 broadcast sower, 300 potato boxes.

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Riccarton (near Linlithgow) (R. Anderson)

2 drill ploughs, 4 sets harrows, 2 grubbers, 3 scrapers, 3 metal rollers, grass seed sowing machine, turnip sowing machine,

The Scotsman, 10 November 1923

Loanhead, Lauder (Robert Marshall)

Grubber, turnip sower, 3 drill grubbers, spring tooth cultivator, 2 ploughs, drill plough, metal roller, harrows, chain harrow

How were some of the key implement and machine makers advertising their spring implements in the agricultural and general press in the 1920s?

While adverts tended to be short, they needed to include as much pertinent information as possible. They could note that they were selling spring implements and ask farmers and agriculturists to enquire. Some also listed the main ones as a way of highlighting what was available. As noted in an advert from H. W. Mathers & Son, Perth, these could quickly turn into a long list. Such a list could also get agriculturists to think about their future requirements, even into the early summer and into harvest time.

The status and importance of particular makes was noted. This could be achieved by referring to key makers such as Alexander Jack of Maybole. It could also be denoted by noting that a seller had “all very latest machines”, as was noted by H. W. Mathers & Son, Perth, in March 1922.

An important part of some of the adverts was price. Rarely were specific prices of implements noted. More usually, it was that their prices were low or available at “astonishingly low prices” as noted by H. W. Mathers & Son, Perth, in March 1922. This was especially important at times of high prices, such as in the early 1920s. A further key aspect of the adverts for some makers was customer satisfaction and ensuring that farmers and agriculturists were well-served. For some it was important to note that implements were in stock so that farmers and agriculturists knew that they could get them at short notice and would not have to wait for them to be manufactured or delivered to an agency.

“Spring implements

We have a complete range of all the latest implements suitable for horse and tractor work, including the following:

Land roller, 6 and 9ft sizes

Grain drills, latest pattern, 12 to 16 row

Potato planters

Double drilled plough and manure sower

Artificial manure sowers

Jacks Imperial and Ideal, 8 and 9 ft sizes

Turnip sowers

Mowers, binders, and binder twine

Tractor disc harrows and tractor plough

Intending purchasers should book their orders now as prices are rising and delivery uncertain.

Write for cash prices

H. W. Mathers & Son, agricultural engineers, Glasgow Road, Perth” (Dundee courier, 5 March 1920)

“Spring implements

Land rollers, 9 ft x 20 in, with pole trees and cross pole, brake and seat; land rollers, 6ft x 20 in, with shafts and fittings; spring tooth harrows, cultivators, horse and tractor types; grain drills, manure sowers, broadcast and double drill ploughs, grass seed sowers. All very latest machines at astonishing reduced prices.

H. W. Mathers & Son, agricultural engineers, 18 Glasgow Road, Perth.” (Dundee courier, 7 March 1922)

“Everything for the farm.

Spring implements for everything. For value and service.

Write for keenest prices to-day!

James H. Steele, Harrison Road, Edinburgh” (The Scotsman, 5 March 1924)

“Are you a prospective buyer of anything in the way of spring implements?

If so, we are anxious to get in touch with you. At the present minute we have some exceptionally keen prices to offer in:- spring harrows, diamond harrows, broadcast sowers, cultivators, turnip sowers, drill plows, grain drills, manure distributors, cake waggons.

Our advice is at your disposal, send your enquiry now.

Gillies & Henderson, Bread Street, Edinburgh.” (The Scotsman, 23 February 1924)

“Spring implements

We can deliver from stock

Grain drills, manure distributors, horse and tractor ploughs

Prices and lists on application

A. M. Russell, Grassmarket, Edinburgh.” (The Scotsman, 22 February 1922)

““Service and satisfaction”

We request the opportunity of quoting for spring implements and farm seeds.

A M. Russell, Grassmarket, Edinburgh” (The Scotsman, 6 February 1924)

“Russell’s

Implement department

Nowhere better service

Nowhere finer quality

Nowhere lower prices

Our aim is “service and satisfaction”.

Send your inquiries for spring implements.

A M. Russell, 108-112 West Bow, Grassmarket, Edinburgh.” (The Scotsman, 15 March 1924)

“Massey-Harris spring implements

Grain drills. Spring tooth cultivators. Inquiries solicited.

A. M. Russell, West Bow, Grassmarket, Edinburgh.” (The Scotsman, 11 March 1925)

“Spring implements

Manure distributors, harrows, broadcast grass-seed barrows, drill ploughs, &c all at keenest prices, inquiries solicited.

A. M. Russell, 108-112 West Bow, Grassmarket, Edinburgh” (The Scotsman, 13 March 1926)

“Spring implements

Manure distributors, land rollers, harrows, broadcast sowers, spring tooth cultivators, turnip sowers.

Prices on application.

Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd, 67 and &1 Green, Aberdeen.” (Aberdeen press and journal, 17 February 1925)

“Spring implements

Manure distributors, land rollers, harrows, broadcast sowers, horse and tractor cultivators, turnip sowers

Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd, 67 & 71 Green, Aberdeen” (Aberdeen press and journal, 8 March 1928)

If you were a farmer or agriculturist looking to buy a new grain and grass seed drill you could choose one from a number of makers. From 1816 the most renowned maker was Thomas Sherriff & Co., West Barns, East Lothian. Thomas made a number of sowing machines for crops, including drill crops, as well as associated implements and machinery for them including manure distributors and horse hoes.

Thomas first exhibited at the Highland Show in 1852. He exhibited a drill sowing machine with land measures attached which he had invented and made. At the first of these shows he exhibited one or a small number of implements. However, Thomas died in 1857. His business was taken over by his enterprising widow, who transformed it into perhaps the most decorated agricultural implement maker in Scotland, winning numerous awards from the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

Mrs Sherriff retired from business on 19 July 1871. In an advert in the North British Agriculturist, she intimated that she had transferred her business to her present manager, Robert Robertson, whom she had authorised to carry on the business. He succeeded to the goodwill, stock in trade and tools of the business, carrying it on in the same premises under the name of them as Sherriff & Co. He continued the business, developing it further, until the mid 1900s when he died.

Further developments in seed sowers we made in following years. In 1924 the company entered a combined corn and seed drill and grass seed sower for the new Implement Award of the Highland Society. It was described as: “The machine is designed to sow 14 rows at 6 in apart; fitted with special steel coulters, which spread the grain 2 in to 2 1/2 in wide in the rows; without this adjustment, when sowing thick-skinneed oats, about 6 bushels per acre, allows the grain to spread out, and gives room for each grain rooted to spread, and gives a more equal sample of grain and straw. A new special tempered steel brush is fitted to each seed delivering pinion, which clears the seed-plate hole of barley awns or other dust, and prevents choking, and blanks in the seed rows. The grass and clover seeds are sown from a separate hopper, which is fitted with our patent steel brush distributor, and sows 28 rows at 3 in apart. The coulters are light steel, and put the seeds in a uniform depth of 1 in; can be varied. With this arrangement, owing to the seeds being all put in an equal depth, prevents the seeds being thrown out during severe weather in the winter months, and shows a saving of from 25 to 50 per cent in seeds. One lever controls the whole machine, lifts the coulters, and puts the sowing mechanism out of action. Does not require to be harrowed after sowing, owing to the light grass-seed coulters acting as a harrow.”

In 1927 the company entered a new combined hoer and cultivator for the new Implement Award of the Highland Society. At the time the company described it in great detail. It noted that it was “for sowing sugar beet, turnips, and other seeds, and hoeing and working same on the flat (or ridge if desired); will also work off land for planting cabbage or other plants, and hoe and work same. The machine is made to do four drills at a time; widths, 18 in, 20 in, 22 in or 24 in apart (standard), but can be made for other widths if wanted. The seed distribution is by our patent tempered steel brush, and will sow any quantity required. A special coulter bar and coulter delivers the seeds, and the coulters are fitted with a special v-shaped wheel following in the track of the coulter, but working independently of same, which presses in the seeds and gives an equal braid. Coulters are also depth regulated to fit various soils. A set of markers are also provided. One man and a pair of light horses required when sowing only. When sowing is finished the seed-box and coulters are removed, and an entirely new principle is adopted for hoeing. A special steel floating frame is fitted below main frame of machine. This frame carries the special channel steel section for the housing of hoes, and with two grooved pulleys in a horizontal position working on a steel pipe in front of machine. This frame is well braced and rigid. On top of main frame of machine an angle-steel frame carrying a seat and operating spindle and hand-wheel is bolted in position. To this spindle is attached a steel flexible wire rope, and operating on the floating frame running on the grooved pulleys. The hoes are fixed to the channel steel, in which notches are cut, into which the stalks of hoes are housed, and held rigid in position by eye-bolts. The stalks are round steel, and can be set to any angle required, and when screwed tight impossible to shift position. When hoeing, a lad sits on frame in front driving the horses, and a man on the seat behind operates the floating frame carrying hoes by the hand-wheel, and can move all the hoes in a parallel line with the plants, and with a root lever can lift the hoes out of the ground, instantly. The operator has a clear view of the plants to be hoed, and can bring the hoes close up to plants without risk of cutting them out. The machine being mounted on three wheels makes it steady on the land 8 or 10 acres per day can be wrought, and easy work for a pair of light horses.”

Where were some of these Sherriff grain drills to be found?

Displenishing sales record what was to be sold on a farm at the end of a tenancy or a death of a farmer. While they sometimes only record the types of implements and machines that were used on a farm, they can also record ones by leading makers. These include Thomas Sherriff.

A number of adverts include specific reference to Sherriff grain drills. In the Lothians they include a number of the largest and most notable farms. These include:

Wester Broomhouse, Dunbar (George Nelson), “Sheriff” grain drill, double driller and manure sower, grass seed sowing machine (The Scotsman, 17 May 1930)

Duncrahill, Pencaitland – 2 “Sherriff” grain drills, 2 broadcast seed sowing machines (The Scotsman, 11 November 1931)

Athelstaneford Mains, Drem – “Sheriff Grain drill, “Hornsby” grain drill, grass seed sowing machine (The Scotsman, 11 November 1931)

Illieston Farm, Broxburn – corn drill (Sheriff), grain sower (The Scotsman, 9 November 1932)

Newbattle Home Farm, Newtongrange, Dalkeith – “Sheriff” grain drill (Dalkeith advertiser, 25 May 1933)

Abbeyhill, Haddington – “Sherriff” grain drill, “Sherriff” manure distributor – (The Scotsman, 6 November 1935)

Springfield, Cockburnspath – “Sheriff” grain drill (The Scotsman, 19 May 1937)

Oldhamstocks Mains, Cockburnspath – “Sheriff” grain drill (Berwickshire news and general advertiser, 1 June 1937)

Thurston Home Farm (Mrs Mitchell Innes), “Sheriff” grain drill, “Sheriff” combined sower and hoer, grass seed sowing machine (Berwickshire news and general advertiser, 29 November 1938)

A really effective new soil pulveriser was introduced into Scotland in the early 1840s. This was the Norwegian harrow. Its function was to reduce large clods into very small ones by means of a number of lines of rays or tines, leaving the land “perfectly light and lose, whilst the clod-crushing roller gives to it firmness and consistence.”

This implement, on an “entirely novel construction”, was introduced by George Edward Frere, FRS, of Edinburgh, from Norway. He had it constructed, with some changes, by Richard Stratton, Bristol. He entered it for the Royal Agricultural Society Meeting at Shrewsbury in 1845 where the judges awarded to him a premium of 10L for his harrow. By 1858 Norwegian harrows were being made by a number of Scottish implement and machine makers. In that year they included James Kirkwood, Tranent, who sold one at £8 10s, and Peter McGregor & Son, Keith, at £8 15s. Kirkwood became a renowned maker of these harrows, winning a number of premiums for them from the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

By 1864 the number of makers of these harrows had increased. They also included: John Barrowman & Co., Saline, Fife, David Young, Hassington, Coldstream, Robert Peddie & Co., 132 George Street, Edinburgh, William Kirkwood, Duddingston Mills, Edinburgh, and Kemp, Murray & Nicholson, Stirling. The one made by that latter maker was described as a “Norwegian harrow, or clod crusher”.

These harrows were still being made into the 1880s. Makers continued to include William Elder, Tweedsmouth Implement Works, Berwick on Tweed, and Kemp & Nicholson, Stirling. After that date there are few references to these harrows.

A number of sets of Norwegian harrows continued to be found at displenishing sales in the mid twentieth century. They appear to have lasted longest in areas such as East Lothian and Perthshire, though their presence at sales does not meant that they were continuing to be used until that late dates.

The farms were leading ones, with large acreages, where potatoes and other root crops were grown. They also had an extensive range of implements and machines, including leading types and makes.

The farms that had Norwegian harrows at their displenishing sales included:

West Fenton, East Lothian (surplus to requirements) (from The Scotsman, 25 January 1939)

6 box carts, 2 long carts, 2 cart frames, “Massey Harris” binder, double driller and manure sower, turnip sowing machine, “Hoosier” grain drill, 3 “Ransome” I.R.D.CV.P 4 M” ploughs, 2 sowing ploughs, 4 drill ploughs, 7 drill grubbers, 2 “Hunter” hoes, “Ransome” planet drill cultivator, “Martin” cultivator, barley brake, 5 sets English harrows, 2 sets spring toothed harrows, Parmitter harrows, 2 Norwegian harrows, heavy “Cambridge” roller, plain roller, “Wallave” mower, horse rake, hay collector, sheep turnip cutter, chaff cutter for power, cake breaker, 2 pumps, 3 iron stack stance &c Also 5 sets cart and plough harness.

Tofthill, Glencarse (from Dundee courier, 7 November 1939)

Implements-6 coup carts (2 rubber tyre), 6 corn carts, cattle float, 2 hay bogies, water cart, horse fork, 2 Massey Harris binders, 1 McCormick binder and tractor plough (power drive), 1 mower, 2 hors e rakes, Hoosier driller, McCormick driller, double driller, International manure distributor, Jack manure distributor, Newlands cultivator, 2 turnip barrows, grass seed machine, Cambridge roller, Wallace potato digger, Ransome potato digger, Camno sheep turnip cutter and engine, International tractor, tractor bogey, set 4 tractor harrows, and trees, tractor discer, 2 scarifiers, hay collector, 3 drill grubbers, 3 Hunter hoes, chain harrows, 4 set iron harrows, 2 drag harrows, set circular harrows, Norwegian harrows, 4 horse grubber, 3 ploughs, Oliver plough, 4 furring up ploughs, two bar roller, three bar roller, shafted roller, 2 steelyard and weights, turnip slicers, four wheel barrow, hash barrow, barn trolley, cake breaker, 2 blocks and tackle, 8 cattle troughs, 16 sheep turnip troughs, 35 sheep feeding troughs, sheep feed bin, sheep haik, 2 corn bins, 17 sheep nets, 150 net stakes, 280 potato boxes, 2 saw benches and saws, blacksmith’s forge, iron cutting machine, bench and tools, 30 gallon paraffin tank, oil cabinet, steel barrel, slipe on wheels, barn fanners, cart jack, iron and wooden stathels, cattle bands, sheep dipper, 3 henhouses, hen coops, Acto mower and garden tools, barn, byre, and stable utensils including 4 sets cart and plough harness, odd harness &c. Also a quantity of kitchen furniture and dairy utensils.

Byres, Longniddry (from The Scotsman 1939)

Farm implements – 7 coup carts on wheels, 5 long carts on wheels, 3 long cart bodies, spring van, governess car, 4 “Ransome” ploughs, 2 “Ransome” double furrow ploughs, “Ransome” reversable plough, 3 drill ploughs, rig marker, 6 drill grubbers, 2 “Hunter” hoes, “Finlayson” grubber, 2 barley brakes, 4 sets English harrows, Norwegian harrow, 2 sets drill harrows, set “Parmitter” harrows, 3 metal rollers, Cambridge roller, Cambridge drill roller, 1 drill scarifier, double driller and manure sower, manure distributor, turnip seed sowing machine, grass seed sowing machine, 3 “Massey Harris” binders, 2 reapers, 2 hay collectors, 2 horse rakes, tumbling rake, horse hay fork, triangle rick lifter, “Blackstone” swathe turner, charlock sprayer, stack props, “Eclipse” potato sorter, 200 potato boxes, firetray troughs, set barn weights, cart weighbridge with cattle cage, 2 sets potato weights, set barn fanners, 10 iron stack stathels (16 feet), wheelbarrow, garden roller, garden seat, 2 lawn mowers, tennis posts, 100 egg “Heatson” incubator, 100 egg “ironclaad” incubator, 200 chick “Sawyer” rearer, 4 “Pioneer” hovers, 9 folding houses, 4 chicken runs, 12 hen coops, poultry feeders, scrap iron, graips, forks, spades, shovels, hoes, and other small barn and stable utensils.Also portable “Clayton & Shuttleworth” threshing mill, with “Hornsby” bunder, “Ruston” power hay baler, “Sanderson” tractor, “Martin” tractor cultivator, petrol turnip cutter and a quantity of household furniture.

Over Hailes, Haddington, sale on 25 November 1950 (from The Scotsman, 15 November 1950)

Farm implements- 9 short carts on wheels, 3 long carts on wheels, 4 “Massey Harris” binders (2 with tractor hitch), 3 “Wallace” reapers, 2 “Sherriff” grain drills (one with tractor hitch), ‘Sherriff” grass seed barrow, ‘Sherriff” three drill manure sower, “Sherriff” turnip seed sowing machine, “Wallace” double driller and manure sower, “Massey Harris” manure sower, “Ideal” manure sower, “Ballach” drill scarifier, 2 metal rollers, 3 drill rollers Cambridge heavy roller, 2 horse rakes, 2 hay bogies, horse hay fork, hay collector, 4 “Ransome” ploughs, 4 double moulded ploughs, 3 heavy drill grubbers, “Newlands” cultivator, “Planet junior” cultivator, 2 “Hunter” hoes, “openesl” hoe, 4 sets English harrows, 2 sets saddle harrows, set Parmitter harrows, set grass seed harrows (18 feet), Norwegian harrow, 2 “Blackstone” potato diggers (one with tractor hitch), “Cooch” potato dresser with 1 ½ hp “Petter” engine, “Ness” potato dresser, sack lifter, wheelbarrow, 2 sack barrows, straw barrow, 2 sack steelyards and weights, set barn fanners, ladders, steel stack bosses, sheep wire nets, sheep net stobs, 2 sheep turnip cutters, cattle turnip slicer, 15 sheep turnip boxes, sheep cake boxes, galvanised cake bins, flakes, 2 sheep hay hecks on wheels, wire potato baskets, paraffin tanks, water troughs, endless chain, vice, anvil, henhouse, 2 chicken brooders, graips, forks, shovels, hoes, scythes, and other small barn and stable utensils &c. Tractors and tractor implements , 2 “Fordson” tractors (one with rubbers), “International H” tractor on rubbers, “Dechmont” trailer, 2 “International” ploughs (2 and 3 furrow), “Ransome Dauntless’ cultivator, “Massey Harris” disc harrows, set spring toothed harrows, “Denny” roller, 2 spare rear rubber tyres. Also 3 sets cart and plough harness, 3 stacks ryegrass hay.

The set of Norwegian harrows was photographed at the Fife Vintage Machinery rally, June 2014.

Wooden implements, especially ploughs and harrows, continued to be used into the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.There are numerous photographs of them being used in the Western Isles and Northern Isles, areas where traditional farming practices and techniques continued the longest. But they also survived in mainland Scotland until after the Second World War.

The Aberdeen journal published displenishing sales notices which referred to wooden harrows in 1950. They include the following:

Aberdeen press and journal, 30 January 1950

Displenish sale at Mill of Keig, on Saturday, 11th February, of the following belonging to Mr Jack Adam:

1 horse reaper, box cart, iron and wooden harrows, grubber, 2 ploughs, shim links, turnip sower, stone rollers, rake, Cahone sowing basket, 2 weighing machines and weights, box and sack barrows, bushel scoops, block and tackle, barn fan, buckets, picks, sack chain &c.

John Walker, auctioneer, Westside of Brux, Kildrummy

Aberdeen press and journal, 20 February 1950

Tomorrow (Tuesday), at 10.30am, weekly sale-

Implement sale-tractor and horse implements etc, entries include-Ransome tractor plough, tractor grubber, cultivator, Horwood-Bagshaw broadcaster (as new), 2 Banff Foundry broadcasts, manure distributor, S. T. harrows, wooden harrows, 4-wheeled R. T. lorry (tractor or horse), 2 box carts with frames, turnip cutting cart, 2 turnip pullers, drill plough, 2 shims, new portable poultry houses, iron gates, stirrup pumps etc

Central Mart, Huntly

Aberdeen press and journal, 5 May 1950

Displenish sale, at Malcolmsford, Alvah, on Friday, 12th May, at 6pm (belonging to Mr G. Morrison)

Box cart, Milwaukee binder, 5ft cut Albion mower (new), broadcast, manure distributor, metal roller, horse rake, brake, turnip puller, wooden harrows, three-drill shim, potato plough, sledge, yokes and swingletrees, box barrow, steelyard and weights, pulper, sack lifter, new canvasses for Milwaukee, binder and rick covers, metal water troughs, bath. Pigs’ troughs, barrow wheels, meal girnal, netting wire, corrugated iron, drain pipes, 2 25 gal drums, paraffin and oil drums, scythes, sharpening stool, forms, corn sacks, rick nets, coir yarn, ropes, three corner chest, mash boxes, hand and fencing tools etc.

Cart and plough harness.

5 poultry houses, chicken house, chicken coops and runs, ironclad incubator (100 size), Ellis brooder, Glevum Hover.

Aberdeen & Northern Martys, Ltd, Auctioneers, Turriff

Aberdeen press and journal, 6 May 1950

Damfolds, Netherdale, Marnoch. Displenish sale

The live stock, implements, smithy appliances and surplus household furniture etc, belonging to A. G. Hay, esq, will be sold by public roup on Thursday 11th May

Implements etc- box cart, turnip sowing machine, horse reaper with mowing attachment, single and drill ploughs, grubber, shim, wooden harrows, S.T. harrows (9 tines), stone roller, hasher, fencing posts, wire (plain and barbed), wire netting, wire stretcher, pinch, barrels trough, ladders, cart and plough harness, all the usual minor hand tools, petrol paraffin engine, 2 ¼ hp; small bruiser, portable henhouse, Glevum incubator (80 egg size)

Smithy appliances-bellows, anvil lathe, vice, tyre bender, ringing bed, screwing tools, iron, etc.

Johnston & Paterson, auctioneers, Auction Mart, Turriff

Aberdeen press and journal, 14 October 1950

Displenish sale at Abbotshaugh, New Deer, on Tuesday, 17th October, at 1pm prompt (belonging to James Adams, esq)

Fordson Major tractor with hydraulic lift and belt pulley; Fordson tractor on rubbers; standard binder, 5ft cut; Albion mower; Simplex manure distributor, Bamford potato digger; tractor grubber; Martin cultivator, 9 tines, self lift; dual tractor plough bar points and lift; Ransome disc harrows; tractor harrows; Cockshutt no. 6 DF plough and 10A 29 single body; ridger and cultivator, Newlands, hand lift; tractor trailer; 4 wheeled lorry; Sellar broadcast; set 3 rollers.

Note- the above tractor tools are all in grand order and worthy of buyers’ attention.

Box cart, horse rake, Balloch scarifier, chain harrows, single plough, D. B plough, shims, potato dresser, three drill shim, wooden harrows, grubber, 3 tines; steelyard and weights, barn fan, bushel, ladders, box barrow, B. R. & H distributor, paraffin drums 1250, 50 and 40 gals); 2 sets cart and plough harness, spare harness, pulper, spaces, shovels, graips and all minor hand tools; number of poultry houses, 2 Hover houses; Gloucester Incubator (150 size)

Aberdeen and Northern Marts Ltd, auctioneers, Maud

If we think of the names of implement and machine makers in Perthshire from days gone by we could come up with quite a few names. They include J. Bisset & Sons, Blairgowrie, R. G. Morton & Son, Errol, H. W. Mathers, Errol, John Doe, Errol and Perth, J. D. Allan & Sons, Dunkeld. Other less-well names include George Bannerman, Coupar Angus, George Bell, Inchmichael, Errol, Duncan Cameron (harrows), Bank Street, Aberfeldy, and James Campbell, Trades Lane, Coupar Angus.

On 21 July 1896 the Dundee courier published an account on the businesses of two opf these makers: R. G. Morton & Sons, and John Doe. They provide a number of insights into the businesses, their activities, their reputations and family members employed. It is worth quoting at length for adding some “colour” to their business histories:

“Perthshire farmers

Errol Engineering Works

Near Errol are also situated the agricultural engineering works belonging to Messrs R. G. Morton & Sons, among the most extensive of their kind in the country, than Mr R. G. Morton, the senior partner of the firm, few men in Scotland have been more successful. Through his inventive genius agricultural implements and machinery have been brought almost to the point of perfection. Previous to 1870 he had already attained a name for himself in the world of agricultural engineering, and in that year he was fortunate in securing the premises and business so long and successfully carried on by Mr Watson. Five years later he found it necessary to feu the site of the present buildings, near Errol Station, and erect thereon new works and a dwelling-house. Since then the former have been considerably enlarged to meet the ever-increasing demands of the home and foreign trade. Many will doubtless be surprised to learn that from this comparatively small centre machinery has been sent to nearly every manufacturing country on the face of the globe. The jute machinery manufactured at Errol has found its way to America, Sweden, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy and India. In Ceylon, the Errol engines, boilers, and turbines can be counted by the score, while in Africa flour mills, water wheels, and turbines of Morton’s pattern testify to the patronage of the Boer.

In connection with the practical department of his business. Mr Morton has received most efficient and valuable assistance from his brother and partner, Mr Thomas Morton, whose zeal and enthusiasm have contributed in no small degree to the phenomenal success of the firm. Upwards of ninety hands are regularly employed at Errol Works, and it is a noteworthy fact that the relations between employers and employed have ever been of the most cordial description.

Messrs Doe, Errol

Another prominent Errol man is Mr John Doe, who, along with his two sons, Mr George Doe and Mr John Doe, jun, conducts one of the largest agricultural implement agencies north of the Tweed. The Messrs Doe, who are also extensive threshing machine owners, are well known and highly popular among the agriculturists of the Carse of Gowrie. They are also well known and highly respected in all the principal market towns in Perthshire and the adjacent counties. Mr Doe, sen, is a native of Lancashire, in England, but migrated to this quarter a considerable number of years ago.”

Reid & Leys was a well-known agricultural implement and machine maker in Aberdeen that was already in business in 1885. By 1889 it described itself as a seedsman and implement agent. A decade later it was a seedsman and implement manufacturer with implement works at Wellington Road; it became renowned for these well into the twentieth century.

For much of the period when it traded, its sphere of influence was largely Aberdeenshire and the north of Scotland. It largely exhibited at the Highland Show when it was being held in the Aberdeen, and Inverness show districts. By the 1950s it started to attend the shows in the south of Scotland: Paisley, Kelso, Dundee, Dumfries and Edinburgh.

The company’s manufactures included its ploughs. It also entered its “Don” tractor manure distributor” for the new implement award at the Highland Show in 1948.

The Aberdeen evening express of 19 January 1999, published an article written by Gavin Cameron, on the imminent closure of the business. We quote it at length for the insights that it provides on changes to the business in the twentieth century:

“Brothers call it a day at garden firm

By Gavin Cameron

Slice of history is to close its doors

A unique slice of Aberdeen history is to disappear off the map after more than 100 years of growth.

Brothers Albert and Alister Corbett are calling it a day at seed and tool form Reid and Leys,

The two partners are to pull up their Summer Street roots at the end of next month.

“We’ll be sorry to miss all the customers that we consider our friends,” said Alister.

“Some of them have followed us from our former premises in Correction Wynd and Hadden Street before that, so we’ve built up a real relationship with them.

“But my brother’s past retiring age now and I’ve been here since 1950 so it’s just about time to move on.”

Alister also said that increased competition from large supermarkets was making life increasingly tough for independent retailers like Reid and Leys.

“A lot of people who come in have said that we can’t shut down as we’re an institution”, continued Alister.

“Folk have always been able to come in and have a chat with us, which is something they’re nor able to do in some of the bigger places.

“But it just seems to be the way of things these days that the bigger out-of-town places are taking over”.

Reid and Leys first opened its implement works in 1897 at Back Hilton Road and opened outlets in Rose Street and Hadden Street before moving to Correction Wynd in 1870.

The firm moved to its current Summer Street base in 1897.”