The book Arran; - Cook Clan

200 THE BOOK OF ARRAN
Each tenant had a byre, stable, and shed for implements,
some even had a shed for peats. The kiln was usuallycommon
to the village, in shape like an inverted cone, where
the corn, laid upon straw supported by cross props, got a
perilous and irregular drying from the peat fire at the opening
of the level. Whatever assistance in materials they might
get, these buildings were ' all constructed and repaired by
which occupies much valuable time
the people themselves ;
during summer ;
symmetry.'
and they are arranged without order or
^
Implements were almost solely of wood, and wood had
become a rare material in Arran, owing to the reckless way
in which the plantings had been treated.^ To get new stuff
meant a boat's trip to Ayr or Argyllshire, when it was heard
that the woods were being cut ; and between time, which
might be a fortnight's absence, and labour, the cost would
run pretty high. The wooden plough required two pairs of
horses and often as many men, to lead, direct, and finish
behind with a spade, probably also of wood. The cascrom,
or foot-plough, was at this time unknown in Arran. ^ Much
use was made of the sledge on two poles, into which the horse
was yoked ; a creel or a wooden back served to contain
the manure or peats. At South End, or where there was
level ground or anything like a road, small light carts might
be found, which were imported from Ayrshire :
' a proof
that they are willing to adopt the most improved practices,
were they put into a situation to render it possible.' * But
' Headrick, p. 315.
2 ' It being observed that no regard is had to growing trees, but that every one
cuts and destroys them at their pleasure, and in the most barbarous manner cutting
oif the verry tops of the growing trees for bedding to their body in place of heather
which is much better, for rigwoodys to their carrs and bindings for their cattle in
place of ropes, which is much better for the purpose/ etc. Follows an intimation of
the legal penalties for cutting growing timber (Burrel, May 1770).
3 Ibid., p. 316.
* Ibid., p. 317. '. . . the inhabitants, though peaceable and willing to become
industrious, are, by the situations in which they have hitherto been placed, doomed to