Journal entry – John Grey – 26 Dec 1834

Friday 26th December 1834



Set out in the morning to Scremerston.  As those Farms contain land of very different quality, it was necessary to divide that which was calculated for turnip husbandry from such as will be better occupied in a rotation including Beans & Wheat.  I accordingly went over to Mr Hogarths farm with the Plan and having ascertained the quantities of each kind, filled up an Agreement with the suitable covenants and obtained his signature.  I then proceeded through Mr Thomsons farm for the same purpose, which together with the calculations of quantities & the discussion generally attending such an arrangement occupied me to a late hour. Mr Thomson proposed the alteration of a line of hedge through his Farm, for the purpose of dividing the Clay from the Turnip Land - a part of both kinds of Soil being at present included in the same Fields, which would be better otherwise.  But I told him that, as that had not been attended to in planting the Hedges, & the Coms had let him the Farm somewhat below my valuation, he must take all such expenses upon himself, which he agreed to.   He is quite tired of the Wind Machine, & I don’t wonder; it’s operations are so uncertain, & the loss of time in collecting people to work at it, & then if the Wind fails, turning them to other employments, so great.  He wished me to consent to build him an Engine House and what accommodation would be needful for a Steam power, which he would erect on his own account.  I would not undertake to recommend this to the Board, because they would have the external Machinery thrown on their hands, the internal part only being applicable to Steam.

      On calculating the value of the Sails & upright Shaft of the Tower, I find it would do little if any thing more build what is wanted & make the Reservoir for collecting & cooling the Water, which too will be a more permanent property than the Sails & Wood. I therefore proposed to Mr Thomson, that if he will build & make what is necessary in the one case, taking the internal Machinery by valuation, I should take upon me to advise the Board to place the other at his disposal in return for his outlay.  This he consented to, and if authorised will immediately undertake.   With Coal on the Premises it is certainly much better to have a power that is always at command and that can be regulated with ease, than one which is always uncertain & often disappointing, and as to risk of Fire, Mr Thomson tells me that he has always insured the Wind Machine there higher than the Steam one at another Farm considering it in greater danger from the velocity at which it is liable to be driven.