Journal entry – John Grey – 28 Sep 1833

Saturday 28th September 

Rode down the Tweed to Berwick.  The clean fallows, the neatly harvested fields & full crops of Turnips free from weeds in this well cultivated district, form a contrast very unfavourable to the exhausted condition & inexpert management of the southern parts of the County.  I met the Gentlemen engaged in the Scremerston Arbitration & urged them to come to a decision without farther delay or admitting of any interference of the interested parties.  This they engaged to do & gave me hopes that they might bring it to a conclusion in the course of the day.  I enquired of Major Johnson if nothing had yet been done to the Water Level, which he had undertaken to have examined and repaired according to Mr Fenwicks recommendation.  He stated that the Shafts to be used in putting down the necessary materials, were surrounded by Mr Pringles Corn to which he had been anxious to avoid doing damage, but that now it should be proceeded with.  He complained of the falling off of the demand for lime in consequence of the extensive introduction of bone manure, in the districts of both sides of the Tweed, which I believe is the case.  Passed Sunday & Monday 30th September with my family.  The little ones distressingly ill with  hooping cough.