Series 4 > Papers on Sutherland Estate Management 1802-1816 > Volume 9

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report along with Hughes’s offer when I get it, perhaps by
the next Post. I must put the abstracts of accounts in another
Cover.
Marchioness of Stafford to Marquis of Stafford
Dunrobin Castle, n July 1814: very fine day, two Showers
I will put my coal narrative in a seperate Paper and talk a little of
other things. I am very happy to receive Charlotte’s and Elizabeth’s
little notes respecting affairs at Richmond, and trust Pies are for¬
gotten as they have not been mentioned the last two days. We
walked over the farm this evening. It was delightful - the fields,
cattle and young planting in the greatest beauty, the wheat a very
rich crop, the roses blowing, the Pinks blown. All things in excellent
order, the Stables look very well, finished to nearly the top of the
Walls. We went to see how the new wood has thinned at Uppat,
and think very judiciously. The Firs are amazingly thick and fine
Trees in places we never saw - little Villiers full of them. Sandy
Urquhart and his Crew had already purchased the cut Timber for
their herring fishing in Caithness, for which they sail on Saturday.
We past all yesterday in examing Colliers and were at Brora the
greatest part of this morning. We are in great want of Staunton or a
judicious Shropshire man to set the Colliery on the proper footing.
The Fifeshire People have gone all wrong, though the men are well
disposed and might do well under good direction, but these over¬
seers will not do. I had a Letter tonight from Castle Howard where
they are arrived and well but say the foliage does not exist on the
trees. It is very odd it should be so luxuriant here, and the pruned
Trees exceed our expectations. The young firs at Uppat etc. this
year too large to be inclosed in a Letter. Frederick Howard was
arrived at Paris with his Regiment and found the Sloanes. This
article for Charlotte. I am glad to hear of the Bronze for Lord
Wellington, much better than a Dinner. Petit Cheval, gentil Cheval
etc.
I have read Malthus on population. He might have said it all in one
page. He longs to drown Children but proves that the population,
do what you will, will take care of itself. George and I have had a
terrible week of anxiety about this Coal. He is a sensible well