‘The arable land was divided into a number of small farms. The tillage was superficially performed, with very imperfect implements. Almost every field was incumbered with obstructions of one kind or another; such as, pools of stagnant water or quagmires, where the cattle were ever in danger of losing their lives; great baulks of unploughed land between the ridges; but, above all, stones abounded, not only on the surface, but through the whole depth of the soil. There were no inclosures. No lime was used as a manure and the only crops were bear and oats. There was neither cart nor wheel carriage of any kind; nor was there even a road. In short, no place, at that time, abounded more in the evils attending the ancient system, or enjoyed fewer of the advantages of modern husbandry than the lands of Ury.’ Mr. Barclay, who had acquired his ideas of agriculture on the fertile plains of Norfolk, could ill brook a state of husbandry like this. As soon, therefore, as he succeeded to the estate, he set about its improvement in a stile that was both radical and permanent. To accomplish this object, he took under his own management all the farms in the vicinity of the mansion-house, as the leases expired; besides retaining those lands which had always been in the natural possession of the family. In the course of thirty years, he thoroughly improved 2000 acres of arable land, and planted about 1500 acres of wood. Of the arable land, there were 800 acres originally marsh or heath. Of the remainder, which was let to tenants, about one-fourth part consisted of baulks, wastes, and marshes, interspersed through every field. Mr. Barclay thus meliorated about 2000 acres, and brought them to a correct state of culture, and they are now in a high degree of fertility. The laborious measures by which Mr. Barclay improved the estate of Ury, are particularly detailed in the valuable work previously mentioned; but it would carry us beyond our limits to enter minutely into them: and perhaps it may suffice to say, that, from a rugged and barren surface, he produced the most beautiful place in North Britain. He was considered the father of agriculture in the north of Scotland: His example has been everywhere imitated; and his memory is held dear by all the lovers of this first and most important _art_. Mr. Barclay represented the county of Kincardine in three parliaments, having been unanimously elected; which is highly creditable to his talents and his virtues. He was the intimate friend of William Pitt, and always distinguished himself by his loyalty, and attachment to the best interests of his country.