Antiquates Limited - Logo

A LOVER OF HIS COUNTRY [i.e. MACKINTOSH, William]. An essay on ways and means for Inclosing, Fallowing, Planting, &c. Scotland; And that in Sixteen Years farthest.

Edinburgh. Printed, and Sold at Mr. Freebairn's Shop, 1729. First edition.
8vo. lii, [4], 355pp. With a folding plate. Contemporary blind-ruled calf. Rubbed and marked, upper board stained, without lettering-piece. Early ownership inscription of William G. Wall to head of title, short tear to folding plate, upper corner of text-block lightly dampstained, scattered spotting.
The sole edition of an early work on agriculture and husbandry as applicable to the landscape of Scotland, compiled by Jacobite army officer William Mackintosh of Borlum (c. 1662-1743) whilst imprisoned following the failure of the 1715 Rebellion.

Borlum, addressing the nascent Honourable Society in Flax, encourages enclosure, afforestation, and cultivation of flax seed having implemented said policies his own lands in Inverness to great financial renumeration. Perhaps surprisingly, he recommends both that feudal duties be abolished and that native agricultural workers receive instruction from ploughmen brought up from England. Notably, Borlum claims that several of his notions concerning effect cultivation were suggested by natural philosopher Robert Boyle (1627-1691), with whom he was purportedly acquainted in his youth.
ESTC T33425.
£ 450.00 Antiquates Ref: 33909