PRIMITIVE METHODS OF AGRICULTURE IN ORKNEY
Horse and Ox Harrowing.
Loading Sea-Weed for Manure.
T. Kent.
An Orkney Cart.
T. Kent.
Making Straw-backed Chairs, Orkney.
The primitive cottages which prevailed in Orkney, until a few years ago, are gradually giving way to larger and more substantial dwellings, but some of the crofts are still reminiscent of very early times, consisting only of a "but and a ben," with the beds let into the wall, after the style of the French cupboard beds of Brittany, and with the floors made of stone flags.
Orkney has several cottage industries, no doubt due to the long winter evenings and the inclement weather. Amongst these is rush plaiting for the famous "Orkney chairs," which, with their comfortable rush backs and seats and hoods, are familiar to all who have been in Orkney.
T. Kent.
Interior of an Orkney Cottage.