The land of this locality has a very
peaty soil, and on this account it needs
a good deal of lime, to enable the
farmers to produce better crops.
The burning of lime is a common
occupation among the people of this district
Lime is burned in a kiln either with turf
or colm. A kiln is shaped somewhat like
a barrel, coming to a narrow point at
the bottom. There is a hole in the arch
of the kiln to remove the lime when
burned. This opening is called the eye
of the kiln. The farmers of this district
use turf. A sufficient supply of turf
must first be cut and saved and drawn
convenient to the kiln.
The limestone must next be drawn to the
kiln, and broken down to a size of three
or four inches. When the fire is lighted in
the kiln, it must be attended to regularly.
Every second lay of turf and stones are
laid in the kiln. After two day's burning,
the lime can be drawn from the kiln.
It can be spread on the land, as soon as
it is slack. This lime can be used as
mortar, and also in a number of other