This was work that was common in Orkney at that time; but
the English hat manufacturers, for whom the straw was plaited, were
not always liberal in their payments, nor prompt; and it was only
by very hard work that these few shillings could be earned.
My father had been thrifty, and had saved some little money; but
when we came to calculate the full measure of our resources, we
discovered that several alterations would have to be made in our
mode of living. Not the least important of these changes was the
necessity of an early removal to Lyndardy.
Lyndardy farm had been leased conjointly by my father and my uncle
Mansie; and when there was no occasion for them to be out in the
boat, the two men were in the habit of working together in the
fields, as most of our neighbours worked. It was from Lyndardy that
we were supplied with all our oatmeal, our eggs, cheese, butter,
and vegetables. Fresh fish we could always procure in abundance
from the sea and the lochs, and I was able sometimes to add to the
general stock of provisions by the aid of my gun. The feathers and
oil from the wild sea fowl I shot were sold or bartered for other
commodities; and the wool of the few sheep we kept, and the flax we
grew, were helpful in supplying us with clothing and other
necessaries.
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