The average numbers of animals kept by crofters varied by location, and figures
for different places in the Northern and Western Isles in the 17th century are
given in Shaw (1980); these figures are examples from the register of sasines.
The numbers of animals held by crofters in different areas of the Highlands and
Islands in the late 19th century are documented in tables at the end of the
Napier Commission Report (available online).
The figure of 50 seems very high if it is for 1 crofting household, but would
depend on the amount of arable available for alternative food and fodder. Shaw
states that Shetland crofters kept more sheep than Orcadians because they had
more hill land for grazing and less arable land.
A useful Neolithic (but non-Scottish) model is in Gregg (1989).
I am going to look at the sasines in January, and may have a better answer then,
but as the crofters sometimes starved, the number of animals they actually kept
may not reflect the number needed to survive, which is what your friend wanted
to know.
Regards
Marianne
Gregg, S. A. 1989. Foragers and Farmers: Population Interaction and Agricultural
Expansion in Prehistoric Europe. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Napier Commission 1884. Evidence taken by Her Majesty’s Commissioners of
Inquiry into the Condition of the Crofters and Cottars: Report. British
Parliamentary Papers, Agriculture vol. 23. HMSO (Reprinted, Irish University
Press).
Shaw,F.J. 1980. The Northern and Western Islands of Scotland: their Economy and
Society in the 17th century. Edinburgh: John Donald.
Napier online at: http://www.highland-elibrary.com/7.html
Quoting Jacqui Mulville <[log in to unmask]>:
> Another general query.....any suggestions?
>
> Dear Jacqui,
>
> A collegue has asked me to enquire from you if you know the source of a quote
> that crofters would need 50 sheep in order to survive a year. If you have
> any figures on how many sheep, cows and bulls were consderd the minimum by
> such farming groups that would be appreciated. He is trying to work out how
> much livestock Neolithic farmers might have needed in order to survive a
> year.
>
> Many thanks.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Paul.
>
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