The largest contains 4700 acres. It requires four an a-half acres to graze sheep, and rent does not exceed 6d. an acre. There are several others little inferior in size. The number of sheep at present is kept at 33,500. The black polled native cattle, usually denominated, Galloways, are the common breed kept.
More attention is bestowed on the rearing of cattle than on the produce of the dairy.
The lead mines are distant about two miles from the village of Minnigaff, on the boundary of the Kirouchtree and Machermore estates. The lead was first discovered in 1763, and was shortly afterwards wrought. There is no market town in the parish, and the nearest is Newton-Stewart, on the opposite bank on the Cree. The post town is Newton-Stewart, and letters are delivered in Minnigaff twice a day. The great road from Portpatrick to Dumfries passes for four miles through the parish.