To ensure that the orchard would be a success, I installed a full-scale irrigation system in 1912. A wooden pipe brought water down from the waterfalls behind the orchard. Two suspension bridges were built to support the pipe. Flumes took the water to the rows of trees, and the trees were watered by sprinklers. Other orchards had open ditches of water for irrigation. Bringing water down from the cliffs behind the orchard gave us the water pressure we needed to run sprinklers. I was keen to use the best techniques available.

Fintry Manor House

I decided to call my new estate in Canada “Fintry” after the name of my old home in Scotland. In 1911, I started construction on the large manor house where we would live. The stone for the walls, fireplaces, and chimney came from the hills behind the house. I brought over furnishings from the old country, and the house shone with mahogany, silver, and brass. On the walls were pictures of my horses and foxhounds. I even had a stuffed black bear standing outside the front door. This used to startle my friends when they stepped outside for a breath of air after having a wee dram of whiskey. I always got a laugh out of their reactions. There was a kennel behind the house for my beloved hunting dogs. From the veranda, we had splendid views of the lake and the hills. There were acres of lawn with trees and shrubs and vegetable and flower gardens. My wife was particularly fond of the flower gardens. We were very happy living at our new Fintry.