Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/MacPhail, James
MACPHAIL, JAMES (fl. 1786–1805), gardener, the son of a highland peasant, was born in Aberdeenshire in 1754. In his seventeenth year he obtained employment as a farm labourer. 'I ate and drank,' he says, 'at the same table as my master and mistress, for I was the only servant or labourer they kept' (Hints and Observations on the Improvement of Agriculture, 1794). His wages were 23s. 4d. for the half-year. After suffering many hardships as a farm labourer in Scotland, he migrated to England and became in January 1785 gardener to Lord Hawkesbury (afterwards second earl of Liverpool), at Addiscombe Place, near Croydon, where he remained twenty years. He invented a new method of growing cucumbers, and achieved great success in growing pines and melons.
MacPhail's chief works were: 1. 'A Treatise on the Culture of the Cucumber, &c., to which are added Hints and Observations on the Improvement of Agriculture,' London, 1794, 8vo. With the exception of some remarks on highland farming based upon MacPhail's early experiences, the 'Hints and Observations' consist of paragraphs reprinted verbatim, and without acknowledgment, from Adam Smith's 'Wealth of Nations' and Arthur Young's 'Tours,' and agricultural reports. They were reprinted separately in 1795. 2. 'Remarks on the Present Times,.. &c, being an Introduction to Hints and Observations,' &c, 1795, in which he met the accusation that had been made against him, 'and that, too, to no less a man than the. secretary of state,' of holding democratic principles. 3. 'The Gardener's Remembrancer, exhibiting the various Natures of Earth and Degrees of Climate best adapted for the Growth of Trees and . . . Fruits,' &c, London, 1803, 8vo; reprinted 1807; 2nd edit., improved, London, 1819, 12mo.