The 18th century introduction of the potato to Eigg, as a food crop, lead to increased health and fecundity on the island; by the end of the century, the population had expanded to over 500 people, farming oats and cattle, in addition to potatoes. The leader of Clan Ranald built a mill to grind the oats, and charged islanders to use it; since they had their own hand-querns, he instructed his agents to break them, so that the islanders had no choice but to use the mill.