326 Farmers^ Hole-and- Corner Club. [July, 



As she stopped, fifty American marines rose from behind the crest of 

 the sand-hills, poured in one close and fatal volley, and rushing forward 

 overpowered the remainder of the crew. Nearly a third of their number 

 were dead, or desperately wounded, and the lieutenant commanding, 

 and two or three more, were ail, out of about thirty men, that remained 

 unhurt. 



" You've paid ruther more'n'ts wuth," said Ethan to tbe English 

 officer, ** even if you'd ketched that 'ere boat-load of cobble-stones," and 

 he pointed to the worthless cargo of the sail-boat, adding : 



" I reckon we're even with you now for hooking that boat-load of gar- 

 ding-sarse of mine, day before yesterday, and ketching them two fellers." 



The crest-fallen Englishman made no answer, and old Mr. Balch 

 reproved his son for insulting people in trouble ; whereupon Ethan dis- 

 continued his attempts at conversation, only saying that he couldn't 

 help wanting to make the captive commander comprehend the exact 

 features of the case. 



In the exchange of prisoners, shortly negotiated, the liberation of 

 the Messrs. Bobbins was secured. The ill-fate of the row-galley and 

 its crew secured much safer coast-wise communication ; and this ful- 

 fillment, through Ethan's means, of the hard commands of his lady- 

 love, restored and even enhanced the amicableness of the relations 

 heretofore existing between them. 



< ■»»*» 



FARMERS' "HOLE AND CORNER" CLUB. 



"While traveling in Virginia recently, one of the editors (" C. D. B.") 

 of the Prairie Farmer met at a planter's several members of the " Prince 

 George Hole-and-Corner Club " — an association of twelve farmers, who 

 meet monthly on the farm of some one of the members, thus visiting 

 each farm once in the course of the year. Its name is derived from the 

 fact " that each farm is thoroughly inspected by the members — every 

 corner and hole undergoes the strictest scrutiny — all the fault found 

 with its management that can with good reason be found, and the planter 

 commended, or condemned, in proportion as his grounds exhibit care, or 

 neglect. The condition of the premises, and the mode of cultivation is 

 thoroughly discussed, and suggestions are offered by each member of the 

 club." A dinner is next in order, and then a discussion of subjects of 

 agricultural interest, hearing reports from committees formerly appointed 



