252 A DEVONSHIRE COTTAGE. 



turesque appearance, when partly covered with 

 creepers, and surrounded with flowers. 



Such is an accurate description of one of the many 

 cottages I have seen in the beautiful and hospitable 

 county of Devon, so celebrated for its illustrious 

 men, and the beauty of its women. Those who, like 

 myself, have wandered amongst its delightful lanes, 

 will not think my picture overcharged. 



But I must introduce my reader to the inside of 

 a Devonshire cottage. On entering it, he will see 

 the polished dresser glittering with bright pewter 

 plates ; the flitch of bacon on the rack, with paper 

 bags stored with dried pot-herbs, for winter use, 

 deposited near it ; the bright dog-bars, instead of 

 a grate, with the cottrel over them, to hang the 

 pot on, and everything bespeaking comfort and 

 cleanliness. The cottager's wife will ask him to 

 sit down, in that hearty Devonshire phrase, which 

 has often been addressed to me, and which I al- 

 ways delighted in " Do'y, Sir, pitch yourself," 

 bringing forward a chair, at the same time, and 

 wiping it down with her apron. A cup of cyder 

 will be offered, or bread and cheese, or whatever 

 the cottage affords. 



I have known one of the children stealthily sent 

 to a neighbouring farmer's, for a little clotted 

 cream, which has been set before me with a loaf 

 of brown bread, and with the most hearty good 



