64 FAEM ECHOES. 



ago, I was asked for a penny by some little girls who 

 were sweeping the falling snow from the street crossings. 

 A bright and mischievous-looking lad, who was evidently 

 having some fun at their expense, ran in front of me, and 

 extending his hand, said in a most beseeching and pite- 

 ous tone : " Please give me a penny, sir for doing 

 noffin." It has always been a source of regret to me 

 that I did not ascertain that youngster's name and ad- 

 dress, and try to make something of him, for there cer- 

 tainly was 'material in him to work upon with fair pros- 

 pects of success. 



I enjoyed the sport of that little boy, but there is no 

 enjoyment in employing those whose indolence prompts 

 them to do "noffin" more than they can possibly help. 

 We are all busy here ; those regularly in my employ, and 

 such as are hired by the day or hour. 



On one occasion the owner of an excellent ox-team and 

 cart was engaged to help get in my hay. At the end of 

 the third day he respectfully informed me that he would 

 not be able to work for me any longer, as he must cut 

 and house his own hay. His team had been sandwiched 

 in between two of my own, so that each did its equal 

 share of work, which proved too much for him, for he 

 assured his friends that "if any one says that the men 

 on Starr's farm don't have to work hard, they lie. " My 

 regulars were not a little amused at this outburst of a 

 volunteer. 



Profanity and intemperance have ever been prohibited 

 on this farm, as senseless and degrading. Oaths are 

 never heard on the farm, except when uttered by some 

 stranger, who is politely informed that he is speaking in 



