FIVE ACEES TOO MUCH. 

 CHAPTEE I. 



A COW. 



TT was early in winter when I made up my mind 

 -*- finally to erect a country house on the Flushing- 

 five acres. Plans, and size, and arrangements were 

 in the vague and misty future ; for months the 

 ground could not be broken to build the founda 

 tions, and little could be done besides preparing for 

 the next year. The first thing that seemed of vital 

 importance was the stock. Pigs and chickens could 

 be obtained at any time ; horses had to be had, of 

 course, but need not bother one till the last moment ; 

 but a cow was a creature that must be taken when 

 a good one offered. Moreover, I have a weakness 

 for cows : it is a purely theoretical interest, for my 

 knowledge is less than moderate, not even extending 

 to the mode of milking them ; but their big eyes, 

 and gentle manners, and unnecessary horns, and split 



