228 AN AMERICAN FARMER IN ENGLAND. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



VISIT TO A FARM. FARM-HOUSE AND FARMERY. FATTING CATTLE. SHEEP, 



VETCHES. STOCK YARD. STEAM THRESHING. TURNIP SOWING. EX 

 CELLENT WORK. TRAM ROAD. WAGES. 



IN the afternoon we were taken to visit a farmer who was 

 considered about the best in the district (Shropshire). The 

 house was in the middle of a farm of three hundred acres, and 

 was approached by a narrow lane ; there were no grounds but 

 a little court yard, with a few trees in it, in front of the house, 

 which was a snug, two-story, plain brick building. 



On entering, we found the farmer, a stout elderly man, 

 sitting alone at a dinner-table, on which were dishes of fruit 

 and decanters. He insisted on our joining him, and we were 

 obliged to sit some time with him over his wine while he 

 talked of free-trade and questioned us how low we could afford 

 to send wheat from America, and how large the supply was 

 likely to be. 



He then led us into the farmery, which was close by the 

 house, the rear door almost opening into a cattle yard. I men 

 tion this as it would be considered extraordinary for an Ameri 

 can gentleman who could afford wines at his dinner, to be con 

 tent with such an arrangement. There was not the least 

 attempt at ornament anywhere to be seen, beyond the few 

 trees and rose-bushes in the enclosure of a rod or two., in front 

 of the house : not the least regard had been had to beauty ex- 



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