34 THE FOGY DAYS AND NOW; 



Still above, the Ramseys and Reids, 

 Broad acres each and all possessed, 



Their rich bottoms lined the river, 

 With abundance all were blessed. 



To say they lived would fail to tell. 

 Larders full, graneries bulging o'er, 



Lived as nighbors ought to live, 

 Their latch-strings all hung out the door. 



Their big white mansions crowned the hills. 



Had comforts that ne'er can be told. 

 Though tedious in this little sketch, 



We try to tell of the times of old. 



Each house, at times, was made hotel. 

 And oft with friendly guests was filled, 



Who came in squads and families, 

 And who oft for days were billed. 



Friends would come from many a mile, 

 In old-time coach and baggage carts. 



Children, servants, sometimes their dogs. 

 And they would come with jolly hearts. 



Then fowls and swine, and fatted calf, 

 So freely slain on their advent. 



And warm welcome greeted everyone. 

 Such welcome as was surely meant. 



Would feast and frolic, and entertain, 

 So the old-time days flew by apace, 



Played old-time games, as blindman's buff, 

 The boys would jump and run foot race. 



