NOVEMBER 405 



had tried to kill a ewe in Flixton Park. Recently I have seen 

 this friend and heard the sequel. In London Dan behaved well, 

 piously even. Then he went on a visit to the country for the 

 benefit of his health. That same evening he was reported missing. 

 Next morning he reappeared, accompanied by a furious farmer 

 and — a large dead sheep. Now unhonoured and unwept Dan 

 hunts the shades of sheep along the fields celestial. Moral — but 

 it can be guessed. 



On my way home I noticed that, owing to the indifferent 

 stacking, the large wheat rick in All Hallows yard has sunk so 

 much that it is on the point of falling over. Indeed, the poles by 

 which it is supported have pushed up the roof in bulges, so great 

 is the weight upon them. 



I hear to-day that the man whom we hired at Bedingham is 

 leaving again, having found a place as groom and gardener to a 

 clergyman. I am glad for his sake, since the work is easier, and the 

 pay — probably — better ; but where we are to find another I know 

 not, as the young men in this year of grace absolutely decline to 

 labour on the land. 



November 29. — Saturday and Monday were very wet and 

 wretched, but for my part I am glad to see some rain. To-day I 

 have been out shooting in a charming natural covert among the 

 marshes, by which I mean a wood that does not seem to have 

 been planted by man. The holly trees in it look especially beauti- 

 ful, and are covered with brilliant red berries. 



We have bought six little steers from a neighbouring farmer, 

 aged from ten months to a year old, at the price of 4/. \os. apiece. 

 This strain of animals has some of our own blood in it, and there- 

 fore I prefer them to promiscuous home-breds. They have gone 

 to Bedingham for the winter. To-day also I handed over the 

 7/. \2S. that we won in prizes— or rather 5/. 2s. of it, for the rest 

 went in expenses — to be divided up according to scale. 



As I was walking from one stand to another while out shooting 

 this afternoon I came across a mole which, on hearing us — for I 



