58 BERTHA'S VISIT TO HER 



ficulty. The shape of his basket was circular, 

 with a flat bottom. A sort of skeleton frame 

 is made first, of stronger slips of wood j then 

 the long thin pieces are woven in and out, close 

 together ; and the ends are neatly fastened 

 under each other. It seemed a tedious work ; 

 he is to have half a crown for the basket he is 

 now making, for a washerwoman; and as it is 

 more than two days' employment, his gain is but 

 very small. 



He lost his sight many years ago in the mines, 

 and though never idle, he cannot easily support 

 himself. I believe his wife is dead. He says 

 he has lived in that place several years ; and I 

 understand that the inhabitants of the Forest of 

 Deane have certain privileges in regard to 

 taxes, that make it a very desirable residence to 

 a poor man. 



My uncle is to go in a few days to bespeak 

 some of those baskets, and I hope to walk there 

 with him : it will have been very happy for this 

 poor man that we found him ; for my uncle and 

 aunt will certainly be of use to him. They assist 

 the industrious very much ; and all they do for 

 the poor, is done in such a kind and cheerful 

 manner, that it doubles the favour. 



24th. This morning brought another letter 

 from Hertford it has been delayed on its road, 

 for it was written several weeks ago. Here are 

 some extracts from it : perhaps they may enter- 



