UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 205 



even when I failed, because it shewed that I had 

 conquered my old enemy indolence. 



I wrote down these questions while they were 

 fresh in my mind ; and then we all went to take 

 our last walk together to Franklin's farm. We 

 found him and his active wife fixing on the 

 situation of the house and garden, and orchard. 



They have chosen a place where there is a 

 pretty slope in the ground, so that the drains 

 will have a good fall from the house. The gar- 

 den is to be in front, and the orchard at one 

 side. They are going to double-trench the 

 ground, by digging it to twice the depth of the 

 spade. It is to be left in that state during the 

 winter ; and the soil, being thus exposed to the 

 action of air and frost, will be improved. In 

 the course of the winter they will plant a young 

 hedge round the garden. 



This day was one of those lovely, mild, sunny 

 days in October, of which I have often heard 

 you speak. 



When Autumn scatters his departing gleams. 



We staid out till sunset, enjoying the balmy 

 air and amusing ourselves capping verses. This 

 we are all very fond of, and all strove hard for 

 victory ; but I must confess that Mary was most 

 frequently the conqueror. 



, It has surprised every body how much 



T 



