FIELD WORDS AND WAYS, 191 



they did yesterday or the day before, they cannot pos- 

 sibly accompHsh it. 



Since, however, the farmers have been unable to sell 

 their produce and winter wages have gone down, and 

 work is scarce, the position of the labourer is a very dull 

 one, and it is feared the present winter will be a hard 

 time for many homes. Numbers talk of emigrating, 

 and some have taken the first step, and will sell their 

 furniture and leave a land where neither farmer nor 

 labourer has any hope. One middle-aged cottage 

 woman, married, kept harping upon the holiday they 

 should have during the voyage to America. That 

 seemed to her the great beauty of emigration, the great 

 •temptation. For ten days, while the voyage lasted, she 

 would have nothing to do, but could rest ! She had 

 never had such a holiday in all her life. How hard 

 must be the life which makes such a trifling circumstance 

 as a week's rest appear so heavenly ! 



