CHAP. in. FACTORY WORK. 51 



They were next transferred to a small mill at the end 

 of the larger one. Young Edward worked there. 

 His business was to attend at the back of a braker, 

 to take away the cases when they were full, and 

 put empty ones in their places. He was next set 

 to attend two carding-machines ; and from these to 

 the roving or spinning side, three of which he fre- 

 quently kept before he left. This was the highest 

 work done in that room. 



" People may say of factories what they please," 

 says Edward, "but 1 liked this factory. It was a 

 happy time for me whilst I remained there. It was 

 situated in the centre of a beautiful valley, almost 

 embowered amongst tall and luxuriant hedges of haw- 

 thorn, with watercourses and shadowy trees between, 

 and large woods and plantations beyond. It teemed 

 with nature and natural objects. The woods were 

 easy of access during our meal-hours. What lots of 

 nests ! What insects, wild flowers, and plants, the 

 like of which I had never seen before ! Prominent 

 amongst the birds was the Sedge Warbler,* which 

 lay concealed in the reedy copses, or by the margin 

 of the mill-lades. Oh ! how I wondered at the little 

 thing; how it contrived to imitate almost all the 

 other birds I had ever heard, and none to greater 

 perfection than the chirrup of my old and special 

 favourite the sparrow." 



* Called also the English Mocking Bird, and the Scottish Night 

 ingale. 



