xv HOME LIFE AND TRAVELS 391 



from the well into reservoirs on the higher ground and 

 thus not only provide the house and the garden but 

 also feed a fountain below which springs to the height 

 of twenty feet. 



To help to put things straight in the chaotic con- 

 dition of the farm I brought down a Westmoreland 

 man and his family, and the practical result of ten 

 years' work is so far satisfactory that our field of 

 swedes on several occasions has received the first prize 

 for the best show twenty miles round Guildford ; 

 whilst our hay, potatoes, wheat and oats have done us 

 fair credit. I bought some well-bred Jersey cows from 

 the Duke of Northumberland's herd, and have been 

 fortunate enough to keep up the supply and the breed, 

 and also assured myself, by inoculation, that all the 

 animals were free from tuberculous disease. On the 

 whole then, without attempting anything like scientific 

 farming, I find that my seventy acres do not run me 

 into any serious expense, and charging the market 

 prices for what I furnish to the house we just about 

 make two ends meet. Though I could not do all the 

 year round merely with pigs, poultry, and potatoes, I 

 must admit that my small farm gives me both pleasure 

 and employment. 



Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of a country 

 house near London is the pleasure that can be given 

 to friends by sharing with them our country delights. 

 Among many other visitors none were more welcome 

 than the Rev. William Rogers of Bishopsgate. He used 

 to drive over from his house at Mickleham to Wood- 

 cote and sit on our terrace all the afternoon, for he was 

 very infirm in his later years. We found much to talk 

 about. One day he asked me on whom I thought a 

 vacant bishopric would be bestowed. " No doubt 

 about that," I replied, " you are the man," at which 



