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RALPH DUCKWORTH OF THE WILD FARM. 



F we were called upon to-morrow to point out the 

 best specimen, in our opinion, of the typical 

 sporting Yeoman (we like the word) amongst the 

 many good fellows of that class who hunt with Lord 

 Daisyfield's hounds, we should, without a moment's hesita- 

 tion, name old Ralph Duckworth, of the Wild Farm. 



The extent of the said Wild Farm is not more than five 

 hundred acres, at the very outside, neither is the house a 

 very large one, as farmhouses go, at the same time it is 

 exceedingly comfortable inside, and picturesque out, and 

 well in keeping with its cheery and prosperous-looking 

 tenant. It nestles down in a little corner of its own, close 

 by the riverside, so close, indeed, that, standing at the back 

 door, you could throw a fly into it if so inclined. Altogether, 

 it is a very snug place ; bright in summer, with its little 

 flower garden, gorgeous with scarlet geraniums and yellow 

 calceolarias, and cheerful-looking even in winter. The men 

 about the place, too, all look — as, indeed, they are — well 

 fed and contented, and most of them, you would find, on 



