46 Hunting in the Golden Days. 



farmers who have brought their samples to realise them. 

 The market is now in full swing, and Mr. Goodbery 

 discusses agricultural topics with farmers of his 

 acquaintance till it is time to return to the Green 

 Dragon to partake of the market ordinary. 



Large numbers of farmers are already seated round 

 the table, at which huge joints of roast beef and boiled 

 mutton are being carved by the landlord and served 

 round with great activity by the attendants. 



"Now then, my boy," says a burly farmer to his son, 

 *' have you got a good appetite ? " to which the boy 

 replies in the affirmative. 



*'A11 right, then, slip into it, for it is all the same 

 price, the two shillings cover it all, and you can have 

 as many helpings as you like. Cut and come again. 

 I am sorry to say I am not very hungry to-day, and 

 perhaps can't do such justice to the ordinary as I ought 

 to, but you will no doubt be able to take it out and 

 punish the joint." 



After again walking round the market, and making a 

 purchase of a few articles, our friends re-enter the yard. 



How few of these picturesque yards are in evidence 

 in the present day, with their many balconies and red 

 roofs. A very convenient feature of these old-fashioned 

 inns was that the traveller was able to dine and sleep 

 within easy reach of the stables where his nags were 

 quartered, so that he could, without great exertion, pay 

 them a visit if he wished to see how they fared. 



The two gentlemen enter a long room, where a 

 number of well-to-do farmers are sitting round a large 

 fire, drinking hot grog. Sir John takes a seat and calls 

 for hot punch for himself and his friend. 



Old Boniface, the landlord, brings it them himself, as 

 it is not every day that he has the honour of a visit from 



