HIND-HUNTING. 163 



or touches his hat, and no one passes an- 

 other without saluting. Walk down the vil- 

 lage street, and all who are about, in their 

 gardens, at their doors, on horseback or 

 afoot, wish you ' Good morning.' This is not 

 only observed towards visitors, but amongst 

 themselves. 



Farmers salute farmers; labourers and 

 employers acknowledge each other's presence. 

 The difference is so marked between these 

 habits of personal courtesy, and those that 

 prevail in large towns, that it seems like 

 another country altogether. Nor is it a 

 superficial courtesy, but backed by a real 

 willingness to oblige. Anyone with an 

 interest in sport, antiquities, old china, old 

 furniture, finds not the least difficulty in his 

 way, but can satisfy his curiosity to the full. 



As an instance of the real goodwill that 

 subsists under the outward politeness may 

 be mentioned the bees at sheep-shearing 

 time. The farmers and farmers' sons at 

 that season visit each farm in succession — 



M 2 



