52 CHRONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



that led to the newly-opened outlet, through that 

 same long meadow afore-time celebrated in this 

 Chronicle ; reminding one of a fallen foe bleeding 

 out life and mischief at last and forever. The 

 impulse of pent-up theory was irresistible. "Let 

 it be spread over the land ! " 



And so it was. And a very curious-looking 

 field it made for the livelong Winter that ensued. 

 Wise men came from all the quarters of the com- 

 pass to look at it. Somfe of their remarks and 

 questions were very flattering. "Where had I 

 purchased my Winter top-dressing f as they should 

 like to buy some at the same shop, cost what it 

 might." "What winter crop was I growing so 

 carefully under the variegated carpet?" To all 

 which I answered with becoming gravity, and 

 modesty of my own merit. Some of the remarks 

 being of a more mysterious character, I entered 

 in my Farm Journal for future explanation and 

 experience ; such for instance as that of an old 

 gentleman who, shutting one eye. (I suppose it was 

 a habit,) told me with great bland ness of manner 

 that I " had put ray foot in it." (What could he 

 mean ?) Another was so full of general good wishes 

 that he ''wished I might get it" more than once; 

 which I thought all the more good-natured as he 



o o 



