144 Ay AXERICAX FARMER IX EXGLAXD. 



our barracks. Close barns he particularly objected to. Proba- 

 bly hay suffers more in them here than it does in America. 



Alter showing us all about the farmery, he walked on with us 

 to a shady pasture by the river side, where was a herd of fine 

 mares. We sat here under an old elm for some time, looking at 

 them as they clustered around us, and talking with him about the 

 agriculture of the district He was so easily good-natured, and 

 conversed so freely, asking as well as answering questions, that 

 we were greatly puzzled to tell whether he expected a fee, or 

 would be offended by our offering it. At length, when he was 

 about to leave, we frankly stated our difficulty, explaining that 

 we were foreigners, and not familiar with the English customs. 

 He answered pleasantly, that he was always glad of a chance to 

 converse with gentlemen on such subjects as we appeared to be 

 interested in ; if they liked to give him something he did not 

 refuse it. but he did not wish any thing from us. We assured 

 him that we were much indebted to him, handing him a half 

 crown, which he dropped into his pocket without thanking us, 

 but politely replying that he considered himself fortunate in 

 having met us. He then said he would walk on a little further, 

 to direct us on a path much pleasanter than the regular travel, 

 and from which we might see one of the best dairy farms in the 

 country, with an excellent herd of one hundred and fifty cows. 

 The path would run through the park, and was not public, but if 

 we would mention his name at the lodges they would let us pass. 



We soon came in sight of the cows. They were large, half- 

 bred Ayrshires, which seem to be the favorite dairy stock 

 throughout the county. Pure bred stock of any breed is not hi 

 favor, but the Ayrshire blood is most valued. 



