VISIT TO A FARM. 199 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



Visit to a Farm Farm-House and Farmery Fatting Cattle Sheep 

 Vetches Stack Yard Steam Threshing Turnip Sowing Excellent 

 Work Tram Eoad Wages. 



TN the afternoon we were taken to visit a farmer who was con- 

 * sidered to be about the best in the district (Shropshire). The 

 house was in the middle of a farm of three hundred acres, and 

 was approached by a narrow lane ; there were no " grounds" but 

 a little court-yard, with a few trees in it, in front of the house, 

 which was a snug, two-story, plain brick building. 



On entering, we found the farmer, a stout elderly man, sitting 

 alone at a dinner-table, on which were dishes of fruit and decan- 

 ters. He insisted on our joining him, and we were obliged to sit 

 some time with him over his wine, while he talked of free trade, 

 and questioned us how low we could afford to send wheat from 

 America, and how large the supply was likely to be. 



He then led us into the farmery, which was close by the house, 

 the rear door almost opening into a cattle-yard. I mention this, 

 as it would be considered extraordinary for an American, who 

 could afford wines at his dinner, to be content with such an ar- 

 rangement. There was not the least attempt at ornament any- 

 where to be seen, beyond the few trees and rose-bushes in the 



