SOME CONCLUSIVE COMPARISONS 1Q1 



the less for that. I leave my writing and step out 

 the side door into a dense fog that hangs low and 

 trembling on the bridal bush. The ground is like 

 a sponge. I stand listening to the dripping mois- 

 ture and the far-away, desolate call of a per- 

 plexed and hurrying locomotive. Somewhere a 

 dog whines. I grope my way through the fog and 

 mud to the barn, switch on the light and take a 

 look around. It is the sort of scene you have ap- 

 plauded on a stage; yet all is but toys until you 

 are vouchsafed the reality of your own barn, full 

 to the guards with stuff to feed your livestock until 

 another growing season. 



The chickens have waked every creature in the 

 barn with their complaint of the slow service. 

 They are fed in a minute. Now for a look in the 

 cow barn: cows do not mind being disturbed- 

 much. They condescend to rise in their byres and 

 be rubbed and scratched behind the ears. Out- 

 doors again it is raw cold. So once more through 

 fog and mud and back in the bright house, shuck- 

 ing dirty shoes and casting sheep's eyes at the rum 

 closet. 



It's the life. 



