WILD LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 87 



The name of the maker on the clock shows that it 

 was constructed in a little market-town a few miles 

 distant a century ago, before industries were central- 

 ized and local life began to lose its individuality. 

 There are sparrows' nests on the wooden case over it, 

 and it is stopped now and then by feathers getting 

 into the works. It matters nothing here : Festina 

 lente is the village motto, and time is little regarded. 

 So, if you wish, take a rubbing, with heelball borrowed 

 from the cobbler, of the inscriptions round the rims 

 of the great bells ; but be careful even then, for the 

 ringers have left one carelessly tilted, and if the rope 

 should slip, nineteen hundredweight of brazen metal 

 may jam you against the framework. 



The ringers are an independent body, rustics though 

 they be monopolists, not to be lightly ordered about, 

 as many a vicar has found to his cost, having a silent 

 belfry for his pains, and not a man to be got, either, 

 from adjacent villages. It is about as easy to knock 

 this solid tower over with a walking-stick as to change 

 village customs. But if towards Christmas you should 

 chance to say to the ringers that such and such a chime 

 seemed rung pleasantly, be certain that you will hear 

 it night after night coming with a throbbing joyful- 

 ness through the starlit air every note of the peal 

 rising clear and distinct at the exact moment of time, 

 as if struck by machinery, yet with a quivering under- 

 tone that dwells on the ear after the wave of sound 

 has gone. Then go out and walk in the garden or 

 field, for it is a noble music. Remember, too, that it 



