128 WILD LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



is nothing very low and easy to pass ; but just 

 beyond it a stiff, stout pole has been placed across to 

 prevent horses straying, and below that a couple of 

 hurdles are pitched to confine the sheep. This is 

 almost too much ; however, by patience and exertion 

 it is managed. Then comes a double mound with two 

 stiles one for each ditch made very high and in- 

 tended for steps ; but the steps are worn away, and 

 it is something like climbing a perpendicular ladder. 

 Another has a toprail of a whole tree, so broad and 

 thick no one can possibly straddle it ; so some friend 

 of humanity has broken the second rail, and you 

 creep under. Finally comes a steep bank, six or seven 

 feet high, with rude steps formed of the roots of trees 

 worn bare by iron-tipped boots, and of mere holes in 

 which to put the toe. At the top the stile leans for- 

 ward over the precipice, so that you have to suspend 

 yourself in mid-air. Fortunately almost every other 

 one has a gap worn at the side just large enough to 

 squeeze through after coaxing the briers to yield a 

 trifle : for it is intensely characteristic of human 

 nature to make gaps and short cuts. 



All the lads of the hamlet have a trysting-place at 

 the cross-roads, or rather cross-lanes, where there are 

 often an open waste space and a small clump of 

 trees. If there is any mischief in the wind, there the 

 council of war is sure to be held. There is a great rick- 

 yard not far distant, where in one of the open sheds 

 is the thatcher's workshop. 



He is a very pronounced character in his way, with 



