FLEET-SWEEPING SQUALLS 97 



wind and rain to add to all the other fears and 

 troubles of mankind. 



Here the brooks have swelled to glistening lakes 

 which extend over many fields, and, where some 

 portion of a grass meadow is yet left exposed, white 

 seagulls congregate to see what food they can find. 

 Apple orchards are under water and in places only 

 the upper portions of bridges and wooden gates 

 remain visible, standing meaningless, with tiny 

 waves of water flowing towards them. Those only 

 who, like ourselves, are on high ground can retain 

 a firm foothold or any means of carrying on out- 

 door garden work. 



During those times of terrific, fleet-sweeping 

 squalls, when all day long the anger of the storm 

 grew and grew in strength, until for two whole 

 hours after dusk we wondered whether chimneys, 

 windows, roofs, trees, greenhouses could possibly 

 hold out against its fury, the women-gardeners 

 remained undaunted. Their khaki coats and skirts 

 are hidden beneath thick oilskin coats, buttoned 

 up high round the neck, so that only a small face 

 can be seen above, and only boys' boots and neat 

 leggings below the coat. As caps they wear sea- 

 men's sou '-westers, also of oilskin, which come 

 down well over neck and shoulders behind and, 

 being tied under the chin with black ribbon, re- 

 main securely on the head in any gale of wind. All 

 dressed alike in this neat and very becoming busi- 

 nesslike uniform, they are ready for any emergency, 

 and usually their utter disregard of rain surprises 

 the men experts who come to give them practical 

 instruction. 



