BURDEROP ON THE AIR 



The governor has bought one of these dung- 

 spreaders and I can see a good deal of saving in 

 labour by using one of these machines for spreading 

 the dung in the fields. 



A. H. : Very well, carter, I can see you are one 

 of the most useful men on the farm, although you 

 perhaps have to walk when the others can ride. 

 I believe, too, you are very fond of your horses and 

 that's all to the good. 



Now shepherd, I believe you are one of the 

 family of Swattons who for many generations have 

 been shepherds in Wiltshire. We should like you 

 to tell us how the war and the weather has affected 

 you during these last eight months. 



C. S. : Yes, it is quite true my family for years 

 have all taken to sheep. My father before me, and 

 since he gave up work I have been in charge of 

 this Hampshire Down flock of sheep. He took 

 over in 1908 and since 1920 I have been head 

 shepherd. 



A. H. : That's a good record. How did you 

 manage to get through this bad winter ? 



G. S. : Well, we have had a pretty hard struggle. 

 Since Christmas I have never known such bad 

 weather for hurdle sheep, not since I have been 

 shepherding. On Christmas Day I looked round 

 and came to the conclusion we had more good 

 swedes than I had seen for years, forty acres of the 

 best it was, and then by Lady Day every one had 

 gone rotten, and there wasn't a sound swede left in 

 the field. The master said I must pitch the hurdles 

 over 'em and make up with a bit of extra hay. 



65 



