34 Old Bays on the Farm 



in the trees and when the milking hour had come. 

 But it's true. 



THE MILKING HOUH 



You see in the olden days the young women of a 

 farmer's household did most of the milking and a 

 milking hour lover was sure to be doubly welcome. 

 He could help milk and also came in handy in 

 carrying the brimming pails to the dairy or milk- 

 house. 



By the vineelad dairy door 



Jo's young heart is brimming o'er 



As he tells the tale 'at's older 'n the hills — 



And he loves the milking hour 



As the flowers a summer shower, 



Or as chub and sunfish love the babbling rills. 



He, for Phyllis, bears the pail — 



Sweetest girl in all the vale ; 



He has hopes that some day she will be his bride, 



So Jo lingers by the bars. 



Not to gaze at moon or stars, 



But to court the pretty milkmaid at his side. 



cows AS WEDDING-GIFTS 



And more than this, in arguing my case, let me 

 state, that time was, whenever a country girl be- 

 came a bride, that a gentle, cud-chewing, milk- 

 giving So-bossy was certain to be included in the 

 list of wedding-gifts. Also, it may be remarked, 

 that for actual practical assistance in making the 



