MY VINEYARD. 17 



*' Yaas. But there's no use always staying in one place. 

 Setting hens never get fat." 



" Which way do you want to go ?" 



" Out to IlHnoy." 



" How many acres have you here ?" 



'• I bought it for forty ; but the point running into the 

 lake on the west side, makes it a little more." 



We went out to look at the farm. The land gradually 

 sloped to the lake. The shore Avas high, except in one 

 place where it dipped dow-n to the water's edge. The 

 soil was mostly a clayey loam. Near the road was a 

 small portion of heavy clay. Towards the point was some 

 loAver land with black, mucky soil. The house was a log- 

 cabin of comfortable size and appearance. It was sur- 

 rounded by scattering trees of large size— mostly oak and 

 chestnut. An effort at floAver-raising was visible in the 

 front yard. A vegetable garden exhibited a profusion of 

 luxuriant weeds. A hovel covered with straw aftbrded 

 shelter for a cow and a j^air of horses. Some pigs and 

 poultry seemed to have the freedom of the place. A Avil- 

 derness of mingled raspberry and blackberry bushes 

 clambered over a portion of the division fence. There 

 were a few peach trees, turf-bound, but appearing vigorous. 

 About ten acres of woods occupied the western side of the 

 place, and extended to the point. There w^ere a half doz- 

 en acres of meadow, and as many more w^here the young 

 wheat was just making its appearance. There was a large 



