30 MY VINEYARD. 



easy to understand. Probably the weather receives a full 

 discussion, and the particularly fine qualities of the sun- 

 shine are fully commended. Doubtless the conversation 

 ultimately degenerates into a mere discussion of the size 

 and other qualities of various contemplated broods of 

 chickens. 



In addition to the stock already mentioned, I purchased 

 a half dozen sheep, at twelve shillings a head. I did not 

 procure them with the expectation that they would prove 

 profitable, but from a mere fancy of being the owner of 

 as many diflerent kinds of stock as possible. Rural life 

 presents few more pleasing pictures than a clean and tidy 

 farm-yard, .where all kinds of stock may be seen, each ex- 

 hibiting the utmost contentment and enjoyment. 



Among other things purchased of the previous occupant 

 of the place, were three or four tons of hay, and a quan- 

 tity of corn, besides a good supply of corn fodder. This 

 supply of food was sufiicient for the stock during the 



winter. 



'* 



PLANS FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS. 



Before commencing the labor of making a shelter for 

 the stock subsequently purchased, I had a general notion 

 of a plan for conducting the farm. But I had not as yet 

 worked it out in detail. So I set about that task. My 

 purpose was to make fruit-growing a specialty, believing 



