London to John C? Groat's. 49 



which nor plough, nor spade, nor human foot, nor life, 

 has ever left a lasting mark. These made his little 

 farm, as large to him and to his octogenarean sinews 

 and ambitions as was the Tiptree Estate to Alderman 

 Mechi. It filled his mind with as busy occupation and 

 as healthy a stimulus. That rude barrow, with its 

 clumsy wheel, thinly rimmed with an iron hoop, was 

 to hnp. what the steam engine, and two miles of iron 

 tubing, and all its hose-power were to that eminent 

 agriculturist, of whom the old man spoke in terms of 

 high esteem as a neighbor, and even as a competitor. 

 Proportionately they were on the same footing ; the one 

 with his 170 square acres, the other with his 170 square 

 feet. It was pleasant and instructive to hear him 

 speak with such sunny and cheery hope of his earthly 

 lot and doings. His son was kind and good to him. 

 He could read, and get many good books. He ate 

 and slept well. He was poor but comfortable. He 

 went to church on Sunday, and thought much of 

 heaven on week days. His cabbages were a wonder; 

 some with heads as large as half a bushel measure. 

 He did something very respectable in the potato and 

 turnip line. He had grown beans and beets which 

 would show well in any market. He always left a 

 strip or corner for flowers. He loved to grow them ; 

 they did him good, and stirred up young man feelings 



