SEED-TIME. 31 



and in this way make a saving in seed. Those 

 who approve of the drill machine say that the 

 seed is deposited all at one depth, so that there 

 is an equal briard and equal ripening. But 

 the price of these machines is still far too dear 

 for the ordinary farmer, who has only use for 

 them a day or two per annum. The seed de- 

 posited, and well harrowed and rolled, the farmer's 

 troubles do not end. 



While the cottager is worrying about his prize 

 carrots being devoured by the carrot worm, his 

 cabbages club rooting, and his onions attacked 

 by fly, the farmer has a whole army of birds, 

 from the Black Rook and " Cushie Doo " down 

 to the pestiferous Sparrow. Then comes the 

 grub and wire-worm, the turnip fly, and the 

 "drought." Seed-time is one when great expec- 

 tations are formed. These are very seldom 

 realised. I have always thought that the pur- 

 suit of anything worldly always gave more 

 pleasure than possession ; but a practical friend, 

 being asked whether pursuit or possession gave 



