228 AUGUST. 



Meet plot for a hop-ground once found, as is told, 

 Make thereof account as of jewel of gold : 

 Now dig it and leave it, the sunne for to burne, 

 And afterwards fence it to serve for that turne. 



The hop for his profit I thus do exalt, 

 It strengthened drink, and it favoureth malt ; 

 And, being well brewed, long kept it will last, 

 And drawing abide, if ye drawe not too fast. 



RURAL OCCUPATIONS. 



Hay-ricks are trimmed and thatched, mown 

 fields manured, and meadows watered before 

 corn-harvest, which sets in this month, and 

 forms its great business. Potatoes require 

 earthing-up. Cabbage-seed is sown, and poul- 

 try watched upon the stubbles. Honey is 

 gathered. Old grass-lands are pared and burnt 

 for wheat, and the ashes spread and ploughed 

 in. In the garden withered stems of flowers, 

 and remains of exhausted crops, require re- 

 moving, and the ground digging afresh. Bulbs 

 are taken up, seeds gathered, and some kinds 

 sown for the next spring. 



ANGLING. 



Tench spawn. All other fresh-water fish 

 may be considered in season. From this time, 

 till late in the year, roach is taken in great 

 quantities in the Thames and other rivers. 



