104 THE DAILY LIFE OF OUR FAKM. 



book, supposing mine to be, as is likely, most agricul- 

 turally weak 1 The seed of this season, sown in June, 

 will send up its plants to flower next year. But, after 

 all, consider the taste and skill that will be required to 

 produce a lovely combination I 



" Then, sir, you must take care to choose plants of 

 good strong habit to operate upon — plants, too, showing 

 quality, and true in shape; and then, sir, you'll find 

 that you must beware of the best varieties, as they are 

 internally unhealthy, having been bred in-and-in too 

 much. That's the way they get the fine tints." 



Why, what, after all, methought, is this but Short- 

 horn breeding, without the preliminary outlay, and 

 consequent precariousness ? Both pursuits exert the 

 same fascination that attends the chemical compound- 

 ing of elements. The one, however, may be followed 

 in a cottage with a rood of garden attached, whereas 

 the other requires capital, and acreage, and ample 

 accommodation. 



Having drifted to Shorthorns, I remark that my 

 prediction has come true, and that there has been 

 found in England the chivalry to buy up at a price 

 that implies the careful keeping of the blue blood of a 

 breed that is gaining favour every day. But, as we 

 sped down to Preston Hall in " the special," we involun- 

 tarily reflected at what a discount this famous stock 

 would be, if the crowded train should happen to be 

 smashed by an accident. What prices ! My neigh- 

 bours and friends have never ceased to meet me open- 

 mouthed ever since I was known to have attended the 

 frightful auction. What a sight it was, too, as the sun 

 shone out, and the busy train went by, to see a " Grand 

 Duchess," only calved last March, come hopping and 



