90 CHEONICLES OF A CLAY FARM. 



done (and sometimes there was many fields so as it 

 couldn't be got in at all, when it came a wet season) 

 the farmer's work was over like, for the year. There 

 was nothing to be done but sit at home and go to 

 sleep, till the Frost came, and the dung-cart could be 

 got a-field. It was bad work, sir, for the labourer 

 bad work when he was turned off for the winter, 

 and had to look out for a bit o' hedging or ditching 

 somewhere else, miles off perhaps, to get a bit o' bread 

 by." 



" Well, we've changed that however : I think I may 

 truly say that every year, to me, Winter has been a 

 busy time." 



" And it will be too ! There '11 never be standing 

 still for winter work again on this here farm, as long 

 as ever it lies out o' doors, let who will farm it ! for 

 all so many hedges are grubbed up. How the Swedes 

 have growwd, to be sure, on that piece as we drained 

 last year ! I never saw Ship look better : and I re- 

 member when there wasn't a ship on the farm, or a 

 Turnip on the ground to feed 'em with." 



" D' ye think that piece will stand the treading of 

 the sheep?" 



" Bear it ! Lor' blesh you, it '11 come up as mellow 

 as a garden, I '11 warV it, in the spring : it treads a 



