A 'MATUTINAL HOUR/ 143 



But I don't like to see 'em quite so high out of the 

 ground. I fancy it makes a tough skin, and a bitter 

 one. The drilled uns don't look so reglar, but they 

 seem to hold the ground better. How's it done ?" 



"By the acre; after the first ridging-up, unma- 

 nured ; a boy goes first, pressing the dib in with his 

 foot. You shall see it presently ; it is held by both 

 hands at the top, with a spoke out for the foot, just 

 above the ball of the dibber, to mark the next distance 

 as its point meets the ground, in drawing it out, side- 

 ways, in going along. The hole takes about a half- 

 pint, more it should be. The women follow with 

 the manure in a sort of hopper, toss a can-full in, 

 which fills the hole, and drop the seed in. It is done 

 very quickly ; but the mixing of the manure is the 

 great point. You must come and see it done." 



" I should like it better for light soils. I doubt its 

 answering so well on this kind," said Mr. Greening, 

 thoughtfully, and poking his stout stick under a tur- 

 nip which rose very slowly and reluctantly out of its 

 bed. "What is to be done, Sir, with these Clay 

 Siles ! I like 'em I own I like the strong sile best 

 but what's the use o' liking what don't pay ? The 

 lalwur's double : everything's double expense on 'em, 

 and the time less to do it in : for drain 'em how you 



