206 



OLD WEST SURREY 



the road uneven, and especially downhill, get into a way of 

 swaying dangerously from side to side. 



Another of these dangers, when it is getting dusk, is the 

 bundle of rod and strap-iron that the country carriers bring 

 out from the towns for the blacksmiths. It sticks out some 

 feet from the back of their hooded vans, and though it is 

 usual to tie a piece of sacking over the end, this wise pre- 



An Old Koadside Limekiln 



caution and useful danger-signal is sometimes overlooked, and 

 it is as well to be on the lookout. 



Thatching, though almost extinct as a way of roofing 

 cottages, is still a necessity for covering ricks. But the 

 work for this temporary purpose cannot compare with that 

 of the old roof thatcher, with his ' strood ' or ' frail ' to hold 

 the loose straw, and his spars — split hazel rods pointed at 



