26 



BLACKSMITHS. 



with an air of astonishment, said they had never seen coal dug out 

 of the ground, nor iron neither. One of them showed me a piece of 

 charcoal, and inquired whether I had seen any before ! As they were 

 about shoeing a mule, I remained. The smith came into the street with 

 a short-handled whip, long lash, and box of tools, accompanied by four 

 workmen. One of them doubled a hair rope and slung the mule's hind 

 foot to its tail ; in doing so there was some kicking. The tools were at 

 once set aside, and the sprightly mule most cruelly whipped ; after 

 which the shoe was nailed on and the hoof cut to fit it. The horse- 

 shoes are imported, 



