SPLITTING OLD ROOTS. 181 



down in that way, and then we could have cut 

 the tap-root a-two in a wink ; but, howsomever, 

 the powder flew out at a crack, and only split 

 off* a bit as big as one could carry." 



And what are you going to do now ?" 

 asked Mr. Longhurst. 



Take another penn'orth o' patience. Sir/' 

 said the woodman. ''^ We must dig a little 

 deeper, and cut the limb in two with the saw, 

 if that be all." 



SPLITTING OLD ROOTS. 



One man now set to work with the spade 

 and mattock for this purpose ; whilst others 

 applied themselves to splitting ofl" the sides of 

 the block with wedges. 



