798 = 552 The Agricultural Labourer, 
she possesses on this point might command some attention, wt ^ft^ 
it not stamped as fallacious by the example of many other natio M 
and by the researches of the medical profession. As he marcliil! 
to his work, let us look at him personally and see what hetiil 
like. He is of middle size ; perhaps between 5 feet 6 incl ! ^ I 
and 5 feet 10 inches in height; somewhat spare in figure, I 
compact in build, and bearing the healthy appearance comm 
in the country. He walks with a slow gait, as if it were agaiil 
his principles and contrary to his life-long practice to hur [ 
In person he is clean, and at the beginning of the wel 
presents a smooth-shaven chin and upper lip, which towards 
end of the week gives way to a somewhat rough and grizjll 
aspect. His trousers are of corduroy or fustian, and his al 
of the same material, or he wears knee-breeches and gaiterg| 
stout leather ; a loose cotton handkerchief tied lightly round 
neck ; a slouch hat protecting his head and face from the »|| 
and air, and a pair of very thick boots, the soles studded wi| 
nails, complete his attire. 
Having received the necessary orders for his work from 
farmer or bailiff, he soon makes his way to the scene of actitj 
His first stoppage is at 9 o'clock, when he begins the attack up| 
the contents of his basket. At noon he has no difficulty 
finishing these ; and an hour's rest now allows him time for t 
extra indulgence of a pipe of strong tobacco. If no smoker, 1 
summer a short nap under a shady tree, or on some soft straC 
fills up his mid-day rest, and at 5.30, with many a prelimina 
glance at his watch, he leaves his work for the day. 
The necessary attention to the pig, and a short period ' 
more congenial labour in his own garden, for which he 
naturally reserved some of his forces, fill up the interval tl 
supper is ready, when he is called in by his wife to partail 
of the one real family meal of the day. His children are n«f 
gathered round the board after their day's schooling or woij 
and supper consists of an ample supply of pudding for thtj 
younger members of the family, a piece of bacon, or a savou| 
pudding of chopped meat flavoured with sage and onions, 
large dish of potatoes, and such other vegetables *as the gard 
affords. The children get some sugar, or treacle, or drippi:^ 
with their pudding, but not a very large supply of meat can i 
afforded them. 
The fare is simple, but the healthy exercise and pure air i 
joyed during the day enable him to bring to it an appetite whil 
the rich man, with his dainty cates, might often envy. Afllj 
Evening rest, supper he takes, if it be summer, another spell of work in n 
garden, or has a gossip with a neighbour. In winter he perha l 
