CHAPTER III.

Nooks of the World: Part II. -- Life in the Dales of Lancashire and Yorkshire -- Wide Contrast between the Aspect and Condition of the Agricultural and Manufacturing Districts -- Poverty and Rudeness of some Parts of Lancashire -- Half-wild Children in the Lancashire Hills -- Old Factory System -- Wild Country between Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales -- General Character of the Dales -- Primitive Simplicity of the People -- Formerly much visited by George Fox -- a Friend’s Meeting -- Dent Dale -- Singular Appearance of the Bed of the River Dent -- Rural Occupation and Vehicles -- Population of a Dale divided into little Communities -- Customs at a Birth -- Knitting Parties -- Knitting Songs -- other Particulars of their Knitting Habits -- Instances of Eccentricities of Character -- Dislike of Factories -- Every Person and House has its Name -- Singular Story of Deception practised on a rich Widow -- Peculiar Customs of the Dales -- their Hospitality 221