CHAPTER I.

The English Farmer: his Character, and Mode of Life -- Picture of the approach to a Market-Town on a Market-Day -- Farmers going in and coming out -- Contrast between the Space occupied by the Concerns of the Farmer and the City Trader -- Enviable Aspect of the Farmer’s Abode -- his Life and Soul in his Profession -- his Conversation -- a great Charm in Nature working with him -- Delight which Poets and Great Men have found in Farming -- the Intellectual Grade of the Farmer -- Pressing Hospitalities of Farmers and their Wives -- a Sketch of one Day’s Feasting at a Farm-House -- Dinner, and its chaos of Good Things -- Tea, and the arrival of Fresh Guests -- who they are -- Traits of Character both of Men and Women of this Class -- the Dance, and the Departure 87