E-text prepared by Malcolm Farmer
and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
The papers of which this volume is composed originally appeared inthe
Standard
, and are now republished by permission of theEditor.
In manners, mode of thought, and way of life, there is perhapsno class of the community less uniform than the agricultural. Thediversities are so great as to amount to contradictions.Individuality of character is most marked, and, varying an old saw,it might be said, so many farmers so many minds.
Next to the tenants the landowners have felt the depression, tosuch a degree, in fact, that they should perhaps take the firstplace, having no one to allow them in turn a 20 per cent, reductionof their liabilities. It must be remembered that the landowner willnot receive the fruits of returning prosperity when it comes forsome time after they have reached the farmer. Two good seasons willbe needed before the landowner begins to recoup.
Country towns are now so closely connected with agriculture thata description of the one would be incomplete without some mentionof the other. The aggregate capital employed by the business men ofthese small towns must amount to an immense sum, and thedepreciation of their investments is of more than localconcern.
Although the labourer at the present moment is a little in thebackground, and has the best of the bargain, since wages have notmuch fallen, if at all; yet he will doubtless come to the frontagain. For as agriculture revives, and the sun shines, theorganisations by which he is represented will naturally displayfresh vigour.
But the rapid progress of education in the villages and outlyingdistricts is the element which is most worthy of thoughtfulconsideration. On the one hand, it may perhaps cause a powerfuldemand for corresponding privileges; and on the other, counteractthe tendency to unreasonable expectations. In any case, it is afact that cannot be ignored. Meantime, all I claim for thefollowing sketches is that they are written in a fair and impartialspirit.
RICHARD JEFFERIES.
CHAPTER
I. THE FARMERS' PARLIAMENT
II. LEAVING HIS FARM
III. A MAN OF PROGRESS
IV. GOING DOWNHILL
V. THE BORROWER AND THE GAMBLER
VI. AN AGRICULTURAL GENIUS—OLD STYLE
VII. THE GIG AND THE FOUR-IN-HAND. A BICYCLEFARMER
VIII. HAYMAKING. 'THE JUKE'S COUNTRY'
IX. THE FINE LADY FARMER. COUNTRY GIRLS
X. MADEMOISELLE, THE GOVERNESS
XI. FLEECEBOROUGH. A 'DESPOT'
XII. THE SQUIRE'S 'ROUND ROBIN'
XIII. AN AMBITIOUS SQUIRE
XIV. THE PARSON'S WIFE
XV. A MODERN COUNTRY CURATE
XVI.THE SOLICITOR
XVII. 'COUNTY COURT DAY'
X