ine to
the mind, which is of benefit. The mind is like the body. There is no
use in cricket, or in boating, or in hunting, but these things
strengthen the body and make it active and healthy, and able to do
better everything which it undertakes, and it is exactly the same thing
with the mind; besides, the days are coming when farmers must farm their
land with science and intelligence, or they will be left behind in the
race. We are being rivalled by the farmers of America. Not only do we
have to pay rent, but by the tithes and rates and taxes they put upon us
government makes the English farmer pay a heavy tax upon every bushel of
corn he produces, while they allow the American corn to come into the
market tax-free. This may be all right, but it does not appear fair to
me. However, there it is, and we have got to meet it, and if we are to
keep our heads above water, it can only be by farming up to the very
best lights of the day."

"Well, father," Dick said, "then it seems to me that when we grow up,
John and I must farm together. He shall be the scientific partner; I
will do the work."

"That is all right enough, Dick, but you must have some science too,
else you and he will never get on. You would want to go on in the
old-fashioned groove, and would call his ideas newfangled. No, I intend
you, when you get old enough, to go to Cirencester College, where you
will learn the theory and science of farming thoroughly. You will get
the practical part at home. As to John, he is a child yet, and, I
trust, will grow up strong and active; but if his tastes remain as they
now are, I do not think it likely he will take to farming, and we must
find some other career for him."

One afternoon in the beginning of December two of Dick's school-fellows
said to him--

"We are going over the hills to our uncle's farm, Dick. Will you go
with us?"

When there was nothing better to do, Dick was always ready for a walk,
and he at once agreed to accompany the Jacksons. The elder boy was
about his own age, the younger two years his junior.

The Jacksons called for him directly he had finished his dinner, and
they started away together for a farm which was about four miles
distant. They struck right across the hills, as it would have been two
miles longer by the nearest road.

"I should not be surprised," Dick said, "if it were to snow to-night; it
is bitterly cold, and the clouds look very heavy."

"I hope it won't sno