hing went to
show that people were foolish and wasteful, since they would not
understand how to procure good food for themselves by means of their
cattle.

Roland listened with astonishment, wondering at this man's sphere of
influence, who showed such zeal in teaching people how to feed
themselves well.

Eric also had something to think about; for when Weidmann declared that
the particular breed was not of so much account, that the food of
animals was a far more vital matter than what blood they were of, Eric
cast down his eyes. Perhaps he made a particular application of the
remark.

When the address was over, Eric and Roland were warmly welcomed by Herr
Weidmann; and on Eric's expressing his satisfaction at the address,
Weidmann said:

"I was intended once for a parson, and the son of a parson still sticks
to me."

Eric replied, smiling:--

"There are so many who preach about spirit, that it is well for you,
for once, to preach about flesh."

Weidmann answered very seriously:--"But I do not at all deny the
spirit; it is even incomprehensible to me how people can manage not to
believe in a God. I find traces of him everywhere. But we will speak of
this by and by. Let us go."

The audience went out into the street, where the procession was now
passing along. First came the fire-companies of that and the
neighboring villages, fine fresh-looking young fellows in drab linen
clothes, with gleaming, yellow helmets on their heads.

"This is a new order of things," Eric said to Weidmann.

Weidmann rejoined, nodding:--"Yes, no age before ours has had the like,
and who knows what will come of it!"

Now the wagons came along with their merry occupants, and occasionally
the female hemp-dressers would scatter chopped straw upon the gazing
crowd. New wine was handed out from the wagon, and a joyous hilarity
was everywhere seen. Weidmann again welcomed his guests, saying that he
would take them home with him at evening, and that Herr Knopf would be
particularly delighted. He introduced them also to his nephew, Dr.
Fritz, adding that Herr Knopf held himself back for the dance.

They next proceeded to the fair-grounds, where the prizes were being
awarded, and Weidmann took his guests to the exhibition of agricultural
implements. He pointed out that there was no perfect shovel and no
perfect plough, and commended the plan of distributing the improved
implements by lot among the people.

"It is difficult," he declared,