storical part of
the first chapter, and to portions of the subject-matter of the last.
Mr. Hugh Last, Fellow of St. John's College, Oxford, most kindly gave
much valuable time to the examination of the Roman coins and assigning
them to their respective reigns; he contributed also the notes on the
Emperors, with special reference to the events in Britain which
occurred during their reigns. Mr. Dudley F. Nevill of Burley helped me
in a variety of ways, and Mr. C.A. Binyon of Badsey supplied some of
the historical details and information about the ancient roads.

Looking back over the years I spent at Aldington, I see much more
sunshine and blue sky than cloud and storm, notwithstanding the
difficulties of the times. It is a continual source of pleasure to go
over the familiar fields in imagination and to recall the kindly faces
of my loyal and willing labourers. I trust that what I have written of
them will make plain my grateful remembrance of their unfailing
sympathy and ready help.--ARTHUR H. SAVORY.

BURLEY, HANTS.

_January_, 1920.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. ALDINGTON VILLAGE--THE MANOR HOUSE--THE FARM.......... 1

II. THE FARM BAILIFF...................................... 11

III. THE HOP FOREMAN AND THE HOP DRIER..................... 23

IV. THE HEAD CARTER--THE CARPENTER........................ 35

V. AN OLD-FASHIONED SHEPHERD--OLD THICKER--A
GARDENER--MY SECOND HEAD CARTER--A LABOURER......... 46

VI. CHARACTERISTICS OF AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS AND
VILLAGERS........................................... 57

VII. MACHINERY--VILLAGE POLITICS--ASPARAGUS................ 80

VIII. MY THREE VICARS--CHURCH RESTORATION--CHURCHWARDEN
EXPERIENCES--CLERICAL AND OTHER STORIES............. 89

IX. THE SCHOOL BOARD--RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION--SCHOOL
INSPECTORS--DEAN FARHAR--COMPULSORY EDUCATION....... 106

X. VILLAGE INSTITUTIONS: CRICKET--FOOTBALL--FLOWER-SHOW
--BAND--POSTMAN--CONCERTS........................... 119

XI. DEALERS--LUCK MONEY--FAIRS--SALES--EFFECT OF
CLIMATE ON CATTLE AND SHEEP--AGRICULTURAL SHOWS..... 126

XII. FARM SPECIALISTS...................................... 141

XIII. THE DAIRY--CATTLE--SHEEP--LAMBS--PIGS--POULTRY........ 153

XIV. ORCHARDS--APPLES--CIDER--PERRY........................ 1