The month was May; and nothing could be more delightful and exhilarating
than the breeze which played over the green fields that were now radiant
with the light which was flooded down upon them from the cloudless sun.
Around them, in every field, were the tokens of that pleasant labor
from which the hopes of ample and abundant harvests always spring. Here,
fixed in the ground, stood the spades of a boon* of laborers, who, as
was evident from that circumstance, were then at breakfast; in another
place might be seen the plough and a portion of the tackle lying beside
it, being expressive of the same fact. Around them, on every side, in
hedges, ditches, green fields, and meadows, the birds seemed
animated into joyous activity or incessant battle, by the business of
nest-building or love. Whilst all around, from earth and air, streamed
the ceaseless voice of universal melody and song.

* A considerable number of men working together.

On reaching the gate, Peety Dhu and his pretty daughter turned up
towards the house we have alluded to--which was the residence of a man
named Burke. On reaching it they were observed by a couple of large
dogs, who, partaking of the hospitable but neglected habits of the
family, first approached and looked at them for a moment, then wagged
their tails by way of welcome, and immediately scampered off into the
kitchen to forage for themselves.

Burke's house and farmyard, though strongly indicative of wealth and
abundance in the owner, were, notwithstanding, evidently the property
of a man whose mind was far back in a knowledge of agriculture, and the
industrial pursuits that depend upon it. His haggard was slovenly in the
extreme, and his farmyard exceedingly offensive to most of the senses;