to the memory of the fathers, and the days when the world was wider
to them, and their banners fared far afield.

But besides these dwellings of men in the field between the wall and
the water, there were homesteads up and down the Dale whereso men
found it easy and pleasant to dwell: their halls were built of much
the same fashion as those within the Thorp; but many had a high
garth-wall cast about them, so that they might make a stout defence
in their own houses if war came into the Dale.

As to their work afield; in many places the Dale was fair with growth
of trees, and especially were there long groves of sweet chestnut
standing on the grass, of the fruit whereof the folk had much gain.
Also on the south side nigh to the western end was a wood or two of
yew-trees very great and old, whence they gat them bow-staves, for
the Dalesmen also shot well in the bow. Much wheat and rye they
raised in the Dale, and especially at the nether end thereof. Apples
and pears and cherries and plums they had in plenty; of which trees,
some grew about the borders of the acres, some in the gardens of the
Thorp and the homesteads. On the slopes that had grown from the
breaking down here and there of the Northern cliffs, and which faced
the South and the Sun's burning, were rows of goodly vines, whereof
the folk made them enough and to spare of strong wine both white and
red.

As to their beasts; swine they had a many, but not many sheep, since
herein they trusted to their trucking with their friends the
Shepherds; they had horses, and yet but a few, for they were stout in
going afoot; and, had they a journey to make with women big with
babes, or with children or outworn elders, they would yoke their oxen