of the terrace, put the horses in again, and so home. It was a
long, bright, summer holiday, and we enjoyed it thoroughly. After a
voyage, such an expedition as this is full of delight; every tree
and bird is a source of pleasure.



Letter V: A pastoral letter.


Heathstock, December 1st, 1865.
All I can find to tell you this month is that I have seen one of the
finest and best wool-sheds in the country in full work. Anything
about sheep is as new to you as it is to me, so I shall begin my
story at the very beginning.

I am afraid you will think us a very greedy set of people in this
part of the world, for eating seems to enter so largely into my
letters; but the fact is--and I may as well confess it at once--I am
in a chronic state of hunger; it is the fault of the fine air and
the outdoor life: and then how one sleeps at night! I don't believe
you really know in England what it is to be sleepy as we feel sleepy
here; and it is delightful to wake up in the morning with the sort
of joyous light-heartedness which only young children have. The
expedition I am going to relate may fairly be said to have begun
with eating, for although we started for our twelve miles' drive
over the downs immediately after an excellent and somewhat late
breakfast, yet by the time we reached the Home Station we were quite
ready for luncheon. All the work connected with the sheep is
carried on here. The manager has a nice house; and the wool-shed,