and running into caps, net hats, and other innovations which, I
own, are somewhat distasteful to me. And there is, too, the
ostentatious farmer, who rides in scarlet, signifying thereby
that he subscribes his ten or fifteen guineas to the hunt fund.
But here, in this paper, it is not of him I speak. He is a man
who is so much less the farmer, in that he is the more an
ordinary man of the ordinary world. The farmer whom we have now
before us shall wear the old black coat, and the old black hat,
and the white top boots, rather daubed in their whiteness; and
he shall be the genuine farmer of the old school.

My friend is generally a modest man in the field, seldom much
given to talking unless he be first addressed; and then he
prefers that you shall take upon yourself the chief burden of the
conversation. But on certain hunting subjects he has his opinion,
indeed, a very strong opinion, and if you can drive him from
that, your eloquence must be very great. He is very urgent about
special coverts, and even as to special foxes; and you will often
find smouldering in his bosom, if you dive deep enough to search
for it, a half-smothered fire of indignation against the master
because the country has, according to our friend's views, been
drawn amiss. In such matters the farmer is generally right; but
he is slow to communicate his ideas, and does not recognize the
fact that other men have not the same opportunities for
observation which belong to him. A master, however, who understands
his business will generally consult a farmer; and he
will seldom, I think, or perhaps never, consult any one else.

Always shake hands with your friend the farmer. It puts him at
his ease with you, and he will tell you more willingly after that