It is hardly possible to conceive how much attention is paid by Flemmish farmers to the weeding of their land. In their best cultivated districts their exertions are incessant, and frequently from twenty to thirty women may be seen in one field, kneeling for the purpose of greater facility in securing and extracting weeds. The weeds collected in spring, particularly when boiled, are much relished by milch cows; and in various parts of Flanders, the farmers get their lands weeded by children of the neighbouring cottagers solely for the privilege of procuring these weeds for their cattle, and by this means converting a nuisance into a benefit.
The Corner Cupboard (1858)
This entry has all the language and detail that absolutely tickles me. The Victorian construction and vocabulary is one which seems to serve a visible need to convey a status of the learned author!!! Authority and intelligent observation are "much relished". As for "...kneeling for the purpose of greater facility in securing and extracting weeds.", well clearly the idea of saying that:
"...twenty to thirty women may be seen in one field..." weeding
does not begin to describe the detail of the scene! This type of activity reminds me of a zaqqard.
defenestratethylacine
jack@takethepebble.com
No comments:
Post a Comment