Mr. Mansfield. A scum that rises on the top of new beer.
Arthur. Have not I, sir, seen to-day, some of all the different kinds of corn that grow here?
Mr. Mansfield. I do not recollect our having met with oats. They do not grow in one compact ear like the rest, for every grain has a separate little foot-stalk to itself. In this part of the country they are chiefly given to horses; but in Scotland, and the north of England, oatmeal cakes are frequently eaten instead of bread.
“And now,” continued he, “I am not sorry to find myself near home. You, Arthur, may likewise be glad to rest yourself, for you have been stumping about almost all day.”
The boys declared they were not at all tired, and thanked their grandpapa for the pleasure he had procured them.
CHAPTER IX.
Poultry.
“Grandmamma, pray where are you going?” asked Charles one morning, on seeing his grandmother walk out at the garden door.
“To feed my chickens, my love,” returned she.
“Then I will go with you, if I may,” said Charles. “And so will I,” said Arthur: and he threw down his peg-top in a corner.