The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1901-08-02
With the Bachelors.

Editor Heroid.-There is an indie
scribable charm associated with a bach.
elor's den, especially when a worn and
wearied traveller at the close Of a long,
hot day, wishes to fling of his coat, I'M
button his collar, unite his shoes and
dispense with all form and ceremony.
| enjoyed just such luxury recently at
the chief Of bachelor homes, that own
ed and occupied 10y my old friend and
comrade, Mr.. w. II. Morton. Just
- years ago Il would mention the
number but that mine host isn't yet
married. we were boys together, and
our custom was to dip the first seine
Of the season into Bush river and have
the first fish fry on its banks. The
"cruel war" interrupted that and
kindred sports, and since the cloud
rolled by sterner duties have been
claiming time and energy though
neither defeat, nor cold nor heat, nor
the social whirl, ror crop-demands
have kept my friend from following
dash" and "Rover," "Spot" and
Jack, as across the hills of Prince
Edward they have chased reynard to
his death, aud made the wekin ring
with, 10 his ear at least, sweetest music.
found the lone housekeeper at the
supper table, where, with addition Of
a plate and chair there was room and
welcome flr one more.
The faithful woman of all work
frightened away the flies, but nothing
scared OIL the cat, nor dogs, nor chick
ems, the rest Of the family, who quietly
but with evident impotence, waited
their turn.
With split.bottom chairs out in the
front yard we lived over the past until
bachelor bed hour, and from that time
till morning slept profoundly with
no cry of baby nor creak of cradle to
disturb the delightful stiffness. With
doors and windows wide open we en-
joyed the best and purest Of the night
air and awoke next morning refreshed
and ready for good work under the
scorching rays of July sun.
Mr.. Morton occupies a portion Of the
old farm upon which he was raised
and this year is cutivating one of the
largest and most promising crops Of
tobacco he has undertaken for a num-
Der of years. From the $4,000 hills
planted and now furnishing, ] am ex-
pecting him to sell 10000 pounds, and |
when ne realizes SO round | am going /
to join him in the chase.
At midday Of an unusually hot day |
of last week | drew reins and came to
a sudden stop under friendly shade
tree that kept watch and ward in front
of the home Of Mr.. James Drum. IL /
was not long before | was asked
from the grateful protection of the oak
tree to the still more acceptable pro-
lection Of the roof-tree.
Mr.. Drum is a bachelor, too, but a
sister with gentle and artistic touch |
smooths out the wrinkles Of bachelor
life and makes that home attractive in
its every feature.
The farm was that Of the late Daniel
Huddleston, and this year presents a
bright and cheerful face. The grass
and oat crops were both good, the
wheat about the average, while the
tobacco and corn are making rapid
strides towards glorious fruition. Mr..
Mr. Drum is an intense worker, but
like bachelor Morton, is fond Of the
chase and has to keep some dogs.
Speaking Of dogs reminds me to say
that the day before was at his home
one Of pair Of pet puppies fell dead in
his yard, in full view Of its master and
while running towards a hog 10 drive
it from the enclosure, though up to
that moment it had been in apparent
full health.
The hail-struck Tobacco crops Of DR..
White and Messrs. Jackson and Lam
caster are rallying from stunning blows
and bid fair to come to market in good
shape.
Mr.. w. G.. Daniel who cultivates a
portion Of the farm, the property Of the
late Col. Henry Stokes, has wonder
ful crop outlook for this season. ! do
not recall better tobacco crop out Of
my travels, and here again father and
son are doing the work aud at the end
the labor demands will be very small.
1t was at this home that had the
privilege and pleasure Of dining with
Mai. J. h. Morton and wife, Of Falk-
land, aud the flow Of soul with the feast
of good things made the time spent
under the hospitaDle roof one Of rare
enjoyment.
ON THE Go.