Mr.Oak appeared in the entry with a steaming face, hay-bands wound about his ankles to keep out the snow, a leather strap round his waist outside the smock-frock, and looking altogether an epitome of the world's health and vigour.

Four lambs hung in various embarrassing attitudes over his shoulders, and the dog George, whom Gabriel had contrived to fetch from Norcombe, stalked solemnly behind.
"Well, Shepherd Oak, and how's lambing this year, if I mid say it ?" inquired Joseph Poorgrass.
"Terrible trying," said Oak.

"I've been wet through twice a-day, either in snow or rain, this last fortnight.

Cainy and I haven't tined our eyes to-night." "A good few twins, too, I hear ?" "Too many by half.

Yes; 'tis a very queer lambing this year.