Came to a little well in a cavity, dug in a high bank on the left-hand side of the road, and fenced by rude stone work on either side; the well was about ten inches in diameter, and as many deep.

Water oozing from the bank upon a slanting tile fastened into the earth fell into it.

After damming up the end of the tile with my hand, and drinking some delicious water, I passed on and presently arrived at a cottage, just inside the door of which sat a good-looking middle-aged woman engaged in knitting, the general occupation of Welsh females.
"Good-day," said I to her in Welsh.

"Fine weather." "In truth, sir, it is fine weather for the harvest." "Are you alone in the house ?" "I am, sir, my husband has gone to his labour." "Have you any children ?" "Two, sir; but they are out at service." "What is the name of this place ?" "Pant Paddock, sir." "Do you get your water from the little well yonder ?" "We do, sir, and good water it is." "I have drunk of it." "Much good may what you have drunk do you, sir!" "What is the name of the river near here ?" "It is called the Conway, sir." "Dear me; is that river the Conway ?" "You have heard of it, sir ?" "Heard of it! it is one of the famous rivers of the world.

The poets are very fond of it--one of the great poets of my country calls it the old Conway." "Is one river older than another, sir ?" "That's a shrewd question.