They were both stout and stolid-looking, hardy as the trees under which they stood.

They were acorn picking, searching for the dropped acorns in the long rank grass by the hedge, under the brown leaves, on the banks, and in the furrows.

The boughs of the oak spread wide--the glory of the tree is its head--and the acorns are found in a circle corresponding with the outer circumference of the branches.

Some are still farther afield, because in falling they strike the boughs and glance aside.

A long slender pole leaning against the hedge was used to thrash the boughs within reach, and so to knock down any that remained.
A sack half filled was on the ground close to the trunk of the oak, and by it was a heap of dead sticks, to be presently carried home to boil the kettle.