But market-day is a tradition with all classes; even the gentry appear in greater numbers.

If you go forth into the Market-place you will find it thronged with farmers.

If you go into the Corn Hall or Exchange, where the corndealers have their stands, and where business in cereals and seeds is transacted; if you walk across to the auction yard for cattle, or to the horse depository, where an auction of horses is proceeding; everywhere you have to push your way through groups of agriculturists.

The hotels are full of them (the stable-yards full of their various conveyances), and the restaurant, the latest innovation in country towns, is equally filled with farmers taking a chop, and the inner rooms with ladies discussing coffee and light refreshments.
Now every farmer of all this crowd has his cheque-book in the breast pocket of his coat.

Let his business be what it may, the purchase of cattle, sheep, horses, or implements, seed, or any other necessary, no coin passes.