They condoned his bluff manners--they were the mark of the true, solid British agriculturist.

Some perhaps in their hearts thought that another day they might want a tenant, and this man would serve their turn.

As a matter of fact, Frank took every unoccupied farm which he could get at a tolerably reasonable rent.

He never seemed satisfied with the acreage he held, but was ever desirous of extending it.
He took farm after farm, till at last he held an area equal to a fine estate.

For some years there has been a disposition on the part of landlords to throw farms together, making many small ones into one large one.