Practically, there was no more necessity for the farmer to go outside his office than for a merchant in Mincing Lane.

The merchant did not sail in every ship whose cargo was consigned to him: why should the farmer watch every waggon loaded?
Steam could drive the farmer's plough, cut the chaff, pump the water, and, in short, do everything.

The field telegraph could be laid down to any required spot with the greatest ease, and thus, sitting in his office chair, the farmer could control the operations of the farm without once soiling his hands.
Mr.Phillip, as he concluded his remarks, reached his glass of claret, and thus incidentally exhibited his own hand, which was as white as a lady's..