ExcerptOn a wide extent of country, surrounded on all sides as far as the eye could reach, with its forests, its hills and valleys, its Sparkling streams, sat many a noble mansion of ancient or modern architecture, and of more or less note in the county. Farm homesteads might be seen, surrounded by their out-buildings, their barns and substantial hay ricks. Labourers' cottages were dotted about and the men themselves toiled at their several occupations.