The Journal of Matthew Tomlinson of Doghouse Farm Lupset.
19th November 1809
Hoary Winter is again come upon us, with congealing frost, and fleecy snows; I have not accomplished my seed time, and at present am lock’d out of the bosom of the Earth: I am not much thwarted in my mind, because I know I have done my part, and have used my best endeavours to accomplish my labour – Yesterday was useing my new thrashing machiene, and it gave me satisfaction; yet often thought as I was feeding the same, that it wou’d soon be fed by another, and wou’d perform its opperation when I was mouldered to dust: – uncouth reflection – yet such reflections often temperises Man. –
26th November.
With the return of the saboth, the frost is departed, and the fleecy snows are fled: the ever varying seasons change, as changeing Man. – It is now powering down upon us an abundance of rain which equally impede me in my labour: – Was makeing some trifleing observations this week in my own mind upon the impediments which throw themselves in my Way – the latter part of last week, and the fore part of this the earth was congealed, and bid defyance to the Coulter, and plough share: on Tuesy a mighty West-wind arose unlocked the furrow, and prepared the soil for the grain; but then, the roaring restless blast forbid my casting the spreading hand-full: I waited hopeful, untill it lull’d itself to rest; when the impiteous showers came on, and doused me from the field to take refuge in my dwelling: in these varieties of the jaring elements, I endeavour to Philosophise a little, and thereby enable myself to bear with a tolerable degree of Patience, what wou’d perhaps otherwise cause me to murmer and complain