Imagine a January day in the 18th century ploughman's harsh existence. The ploughman rises before four o'clock in the morning and gives thanks for his rest and undisturbed slumber. He heads to the stables where he fodders or feeds the horses, cleans and makes stalls fresh and tidy. He curries them, rubs them down with cloths and wisps. He waters them, and gives them more fodder and provender such as chaff and dry peas or beans, oats or grain. He then prepares all the harnesses the big horses need to haul the plough. Then to breakfast which must be finished by six thirty. Man and beast will work from seven til three in the afternoon. Back home he must rub down his horses and give them their meal. After he prepares the animals food for the next day, he heads to the farmhouse for his meal. After his meal he would sit by the fireside with the rest of the family where he would mend shoes for both himself and everybody else, beat flaxs, stamp apples or crabs for cider or vinegar, grind malt, pick candle rushes to do some husbandly task til eight o'clock. He then takes his lantern and goes to the stables to kitter the horses down for the night. Then to his bed haven given thanks for the benefits of the day. Such was a day in the life of a farmer and ploughman- son of the soil. This cottage was available exclusively to David Winter Cottage Collector Guild members. We hereby certify that this piece is an authentic David Winter Cottage, hand-made and hand-painted at the studio and Workshops of John Hine Limited, Great Britain.