Page:Walks in the Black Country and its green border-land.pdf/321

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and its Green Border-Land.
307

manners. He said their sense of honour was very keen, and that he could always trust them among the choicest flowers; that they never overstepped a border that was restricted, and needed no watching. If one of their number forgot the confidence reposed in them and took a single step on forbidden ground, he was arrested and reproved in a moment by his companions. His greatest trouble was with the middle-class people, or those who assumed a superiority over the humble visiters and made less scruple in gratifying their curiosity. Such persons had to be watched with much care to keep them from trespassing on objects which men of the mine and furnace would not think of touching.

Thus these extensive and beautiful grounds, with all the artistic and expensive culture bestowed upon them, are really consecrated to the enjoyment and elevation of the masses of the people, of which none take more advantage than the working men of the district. This is an act of generosity on the part of the noble proprietor worthy of the highest appreciation and respect; and it is to be hoped that he himself will esteem the honour he wins by it above any laurels to be obtained in the hazardous competitions of the turf, in which he has risked so much for a precarious and sterile reputation. In opening such a great, green gallery of exquisite artistry to the masses of the people