The Day Book of Frederick Thomas Chennels, May 1872

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

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May

Wed 1st

Very fine frosty morning, fine day. Drill mangold wurzell, finished by Arnold. Plow in Redins good tilth – finished. 

Fat bullock let out of Cowhouse by someone and found in the meadow by F C early in the morn Washing 93 Tegs* and ewes in Long meadow. Received of G C for 4 men ¾ yesterday 6s. Cutting 38 lambs 26 ewes & 22 Ram lambs   

*Teg: a sheep in its second year   

Fri 10th

Dull morning. Water cart to Simeon Child to be painted etc Peck [of] peas William Smith 1s 6d paid 

Finished plow H Hide over furrow rather cut over. 1 ton 5cwt Cotton Cake of E Holt. 

Went for a ride thro Nettleden through Hudnall Common   

Sat 11th

Very fine morning. Scuffle Water end field very rough. Drag harrow Redins over furrow, good tilth Sowing soot bottom of Gt B Field W Draper. 1 White Calf of William Bird   

Sat 18th

Very wet morning Glass at rain. Blue Cow died this evening, Poulton fetched her away   

Thu 23rd

Frosty morning. A Davis brew for G Young 3 bushels Malt. Shear Sheep in C field   

Mon 27th

Fine morning warm day. Water Cart home from S. Child. 6 Horses to Hatches fetch Machine Sold D Fleen Calf £5   

Tue 28th

Very fine morning. Thrashing Lower Wheat Oval by 2 Qr 2s 10d. Thrashing Wheat out of Barn as above. Some mice in the Oval   

Wed 29th

Very fine morning. 2 horses fetch machine out of Rickyard. Thatching straw Ricks. Dress Wheat top barn 10 bags Began Tares* for pigs   

*Tare: a type of vetch sometimes used as fodder