Most of the men sang or whistled as they dug or hoed. There was a good deal of outdoor singing in those days. Workmen sang at there jobs; men with horses and carts sang on the road; the baker, the miller's man, and the fish-hawker sang as they went from door to door; even the doctor and parson on their rounds hummed a tune between their teeth. People were poorer and had not the comforts, amusements, or knowledge we have today; but they were happier. Which seems to suggest that happiness depends more upon the state of mind - and body, perhaps - than upon circumstances and events.

 

an account from the website of

the Devon village and parish 

of  Witheridge