This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... UNCLE SAM'S FARM FENCE. PART I. "waiting for your 'nip, ' Tom," said the village blacksmith, whose face glowed like his own forge fire; "what's the matter here? ain't Ben turned out yet? Hallo, there! going to sleep all day?" "I guess Uncle Ben got drunk last night," said Tom; "this fuss about the 'liquor law' makes him as mad as hops." "Botheration to the 'liquor law, ' Ben is more scared than hurt," said the blacksmith, seating himself on the long bench that run from end to end of the porch. 'Tm none concerned about that law, just got up for politics; politicians must always have something to ride upon; but mind I tell you, Tom, that nag throws the chaps, neck and heels, you see if it don't." "Break their necks by the fall, won't they?" said Tom. "I guess so; Ben's moving; thought I heard a noise; I wish the lazy whelp would be a little spry. I expect Hopkins will bring his horses down this morning, and as like as not I may have to take a temperance lecture; want a horn or so, to fortify me a little." "Hopkins is a Maine Law man, ain't he?" said Tom. "As hot as pepper; goes the whole hog, out and out. He made me mad the other day--said it was nothing but drink that carried Charley to State's Prison." "Just like them," said Tom. "They don't mind a man's feelings a bit. It was bad company, not what he drank, that took Charley to State's Prison; you see he was led away." "Hopkins will have it, that it was rum." "Of course, rum does everything that is bad; wonder if it is rum that makes the potatoes rot so all-firedly." "I must ask Hopkins; I guess he'll say it's all rum's doings." At this moment the door of the bar-room was opened, and out rushed a stream of pestilential air, the imprisoned fumes of alcohol and tobacco; and with it came...