28 MY FARM. 



sheep." And my friend expectorates with a good 

 deal of em^nasis. 



I suggested that many came into the country for 

 good views and a fine situation. 



" I know it, sir," said my lank friend ; " this's a 

 free country, and a man can do as he likes, leastwise 

 we used to think so ; but as for me, give me a good 

 black sile 'bout seven inches thick, and good turf top 

 on't, and a good smart team, and I take out my 

 views, along in the fall o' the year, in the corn crib. 

 Them's my sentiments." 



I think I won upon my tall friend by expressing 

 my approval of so sound opinions ; and in the course 

 of talk, we found ourselves again upon the dainty 

 lawn by the doorstep, near to which the brook 

 surged along, brimful and deep, to the river. Over- 

 deep, indeed, it seemed, for so near neighborhood to 

 the house. An expression of mine to this effect was 

 amply confirmed by the tall farmer. Only a year or 

 so gone, a little child had tumbled in, and was 

 " drownded." 



And this was perhaps the reason why the family 

 left so attractive a place, I suggested. 



" Oh Lord, no, sir ; 'twas a pesky little thing, be- 

 longed down to the landin'. Fever-'nager o'wnat driv 

 the folks off, in my opinion." 



" Ah, they do have the fever about here, then?" 



