I'm allers looking round in the fall of the year for some old critter just ready to drop.
Wait till cold weather, and then, when he's killed, hang half of him up in the hen house and see how they'll pick at it.

It's the best feed going for hens, and makes 'em lay right along.

Doan't cost nothin' either." I had been asked to give a lecture in a neighboring town, and, to change the subject, inquired if he thought many would attend.

Jake looked rather blank, took off his cap, scratched his head, and then said: "I dunno.

Ef you was a Beecher or a Gough you could fill the hall, or may be ef your more known like, and would talk to 'em free, you might git 'em, or if you's going to sing or dress up to make 'em larf; but as 'tis, I dunno." After the effort was over I tried to sound him as to my success.