A dozen old men, chewing tobacco and looking wise, were in the barn yard examining the stock to be sold, the carts and farming tools; a flock of hens were also to be disposed of, at forty cents each.
On such occasions the families from far and near who want to dispose of any old truck are allowed to bring it to add to the motley display.

The really valuable possessions, if any, are kept back, either for private sale or to be divided among the heirs.

I saw genuine antiques occasionally--old oak chests, finely carved oaken chairs--but these were rare.

After the horses have been driven up and down the street, and with the other stock disposed of, it is time for lunch.

Following the crowd into the kitchen, you see two barrels of crackers open, a mammoth cheese of the skim-milk species with a big knife by it, and on the stove a giant kettle in which cotton bags full of coffee are being distilled in boiling water.