in great perfection, and boast to be the best in the
world. The Americans have, in consequence, given them
the nick-name of "Blue-noses.'"

"And now," said Mr. Slick," as you have told the entire
stranger, _who_ a Blue-nose is, I'll jist up and tell
him _what_ he is.

"One day, Stranger, I was a joggin' along into Windsor
on Old Clay, on a sort of butter and eggs' gait (for a
fast walk on a journey tires a horse considerable), and
who should I see a settin' straddle legs "on the fence,
but Squire Gabriel Soogit, with his coat off, a holdin'
of a hoe in one hand, and his hat in t'other, and a
blowin' like a porpus proper tired.

"'Why, Squire Gabe,' sais I, 'what is the matter of you?
you look as if you couldn't help yourself; who is dead
and what is to pay now, eh?'

"'Fairly beat out,' said he, 'I am shockin' tired. I've
been hard at work all the mornin'; a body has to stir
about considerable smart in this country, to make a
livin', I tell you.'

"I looked over the fence, and I seed he had hoed jist
ten hills of potatoes, and that's all. Fact I assure you.

"Sais he, 'Mr. Slick, tell you what, _of all the work I
ever did in my life I like hoein' potatoes the best, and