His Name Is Mudd

[Paul F.]

In D.W. Griffith's "Abraham Lincoln" one of the midwife's at his birth describes Abe as being "homely as a mud fence".

But what is a "mud fence?"

A “mud fence” is a contrast to a wooden fence, which is more costly and something that looks more well put together. Earth fences are for those who can’t afford a fence made of other materials and is typically much more homely in appearance. That’s my take.