Chapter 12
PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF EPPS—EPPS, DRUNK AND SOBER—A GLIMPSE OF HIS HISTORY—COTTON GROWING—THE MODE OF PLOUGHING AND PREPARING GROUND—OF PLANTING—OF HOEING, OF PICKING, OF TREATING RAW HANDS—THE DIFFERENCE IN COTTON PICKERS—PATSEY A REMARKABLE ONE—TASKED ACCORDING TO ABILITY—BEAUTY OF A COTTON FIELD—THE SLAVE'S LABORS—FEAR ON APPROACHING THE GIN-HOUSE—WEIGHING—"CHORES"—CABIN LIFE—THE CORN MILL—THE USES OF THE GOURD—FEAR OF OVERSLEEPING—FEAR CONTINUALLY—MODE OF CULTIVATING CORN—SWEET POTATOES—FERTILITY OF THE SOIL—FATTENING HOGS—PRESERVING BACON—RAISING CATTLE—SHOOTING-MATCHES—GARDEN PRODUCTS—FLOWERS AND VERDURE.
EPPS'S APPEARANCE. EPPS, DRUNK AND SOBER. A GLIMPSE OF HIS HISTORY. GROWING COTTON. HOW THE GROUND IS PLOWED AND PREPARED. PLANTING, HOEING, AND PICKING. HOW NEW WORKERS ARE TREATED. DIFFERENCES AMONG COTTON PICKERS. PATSEY, A REMARKABLE PICKER. TASKS ASSIGNED ACCORDING TO ABILITY. THE BEAUTY OF A COTTON FIELD. THE SLAVE'S LABOR. FEAR OF APPROACHING THE GIN-HOUSE. WEIGHING THE COTTON. "CHORES". CABIN LIFE. THE CORN MILL. USES OF THE GOURD. FEAR OF OVERSLEEPING. CONSTANT FEAR. HOW CORN IS GROWN. SWEET POTATOES. THE FERTILITY OF THE SOIL. FATTENING HOGS. PRESERVING BACON. RAISING CATTLE. SHOOTING MATCHES. GARDEN CROPS. FLOWERS AND GREENERY.
Edwin Epps, of whom much will be said during the remainder of this history, is a large, portly, heavy-bodied man with light hair, high cheek bones, and a Roman nose of extraordinary dimensions. He has blue eyes, a fair complexion, and is, as I should say, full six feet high. He has the sharp, inquisitive expression of a jockey. His manners are repulsive and coarse, and his language gives speedy and unequivocal evidence that he has never enjoyed the advantages of an education. He has the faculty of saying most provoking things, in that respect even excelling old Peter Tanner. At the time I came into his possession, Edwin Epps was fond of the bottle, his "sprees" sometimes extending over the space of two whole weeks. Latterly, however, he had reformed his habits, and when I left him, was as strict a specimen of temperance as could be found on Bayou Bœuf. When "in his cups," Master Epps was a roystering, blustering, noisy fellow, whose chief delight was in dancing with his "niggers," or lashing them about the yard with his long whip, just for the pleasure of hearing them screech and scream, as the great welts were planted on their backs. When sober, he was silent, reserved and cunning, not beating us indiscriminately, as in his drunken moments, but sending the end of his rawhide to some tender spot of a lagging slave, with a sly dexterity peculiar to himself.
Edwin Epps will appear often in the rest of this story. He is a large, heavyset man with light hair, high cheekbones, and an extraordinarily large Roman nose. He has blue eyes and a fair complexion, and I would say he is a full six feet tall. He has the sharp, questioning expression of a jockey. His manners are crude and repulsive, and his language quickly makes it clear that he never had an education. He has a knack for saying extremely irritating things, surpassing even old Peter Tanner in that respect. When I came into his possession, Edwin Epps was fond of drinking. His "sprees" sometimes lasted two whole weeks. Later, however, he changed his habits. By the time I left him, he was as strict about avoiding alcohol as anyone on Bayou Bœuf. When "in his cups," Master Epps was loud, rowdy, and blustering. He took particular delight in dancing with his "niggers" or lashing them around the yard with his long whip. He whipped them just for the pleasure of hearing them screech and scream as great welts rose on their backs. When sober, he was quiet, reserved, and cunning. He did not beat us at random, as he did when drunk. Instead, he would strike a tender spot on a slow-moving slave with the end of his rawhide whip. He did this with a sly skill all his own.
He had been a driver and overseer in his younger years, but at this time was in possession of a plantation on Bayou Huff Power, two and a half miles from Holmesville, eighteen from Marksville, and twelve from Cheneyville. It belonged to Joseph B. Roberts, his wife's uncle, and was leased by Epps. His principal business was raising cotton, and inasmuch as some may read this book who have never seen a cotton field, a description of the manner of its culture may not be out of place.
In his younger years, he had been a driver and overseer. But at this time, he had a plantation on Bayou Huff Power. It was two and a half miles from Holmesville, eighteen from Marksville, and twelve from Cheneyville. The plantation belonged to Joseph B. Roberts, his wife's uncle, and Epps leased it. His main business was growing cotton. Some people who read this book may never have seen a cotton field, so a description of how cotton is grown may be helpful.
The ground is prepared by throwing up beds or ridges, with the plough—back-furrowing, it is called. Oxen and mules, the latter almost exclusively, are used in ploughing. The women as frequently as the men perform this labor, feeding, currying, and taking care of their teams, and in all respects doing the field and stable work, precisely as do the ploughboys of the North.
The ground is prepared by plowing it into beds or ridges. This is called back-furrowing. Oxen and mules are used for plowing, though mules are used almost exclusively. Women do this work as often as men. They feed, groom, and care for their teams. In every respect, they do the same field and stable work as the plowboys of the North.
The beds, or ridges, are six feet wide, that is, from water furrow to water furrow. A plough drawn by one mule is then run along the top of the ridge or center of the bed, making the drill, into which a girl usually drops the seed, which she carries in a bag hung round her neck. Behind her comes a mule and harrow, covering up the seed, so that two mules, three slaves, a plough and harrow, are employed in planting a row of cotton. This is done in the months of March and April. Corn is planted in February. When there are no cold rains, the cotton usually makes its appearance in a week. In the course of eight or ten days afterwards the first hoeing is commenced. This is performed in part, also, by the aid of the plough and mule. The plough passes as near as possible to the cotton on both sides, throwing the furrow from it. Slaves follow with their hoes, cutting up the grass and cotton, leaving hills two feet and a half apart. This is called scraping cotton. In two weeks more commences the second hoeing. This time the furrow is thrown towards the cotton. Only one stalk, the largest, is now left standing in each hill. In another fortnight it is hoed the third time, throwing the furrow towards the cotton in the same manner as before, and killing all the grass between the rows. About the first of July, when it is a foot high or thereabouts, it is hoed the fourth and last time. Now the whole space between the rows is ploughed, leaving a deep water furrow in the center. During all these hoeings the overseer or driver follows the slaves on horseback with a whip, such as has been described. The fastest hoer takes the lead row. He is usually about a rod in advance of his companions. If one of them passes him, he is whipped. If one falls behind or is a moment idle, he is whipped. In fact, the lash is flying from morning until night, the whole day long. The hoeing season thus continues from April until July, a field having no sooner been finished once, than it is commenced again.
The beds, or ridges, are six feet wide from one water furrow to the next. A plough drawn by one mule runs along the top of the ridge, or center of the bed, making a seed furrow. A girl usually drops the seeds into the furrow. She carries them in a bag hung around her neck. A mule and harrow follow her, covering the seeds. So planting a row of cotton requires two mules, three slaves, a plough, and a harrow. Cotton is planted in March and April. Corn is planted in February. If there are no cold rains, the cotton usually emerges in a week. The first hoeing begins eight or ten days later. A plough and mule also help with this work. The plough passes as close as possible to the cotton on both sides, turning the soil away from it. Slaves follow with their hoes, cutting up the grass and some of the cotton. They leave mounds of cotton plants two and a half feet apart. This is called scraping cotton. The second hoeing begins two weeks later. This time the plough turns the soil toward the cotton. Only one stalk, the largest, is left standing in each mound. Two weeks later, the cotton is hoed a third time. The plough turns the soil toward the cotton as before, and all the grass between the rows is killed. Around the first of July, when the cotton is about a foot high, it is hoed a fourth and final time. Now the whole space between the rows is ploughed, leaving a deep water furrow in the center. During all these hoeings, the overseer or driver follows the slaves on horseback with a whip like the one already described. The fastest hoer takes the lead row. He is usually about a rod ahead of the others. If one of them passes him, he is whipped. If one falls behind or is idle for a moment, he is whipped. In fact, the lash flies from morning until night, all day long. The hoeing season continues like this from April until July. As soon as a field has been hoed once, the work begins again.
In the latter part of August begins the cotton picking season. At this time each slave is presented with a sack. A strap is fastened to it, which goes over the neck, holding the mouth of the sack breast high, while the bottom reaches nearly to the ground. Each one is also presented with a large basket that will hold about two barrels. This is to put the cotton in when the sack is filled. The baskets are carried to the field and placed at the beginning of the rows.
Cotton picking season begins in late August. At this time, each slave is given a sack. A strap attached to the sack goes around the slave’s neck. It holds the opening at chest height, while the bottom reaches nearly to the ground. Each slave is also given a large basket that holds about two barrels. The cotton is put into the basket when the sack is full. The baskets are carried to the field and placed at the beginning of the rows.
When a new hand, one unaccustomed to the business, is sent for the first time into the field, he is whipped up smartly, and made for that day to pick as fast as he can possibly. At night it is weighed, so that his capability in cotton picking is known. He must bring in the same weight each night following. If it falls short, it is considered evidence that he has been laggard, and a greater or less number of lashes is the penalty.
When a new worker who is unfamiliar with the work is first sent into the field, he is whipped hard. He is made to pick cotton as fast as he possibly can that day. At night, the cotton is weighed to show how much he is capable of picking. He must bring in the same weight every night after that. If he brings in less, it is taken as evidence that he has been working too slowly. His punishment is a greater or lesser number of lashes.
An ordinary day's work is two hundred pounds. A slave who is accustomed to picking, is punished, if he or she brings in a less quantity than that. There is a great difference among them as regards this kind of labor. Some of them seem to have a natural knack, or quickness, which enables them to pick with great celerity, and with both hands, while others, with whatever practice or industry, are utterly unable to come up to the ordinary standard. Such hands are taken from the cotton field and employed in other business. Patsey, of whom I shall have more to say, was known as the most remarkable cotton picker on Bayou Bœuf. She picked with both hands and with such surprising rapidity, that five hundred pounds a day was not unusual for her.
An ordinary day's work is picking two hundred pounds of cotton. A slave accustomed to picking is punished for bringing in less. Slaves differ greatly in their ability to do this work. Some seem to have a natural knack or quickness that lets them pick very fast with both hands. Others cannot meet the ordinary standard, no matter how much they practice or how hard they work. These workers are taken from the cotton field and put to work elsewhere. Patsey, whom I will say more about later, was known as the most remarkable cotton picker on Bayou Bœuf. She picked with both hands and with such surprising speed that five hundred pounds a day was not unusual for her.
Each one is tasked, therefore, according to his picking abilities, none, however, to come short of two hundred weight. I, being unskillful always in that business, would have satisfied my master by bringing in the latter quantity, while on the other hand, Patsey would surely have been beaten if she failed to produce twice as much.
Each person was assigned a quota according to their picking ability, but no one could bring in less than 200 pounds. I was always unskilled at picking, so my master would have been satisfied if I brought in that amount. Patsey, on the other hand, would surely have been beaten if she failed to bring in twice as much.
The cotton grows from five to seven feet high, each stalk having a great many branches, shooting out in all directions, and lapping each other above the water furrow.
The cotton grows five to seven feet high. Each stalk has many branches that spread in all directions and overlap above the water furrow.
There are few sights more pleasant to the eye, than a wide cotton field when it is in the bloom. It presents an appearance of purity, like an immaculate expanse of light, new-fallen snow.
Few sights are more beautiful than a wide cotton field in bloom. It looks pure, like a spotless expanse of fresh snow.
Sometimes the slave picks down one side of a row, and back upon the other, but more usually, there is one on either side, gathering all that has blossomed, leaving the unopened bolls for a succeeding picking. When the sack is filled, it is emptied into the basket and trodden down. It is necessary to be extremely careful the first time going through the field, in order not to break the branches off the stalks. The cotton will not bloom upon a broken branch. Epps never failed to inflict the severest chastisement on the unlucky servant who, either carelessly or unavoidably, was guilty in the least degree in this respect.
Sometimes a slave picks down one side of a row and back up the other. More often, though, a slave works on each side, gathering all the cotton that has opened. They leave the unopened bolls for a later picking. When the sack is full, it is emptied into the basket, and the cotton is trampled down. On the first trip through the field, the slaves must be extremely careful not to break branches off the stalks. Cotton will not bloom on a broken branch. Epps always punished a servant severely for breaking even the smallest part of a branch, whether through carelessness or unavoidably.
The hands are required to be in the cotton field as soon as it is light in the morning, and, with the exception of ten or fifteen minutes, which is given them at noon to swallow their allowance of cold bacon, they are not permitted to be a moment idle until it is too dark to see, and when the moon is full, they often times labor till the middle of the night. They do not dare to stop even at dinner time, nor return to the quarters, however late it be, until the order to halt is given by the driver.
The field hands must be in the cotton field as soon as it is light in the morning. At noon, they are given ten or fifteen minutes to swallow their allowance of cold bacon. Apart from that, they are not allowed a moment of rest until it is too dark to see. When the moon is full, they often work until midnight. They do not dare stop even at dinner time. And no matter how late it is, they do not dare return to their quarters until the driver orders them to stop.
The day's work over in the field, the baskets are "toted," or in other words, carried to the gin-house, where the cotton is weighed. No matter how fatigued and weary he may be—no matter how much he longs for sleep and rest—a slave never approaches the gin-house with his basket of cotton but with fear. If it falls short in weight—if he has not performed the full task appointed him, he knows that he must suffer. And if he has exceeded it by ten or twenty pounds, in all probability his master will measure the next day's task accordingly. So, whether he has too little or too much, his approach to the gin-house is always with, fear and trembling. Most frequently they have too little, and therefore it is they are not anxious to leave the field. After weighing, follow the whippings; and then the baskets are carried to the cotton house, and their contents stored away like hay, all hands being sent in to tramp it down. If the cotton is not dry, instead of taking it to the gin-house at once, it is laid upon platforms, two feet high, and some three times as wide, covered with boards or plank, with narrow walks running between them.
When the day's work in the field is over, the baskets are "toted," or carried, to the gin-house. There the cotton is weighed. No matter how tired a slave is or how much he longs for sleep and rest, he always approaches the gin-house with fear. If his basket is underweight, he knows he must suffer for not completing his assigned task. If he has picked ten or twenty pounds more than required, his master will probably raise his task for the next day accordingly. So, whether he has picked too little or too much, he always approaches the gin-house with fear and trembling. Most often, the slaves have picked too little, so they are not eager to leave the field. After the weighing come the whippings. Then the baskets are carried to the cotton house, and the cotton is stored like hay. Everyone is sent in to trample it down. If the cotton is not dry, it is not taken straight to the gin-house. Instead, it is spread on platforms two feet high and about three times as wide. The platforms are covered with boards or planks, and narrow walkways run between them.
This done, the labor of the day is not yet ended, by any means. Each one must then attend to his respective chores. One feeds the mules, another the swine—another cuts the wood, and so forth; besides, the packing is all done by candle light. Finally, at a late hour, they reach the quarters, sleepy and overcome with the long day's toil. Then a fire must be kindled in the cabin, the corn ground in the small hand-mill, and supper, and dinner for the next day in the field, prepared. All that is allowed them is corn and bacon, which is given out at the corncrib and smoke-house every Sunday morning. Each one receives, as his weekly, allowance, three and a half pounds of bacon, and corn enough to make a peck of meal. That is all—no tea, coffee, sugar, and with the exception of a very scanty sprinkling now and then, no salt. I can say, from a ten years' residence with Master Epps, that no slave of his is ever likely to suffer from the gout, superinduced by excessive high living. Master Epps' hogs were fed on shelled corn—it was thrown out to his "niggers" in the ear. The former, he thought, would fatten faster by shelling, and soaking it in the water—the latter, perhaps, if treated in the same manner, might grow too fat to labor. Master Epps was a shrewd calculator, and knew how to manage his own animals, drunk or sober.
Even after this is done, the day’s work is far from over. Each person must attend to their own chores. One feeds the mules, another feeds the pigs, another cuts wood, and so on. All the packing is done by candlelight. Finally, late at night, they reach the quarters, sleepy and exhausted from the long day’s work. Then they must light a fire in the cabin and grind the corn in a small hand mill. They must also prepare supper and dinner for the next day in the fields. All they are allowed is corn and bacon, handed out at the corncrib and smokehouse every Sunday morning. Each person receives a weekly allowance of three and a half pounds of bacon and enough corn to make a peck of meal. That is all. There is no tea, coffee, or sugar, and no salt except for a very scanty sprinkling now and then. After ten years with Master Epps, I can say that none of his slaves is likely to suffer from gout brought on by excessive high living. Master Epps’ hogs were fed shelled corn. His "niggers" were given corn on the cob. He thought the hogs would fatten faster if the corn was shelled and soaked in water. Perhaps, if his slaves were treated the same way, they might grow too fat to labor. Master Epps was a shrewd calculator and knew how to manage his own animals, drunk or sober.
The corn mill stands in the yard beneath a shelter. It is like a common coffee mill, the hopper holding about six quarts. There was one privilege which Master Epps granted freely to every slave he had. They might grind their corn nightly, in such small quantities as their daily wants required, or they might grind the whole week's allowance at one time, on Sundays, just as they preferred. A very generous man was Master Epps!
The corn mill stands in the yard under a shelter. It is like an ordinary coffee mill, with a hopper that holds about six quarts. Master Epps freely granted every slave he owned one privilege. They could grind small amounts of corn each night, enough for their daily needs. Or they could grind the whole week’s allowance at once on Sundays, whichever they preferred. Master Epps was a very generous man!
I kept my corn in a small wooden box, the meal in a gourd; and, by the way, the gourd is one of the most convenient and necessary utensils on a plantation. Besides supplying the place of all kinds of crockery in a slave cabin, it is used for carrying water to the fields. Another, also, contains the dinner. It dispenses with the necessity of pails, dippers, basins, and such tin and wooden superfluities altogether.
I kept my corn in a small wooden box and my cornmeal in a gourd. By the way, the gourd is one of the most convenient and necessary utensils on a plantation. It takes the place of all kinds of dishes in a slave cabin. It is also used to carry water to the fields. Another gourd holds dinner. Gourds make pails, dippers, basins, and other unnecessary tin and wooden utensils unnecessary altogether.
When the corn is ground, and fire is made, the bacon is taken down from the nail on which it hangs, a slice cut off and thrown upon the coals to broil. The majority of slaves have no knife, much less a fork. They cut their bacon with the axe at the wood-pile. The corn meal is mixed with a little water, placed in the fire, and baked. When it is "done brown," the ashes are scraped off, and being placed upon a chip, which answers for a table, the tenant of the slave hut is ready to sit down upon the ground to supper. By this time it is usually midnight. The same fear of punishment with which they approach the gin-house, possesses them again on lying down to get a snatch of rest. It is the fear of oversleeping in the morning. Such an offence would certainly be attended with not less than twenty lashes. With a prayer that he may be on his feet and wide awake at the first sound of the horn, he sinks to his slumbers nightly.
Once the corn is ground and a fire is made, the bacon is taken down from the nail where it hangs. A slice is cut off and thrown onto the coals to cook. Most slaves have no knife, much less a fork. They cut their bacon with the axe at the woodpile. The cornmeal is mixed with a little water, placed in the fire, and baked. When it is "done brown," the ashes are scraped off. It is placed on a wood chip that serves as a table, and the slave is ready to sit on the ground for supper. By this time it is usually midnight. When slaves lie down for a little rest, they again feel the same fear of punishment they feel approaching the gin-house. They fear oversleeping in the morning. That offense would certainly bring at least twenty lashes. Each night, the slave falls asleep praying that he will be on his feet and wide awake at the first sound of the horn.
The softest couches in the world are not to be found in the log mansion of the slave. The one whereon I reclined year after year, was a plank twelve inches wide and ten feet long. My pillow was a stick of wood. The bedding was a coarse blanket, and not a rag or shred beside. Moss might be used, were it not that it directly breeds a swarm of fleas.
The softest beds in the world are not found in a slave’s log cabin. The bed I lay on year after year was a plank twelve inches wide and ten feet long. My pillow was a stick of wood. My only bedding was a coarse blanket, with not another scrap of fabric. Moss could be used, but it quickly breeds swarms of fleas.
The cabin is constructed of logs, without floor or window. The latter is altogether unnecessary, the crevices between the logs admitting sufficient light. In stormy weather the rain drives through them, rendering it comfortless and extremely disagreeable. The rude door hangs on great wooden hinges. In one end is constructed an awkward fire-place.
The cabin is built of logs, with no floor or window. A window is completely unnecessary because enough light comes through the gaps between the logs. In stormy weather, rain blows through the gaps, making the cabin uncomfortable and extremely unpleasant. The rough door hangs on large wooden hinges. At one end of the cabin is a crude fireplace.
An hour before day light the horn is blown. Then the slaves arouse, prepare their breakfast, fill a gourd with water, in another deposit their dinner of cold bacon and corn cake, and hurry to the field again. It is an offence invariably followed by a flogging, to be found at the quarters after daybreak. Then the fears and labors of another day begin; and until its close there is no such thing as rest. He fears he will be caught lagging through the day; he fears to approach the gin-house with his basket-load of cotton at night; he fears, when he lies down, that he will oversleep himself in the morning. Such is a true, faithful, unexaggerated picture and description of the slave's daily life, during the time of cotton-picking, on the shores of Bayou Bœuf.
An hour before daylight, the horn sounds. The slaves wake up, prepare breakfast, and fill one gourd with water. They put their dinner of cold bacon and corn cake in another, then hurry back to the field. Any slave found at the quarters after daybreak is certain to be flogged. Then the fears and labors of another day begin, and there is no rest until the day ends. A slave fears being caught falling behind during the day. At night, he fears approaching the gin-house with his basket of cotton. When he lies down, he fears he will oversleep in the morning. This is a true, faithful, unexaggerated picture of a slave's daily life during cotton-picking season on the shores of Bayou Bœuf.
In the month of January, generally, the fourth and last picking is completed. Then commences the harvesting of corn. This is considered a secondary crop, and receives far less attention than the cotton. It is planted, as already mentioned, in February. Corn is grown in that region for the purpose of fattening hogs and feeding slaves; very little, if any, being sent to market. It is the white variety, the ear of great size, and the stalk growing to the height of eight, and often times ten feet. In August the leaves are stripped off, dried in the sun, bound in small bundles, and stored away as provender for the mules and oxen. After this the slaves go through the field, turning down the ear, for the purpose of keeping the rains from penetrating to the grain. It is left in this condition until after cotton-picking is over, whether earlier or later. Then the ears are separated from the stalks, and deposited in the corncrib with the husks on; otherwise, stripped of the husks, the weevil would destroy it. The stalks are left standing in the field.
The fourth and final picking is generally completed in January. Then the corn harvest begins. Corn is considered a secondary crop and receives far less attention than cotton. As mentioned earlier, it is planted in February. In that region, corn is grown to fatten hogs and feed slaves. Very little, if any, is sent to market. It is a white variety, with very large ears. The stalks grow eight feet tall, and often reach ten feet. In August, the leaves are stripped off, dried in the sun, tied in small bundles, and stored as feed for the mules and oxen. After this, the slaves go through the field and turn the ears downward. This keeps rain from reaching the grain. The corn is left this way until cotton picking is over, whether early or late. Then the ears are removed from the stalks and stored in the corncrib with their husks on. Without the husks, weevils would destroy the corn. The stalks are left standing in the field.
The Carolina, or sweet potato, is also grown in that region to some extent. They are not fed, however, to hogs or cattle, and are considered but of small importance. They are preserved by placing them upon the surface of the ground, with a slight covering of earth or cornstalks. There is not a cellar on Bayou Bœuf. The ground is so low it would fill with water. Potatoes are worth from two to three "bits," or shillings a barrel; corn, except when there is an unusual scarcity, can be purchased at the same rate.
Carolina potatoes, or sweet potatoes, are also grown to some extent in that region. But they are not fed to hogs or cattle and are considered of little importance. They are stored on the ground under a thin covering of earth or cornstalks. There is not a cellar on Bayou Bœuf. The ground is so low that a cellar would fill with water. Potatoes cost two to three "bits," or shillings, a barrel. Corn can be bought at the same price, except when it is unusually scarce.
As soon as the cotton and corn crops are secured, the stalks are pulled up, thrown into piles and burned. The ploughs are started at the same time, throwing up the beds again, preparatory to another planting. The soil, in the parishes of Rapides and Avoyelles, and throughout the whole country, so far as my observation extended, is of exceeding richness and fertility. It is a kind of marl, of a brown or reddish color. It does not require those invigorating composts necessary to more barren lands, and on the same field the same crop is grown for many successive years.
As soon as the cotton and corn are harvested, the stalks are pulled up, piled, and burned. At the same time, plowing begins to raise the beds again for the next planting. The soil in the parishes of Rapides and Avoyelles was exceptionally rich and fertile. So was the soil throughout the whole country, as far as I could see. It is a kind of brown or reddish marl. It does not need the fertilizing compost required by poorer land, and the same crop is grown in the same field for many years in a row.
Ploughing, planting, picking cotton, gathering the corn, and pulling and burning stalks, occupies the whole of the four seasons of the year. Drawing and cutting wood, pressing cotton, fattening and killing hogs, are but incidental labors.
Plowing, planting, picking cotton, gathering corn, and pulling and burning stalks take up all four seasons of the year. Hauling and cutting wood, pressing cotton, and fattening and killing hogs are only occasional tasks.
In the month of September or October, the hogs are run out of the swamps by dogs, and confined in pens. On a cold morning, generally about New Year's day, they are slaughtered. Each carcass is cut into six parts, and piled one above the other in salt, upon large tables in the smoke-house. In this condition it remains a fortnight, when it is hung up, and a fire built, and continued more than half the time during the remainder of the year. This thorough smoking is necessary to prevent the bacon from becoming infested with worms. In so warm a climate it is difficult to preserve it, and very many times myself and my companions have received our weekly allowance of three pounds and a half, when it was full of these disgusting vermin.
In September or October, dogs drive the hogs out of the swamps, and the hogs are confined in pens. They are slaughtered on a cold morning, usually around New Year's Day. Each carcass is cut into six parts. The pieces are stacked in salt on large tables in the smokehouse. They remain there for two weeks, then are hung up. A fire is built and kept burning more than half the time for the rest of the year. This thorough smoking is necessary to keep the bacon from becoming infested with worms. In such a warm climate, the bacon is difficult to preserve. Many times, my companions and I received our weekly allowance of three and a half pounds full of these disgusting vermin.
Although the swamps are overrun with cattle, they are never made the source of profit, to any considerable extent. The planter cuts his mark upon the ear, or brands his initials upon the side, and turns them into the swamps, to roam unrestricted within their almost limitless confines. They are the Spanish breed, small and spike-horned. I have known of droves being taken from Bayou Bœuf, but it is of very rare occurrence. The value of the best cows is about five dollars each. Two quarts at one milking, would be considered an unusual large quantity. They furnish little tallow, and that of a soft, inferior quality. Notwithstanding the great number of cows that throng the swamps, the planters are indebted to the North for their cheese and butter, which is purchased in the New-Orleans market. Salted beef is not an article of food either in the great house, or in the cabin.
Although cattle crowd the swamps, they are never a significant source of profit. The planter cuts his mark into their ears or brands his initials on their sides. Then he turns them loose to roam freely through the almost boundless swamps. They are a small Spanish breed with pointed horns. I have known herds to be taken from Bayou Bœuf, but this happens very rarely. The best cows are worth about five dollars each. Two quarts of milk from one milking would be an unusually large amount. The cattle yield little tallow, and what they do yield is soft and of poor quality. Despite the great number of cows in the swamps, planters depend on the North for cheese and butter. They buy these in the New-Orleans market. Salted beef is not eaten in either the great house or the cabin.
Master Epps was accustomed to attend shooting matches for the purpose of obtaining what fresh beef he required. These sports occurred weekly at the neighboring village of Holmesville. Fat beeves are driven thither and shot at, a stipulated price being demanded for the privilege. The lucky marksman divides the flesh among his fellows, and in this manner the attending planters are supplied.
Master Epps usually attended shooting matches to get the fresh beef he needed. These matches took place every week in the nearby village of Holmesville. Fat cattle were driven there, and people paid a set price for a chance to shoot at them. The lucky marksman shared the meat with the others. In this way, the planters who attended got their beef.
The great number of tame and untamed cattle which swarm the woods and swamps of Bayou Bœuf, most probably suggested that appellation to the French, inasmuch as the term, translated, signifies the creek or river of the wild ox.
Large numbers of tame and wild cattle fill the woods and swamps of Bayou Bœuf. They most likely inspired the French to give it that name, since it means the creek or river of the wild ox.
Garden products, such as cabbages, turnips and the like, are cultivated for the use of the master and his family. They have greens and vegetables at all times and seasons of the year. "The grass withereth and the flower fadeth" before the desolating winds of autumn in the chill northern latitudes, but perpetual verdure overspreads the hot lowlands, and flowers bloom in the heart of winter, in the region of Bayou Bœuf.
Garden crops, such as cabbages, turnips, and similar vegetables, are grown for the master and his family. They have greens and vegetables at all times of the year. In the cold north, "the grass withers and the flower fades" before the destructive winds of autumn. But the hot lowlands of Bayou Bœuf stay green all year, and flowers bloom in the middle of winter.
There are no meadows appropriated to the cultivation of the grasses. The leaves of the corn supply a sufficiency of food for the laboring cattle, while the rest provide for themselves all the year in the ever-growing pasture.
No meadows are set aside for growing grass. Corn leaves provide enough food for the working cattle. The rest feed themselves year-round in the ever-growing pasture.
There are many other peculiarities of climate, habit, custom, and of the manner of living and laboring at the South, but the foregoing, it is supposed, will give the reader an insight and general idea of life on a cotton plantation in Louisiana. The mode of cultivating cane, and the process of sugar manufacturing, will be mentioned in another place.
There are many other distinctive features of the climate, habits, customs, and ways of living and working in the South. But I believe the foregoing gives the reader a general idea of life on a cotton plantation in Louisiana. I will discuss how cane is cultivated and sugar is manufactured elsewhere.