SUGAR AND SUGAR MAKING. 83 
PREPARING FOR CROP. 
For a month or three weeks before the crop or grinding 
season commences, the sugar-house presents an animated 
scene. <A general overhauling of the whole concern is 
going on. ‘The cattle pump is drawing water from the 
river or large well, as the case may be, and it is being 
used plentifully everywhere; the engine and mill are 
being taken to pieces by the engineer (generally an 
American), and carefully examined, to see that no 
injury has been sustained during last crop. The kettles 
are being scrubbed out; the coolers tightened up and 
cleaned; the molasses tanks purified from the cock- 
roaches and rats that have met an untimely end in them; 
and the whole buildings, so far as practicable, are being 
whitewashed with lime. In short, the sugar house has 
been ina state of slow fermentation since last crop, and 
must be sweetened by plentiful doses of lime and water, to 
render it fit for new operations. This being effected, the 
engineer informs the overseer, or mayorél, that he is 
ready to commence grinding. . The mayordl, on his part, 
has examined the condition of the various cane fields, and 
made up his mind what field he will cut first. A day is 
appointed to commence grinding, probably the 10th to 
the 20th November. Until then a general lull takes 
place, and every one, from the “ mayoral” to the latest 
imported ‘ Bozal nigger,” enjoys himself according to his 
taste. ‘The negroes choose sleeping, dancing, or beating 
the “ gumbo,” and the white creoles gambling at monte, 
or attending the nearest ‘‘baile,” or ball. 
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