70 RuTA Baga culture. [Part I. 



But, the fact is, that unless great pains betaken, there 

 will be many cavities in the hole where the tree is 

 planted ; anrl, in whatever places the earth does not 

 closely touch the root, the root will mould, become can- 

 kered, and will lead to the producing of a poor tree. 



85. When I began transplanting in fields in Eng- 

 land, I had infinite difficulty in malcing my planters 

 attend to the directions, which I have here given. " The 

 point of the stick to the point of the root!'" was my 

 constant cry. As I could not be much with my work- 

 people, I used, in order to try whether they had planted 

 properly, to go after them, and now-and-then take 

 the tip of a leaf between my finger and thumb. If the 

 plant resisted the pull, so as for the bit of leaf to come 

 away, I was sure that the plant was \se\\ fixed ; but, 

 if the pull brought up the plant out of the ground ; then 

 I was sure, that the planting was not well done. After 

 the first field or two, I had no trouble. M}' work was as 

 well done, as if the whole had been done by myself. 

 ]Mv planting was done chiefly by young ivomen, each 

 of whom would plant half an acre a day, and their pay 

 was ten-pe7ice sterling a day. What a, shame, then, for 

 any man to shrhik at the trouble and labour of sucli a 

 matter ! Nor, let it be imagined, that these young wo- 

 men were poor, miserable, ragged, squalid creatures. 

 Thev were just the contrary-. On a Sunday they ap- 

 peared in their uhite dresses, and witli silk umbrellas 

 over their heads. Their constant labour afforded the 

 means of dressing well, their early rising and exercise 

 gave them health, their habitual cleanliness and neat- 

 ness, for which the women of the South of England are 

 so justly famed, served to aid in the completing of their 

 appearance, which Mas that of fine rosy-cheeked coun- 

 try-girls, fit to bo the helpmates, and not the burdens, 

 of their future husbands. 



8(j. Bat, at any rate, v.hat can be said for a man that 

 thinks too much of such a piece of labour ! The earth 

 is always grateful ; but it must and will have something 

 to be grateful for. As far as my little experience has 

 enabled me to speak, I find no want of willingness to 

 learn in any of the American workmen. Ours, in Eng- 

 land, are apt to be very obstinate, especially if get- 



