70 RAMBLESOF 



easily manageable skiff, I was always independent 

 of the service of the blacks, which was ever repug- 

 nant to my feelings and principles. I could convey 

 myself in whatever direction objects of inquiry might 

 present, and as my little bark was visible for a mile 

 in either direction from the house, a handkerchief 

 waved, or the loud shout of a negro, was sufficient to 

 recall me, in case my services were required. 



During the spring months, and while the garden 

 vegetables are yet too young to need a great deal of 

 attention, the proprietors frequently employ their 

 blacks in hauling the seine; and this in these creeks 

 is productive of an ample supply of yellow perch, 

 which affords a very valuable addition to the diet of 

 all. The blacks in an especial manner profit by this 

 period of plenty, since they are permitted to eat of 

 them without restraint, which cannot be said of any 

 other sort of provision allowed them. Even the pigs 

 and crows obtain their share of the abundance, as 

 the fishermen, after picking out the best fish, throw 

 the smaller ones on the beach. But as the summer 

 months approach, the aquatic grass begins to grow, 

 and this fishing can no longer be continued, because 

 the grass rolls the seine up in a wisp, so that it can 

 contain nothing. At this time the spawning season 

 of the different species of sun-fish begins, and to me 

 this was a time of much gratification. Along the 

 edge of the river, where the depth of water was not 

 greater than from four feet to as shallow as twelve 

 inches, an observer would discover a succession of 

 circular spots cleared of the surrounding grass, and 



