Methods of Culture in the South. 141 



" lark," not a few to steal, and some with the basest purposes. Walking 

 continually back and forth through the fields, therefore, are two duly 

 authorized constables, and their presence only prevents a great deal of 

 crime. Moreover, according to Virginian law, every landholder has the 

 right to arrest thieves and trespassers. Up to the time of our visit, five 

 persons had been arrested, and the fact that they were all white does not 

 speak very well for our color. The law of the State requires that they 

 shall be punished by so many lashes, according to the gravity of the offense, 

 and by imprisonment. The whipping-post is one of the institutions, and 

 man or woman, white or black, against whom the crime of stealing is 

 proved, is stripped to the waist and lashed upon the bare back. Such 

 ignominious punishment may prevent theft, but it must tend to destroy 

 every vestige of self-respect and pride in criminals, and render them hope 

 lessly reckless. Therefore, it should cease at once. 



It must be admitted, however, that very little lawlessness was apparent. 

 In no instance have I received a rude word while traveling in the South, 

 while, on the other hand, the courtesy and kindness were almost unstinted. 



The negroes about Norfolk certainly do not wear an intimidated or 

 " bull-dozed " air. 



" Git off my row, dar, or I '11 bust yo' head open," shouted a tall, 

 strapping colored girl to a white man, and he got off her row with alacrity. 



Mr. Young says that the negro laborers are easily managed, and will 

 endure a great deal of severity if you deal " squarely " with them ; but if 

 you wrong them out of even five cents, they will never forget it. What 's 

 more, every citizen of " Blackville " will be informed of the fact, for what 

 one knows they all seem to know very soon. 



We were not long in learning to regard the strawberry farm as a little 

 world within itself. It would be difficult to make the reader understand 

 its life and " go " at certain hours of the day. Scores are coming and 

 going ; hundreds dot the fields ; carts piled up with crates are moving 

 hither and thither. At the same time, the regular toil of cultivation is 

 maintained. Back and forth between the young plants mules are drawing 

 cultivators, and following these come a score or two women with light, 

 sharp hoes. From the great crate manufactory is heard the whir of 

 machinery and the click of hammers ; at intervals the smithy sends forth 

 its metallic voice, while from one center of toil and interest to another the 

 proprietor whisks in his open buggy at a speed that often seems perilous. 



After all, Mr. Young's most efficient aid in his business was his father 

 (recently deceased). It gave me pleasure to note the frequency and 

 deference with which the senior's judgment was consulted, and I also- 



