222 FIELD NOTES IN SEED TIME. 



down, into the loose tissue of the threads, as root- 

 lets sink into the soft earth, until they reached the 

 embryo sac. There a miracle was performed that 

 changed the ovule into a kernel, exquisitely fin- 

 ished as we see it now. 



The associations of husking festivals and apple 

 bees are pleasantly related ; voluntary, gratuitous 

 aid is offered by neighbors, chiefly among the 

 younger members, for the sake of fun, and to 

 gratify the sociable nature. Yes, it is interesting 

 to consider from what different sources have sprung 

 the myths, customs and traditions in each of these 

 gatherings. Ah, the old-time huskings ! On the 

 fork handle, suspended from the mow, is the lan- 

 tern, shedding its light on the row of hard-handed 

 and brown-faced beaux and maidens with lips and 

 cheeks aglow, like the ears of ruby maize. Mid 

 laughter, song, story and the rejoicing at the 

 finding of a " red ear ; " mid the rustling husks, 

 cracking knobs, and the sound of that plenteous 

 outpouring from the ashen cornucopia into the 

 rack or on the drying floor, the large heap melts 

 away like snow wreaths before the sun. Mean- 

 while the supper of corn-bread and beans is pre- 

 pared, and thither the farmer leads his Arcadian 

 retinue, who attack the good things with a cheer 



