Each cabin was about fourteen feet square, containing but one room, and
was covered with oak boards, three feet in length, split out of logs by
hand. These boards were not nailed on, but held in their places by what
were termed weight-poles laid across them at right angles. There were
in each room two windows, a door and a large, rude fire-place. The door
and window frames, or facings, were held in their places by wooden pins,
nails being used only in putting the doors together. The interior of the
cabins had nothing more attractive than the outside--there was no
plastering and only a dirt floor. The furniture consisted of one bed, a
plain board table and some benches made by the slaves themselves.
Sometimes a cabin was occupied by two or more families, in which case
the number of beds was increased proportionately. For light a grease
lamp was used, which was made of iron, bowl shaped, by a blacksmith. The
bowl was filled with grease and a rag or wick placed in it, one end
resting on the edge for lighting. These lamps gave a good light, and
were in general use among the slaves. Tallow candles were a luxury,
never seen except in the "great houses" of the planters. The only light
for outdoors used by the slaves was a torch made by binding together a
bundle of small sticks or splinters.

* * * * *

COTTON RAISING.

After the selection of the soil most suitable for cotton, the
preparation of it was of vital importance. The land was deeply plowed,
long enough before the time for planting to allow the spring rains to
settle it. Then it was thrown into beds or ridges by turning furrows
both ways toward a given center. The seed was planted at the rate of one
hundred pounds per acre. The plant made its appearance in about ten days