“What is the use of that?”
“The búsaos[2] who cause sickness do not like clean places and stay away from them.”
“I never heard of that.”
“Ask the people who have tried keeping their yards clean, and they will tell you that it is true.”
“Well, what else?”
“As long as you have to keep your yard clean you might as well plant something useful in it, so that you will get a good return for your labour.”
“That is a good idea. Is there anything more?”
“Yes. You must take up a piece of the beautiful prairie land near town, build a fence around it to keep out the wild hogs and deer, and plant it with rice, camotes or something else that will give your family plenty of food and if possible leave a surplus to sell, so that you can buy better clothes with the money you make.”
“But I cannot break this thick prairie sod.”
“The ground will be ploughed for you the first time. After that you must look after it yourself.”