“Dis is de las’ time I shucks corn at dis farm.”
“Dis is a cheap farm, cheap owner, an’ a cheap supper.”
“He’s talkin’ it, ain’t he?”
“Dis is de tuffest meat dat I is been called upon to eat fer many a day; you’s got to have teeth sharp as a saw to eat dis meat.”
“Spose you ain’t got no teef, den what you gwine to do?”
“Why, ef you ain’t got no teef you muss gum it!”
“Ha, ha, ha!” from the whole company, was heard.
On leaving the corn-shucking farm, each gang of men, headed by their leader, would sing during the entire journey home. Some few, however, having their dogs with them, would start on the trail of a coon, possum, or some other game, which might keep them out till nearly morning.
To the Christmas holidays, the slaves were greatly indebted for winter recreation; for long custom had given to them the whole week from Christmas day to the coming in of the New Year.
On “Poplar Farm,” the hands drew their share of clothing on Christmas day for the year. The clothing for both men and women was made up by women kept for general sewing and housework. One pair of pants, and two shirts, made the entire stock for a male field hand.