The Use of Maize by Wisconsin Indians (Classic Reprint)

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Excerpt from The Use of Maize by Wisconsin IndiansAt all times and in all places maize was grown by the Indians in much the same way. The first necessary step in its culture was the clearing of the ground. Some spot was selected whose vegetable growth suggested great fertility of the soil. The undergrowth of bushes and small trees was cut down, and the large trees were girdled a few feet above the ground after being stripped of some of their branches. The ground was then. Burned over, the fire destroying the dry branches and bushes and even attacking the larger trees. Among the blackened tree trunks the maize was then planted in irregular rows three or four feet apart, the ground having first been broken up with primitive hoes. The seed was soaked in water for several days before planting, and nine or ten grains were placed in each hill. When the blades showed a few inches above the ground, they were hilled up. The weeds were removed once or twice during the season. Among some tribes a lookout was maintained, guarding against the depreda tions of birds and thieves. The planting and the general care of the crop were usually, although not invariably, entrusted to the women, who, we are told, worked in common in some instances, finishing the planting of one field before beginning another. Feasts were commonly given to the workers bv those whom they assisted.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully, any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.