326

LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

pounds of stems, and that these are very rich in phosphate of lime and
potash y that when ground and mixed with ensilage or cotton-seed
meal (which is too rich for use as fodder in large quantities), the stem
mixture makes a superior food, rich in all the elements needed for
the production of milk, meat, and "bone. Heretofore the stems have
been considered a nuisance.

Complaint Is made that the planter remains grouty toward the

former slave, since the
war; will have no-
thing but a chill
business relation with
him, no sentiment
permitted to intrude;
will not keep a ' store*
himself, and supply
the negro's wants and
thus protect the ne-
gro's pocket and make
Trinn able and willing
to stay on the place and an advantage
to him to do it, but lets that privilege
to some thrifty Israelite, who encourages
the thoughtless negro and wife to buy
all sorts of things which they could do
without—buy on credit, at big prices,
month after month, credit based on the
negro's share of the growing crop; and
at the end of the season, the negro's
share belongs to the Israelite, the negro
is in debt besides, is discouraged, dis-
satisfied, restless, and both he and the planter are injured; for he
will take steamboat and migrate, and the planter must get a stranger
in his place who does not know him, does not care for him, will
Istfcen the Israelite a season, and follow his predecessor per steam-
boat.

It is hoped that the Calhoun Company will show, by its humane
aad protective treatment of its labourers, that its method is the most

THE BA.EKBBPBR,