Then similar ridges are formed crosswise, with the hoe, making regular squares of two-feet-sides over the field.

By raising the soil, a clear space of six inches square is left at the bottom.

In this space the _plant_ is placed horizontally, and slightly covered with earth.

The ridges are left about it, for the purpose of conducting the rain to the roots, and also to retain the moisture.

When we came up to the large company, they paused a moment, and with a hearty salutation, which ran all along the line, bade us "good mornin'," and immediately resumed their labor.