Shrewdness was even more necessary to circumvent other tricks of the trade, especially that of fattening up, shaving and oiling the skins of adult slaves to pass them off as youthful.

The ages most desired in purchasing were between fifteen and twenty-five years.

If these were not to be had well grown children were preferable to the middle-aged, since they were much less apt to die in the "seasoning," they would learn English readily, and their service would increase instead of decreasing after the lapse of the first few years.
The conversion of new negroes into plantation laborers, a process called "breaking in," required always a mingling of delicacy and firmness.

Some planters distributed their new purchases among the seasoned households, thus delegating the task largely to the veteran slaves.

Others housed and tended them separately under the charge of a select staff of nurses and guardians and with frequent inspection from headquarters.