To this work they paid strict attention, and, after the fashion of their race, did it very well and very efficiently.

They were an extremely competent body whenever they made up their minds to do anything; but they liked the life and habits of Squire Western, and saw no reason for adopting any others until it was necessary.
There were, of course, vast differences in the condition of the planters.

Some counted their acres by thousands and their slaves by hundreds, while others scrambled along as best they might with one plantation and a few score of negroes.

Some dwelt in very handsome houses, picturesque and beautiful, like Gunston Hall or Stratford, or in vast, tasteless, and extravagant piles like Rosewell.

Others were contented with very modest houses, consisting of one story with a gabled roof, and flanked by two massive chimneys.