The Hillsborough recorder., 1877-07-04
THE NEGRO AND THE BEAVER

Capt. John Stevenson, an energetic and
thrifty planter of Ihervillc parish, some
years ago retired from commercial husi-
ness and Invested his large capltalin
several very valuable plantations. These
investments have proved high productive,
and Capt Stevenson has become one Of
the most successful planters in Louisiana.
Among other plantations purchased by
him was the magnificent estate Of the late
w. II. Barrow, in West Feliciana, known
MS Greenwood The product of this PLAN
ta,ion, before the. was, was one thousand
hogsheads Of sugaran a thousand bales of
cotton, the estate embracing eight thous-
and acres Of fertile land. Capt. Stevenson
purchased this place in 1865 forfifty thous-
and dollars; but, engrossed in the cultiya-
tion Of his river plantations, he ehas heen
compelled tn rent The land to the negroes
for cultivation on the shares.
Disgusted at the small returns Of so
valuable q plantation lie lately made a
visit to Greenwood antl found the negroes
chiefly engaged III fishing and shooting,
and neglecting the cultivation, of the best
poitions Of the land. But in riding over
the grounds lie discovered that portion
thereof which, at the time of his rur-
cllase, was an uncultivable marsh, had
been thoroughly drained ana become sus-
tgl
evidence of enterprise aud industry OH tie
part Of the negroes, contrasting strongly
with their general neglect and Incidence
so apparent throughout the whole plan
tation. A thorough and expensive
drainage had been effected; several small
drains had been stopped up,a large and
substantial dam had been built across the
main creek and the water from various
inlets Il directed into one narrow channel
and conducted TO n lake which abounded
with fishand was perfectly clearand pure.
Who did this work % inquired Captain
Stevenson Of a little negro who, with
grinning enjoyment, was regarding the
Captains surprise and perplexity.
.Dem ar beevers,' replied the young
darkey. Dad shot one OF 'em yesterday
.what?' exclaimed Capt. Stevenson,
are there beavers here p *@ @T
sYes. sur, lots OF 'em; we lives on 'eni.
Dad aud Jim shoots 'em every week. hui
dey Is mighty sc:ry.' -.s n
Go aud send your dad here.'
The little negro hurried off and quickly
brought his dad, powerful, middIe-aged
negro, wearing tina; air ofeasy comfort
aud Indifference to all the cares of life
characteristic ~ all able bodied negroe,
who own n gun aud live near fish
stream. e .,#-~a -.-.....'
'Why Sam, Is Il true that there are thi,
work in the marsli".
Yes, Stree; dey Is Tremendous workers
but dey ,ieyours q great MANY fish, ai
And you precious lazy hounds do u,
work, anil do nt only deyour fish bu
kill the only workers on the plantation
Now, sir. / want you and all the othel
negroes OH this place 10 understand and
bear In mind that if you shoot any beavers
or interfere with them Ill driveyou of tile
place and have you jugged besides. Tel
this TO all the people
Captain Stevenson left Greenwood IL
better spirits and more confidence in th,
proper cultivation aud early redemption
from waste Of tlis splendid estate, having
witnessed the enterprise and industry OF
the beavers that occupied il with the ne
groes, and sing IN measure reconciled
TO tile indolcuceof their co-occupants.-
-. U. Democrdt.