Men were sometimes placed in “bucks”, which meant they were laid across blocks with their hands and feet securely tied.  An iron bar was run between the blocks to prevent any movement; then, after being stripped, they were whipped.  Della said that she knew of but one case of this type of punishment being administered a Ross slave.  Sickness was negligible—­childbirth being practically the only form of a Negro woman’s “coming down”.

As a precaution against disease, a tonic was given each slave every spring.  Three were also, every spring, taken from the field each day until every one had been given a dose of calomel and salts.  Mr. Ross once bought two slaves who became ill with smallpox soon after their arrival.  They were isolated in a small house located in the center of a field, while one other slave was sent there to nurse them.  All three were burned to death when their hut was destroyed by fire.

In case of death, even on a neighboring place, all work was suspended until the dead was buried.

Sunday, the only day of rest, was often spent in attending religious services, and because these were irregularly held, brush arbor meetings were common.  This arbor was constructed of a brush roof supported by posts and crude joists.  The seats were usually made of small saplings nailed to short stumps.

Religion was greatly stressed and every child was christened shortly after its birth.  An adult who desired to join the church went first to the master to obtain his permission.  He was then sent to the home of a minister who lived a short distance away at a place called Flat Rock.  Here, his confession was made and, at the next regular service, he was formally received into the church.

Courtships were brief.

The “old man”, who was past the age for work and only had to watch what went on at the quarters, was usually the first to notice a budding friendship, which he reported to the master.  The couple was then questioned and, if they consented, were married without the benefit of clergy.

Food was distributed on Monday night, and for each adult slave the following staple products were allowed—­

Weekly ration:                 On Sunday: 
3-1/2 lbs. meat               One qt. syrup
1 pk. of meal                 One gal. flour
1 gal. shorts                 One cup lard

Vegetables, milk, etc., could be obtained at the “big house”, but fresh meat and chickens were never given.  The desire for these delicacies often overcame the slaves’ better natures, and some frequently went night foraging for small shoats and chickens.

The “old man” kept account of the increase or decrease in live stock and poultry and reported anything missing each day.  When suspicion fell on a visitor of the previous night, this information was given to his master, who then searched the accused’s dinner pail and cabin.  If meat was found in either the culprit was turned over to his accuser for punishment.  After being whipped, he was forbidden for three months to visit the plantation where he had committed the theft.