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186 MALEKULA
to the level of the cavity in the side, the planter takes the Old
yam tuber (nï¬Åwal gomh) from which the new plant is to grow
and places it in the cavity in such a way that one end rests
almost touching the erect piece of wild cane (see Fig. 6). The
-hole is then completely ï¬Ålled up with the ï¬Åne, crumbled soil
which has been specially prepared, and any soil which remains
over is heaped in a low mound on top. By the time this work
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Fm. 5‘ Diagram showing method used in planting yams.
of planting is ï¬Ånished, the digger will be ready for his partner’s
help at the next hole. And so they continue, one digging and
one planting, until all the tubers are in. The heaviest part of
the gardening work is now over. The men return to the village
and the owner recompenses them for their labour by giving them
a small feast.
The yams are not, however, left to grow according -to chance.
J