The little girls were no better off than the boys; all were nearly in a state of nudity.{79} As to beds to sleep on, they were known to none of the field hands; nothing but a coarse blanket--not so good as those used in the north to cover horses--was given them, and this only to the men and women.

The children stuck themselves in holes and corners, about the quarters; often in the corner of the huge chimneys, with their feet in the ashes to keep them warm.

The want of beds, however, was not considered a very great privation.

Time to sleep was of far greater importance, for, when the day's work is done, most of the slaves have their washing, mending and cooking to do; and, having few or none of the ordinary facilities for doing such things, very many of their sleeping hours are consumed in necessary preparations for the duties of the coming day.
The sleeping apartments--if they may be called such--have little regard to comfort or decency.

Old and young, male and female, married and single, drop down upon the common clay floor, each covering up with his or her blanket,--the only protection they have from cold or exposure.
The night, however, is shortened at both ends.