They had to be in trim for showing themselves to the public for sale.

Every one's head had to be combed, and their faces washed, and those who were inclined to look dark and rough, were compelled to wash in greasy dish water, in order to make them look slick and lively.
When spectators would come in the yard, the slaves were ordered out to form a line.

They were made to stand up straight, and look as sprightly as they could; and when they were asked a question, they had to answer it as promptly as they could, and try to induce the spectators to buy them.

If they failed to do this, they were severely paddled after the spectators were gone.

The object for using the paddle in the place of a lash was, to conceal the marks which would be made by the flogging.