In the arroyos and barrancas, where the condition of the land makes ploughing impossible, the Indians use the ancient mode of agriculture, still in vogue among remote natives of Mexico and called _coamillar_.

They cut down the trees, clear a piece of land from brushwood, and leave it in this condition until just before the wet season sets in.

Then they burn the wood, which by that time is well dried up, and plant the corn in the ashes.

They simply make a hole in the earth with a stick, drop a few grains of corn into it, and close it up with the foot.

Of the usual number of grains I am not aware.