k_. If any have delayed their
planting until the middle of December they are given a last warning when
the stars forming _Bayatik_[131] appear.

[131] This is the same as _balatik_, page 62.

As soon as the land has been cleared a pole is placed in the center of
the field and is surrounded by a fence. This is known as _tagbinian_ and
seems to be erected in honor of the spirit Omayan, although by some it
is insisted that it is intended for his residence. The seed rice is
deposited inside the enclosure[132] and the men begin to prepare the
soil about it. This they do by thrusting sharpened sticks into the
ground, thus making holes an inch or two in depth. Taking rice from the
_tagbinian_ the women follow, dropping seeds into the holes.

[132] Maxey relates that at planting and harvest tune the Mandaya of
Cateel carry offerings to the _baliti_ trees and there offer it to
Diwata, in supplication or thanks for an abundant crop.

When the harvest time is near at hand the men repair the old granaries
or build new and then, when all is ready for the crop, an old man or
woman goes alone, in the middle of the night, to the fields and there
cuts a few stalks of the rice. Should this be neglected the crop is sure
to be small and will vanish quickly. This grain is not used as an
offering, nor are any gifts made to the spirits until the crop has been
harvested and the people are ready to eat of the new rice. At that time
a little of the recently harvested grain is placed on a dish, together
with other food and betel-nut, and is carried to the granary, where it
is presented to the spirit "in order that the granary may always be
full." When the grain is needed for use it is removed from the straw by
pounding it with wooden pestles, it is then placed in a wooden mortar
and is again pounded until the husks are loosened. This accomplished,
the grain is freed from chaff by tossing it in a winnower. If a greater
amount has been cleared than is needed it is stored in gourds or
water-proof baskets (Fig. 50). A month or two after the harvest a great
celebration is held, the principal features of which are a feast and
dance but no offerings are then made to the spirits.

FIG. 50. GOURD RICE HOLDER.

The small crop of sugar-cane is made into an alcoholic drink, which is
sometimes indulged in at meal time but is generally reserved for festive
occasions. The juice is boiled with a plant called _palba_, similar to
ginger, and is stored away i