These activities created large areas of new growth, especially certain types of berry bushes and other useful plants.
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The peoples of the Southeast altered the landscape significantly by girdling trees and by the controlled use of fire. Along the coast, heaps of discarded shells mark the sites of many ancient camps. Southeast tribes also fished in the rivers and the sea and gathered oysters, clams, mussels, and crabs. In late spring and early summer, after the first crops had been planted, men went on a shorter hunt. Many villages emptied somewhat during the winter months, when men took to the woods in search of game. state of Florida, the diet included turtles and alligators. The Indians hunted deer, elk, black bears, beavers, squirrels, rabbits, otters, raccoons, and turkeys. Wild game was abundant in most of the Southeast. Communally grown produce was given to chiefs for distribution to the needy and for use in ceremonies and festivals. Most fields belonged to individual households, though some tribes also cultivated communal fields. The major harvest time, in late summer and early fall, was a time of plenty during which most of the major ceremonies were celebrated. Some produce was available by midsummer, when a second planting was undertaken. The length of the growing season in the region allowed many fields to be planted twice each year. Southeast peoples enhanced the fertility of their agricultural fields by burning off any stalks or vines that remained from the previous harvest. Wild plant foods, including greens, berries, nuts, acorns, and sap, were acquired through gathering. Southeast Indians also raised sunflowers, which were processed for their oil, and tobacco. Some corn, beans, and squash were dried and stored for later use. Other varieties were pounded into hominy or cornmeal. Some varieties were baked or roasted on the cob, and some were boiled into succotash-a dish of stewed corn and beans. Southeast Indians grew several varieties of corn. The leading crop was corn, followed by beans and squash.
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LC-USZ62-31869)Įconomy of the Southeast was mostly agricultural.