Early settlers used a
method called scatter-seed
farming. They would toss
the seeds randomly into
the fields. But only about
half of them would grow.
This made it difficult to
harvest crops. Later they began planting seeds in rows.
This made the harvest easier.
In summer and fall, there were plenty of fresh foods to
eat. But this was not the case in winter. Women and older
girls pickled, dried, smoked, and salted foods to preserve
them for the cold months. Indigenous Peoples, such as the
Huron-Wendat, first taught settlers how to preserve meat.
They would cut the meat into strips and put it out in the
hot sun or smoke it over the fire to dry it out. This created
a type of jerky that could be stored for many months
without spoiling.
Framing Questions
What challenges did settlers in
British North America encounter
when trying to provide food
for their families? How did they
overcome these challenges?
21
