Describing the planting of corn, Bradford writes that squanto "told them except they got fish and set with it (in these old grounds) it would come to nothing." What does he mean? What would fish have to do with planting corn? How well did the seeds grow when planted in the colony?
In this passage, Bradford is recounting how Squanto, a Native American guide and interpreter, advised the colonists on the best way to plant corn. Squanto tells them that unless they also incorporate fish with their planting, their efforts would be in vain.
The idea behind Squanto's advice is that fish would act as a natural fertilizer for the corn. The Native Americans had a traditional planting technique called "Three Sisters," which involved planting corn, beans, and squash together. The fish would be buried alongside the corn, and as they decomposed, they would release nutrients into the soil, benefitting the growth of the corn.
By incorporating fish into the planting process, the colonists would have utilized a Native American agricultural technique that maximized the growth potential of the corn. It would have helped provide the necessary nutrients and moisture to support the growth and development of the corn plants.
Regarding the success of the corn seeds in the colony, Bradford mentions that they had a "fair season" and "made their plantations abundantly." This indicates that the corn seeds grew well and resulted in a successful harvest. The combination of Squanto's guidance and the favorable conditions likely contributed to the successful growth of the corn plants.