The next anxiety is to secure a lusty growth of plants in the seed beds, and to accomplish this, sticks known as _salogegey_, are stuck in each plot. The surface of such a stick has been pared so that shavings stand out on it in opposite directions, for such a decoration "is pleasing to the spirits;" while a piece of charcoal, placed in the notched end, compels the new leaves to turn the dark green of sturdy plants. The first seeds to be planted must always be sowed by the wife of the owner, "so that they will be fertile and yield a good crop." When a field has been constructed, or when the terraces are ready to receive the plants, a ceremony known as _Dalau_, [207] is held. The purpose of this is to secure the good will of the spirits in general, but more particularly to provide a dwelling place for the powerful being Kaiba-an, who guards the crops. A medium, accompanied by the family and any others who may be interested, goes to the field carrying a large bamboo pole, _bolo_ [208] branches, stalks of _lono [209] bakoñ_, and _saklak_. [210] The end of the bamboo is split open, and a _saloko_ [211] is constructed to which are attached the other leaves and stalks. The _saloko_ is then placed on the dividing ridge of the field, and all is ready for the ceremony, unless it is considered wise to also construct a small house (_baubauwi_). If the field is near the village, the latter is generally dispensed with, but if it is distant, the house is erected so that the spirit will accept it as its dwelling, while it is guarding the crop. It is further explained that the spirit then stays in the small house or _saloko_ instead of in the rice stalks, and so they are able to grow. A female pig is presented to the medium who, after reciting a proper _diam_ above it, stabs the animal and collects its blood. This is mixed with rice, and a part is at once deposited in the _saloko_, while the balance is placed on a head-axe, and is carried about the field. When the whole plot has been traversed, this rice and blood is scattered in all directions, while the spirits are besought to come and eat. A part of the company has meanwhile been cooking the flesh of the slain animal, but before any of it is served, a skirt (_kinomayan_) is spread at the foot of the _saloko_, and on it are placed dishes of oil and of cooked rice. After the meal has been eaten, the family gathers up the skirt and dishes, to return them to the village, but the other offerings remain. Rain, like all other things needed, is sent by Kadaklan or Kaboniyan. If it does not come as desired, or if the crop is not progressing favorably, a ceremony known as _Komon_ or _Ubaiya_ [212] is held. Each person of the village is assessed a _sopa_ of rice, a bundle of _palay_, or a small coin with which pigs, _basi_, and other things necessary, can be purchased.