:16:12
A thin layer of fertile soil now covers the plots.
:16:15
The first year sees an abundant harvest, but then the soil is exhausted.
:16:19
There's no nitrogen and it turns sterile.
:16:29
All the plots in Las Hurdes are thin bands...
:16:32
...beside a river.
:16:35
Winter storms can destroy the work of a whole year.
:16:43
A characteristic winding river in Las Hurdes...
:16:47
...with tiny plots beside it.
:16:53
With no money or domestic animals...
:16:56
....the Hurdanos have no fertiliser.
:16:58
They have to go up into the hills to look for it.
:17:02
That's what this family is doing.
:17:19
The way is hard and footwear is scarce.
:17:29
The best fertiliser is made by the Hurdanos themselves...
:17:33
...from the dry leaves of the strawberry tree.
:17:37
They fill their sacks with the precious leaves.
:17:46
But there are many snakes hereabouts.
:17:49
This villager was bitten a few days ago...
:17:53
...while collecting leaves.
:17:55
The bite itself is hardly ever mortal.
:17:57
But, by trying to cure themselves, the Hurdanos sometimes die.