The book is divided into three sections&colon; "The Darky", "The Wench" and "The Negress". Artist Ralph Hotere responded to Holmes' "cheeky darky" comment with a series of artworks. The "old darky" or "old uncle" formed the head of the idyllic black family. Alternatively, the master could die, leaving the old darky to mourn. DARKY LIFE IN THE CORNFIELD, CANEBRAKE, BARNYARD, AND ON THE LEVEE AND FLATBOAT.