The local population , of old , had already settled in this area .
Were able to produce a variety of crops ( including tree fruits ) , using hand - dug drains running from the river into the land until reaching the back swamps .
The local population , of old , had already settled in this area and were able to produce a variety of crops ( including tree fruits ) , using hand - dug drains running from the river into the land until reaching the back swamps .