the ancient practice of trashing ratoons i.e. stripping them of their outward leaves

Victorie forsook him for ever since he ransacked the maiden town of Magdenburg

Dombey, says the Major, with appropriate action, that is the hand of Joseph Bagstock: of plain old Joey B. . . . a rough and tough, and possibly an up-to-snuff, old vagabond.

Sleeping cars are occupied by priority passengers, and goods have taken the places of pleasure travellers, apart from additional services for war workers.