Assuming this is "Let George Do It!" by Della Johnson,
One will be able to infer that the time period is before the widespread use of technology, specifically farming technology. This is due to George being asked to help dig irrigation ditches, something that rarely happens in modern times.
The chant they often spoke allures to the year being 1865, agreeing with the earlier inference of it being a pre-technology time period.
“Float like a butterfly” is the ability to move around lightly and quickly on one's feet during a fight.
" It helps readers to better imagine the motionlessness of the moon in contrast to the movement of the dune grass." "
