INTRODUCTION. 13 



perhaps are the obligations of marriage less binding, since a 

 husband and wife very commonly, and too often, by tacit con- 

 sent, live unblushingly in adulterous intercourse. I need not 

 point out the pernicious consequences which such want of prin- 

 ciples must necessarily involve. Whenever domestic associations 

 are not framed on a Christian basis, society is sapped to its very 

 foundations ; strife and hatred ensue, children are disowned and 

 abandoned, industry and economy are out of the question, whilst 

 ignorance, vice, and poverty are the inevitable results. 



The African is exceedingly — indeed blindly — attached to his 

 offspring; and yet he cannot be said to be a good parent, 

 inasmuch as he is governed by mere caprice — at times indulging 

 and spoiling his child beyond all measure, or, in rage approaching 

 madness, punishing him with the most savage brutality. Should 

 any interference take place, he objects that his child is his own, 

 and he can do with him as he pleases. He is withal exceedingly 

 jealous of his paternal authority, and, of course, feels highly 

 offended should his child be chastised, or even reprimanded, by 

 those who have the authority to do so. Negro children are, as a 

 consequence, self-willed, impudent, and most disobedient. As 

 soon as a youth or this class is able to provide for his own wants, 

 he generally abandons the paternal home, considering himself 

 free from all filial obligations. I must acknowledge, however, 

 that there is of late years a marked improvement in these respects, 

 the relations of children and parents being more cordial. The 

 latter are evidently more anxious about the education of their 

 children, and more cautious in their treatment of them ; the 

 former, on the other hand, are more ready to please and assist 

 their parents. This is mostly apparent in the families of small 

 cottagers who attend to their religious duties. 



There is another salient defect in the emancipated class, and 

 which became particularly manifest during the prevalence of 

 cholera. Though very punctilious on the score of respectability, 

 the negro is nevertheless exceedingly indolent, and the moment 

 he can rely on the aid of others, will not even endeavour to exert 

 himself. This is to a certain extent common to all Creoles. A 

 strong inclination also exists on the part of the negro to consider 

 all acts of benevolence exercised towards him as his due, and not 

 in the light of a favour. I have known individuals of this class 

 who, during the cholera epidemic of 1852, with their small 

 apartments prettily furnished, or receiving abundant aid from 

 their employers, would yet regularly apply for their meals at the 

 charitable soup kitchens established for the relief of the destitute ; 

 not that they really required them, but only because they " would 

 have their share " Nor did persons of the same class blush to 

 say, " Since one must die a day, he better die now, as there is 



