BOOK If. CHAP. IX. 2,9 



The progrels therefore of this parilh, for the tune, exceeds that 

 of any other in the iflaiid ; and at prefeut it takes the lead of aljj 

 the annual produce of fugar being at leafl: twelve or fourteen thou- 

 fand hogfheads. 



The hills in general near the coaft, and to feme diftance from 

 it, are rocky, but l)ear good provifions. The canes are planted in 

 the glades and richer patches, and yield a very excellent fugar. 

 This, being the mofl: Northern part of the ifland, and full of riling 

 grounds, enjoys an healthy air, and promiies long life to the inte- 

 rior fettlers, who increafe very faft. The flowed: progrefs leems to 

 be made in the Eallern and Southern divifions, which are over- 

 fpread with ranges of mountain, requiring nothing but good roads 

 to promote their fettlement. On this fubje£l I m^ay be thought, 

 perhaps, to have expatiated fufficiently. I (hall only further ob- 

 lerve, that, nature having in this and other parts of the ifland 

 walled-in many of the richefl: fpots in the world, it remains for 

 the legiflature to make them acceflible, by opening a paliage for 

 thofe induflrious fubjeds who are willing to labour the foil, if they 

 were but as able to get at it ; and in no part of the ifland will fuch 

 afllfl:ance turn more beneficially to the public account than in this 

 parifh. 



In the town is a cufl:om-houfe, under tlie diredion of a collector 

 and comptroller, deputy naval-officer, receiver-general, and fecre- 

 tary. The re£lor's ftipend is 200 1. per annum; but, confidering 

 the extent and populoufnefs of the parifli, his income cannot be 

 eftimated at lefs than 700/. A printing-prefs has lately been fet 

 up here, furnifhed with a very beautiful type, and gives birth to a 

 Aveekly paper of intelligence. There feems a ftruggle between 

 this town and Savannah la Mar for the afcendency, Ibmewhat fi- 

 milar to what has happened between Spanifli Town and Kingfton ; 

 but t!ie oftenfible object of difpute is ditterent. Savannah la Mar 

 having declined in proportion as Montego Town has increafed, the 

 latter, being far more populous, and more thriving in its trade, be- 

 came defirous of having the aflize-court alternately held. This 

 perhaps was confidered, by t'he partizans of the elder lifter, as a 

 firft rtep towards removing the leat of jufHce, and transferring it 

 wholly to Montego Bay. It was oppoled with great warmtli ; and 



F f 2 the 



