DIGNITY OF AGRICULTURAL LABOUR. 489 



The reluctance evinced by all classes to field occupations, 

 has its origin in a deep-rooted prejudice, the offspring of slavery. 

 Rural occupations are generally deemed a loss of caste in plodding 

 labourers, and are considered as the special province of the igno- 

 rant. The command of God is, " In the sweat of thy face shalt 

 thou eat bread," but slavery had made the command of God a 

 prescription of man ; and the slave, obliged to toil for the benefit 

 of his master, viewed the obligation of working as a curse, whilst 

 the master regarded the occupations of a slave (except in an in- 

 terested light) as unworthy of his attention. It is, to all, clear and 

 evident that, whilst we are loudly demanding an increase of field- 

 labour, there is a glut of tradesmen and petty shopkeepers in 

 the island. An agricultural school would have the effect of en- 

 nobling rural pursuits, and of raising agricultural occupations in 

 the estimation of the community. This is the reason that the 

 strictest obligations should characterise the training and service of 

 the pupils, as also a high salary be paid to the director of the farm 

 the former to insure the stability and promote the final objects 

 of the establishment, the latter, to secure the services of a re- 

 spectable and competent individual. 



The pupils should be boarded by the director, on an adequate 

 allowance being made for the necessary expenditure. 



In conclusion, I suggest that the growth of fruit-trees, ground- 

 provisions, and the more delicate vegetables those of Europe 

 included should be encouraged. In aid of this design, better 

 methods of culture could be easily and successfully substituted 

 for the present routine, and superior agricultural implements be 

 made to supersede the hoe and cutlass. Plantains, manioc, Indian 

 corn even tanias, yams, and potatoes, might be cultivated with 

 the plough and the cultivator. Let the example be exhibited on 

 the model farms, and many of the middle class will be, at once 

 satisfied to cultivate their own lands, and thus secure an honour- 

 able subsistence to their families ; whilst a cheap and abundant 

 supply of wholesome provisions, could be regularly furnished to 

 our markets. The white man will, himself, prepare his field with 

 the plough and harrow, and drive the cultivator through his 

 plantain walks or young manioc rows ; the coloured man, by 

 improving his condition, will rise in the social scale, and those 

 baneful prejudices the greatest obstacle to the prosperity of this 



