WONDERS OF THE DEEP 39 



natives is very fine, particularly that of the men. 

 The natives— the term " negro " applied to the black 

 people of the West Indies is strongly resented by 

 them — are exceedingly industrious. Early dawn will 

 find them hard at work in their fields, where 

 they will labour steadily during the whole of the 

 day. They are extremely fond of endearing ex- 

 pressions. For instance, no black woman will wish 

 anyone "Good morning" without attaching the 

 words " my dear." Another interesting character- 

 istic of the natives is their fondness for singing. 

 It does not matter what work they may be en- 

 gaged in, one or more of them will be singing 

 away right heartily. Sometimes a ditty is impro- 

 vised by one of the workers, the alternate lines 

 being sung by the others, with a swinging rhythmic 

 chorus at the end. It has been said that they 

 have wonderfully true ears, and are very fond 

 of harmony. The sound of the choruses at a 

 little distance has a most charming effect. 



