1 882.] Barbados. 215 



Picturesque among the "Red-coats" is the uniform of native 

 East Indian troops, several companies of which are quartered 

 here. Turbans replace the cap or helmet, wide trowsers and leg- 

 gings the more civilized pantaloons. Of strong build and finely 

 formed, these troops certainly present the appearance of a foe 

 not to be despised. The policy of retaining men of totally dif- 

 ferent nationalities is one which, in case of emergencies, must be 

 productive of good results wherever applicable. 



Higher educational institutions are represented at Bridgetown 

 by Codington College. It is patronized by the sons of planters 

 and merchants, and has furnished a number of men of consider- 

 able local prominence. The building is beautifully situated 

 amidst tall palms and groves of flowering trees which only a 

 tropical sun can produce. 



Great interest is manifested by the inhabitants in religious 

 matters. The leading denomination is the Church of England, 

 but others are not wanting, notably the Wesleyan. Every 

 " parish " has one or more churches, and Sunday is observed 

 throughout with a rigor which would do justice to an old puritan- 

 ical settlement. As is found to be the case elsewhere, so here, 

 the colored population enters most zealously into the services. 



Consistent with the character of the economic features of the 

 island, is that of the settlers at the main port. Society in Barba- 

 dos does not present many classes. Planters and merchants lead 

 in wealth, while the government officials form a separate division 

 distinguished for education and wide experience. Growers of 

 produce are independent, and the complement is made up by 

 workmen and not a few idlers. It is a noticeable feature that on 

 the estates women are far better workers than men and are more 

 reliable. Although a man may have no objections to pulling a 

 heavy boat for several miles in a broiling sun for the compensa- 

 tion of but a few shillings, he would be indignant if requested to 

 work in a canefield at regular and perhaps higher wages. Many 

 of the colored women are tall, well-built, and they move through 

 the streets in a stately manner, certainly never in a hurry. This 

 effect is greatly enhanced by the long trains of their white or 

 light-colored dresses, with which they conscientiously sweep the 

 dusty streets. 



Interesting material for study on evolutional development may 

 be found in the growth of a small girl to the dignity of wearing 



