zcz 



The Hiflory of B o o k II. 



that familiarity 3 but if they be chaftiz'd with moderation 

 when they have done amifs, they become better, morefubmif- 

 five, and more compliant, nay will commend and think the bet- 

 ter of their Mafters : But on the other fide, if they be treated 

 with exceffive feverity, they will run away, and get into the 

 Mountains and Forefts, where they live like fo many Beafts 5 

 then they are call'd Marons^ that is to fay. Savages: or haply 

 they will grow fo defperate as to be their own Executioners. 

 It is therefore requifite , that in the conduct of them there 

 mould be a mean obferv'd between extream feverity and too 

 much indulgence, by thofe who would keep them in awe, and 

 make the beft advantage of them. 



They are pairionate Lovers one of another 5 and though 

 they are born indifferent Countries, and fometimes, when at 

 home. Enemies one to another, yet when occafion requires 

 they mutually fupport and affift one another , as if they were 

 all Brethren : And when their Mafters give them the liberty to 

 recreate themfelves, they reciprocally vilit one the ot'ier, and 

 pafsaway whole nights in playing, dancing, and other paftimes 

 and divertifments , nay, fometimes they have fome Httle Enter- 

 tainments, every one (paring what he can to contribute to the 

 common repaft. 



They are great Lovers of Mufick, and much pleas'd with 

 fuch Inftruments as make a certain delightful noife, and a kind 

 of harmony, which they accompany with their voices. They 

 had heretofore in the Ifland of S.Chrzjlophers 2l certain Ren- 

 dezvouz in the midft of the Woods, where they met on Sun- 

 days and Holidays after Divine Service, to give fome relaxati- 

 on to their wearied bodies: There they fometimes fpent the 

 remainder of that day,and the night following, in dancing and 

 pleafant difcourfes, without any prejudice to the ordinary la- 

 bours impos'd upon them by their Mafters : nay, it was com- 

 monly obferv'd,that after they had To diverted themfelves, they 

 went through their work with greater courage and chearful- 

 nefs, without exprefling any wearinefs , and did all things bet- 

 ter than if they had refted all night long in their huts. But it 

 being found, that the better to enjoy themfelves in thefe pub- 

 lick Meetings, they many times ftole the Poultry and Fruits of 

 their Neighbours, and fometimes thofe of their Mafters, the 

 French General thought fit to forbid thefe nocturnal allem- 

 blies : So that now if they are defirous to divert themfelves, 

 they are en joy n'd to do it within their own Neighbourhoods, 

 with the permiffion of their Mafters, who are willing enough 

 to allow them convenient liberty. 



As to the Advantages accrewing from the labours of thefe 

 Slaves, he who is Mafter of a dozen of them may be account- 

 ed a rich man : For befides that thefe are the People who cul- 

 tivate the ground in order to its production of all necelTary 



provifions 



