17 HO m 



PREFACE. 



In the following pages the author has endeavored to ex- 

 plain the causes of the stricken and prostrate condition of 

 one of the most delightful, and formerly, one of the most 

 productive islands in the world, and to indicate the pro- 

 cesses by which, in his judgment, the laws of nature and 

 of trade are providing for the ultimate restoration of its 

 ancient prosperity and wealth. They embrace the sub- 

 stance of observations made during a recent excursion to 

 Jamaica, which, it is proper for him to say, was under- 

 taken merely for recreation, and with no thought of 

 troubling the public about it, except perhaps, by an 

 occasional letter to the public journal with which he is 

 professionally connected. During his absence he found 

 occasion to address several communications respecting 

 Jamaican affairs, to the readers of the Evening Post, 



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