132 



WASTE OF LABOR, 



prise : and as yet there has been no apostle of a better 

 system to stir them up. 



" The plough is still comparatively rare in this island, 

 By the cultivators of corn and provisions it is never used, 

 while it is universal in America. Were the labor on our 

 magnificent soils managed by as wise a community, the 

 increase in the value of our land would be astonishing- 

 Our land is so cheap and valueless, only because we have 

 not a system of general cultivation to turn it to profitable 

 account. Following our system, America would be poor as 

 we are. In their northern states the land is poor and cold, 

 and yields in most cases little surplus beyond a living, even 

 after the exertion of such labor, directed by skill and well- 

 made instruments. But consider our soil. See what an 

 ignorant mountain-cultivator can extract from a single acre. 

 Seldom, indeed, is it that much is cultivated by a J amaica 

 peasant to supply his family's wants. The abundant and 

 varied products of the soil enable him to live in comfort 

 even with so small a modicum of exertion. Were any man 

 to work his ten hours a day, and be aided by suitable im- 

 plements for economizing labor, and better information, 

 how easily could he achieve for himself comfort and inde- 

 pendence." 



During the past summer public meetings have been held, 

 and a vast deal of discussion has taken place in the journals 

 of the island about the scarcity of labor, with a view of 

 supporting the statements made by Mr. Stanley, in behalf 

 of a more liberal protective tariff, and also to induce 

 Parliament to lend its aid to the encouragement of 



