149 



In a variety of ways — walked or paddled 

 along like a dog — concealed himfelf for a 

 long time under water — laid himfelf at reft 

 upon its furface, and appeared as much at his 

 eafe, in the ocean, as if he had never breathed 

 a lighter, nor trodden a firmer element. 



This expertnefs is much derived from an 

 early habit of bathing, or, as it might be 

 termed, exercifing in the water ; and it renders 

 the negroes peculiarly ufeful in moments of 

 dift'refs, fuch as in cafes of accident at fea, or 

 in the harbour. Let them have a boat, or a 

 canoe, and it is almoft impoffible they can be 

 drowned. Even if they are upfet, and the 

 boat turned keel upwards, they rife at her 

 fides, and there continue to fwim and paddle 

 until they again right her, then bailing out the 

 water refume their feats and proceed as if no- 

 thing had happened. 



A fenfe of cleanlinefs attaches to their love 

 of the water, for we not only fee them often 

 in the fea, but frequently alfo wafhmg them- 

 felves in the rivulets. It feems to form one 

 of their favorite amufements to ftand in the 

 fea, or river, and to take up water in both hands 



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