148 



MAHOGANY 



companies of negroes as woodmen^ in the ma- 

 hogany forests. The best informed of the 

 number is called the huntsman; and it is his 

 business to search for trees. In the month of 

 August, he is despatched into the woods, where, 

 piercing through the thickest parts, he ascends 

 some lofty tree, and surveys the surrounding 

 forest. He discerns the mahogany trees by 

 their now reddish or mahogany hue, and, de- 

 scending, directs his companions to the spot. 



The operation of felling, topping, and 

 carrying, I apprehend, we understand and 

 practise much better than do those poor ne- 

 groes ; and, when we come to hear of the work 

 in our woods, which Mr. Burton has kindly 

 undertaken to speak of, we shall know what 

 are the best and most usual methods employ- 

 ed. They float the mahogany trees in rafts to 

 the sea-side, for conveyance to Europe. 



