SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERAK.Y, &C. 4?1 



Tliere are no taverns, or iodging-liouses, wlierefore a mer- 

 chant's house is more Jike an inn than any thing else.— - 

 People coming from Englant^ generally brinrg letters of intro- 

 duction which are always attended to, and secure to the 

 beajers a hospitable reception — a knife and fork is laid for 

 them>, and a hammock prepared, which they occupy as long 

 as suits their convenience. Planters residing in the country, 

 always put up at the merchant's house with whom they da 

 business. 



The way of living differs materially from that of England, 

 The general hour for rising is six, far the pleasantest part of 

 the day, by which time cojffee, and often chocolate, is pre- 

 pared. Breakfast is delayed until ten, which is in fact more 

 like a dinner, from the introduction of animal food, wine 

 and water, and sometimes fruiit. By four in the afternoon all 

 business is over for the day. Five is^ the hour of the prin- 

 cipal meal, which is served up by a profusion of attendants^: 

 Madeira and Claret are the wines most in request. In the 

 houses there are no bells; every gentleman carries in his pocket 

 an ivory whistle, which when used assembles the servants. The 

 evening is generally passed at the coffee-house, which is si- 

 tuated near the American stelling, and denominated the Ex- 

 change, from its being so much frequented by the young mer- 

 chants as a lounge. Here the news of the day, the list of ar- 

 rivals and importations, the prices of produce and the departure 



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