SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 



CHAPTER V. 



STATE OF FARMING IN DEMERARY CONDITION OF THE 



NEGRO PEASANTRY REFORMS SUGGESTED EXPEDIENCY 



OF THE SLAVE TRADE. 



I Had often occasion to repeat my visits to the hospitable 

 proprietor of the Reynestein estate, and took a pleasure in ex- 

 amining the condition of the peasantry, and the nature of the 

 agriculture. Previously to my leaving England, I had im- 

 bibed prejudices against the negroes, and believed them ha- 

 bitually embittered against their masters, and unfit to be 

 trusted a moment ; that a white man's life was always in 

 danger, and that it was necessary to make every house a sort 

 of fort, for the protection of its white inhabitants. But I 

 found that the guardians of security and property were the 

 negroes themselves. 



During one of my visits on the Reynestein estate, I v/as 

 astonished after dark by seeing several fires on different parts 

 of the estate: one before the dwelling, another at the wind- 

 mill, and a third between the poultry house, and sheep 

 pen ; which upon enquiry I learnt were made by the negro- 



