SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 101 



that from Jamaica is in England. From the method of ma- 

 nufacture, a richness of flavor adheres to them, which is sel- 

 dom found in the island rums ; and I am convinced, when 

 they are more known and noticed in these markets, they will 

 be more esteemed. It was at first with the greatest difficulty 

 the Americans could be induced to take the Demerary rum, 

 as they were so much prejudiced in favor of the Jamaica, but 

 at this time three-fourths of our rum is shipped to North Ame- 

 rica, and in preference. The liqueurs manufactured in the 

 French islands surpass, however, for delicacy of flavor, any 

 of our efibrts in distillery. The labors occasioned by the make 

 of sugar are the hardest and most unpleasant to which the 

 negroes are exposed : yet such toils would be laughed at by 

 the workmen of an English foundery. 



When a negro is purchased, and attached to any estate, 

 he acquires a right of settlement thereon. In sickness and 

 in health, in his young and old age, he is alike treated, 

 maintained, clothed, and lodged. Often have I contemplated 

 with inexpressible pleasure, a grey-headed negro and his wife, 

 sitting at the door of their cottage, fondly protecting and en- 

 joying ,|he active sports of their grand-children, while the 

 parents nave been engaged pursuing their respective occupa- 

 tions in the fields. All the old settled estates can boast of 

 having reared negroes of three and four generations ; but the 

 mass of cultivated lands having been populated within the little 



