SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEMERARY, &C. 1 1 1 



The planter, when he purchases negroes out of a cargo, is 

 very careful in what is called the seasoning; they require 

 nearly as much attention as children. Before they are put 

 on to an estate, they have a pair of trowsers, a shirt, jacket, 

 and hat given them ; and it is really laughable to see the gro- 

 tesque appearance they make when dressed up in their new 

 cloaths. They aifect to think so meanly of them, that it is often 

 with the utmost difficulty they are induced to keep them : not 

 that they have been used to better, or even to so good, cloath- 

 ing, but they imagine it gives them consequence, and makes 

 them pass for gentlemen, to affect to despise cloathing, such as 

 is not worn by people in authority. The only thing which is 

 held in estimation by them is a blanket, which is always 

 given them in the first instance to sleep on, until they get a 

 bed. These are mostly stuffed with plantain leaves, as being 

 much cooler than feather beds. Others prefer hammocks, 

 which are made of cotton bagging, similar to those used by 

 our sailors. On their arrival at the plantation for which they 

 were purchased, they are put under the charge of the nurse, 

 who provides food, pipes and tobacco, and every other requi- 

 site to give them confidence in their new situation. They are 

 thus encouraged, until they become acquainted with the place 

 and people, when they are employed in trifling jobs about the 

 buildings, until they get a little seasoned to the climate, and 

 become acquainted with the economy of the estate. It is then 

 customary to place them under the care of old negroes, each 



